Travel Date: July 2022
Morocco is the one place where the collision of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East feels inextricably linked. Its history stretches back thousands of years, shaped by Amazigh communities, ancient trade routes, and successive waves of influence from Arab dynasties, Europe, and the wider Mediterranean world. Long before modern borders existed, Morocco functioned as a crossroads of culture, religion, and exchange.
That depth shows up not only in cities, but in the land itself. The Atlas Mountains, often called the “Alps of Morocco,” were formed millions of years ago from what was once the floor of an ancient ocean. That geological history still matters today, supporting a major stone and marble industry. I had the opportunity to visit a quarry and marble refinery, and let me tell you, when I have big-girl money, the slabs of marble filled with visible nautilus and screw shells will absolutely be on my countertops (photos below).
In the Middle Atlas, towns like Ifrane reflect lingering French influence and the brutal realities of colonial rule, a reminder of how deeply that period still shapes parts of the country. The contrast between these alpine-feeling towns and the rest of Morocco is striking.
In Fez, I witnessed the centuries-old leather tanneries still operating using traditional methods, producing leather goods that travel far beyond Morocco’s borders. Standing there made it clear how long Moroccan craftsmanship has been tied into global trade networks.
And then there is the desert. Experiencing the vast and unforgiving Sahara brought all of this together. If you’ve read The Alchemist, the idea of crossing the desert in search of meaning suddenly makes sense in the vastness of the Sahara.
If you get the chance to visit, Moroccan history will not just be something you read about. It is something you feel.
At the same time, the beauty of the country exists alongside visible hardship. Poverty in some parts of Morocco was more pronounced than I have seen in many other places I’ve traveled. Children begging in city centers, emaciated cats and dogs in the streets -- scenes difficult to witness, but important not to look away from. Morocco is complex, layered, and deeply human, and that reality is part of understanding it fully.
My trip to Morocco was one of my first truly big "solo" travel experiences, and in many ways, it reshaped how I think about borders, movement, and what it means to travel through places shaped by geopolitics as much as culture. I say "solo" as I joined a five-day, four-night excursion, coordinated by Marruecos en Ruta. Though it was a group tour, I did not know anyone on the trip prior. The tour offered structure while still allowing space to experience the country independently. The trip cost €320 (around $350 USD) and was sponsored through Erasmus. If you are in the market for a Morocco trip, I can get you in touch with our tour guide and founder of the company, Brahim Naciri, who is a local and made the experience nothing short of exceptional.
We began by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar via ferry, traveling from Algeciras to Tangier. I highly recommend the ferry if time allows. Though much longer than air, the ferry ride is a physical reminder of how close Africa and Europe really are. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and while departure times are scheduled, delays are common, so plan for this to be an all-day journey.
The ferry itself is comfortable, with multiple seating areas and a cafeteria. The crossing takes roughly three hours, but the real intensity begins upon arrival. Border control in Morocco was unlike anything I had and (have ever) experienced before. Multiple security checkpoints, passport inspections, and long waits.
The country sits at a critical geopolitical crossroads and is a major migration corridor between Africa and Europe. For many people, Morocco represents both a point of transit and a dead end. The strict border controls reflect broader European migration policies and the very real human cost tied to them. Thousands of people have lost their lives attempting dangerous crossings, a reality that is impossible to ignore once you’ve stood at that border.
After clearing customs, we continued on to Fez, Morocco’s cultural capital. That transition, from heavily monitored borders to one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, was jarring and grounding all at once.
Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, with Spain fading behind and Morocco ahead.
Just after arriving in Morocco, a mix of new faces and passports, all of us buzzing with excitement for the trip ahead!
Traditional Moroccan tagines on display. Made from clay and used for centuries, their conical lids allow steam to circulate, keeping food tender and flavorful.
Inside the leather tanneries of Fez, hides are dyed in vibrant colors using centuries-old methods. The process is intense, and involves pigeon droppings...which is why you’re handed mint to hold at your nose.
Day two began with an early drive south toward the Sahara Desert, stopping first in the Azrou Forest, home to the Barbary macaques. These are the only primates found north of the Sahara, and we were lucky enough to see an entire family.
We continued through the Ziz Valley, a striking desert oasis, making a stop at the granite quarry I mentioned earlier, where history meets craftsmanship. There, you can buy countertops, sinks, and sculptures carved from stone containing 300-million-year-old fossils. We also stopped in a small village, where daily life was unfolding around us, donkeys moving through the streets and locals going about their routines. It was here that I bought one of my favorite pieces of jewelry to date, a silver cuff with a turquoise centerpiece.
After a packed day, we arrived at our desert hotel, surrounded by sand dunes. The afternoon was intentionally slow, allowing time to rest, unpack, and take in the landscape.
That evening, we gathered poolside for a gala night, enjoying delicious Moroccan food and vibrant traditional music. The dancing lasted well into the night, all the way until sunrise.
A close encounter with a Barbary macaque in the Middle Atlas... Incredible moment, mildly terrifying.
