Morocco

Morocco is a dream destination for travelers in the north of Africa. You can easily travel to Morocco by ferry, thanks to the ports of Nador, Tangier, and Al Hoceima. The ports of Morocco serve ferry connections to Spain, France and Italy.

Are you ready to explore the colorful and sunny Morocco? The country's impressive cultural heritage and history are evident everywhere: in the colorful city streets, buildings, palaces, museums, mosques and archaeological sites.

Find useful information about the ferry trip to Morocco on Ferryhopper, including all available ferry connections and holiday tips, and book ferry tickets with no hidden fees!

Traveling by caravan along the Mediterranean coast of Morocco

Vacation in Morocco

Morocco is a unique destination, a crossroads of cultures and traditions that you should definitely visit! The capital of Morocco is Rabat, located on the country's west coast. It is just 86 km north of the largest city in the country, the famous Casablanca.

The country has a long coastline that stretches across the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco’s beauties are endless: stunning beaches, charming cities, impressive nature and a vibrant lifestyle that is guaranteed to steal your heart as soon as you get off the ferry. It is also an ideal destination for lovers of outdoor activities: hiking, cycling, climbing, trekking, mountain biking, and surfing!

How to get to Morocco

When it comes to getting to Morocco, your 2 main options are by ferry or plane.

Traveling by ferry is easy and convenient, as cruising through the Mediterranean Sea sets you in the mood for your trip to Morocco. There are direct ferry connections to Nador, Al Hoceima and Tangier from Spain, France and Italy. This is also an ideal way of transferring your car to Morocco by ferry. For more information about ferries to Morocco, check out our relevant section.

And if you wish to fly, there are 8 major airports located in some of Morocco’s largest and busiest cities. In Nador and Casablanca, you can find international airports. Nador International Airport serves flight connections only to a few European destinations, while Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca is connected to European, American and Asian destinations.

Tip: as some ferry trips to Morocco are longer than others, consider booking a cabin and traveling overnight for a more comfortable journey!

What to do in Morocco

In Morocco, you get to enjoy a beautiful mix of seaside resorts, mountain exploration, visits to the desert and cultural activities. Read below our extensive guide about what to do and see in Morocco, including the country’s major cities and must-visit beaches.

Cities in Morocco

Apart from its commercial ports, the country of Morocco has many charming cities and towns filled with colors, ambiance and lively character. Make sure that you walk around the Moroccan cities’ alleys and streets to experience the local vibe, try traditional food, visit the markets and buy herbs, tea, pottery, and clothes!

Here are some of the most beautiful cities in Morocco:

• Casablanca: cosmopolitan city and commercial hub, this is the largest city in Morocco.
• Fes: it’s the second-largest city in Morocco and its cultural capital.
• Marrakech: this is an impressive medieval city with mosques and minarets.
• Meknes: the city feels like a huge monument itself and it has been declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
• Chefchaouen: it’s a colorful town located between the Rif Mountains in the north of the country.
• Asilah: here, you can find a beautiful seaside town with a long history and heritage.
• Ifrane: escape into the Atlas Mountains, where the surrounding nature will amaze you.
• Essaouira: it’s located on the west coast of Morocco and it is a favorite destination among surfers.
• Merzouga: this is a small town in the Sahara Desert, where you can enjoy the view of sand dunes and the colors of the horizon.
• Ouarzazate: a town with incredible scenery, Ouarzazate has been used as a shooting location for famous Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and The Gladiator (2000), as well as some Game of Thrones scenes!

Tip: if you are traveling by ferry from or to the port of Tangier, you can catch the high-speed train that connects Tangier and Casablanca and explore the Moroccan coastline!

Blue boats ashore in a pretty coastal town in Morocco

Beaches in Morocco

From long sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, the beaches of Morocco satisfy all tastes. Whether you're after calm blue waters or impressive waves, there is always something to make your day! The large coastline of the country, extending from the north to the west, provides visitors with a great variety of beach options to choose from!

Have a look at some of the most popular beaches in Morocco, along with their locations, and enjoy the sun and the sea at the meeting point between Europe and Africa:

• Legzira Beach, Sidi Ifni
• La Source, Taghazout
• Oualidia Lagoon, Marrakesh
• Ain Diab, Casablanca
• Ba Kacem Beach, Tangier
• Quemado Beach, Al Hoceima
• Essaouira Beach, Essaouira
• Agadir Beach, Agadir
• Sidi Kaouki Beach, Sidi Kaouki (close to Essaouira)

Friendly waves at a sandy beach in Morocco

Sightseeing in Morocco

Morocco has a rich history and an impressive cultural and archaeological heritage. Across the country, you can find sites of historical interest as well as elements of cultural diversity.

