Morocco is an enchanting place to visit, combining areas of natural beauty with bustling marketplaces and ancient cities. A country rich in culture, Morocco is a favourite for many travellers, especially those who love delicious cuisine. There are simply so many things to see and do in Morocco, and we’re highlighting some of our favourites.
Whether you enjoy exploring ancient ruins, shopping in the famous Berber markets or relaxing in picturesque coastal towns, there’s something for everybody in Morocco.
Casablanca has a famous name and rich history but is sometimes overlooked by travellers. However, it is still the heart of the country’s culture, and there is plenty to see and do. As you explore the city, you’ll see some breath-taking examples of Art Deco architecture, especially around the small walled village known as the Old Medina.
Another highlight in Casablanca is the King Hassan II Mosque. Intricately designed with tiled floors and carved wooden ceilings, this impressive building is partly on land, and partly on water. It’s the third-largest mosque in the world and has the tallest minaret in the world. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options to keep you busy throughout Casablanca, too.
Morocco’s capital, Rabat, is a great place to visit regardless of your interests. The stunning UNESCO World Heritage site lies at the mouth of the Bouregreg River. Arguably the highlight of a visit to Rabat is the Kasbah Oudaya. This 12th-century kasbah overlooks the water and simply must be seen to be believed.
You can see more ancient history at the nearby Chellah necropolis, a fortified structure dating back to Phoenician times. If Rabat is your first stop, it’s also a great place to sample some traditional local cuisine.
Ait Benhaddou might be recognisable to TV and movie lovers, with Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia all filming there. But the pop-culture factor isn’t the main reason to visit this spectacular site. This ancient, fortified city is a great example of clay architecture that has stood the test of time. As you explore the old city, you can’t miss the 11th-century kasbah, which is known as one of the most beautiful in Morocco.
While a popular place to visit, Ait Benhaddou isn’t your typical tourist attraction. It has remained relatively unchanged since the 11th Century. There are street stalls to visit, and some people still live in a more modern part of the town. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.
Chefchaouen is commonly known as ‘the blue city’, thanks to its blue and whitewashed houses with red roofs. It’s a popular spot to visit in Morocco, but not just for its uniquely styled houses. The setting, between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, makes it extremely picturesque, especially if you get a chance to watch the sunset behind the mountains.
You can wander through ancient medinas, check out the local crafts and sample some of the local food. But the real treat in Chefchaouen is for photographers, with guided tours available to some of the town’s most amazing (and little-known) places. From the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains to the beautifully designed doorways in the blue city, Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream.
A visit to Fes can seem like a step back in time. It’s one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, so be prepared to dodge some donkeys piled with goods as you wander through the twisting, turning alleyways and streets of the Fes medina. A guided tour can take you through the different sections of the medina, depending on your food tastes. Or, you might want to sample a bit of everything! Fes is truly a foodie’s delight, especially if you love street food.
For more of a desert vibe, take a trip to Merzouga, a Saharan village that time almost left behind. The Erg Chebbi sand dunes surrounding Merzouga are a sight to behold with their orange tinge, some being over 150 metres tall. If you’ve never experienced the night sky in the desert, Merzouga gives you an incredible opportunity for stargazing. You can also get lost in the beautiful landscape as the evening light transforms the sand dunes around you. For an unforgettable experience away from the hustle and bustle of towns like Fes and Rabat, Merzouga offers the ultimate getaway.
Morocco is such an interesting, vibrant and fascinating country to visit. In fact, it’s packed so full of great travel experiences that we can’t list them all here. In addition to the great places to visit listed above, Crooked Compass can take you even deeper into the real Morocco. We offer immersive travel experiences allowing you to learn more about the culture, history and even how to make some delicious Moroccan cuisine with the locals. Expand your world and check out our amazing Morocco tours today. Contact our friendly team for more info.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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