Morocco is a cyclist’s heaven, a country that has a wide variety of terrain, from the rocky mountains, the fertile valleys, the vast deserts and the coastal routes. Here are the top 10 places you have to visit when you are in Morocco for your cycling tour:
Why Visit: The Atlas Mountains are difficult and beautiful. The perfect roads for cycling are the twisting roads that pass through Berber villages and planted terraces.
Highlights: The Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the Ouirgane Valley, and the Toubkal National Park.
2. Marrakech
Why Visit: Start or end your tour in this lively city, which is famous for its bazaars, palaces and nightlife.
Highlights: Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Garden.
3. Dades Valley (Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs)
Why Visit: This stunning valley is famous for its breathtaking rocky terrain, green oases, and traditional kasbahs.
Highlights: Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, and the Rose Valley.
4. Why Visit: Cycle through the sands of the Sahara desert and make memories that will last you a lifetime. The landscapes of the desert are quite unusual and you will never forget them.
Highlights: Erg Chebbi dunes, camel rides and overnight camps in the desert.
5. Fes (Fez)
Why Visit: The cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, Fes is a UNESCO world heritage site with a medieval medina and abundant history.
Highlights: Fes el-Bali (the old city), Al Quaraouiyine University, and the tanneries.
6. Why Visit: Chefchaouen is a place famous for its blue alleyways and peaceful atmosphere located in the Rif Mountains.
Highlights: Picking up the blue medina, the Ras El Maa waterfall and the surrounding hills for hiking.
7. Why Visit? It offers a pleasant change around with its calm atmosphere, fresh seafood and beautiful beaches.
Highlights: The medina, Skala de la Ville, and windsurfing on the beach.
8. Ouarzazate (The Way to the Desert)
Why Visit? Ouarzazate is a gateway to the desert and nearby film studios and is often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’.
Highlights: Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO site), Atlas Film Studios, and Taourirt Kasbah
9. Agadir
Why Visit?: A new generation of tourism with its beautiful beaches and a calm atmosphere for a break after cycling.
Highlights: Agadir Beach, the Kasbah, and the Souk El Had.
10. Tafraoute
Why Visit?: The Anti-Atlas Mountains’ beauty is in Tafraoute, which has pink granite rock formations and almond trees.
Highlights: Biking through the Ameln Valley, Les Roches Bleues (painted rocks) and traditional Berber houses.
Information for Your Moroccan Cycling Tour:
The geographical variety and the historical heritage of the country make it a unique experience for cyclists. Pedal through the mountains or ride through the dunes of the desert, these places will make your tour most memorable.