The Moroccan cities themselves represent the history and traditions of the country, so make sure you walk around the lively streets, amongst city walls, century-old buildings, mosques, medinas, palaces and gardens.

Here are some of the most famous attractions in Morocco and where to find them:

• Bahia Palace, Marrakesh
• Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh
• Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
• Ouzoud Falls, Azilal
• Hassan Tower, Rabat
• Menara Gardens, Marrakesh
• Bou Inania Madrasa, Fes
• Chouara Tannery, Fes
• Volubilis Roman city, Meknes
• Jardin Majorelle, Marrakesh
• Todra River and Gorge, Atlas Mountains
• Toubkal national park, Atlas Mountains

Tip: Morocco has a lively cultural life throughout the year, so make sure that you check whether there are any music festivals or museum exhibitions taking place!

Nightlife in Morocco

In Morocco, you can find plenty of nightlife options, as most cities have clubs and bars. If you’re looking for alcohol-free options, there are traditional folklore shows with live music. Usually, they are accompanied by a meal and peppermint tea.

Nightlife in Morocco also includes music festivals that take place throughout the year. Make sure to research what events are taking place and take your stay in Morocco to the next level!

Food in Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is a delicious crossover of different cultures, filled with Mediterranean, Arab, Andalusian and Saharan elements. With spices, pure ingredients and imaginative yet simple recipes at its core, the cuisine of Morocco is guaranteed to steal your heart!

During your stay in Morocco, make sure to try out some of the most famous Moroccan dishes:

• couscous (small-grain semolina pasta, usually served with vegetables and spices)
• tagine (slow-cooked plate with meat and vegetables)
• pastela (luxurious dish, may be prepared with meat or seafood depending on the region)
• harira (plant-based soup)
• chebakia (traditional Moroccan dessert with honey and sesame seeds)

Local tip: Moroccan recipes usually vary from one region to another due to different traditions and cultural influences. For instance, meat might be replaced by seafood and vice versa.

The village of Tamnougalt: an impressive oasis in the Draa River valley in Morocco

Useful information about Morocco

Morocco has everything you may need for a perfect vacation. What about accommodation options in Morocco? There are plenty of luxury resorts, hotels and Bed & Breakfast options, covering a wide budget range. 

We recommend staying in a major city in the north of the country, such as Nador or Casablanca. Both cities have international airports that help tourists with transportation and accommodation. Alternatively, you can look into accommodation options close to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert to explore numerous outdoor activities.

Regarding medical services in Morocco, you can find more than 100 public hospitals and more than 300 private clinics. The most convenient locations for medical assistance are located in the regions of Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Morocco

Here are some useful contacts for your Morocco holidays:

• Nador Port Authority: +212539372424
• Tanger-Med Port Authority: +212539337000
• Al Hoceima Port Authority: +21239983374
• Police: 19 or 112 (from mobile phones)
• Ambulance/Fire emergency: 15
• Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport: +212801000224
• Nador International Airport: +212536361077
• ONCF (train company): 2255

Transportation in Morocco

When it comes to transportation in Morocco, our personal recommendation is to explore the beautiful country by car. There are plenty of car rentals available, but you can also bring your car on the ferry to Morocco.

Morocco also has an extensive network of ONCF train services in the north, covering most of the country's major cities. All connections are frequently available and include multiple types of tickets for you to book. If a train station is not close enough for making a reservation in time, you can book them online yourself.

Alternatively, there are bus services (operated by the company CTM) and taxis that are ideal for reaching additional places in the desert, on the coast and in the mountains.

Tip: if you’re in Casablanca, trains cover the distance between the city center and the international airport in just 40 minutes.

Ports in Morocco

The ports of Morocco that are connected to European destinations are located in Nador, Al Hoceima and Tangier, three large cities in the north of the country.

You can easily access all commercial ports either by public transport or car. The port of Nador is also close to the city’s international airport, making it a convenient option for international travelers.

Tip: there are 2 ports in Tangier, Tanger Med and Tangier Ville. Tangier Ville is situated in the city center and Tanger Med is 40 minutes by car from downtown Tangier.

