Places to see

Cities

Agadir - Agadir is best-known for its beaches. The town is a nice example of modern Morocco, with less emphasis on history and culture. Take the local bus for a few cents and go 2 or 3 villages North, where there are additional beaches.

Amizmiz - With one of the largest Berber souks in the High Atlas Mountains every Tuesday, Amizmiz is a popular destination for travelers looking for a day trip that is easily accessible (about an hour) from Marrakech.

Asni - Starting point for treks into the High Atlas Mountains.

Casablanca - This modern city by the sea is a starting point for visitors flying into the country. If you have the time, both the historical medina and the contemporary mosque (the second largest in the world) are well worth an afternoon.

Chefchaouen - A mountain town just inland from Tangier full of white-washed winding alleys, blue doors, and olive trees, Chefchaouen is clean as a postcard and a welcome escape from Tangier, evoking the feeling of a Greek island.

Essaouira - An ancient sea-side town newly rediscovered by tourists. From mid June to August the beaches are packed but any other time and you'll be the only person there. Good music and great people. Nearest Coast from Marrakech.

Fez - Fez is the former capital of Morocco and one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world.

Marrakech - Marrakech is a perfect combination of old and new Morocco. Plan to spend at least a few days wandering the huge maze of souks and ruins in the medina. The great plaza of Djeema El Fna at dusk is not to be missed.

Meknes - A modern, laid back city that offers a welcome break from the tourist crush of neighbouring Fez.

Midelt

Ouarzazate - Considered the Capital of the South, Ouarzazate is a great example of preservation and tourism that hasn't destroyed the feel of a fantastic and ancient city.

Rabat - The capital of Morocco; very relaxed and hassle-free, highlights include a 12th-century tower and minaret.

Rissani - This small oasis town lies near the northwest edge of the Sahara.

Tangier - Tangier is the starting point for most visitors arriving by ferry from Spain. An enigmatic charm which has historically attracted numerous artists (Matisse), musicians (Hendrix), politicians (Churchill), writers (Burroughs) and others (Malcolm Forbes)

Taza

Tinerhir - This town is the perfect point of access to the stunning Todra Gorge.

Tetouan - Capital of the North of Morocco, has very beautiful beaches and is the gateway to the Rif Mountains.

Other destinations

Merzouga and M'Hamid - From either of these two settlements at the edge of the Sahara, ride a camel or 4x4 into the desert for a night (or a week) among the dunes and under the stars.

Taroudannt - Market town.

Asilah - A small beach town about an hour south of Tangier. This was the birthplace of current Morrocan president, and home of a great festival in August, with music and bazaars.

The Atlas Mountains - Visit the Atlas Mountains in summer for a day long hike or a week of trekking.

Aït Benhaddou

What to wear

You won't need high and heavy mountain boots unless you go in coldest time of the year like February: it's quite warm in the country even when it's heavy raining in November. Even in medinas, streets are paved if not asphalted--just be sure your footwear is not toeless in medina, as it may be dirty or unsanitary.

For trekking in valleys, low trekking shoes will be likely enough.

For a desert trip to dunes, ensure your pockets can be easily shaken out as sand gets there really fast.