Morocco: Which City to Choose - Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen or Essaouira

Morocco has many interesting cities, and you cannot cover them all in one trip. We compared four popular destinations to make choosing a route easier.

Marrakech

A noisy city with a huge old medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where traders and musicians gather in the evening.

• Known for: The medina, the Majorelle Garden, souk markets
• Best for: Those who like vivid impressions and bustle
• How long: Two days is usually enough

Fez

One of the oldest cities in the country, with a maze of narrow streets in the old medina where it is easy to get lost.

• Known for: One of the largest medinas in the world, tanneries, old madrasas
• Best for: Those interested in history and crafts
• How long: One to two days

Chefchaouen

A small town in the Rif mountains whose streets and houses are painted in shades of blue.

• Known for: The blue medina and mountain views
• Best for: A calm break and beautiful photos
• How long: One day or one night is enough

Essaouira

A town on the Atlantic coast with a fortified medina, ramparts and a fresh wind.

• Known for: Ramparts, the port, fish restaurants
• Best for: Those who want to rest by the ocean
• How long: One to two days

Important: bargaining is customary in the medina, and entry rules and trip conditions change. Agree on a price in advance and check current requirements on official websites.

How to Choose

• Want noise and vivid impressions - choose Marrakech
• Interested in history and crafts - Fez
• Need quiet and beautiful views - Chefchaouen
• Want the ocean and a cool breeze - Essaouira

Bottom Line

It is better to pick two or three cities and see them calmly than to try to fit everything in. The roads between cities are long, so allow time for transfers.