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.

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.

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. 

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.

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