Morocco Travel and Luxury Vacations Riads, Palaces and the Sahara

Morocco is the most approachable luxury destination in North Africa for Americans. It is close, it is visa-free for US passports, and it has one of the deepest collections of grand hotels anywhere in the region. The country also has one of the oldest friendships with the United States: Morocco was among the very first nations to recognize American independence, and the old American Legation in Tangier is the oldest US diplomatic property in the world.

The appeal is in the contrasts. In a single week you can wander the souks of a medieval medina, lunch beside a palace pool, drive over the High Atlas past Amazigh villages and sleep beneath the stars in the Sahara. Craft is everywhere, from hand-cut zellige tilework to cedar ceilings and woven carpets, and the hospitality is famously warm.

For the background behind the beauty, read our guide to Morocco's history and culture, from the Roman ruins of Volubilis to the great imperial dynasties.

Getting there. Royal Air Maroc flies nonstop to Casablanca from New York, Washington and Miami, and added Los Angeles, its first US West Coast route, in 2026. From late October 2026, United flies nonstop from Newark and Delta from Atlanta to Marrakech. From Casablanca, short connections reach Marrakech, Fes, Tangier, Agadir and Ouarzazate. Many travelers also connect through Paris, Madrid or London. For premium cabins and private aviation, see Fly.

Dress. Morocco is relaxed about visitors' clothing, but covering shoulders and knees in medinas and rural villages is courteous. Swimwear belongs at pools and beaches.

Alcohol. Wine, beer and cocktails are served in hotels, licensed restaurants and bars. Morocco produces its own wine, notably around Meknes. Drinking in public streets is not appropriate.

Ramadan. During the holy month, restaurants in tourist areas and hotels continue to serve visitors, while many local cafes close by day. Evenings are festive after the sunset meal. Morocco also sets its clocks back an hour during Ramadan. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around February 8, depending on the moon.

Money. The dirham is a closed currency, so you change money on arrival; cards work in hotels and better shops. As a guide, a riad dinner might cost about 600 to 1,000 MAD per person (approximately US$65 to US$110). Our money and tipping guide has more.

Foreign buyers can own property in Morocco, and the market for restored riads, Palmeraie villas in Marrakech and coastal homes near Tangier and Taghazout is well established. Morocco is also investing heavily in high-speed rail, airports and stadiums ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it co-hosts with Spain and Portugal. To buy property in Morocco or browse villas, start with our guide to Morocco Luxury Real Estate, and read about the country's long-term plans in Morocco's New Development Model.