Morocco ferry: schedules and tickets

Morocco’s key position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea makes it an ideal connection point between Europe and Africa. You can easily travel by ferry to the north of Morocco from the ports of Andalusia and Barcelona in Spain. Alternatively, you can travel from southern France and northern Italy.

The ferry companies that usually serve connections to the ports of Morocco are Trasmediterránea, Naviera Armas, Baleària, FRS Iberia DFDS, Africa Morocco Link, Intershipping, Grand Navi Veloci and Grimaldi Lines.

Ferry to Nador

The port of Nador is located on the northeast coast of Morocco, south of the Spanish autonomous city of Melilla and 100 km from Algeria. You can easily travel by ferry to Nador from the ports of Almeria and Motril on the south coast of Spain, as well as the port of Barcelona.

The Almeria - Nador and Motril - Nador ferry connections are the quickest and most frequent options to get from the Iberian Peninsula to Nador in Morocco. The ferry trip lasts approximately 6 hours on average. Regarding Barcelona, the ferry itinerary from Barcelona to Nador operates twice a week and it lasts around 28-30 hours.

There are also two weekly ferry connections between Nador and Sète on the south coast of France. The route between the ports of Sète and Nador lasts about 38 hours on average.

Tip: traveling by ferry to the port of Nador from Spain or France is an excellent option to transfer your vehicle and explore the country at your leisure.

Sunset at Mar Chica, the lagoon at the port of Nador

Ferry to Al Hoceima

The port of Al Hoceima is located on the north coast of Morocco, 126 km west of Nador. Al Hoceima is a beautiful seaside resort town and a popular tourist destination. As it is close to the south of Spain, traveling to Morocco from Andalusia is smooth sailing.

The primary ferry connection to Al Hoceima is from the port of Motril, located close to Granada and Málaga. The Motril - Al Hoceima ferry route runs 2-4 times a week and the ferry trip duration is around 6 hours on average. Ferry frequency varies depending on the season.

The beautiful sandy beach in Al Hoceima, surrounded by rocky hills

Ferry to Tangier

Tangier is one of the largest regions on the northwest Moroccan coast. The main port of Tangier is Tanger-Med, located 30 km west of the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta, and 50 km from the homonymous capital of Tangier.

Here, you can find an outline of some popular ferry routes to Tangier from other Mediterranean destinations:

Ferry Spain - Tangier: there are frequent ferry connections to the port of Tanger-Med from Barcelona and the ports of Andalusia, such as Algeciras, Malaga and Motril.

The fastest way to travel to Tangier from Spain by ferry is through the Algeciras to Tanger-Med route. The ferry trip has an average duration of 1 hour. Further east on the Spanish coast, you can catch a ferry from Malaga to Tanger-Med and arrive in Morocco in about 6 hours. And as for Barcelona, the Barcelona - Tanger-Med ferry route lasts 30 hours on average.

Check all available ferry routes from Spain to Morocco in our related post.

Ferry from Gibraltar to Tangier: there is 1 ferry per week serving the Gibraltar - Tanger-Med ferry route, with a trip duration of 1.5 hours. Gibraltar is rather close to Algeciras, as the distance between the two ports is just 20 km.

Ferry from France to Tangier: there are weekly ferry crossings between Tanger-Med and the port of Sète on the south coast of France. The Sète - Tangier ferry route is ideal if you want to transfer your vehicle and drive through the Côte d'Azur. It’s definitely worth the 40-hour-long ferry trip!

Ferry from Tangier to Italy: the port of Tanger-Med regularly is connected by ferry to two ports on the northwest coast of Italy: Genoa and Savona. The ferry trip duration lasts 57 hours at most, so we recommend that you book a bed cabin for a more comfortable journey. Take a look at the Genoa - Tangier ferry route for additional information.

Find more details about ferry routes and schedules from the ports of Morocco on Ferryhopper!

Tip: there's also the option to travel by ferry to the port of the capital of Tangier (or Tangier Ville) from the port of Tarifa. The Tarifa - Tangier ferry connection is available with multiple daily crossings that last roughly 1 hour. 

Fishing at the wild coast of Tangier early in the morning

Book ferry tickets to Morocco online

Morocco is a beautiful country and a favorite holiday destination for international travelers. Traveling by ferry from and to Morocco has never been easier, as you can plan your trip easily and quickly!

On our Map of Ferries, you can find all ferry connections to Morocco and ferry schedules to the ports of Tangier, Al Hoceima and Nador. Book your ferry tickets from Morocco on Ferryhopper hassle-free, without hidden fees!