Why Morocco Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
This blog explores why Morocco should be your next travel destination. Discover the reasons why you should consider travelling to Morocco, the best time of year to visit, the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley attractions, and the true essence of Berber culture.
Article chapters:
Why Travel to Morocco?
The Best Time to Visit Morocco
Adventure in the Atlas Mountains
Berber Culture in Morocco
Why Morocco is the Perfect Destination for Yoga Retreats
Authentic Cuisine in Morocco
Morocco draws travellers with its vibrant Berber culture, delicious authentic cuisine, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Among its most spectacular regions are the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley, where ancient traditions and breathtaking scenery create an unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether seeking adventure, rest and rejuvenation, or cultural immersion, Morocco offers something for everyone.
Why Travel to Morocco?
Morocco offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences. Just a short flight from Europe, Morocco provides incredible diversity across the country, with each region offering travelers a choice of coastal, mountainous, cultural and desert experiences. From vibrant medinas to serene mountain retreats, Morocco delivers experiences that appeal to all types of travelers.
One of the most special things about Morocco is the people, with their hospitality making visitors feel genuinely welcome. Everywhere you go, you'll encounter warm, friendly locals which is testament to the warmth of Moroccan culture.
The Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco is either in the Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November) as these seasons offer ideal weather for exploring both cities and mountains. During these seasons, temperatures in Morocco typically range from a comfortable 18-26°C during the day, with cooler temperatures in the evenings. Visiting Morocco during Spring and Autumn also means fewer tourists in the villages, allowing for more authentic experiences and interactions with the breathtaking sights, cultural experiences and local people. Local accommodations in the mountainous regions of Morocco are called “Kasbahs”, meaning “fortress”. These accommodations in the mountains are designed to favour all temperature ranges, with cool-open spaces for the warm days and fireplaces and cozy gathering spaces for the cooler evenings, making Spring and Autumn the perfect times to visit.
Adventure in the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains is a mountain range in North Africa that stretches 2,500 km across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean, the Atlas Mountains reach their highest peak at Morocco's Jebel Toubkal with an elevation of 4,167 metres. The Atlas Mountain range creates a scenic backdrop for adventure and rejuvenation, with locations such as the Ourika Valley, where visitors have the opportunity to experience the true essence of Morocco; from cultural encounters, guided activities, to stunning views and space for quiet relaxation.
Ourika Valley Attractions
The Atlas Mountains are primarily inhabited by the Berber local population. Just 30 km from Marrakech lies the Ourika Valley, where riverside cafés, traditional Berber villages, and spectacular mountain views create a peaceful haven from the busy city life.
Hiking in the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains offer guided hiking opportunities for all levels. For casual hikers, numerous trails lead from Ourika Valley villages to waterfalls, viewpoints, and traditional villages. The Seven Waterfalls hike near Setti Fatma is popular and accessible, offering beautiful waterfalls and refreshing pools at various elevations. More advanced hikers can undertake guided multi-day treks such as The Toubkal Circuit which provides a challenging route around North Africa's highest peak. The Berber Trail focuses on cultural experiences with homestays in remote villages, offering authentic interactions with mountain communities. Hiking guides in Morocco share local knowledge about flora, fauna, and cultural sites that independent travellers might miss, so we recommend considering community-based accommodations which provide authentic experiences while ensuring sustainable tourism benefits local people directly.
Berber Culture in Morocco
The Berber people, who call themselves Amazigh, meaning “free people", have inhabited the Atlas Mountains for thousands of years. Their distinctive culture remains vibrant in mountain communities, with traditional villages built from local materials that have existed in harmony with nature for centuries. Apart from their incredibly unique housing settlements, the Berber people host colourful markets where they sell handcrafted goods including distinctive carpets, pottery, and jewellery that reflect ancient artistic traditions passed down through generations.
Visiting traditional Berber homes offers an insight into their way of life and typically includes sharing mint tea; a tradition symbolising hospitality and friendship. Berber hosts prepare their homemade mint tea with elaborate pouring techniques by lifting the teapot high above the glasses.
Why Morocco is the Perfect Destination for Yoga Retreats
The Atlas Mountains provide an ideal setting for mindful movement and yoga with its natural surrounding environment, creating perfect conditions for being present, deep breathing and meditation practices. The Atlas Mountains landscape inspires a connection to nature, while tranquil settings far from the distractions of modern life allow visitors to detach from the stresses of daily life.
Many yoga retreats are housed in traditional kasbahs or eco-lodges, where yoga sessions take place on terraces overlooking breathtaking mountain views. The combination of physical practice and the natural beauty of the surroundings creates a powerful environment for mindful movement.
Morocco’s Authentic Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is famous worldwide, with the regions of the Atlas Mountains offering traditional, distinctive flavours in a range of dishes. One of the most well-known Moroccan dishes is Tagine, traditionally slow-cooked in pots with locally-sourced ingredients like lamb, prunes, and almonds. Morocco is also renowned for their mountain honey from local wildflowers which add sweetness to breakfast and desserts, while aromatic herbs used in teas and cooking provide both flavour and traditional medicinal benefits. Many kasbahs in the Atlas Mountain range offer cooking classes where visitors can learn to prepare traditional dishes using local techniques and ingredients. These hands-on experiences provide deeper understanding of Moroccan culture through its food traditions, creating skills visitors can take home as lasting memories.
Conclusion
Morocco and the Atlas Mountains offer a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility. Whether you're seeking physical activity such as hiking, mindful movement through yoga, or cultural immersion, Morocco is the perfect travel destination for all. The combination of stunning natural beauty, ancient culture, and warm hospitality creates a journey that is truly one-of-a-kind.
You are invited to join us in the Ourika Valley of the Atlas Mountains this Autumn!
Check out our upcoming retreats taking place in Morocco in November 2025