Granite and stone quarried, carved and polished from the Atlas Mountains, formed over 200 million years ago when this region lay beneath an ancient ocean.
Spices at a local market, reflecting Morocco’s role in historic trade routes that carried flavor across continents.
Daily life in a local village, people and animals sharing the rhythm of the day.
Top: At the former French outpost, the mountains unexpectedly lush and green. It felt strikingly “Western,” a visible reminder of France’s colonial presence in Morocco, which lasted from 1912 until independence in 1956.
Bottom: A lunch stop with new friends, sharing traditional Moroccan dishes and taking a break from the road.
Above: A local market scene where many women wear full burkas, a practice rooted in Islam, a faith practiced by nearly 25% of the world’s population and about 99% of Moroccans. Introduced to the region in the 7th century, Islam shapes daily life in visible ways. Practicing Muslims pray five times a day, guided by the call to prayer, and religious life is grounded in the Qur’an, the holy text of Islam. This was my first time traveling in a predominantly Muslim country, and scenes like this made the role of faith in everyday life feel especially tangible.
The morning unfolded slowly. For those running on little sleep but feeling adventurous, dune skiing was offered. I didn’t participate... and decided to relax poolside.
Later, we set out on a 4x4 drive through the Sahara, one of the most surreal experiences of the trip. The dunes stretched endlessly in every direction, the sand catching the light and shifting with each breath of wind. We also rode camels through the desert, a unique experience and one I’m glad to have tried, but likely a once-and-done for me. It’s worth being mindful that not all companies prioritize the wellbeing of their animals, so choosing ethical operators matters.
We stopped at an abandoned village, where only the foundations of homes remain, a quiet reminder of how powerful and unforgiving desert erosion can be.
From there, we visited a nomadic camp, where we learned how families survive in the desert, earn income, and interact with the government. Life here is undeniably harsh, yet defined by resilience and adaptation. It was also here that I learned how butter was accidentally discovered thousands of years ago, when milk transported in animal skins naturally churned through constant movement...
That evening, we traveled deeper into the Sahara and stayed in desert tents. We shared a traditional tagine meal, followed by hot mint tea, and ended the night singing and playing guitar beneath a sky filled with stars and the Milky Way overhead. One of my favorite and most unforgettable memories.
Poolside morning with, Ophelia from France and Dani from Mexico. <3
Desert lunch, flowing mint tea, music playing, people dancing and Moroccan hospitality at its best.
Our lodging for the night, complete desert solitude.
The Sahara sky at night. Pretty dang epic.
Day four marked our transition out of the Sahara. We packed up early and began the journey back toward civilization, leaving the dunes behind as the landscape slowly shifted from endless sand to valleys, roads, and small towns. Along the way, we made several scenic stops, including a pass through a dramatic gorge and oasis, where steep rock walls cut through the landscape and offered a striking contrast to the open desert. We also stopped for lunch along the route, where more stories and laughter was shared.
By evening, we arrived in Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and a former capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Compared to Fez, Meknes was much calmer and less crowded. Wandering through the city that night, taking in the medina and evening views, was a nice welcome back.
This was our last night in Morocco, and we shared a goodbye dinner, reflecting on everything we had experienced together. The next morning, we boarded the bus to the port, crossed back by ferry, and returned to Spain.
Overall, this trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m still in touch with many of the incredible people I met along the way, a reminder that some of the best parts of travel are the connections you carry with you long after you return home!
Thank you, Morocco — shukran, merci, and tanemmirt.
Leaving the desert behind, roads pointing toward different directions ahead.
The final evening in Meknes, taking in the city from above at sunset.
Handmade and painted artisan pieces, including a mug I couldn’t resist bringing home for my mom.
A goodbye dinner with good friends, sharing memories, stories, and everything the journey gave us.
Top: After emerging from the desert, we stopped for lunch by the side of the road. Brahim jokingly asked whether we wanted the “diarrhea meal” or the safer option. Those playing it safe went with plain white rice...
Bottom: A local market in Meknes, with stalls full of olives, spices, and everyday market life.
Above: Ricardo, Lisa, Anna, Dani, and me in front of the Dades Valley, a historic oasis carved by river systems flowing from the High Atlas Mountains. For centuries, these waters have sustained Berber communities, agriculture, and trade routes cutting through the desert. Seeing such dense greenery after days of arid landscape was a reminder of how vital these valleys have been to life and movement in Morocco.
Recommendations
Dress modestly, especially outside cities and near mosques
Learn a few Arabic or French greetings
Bargain politely in markets
Drink bottled water only (even for brushing teeth, no really)
Eat cooked foods; be cautious with raw produce as they typically was salad veggies with tap water
Carry cash, its king -- especially in rural areas
Agree on taxi fares before getting in
Accept tea or hospitality when offered
Not Recommended
Show public displays of affection
Photograph people without permission
Use your left hand to eat or exchange items
Flash expensive jewelry or electronics
Touch someone’s head, even a child’s