Morocco is one of the most epic and accessible destinations for backpackers. From the blue cities of the north to the Sahara dunes, with logistics that work and a budget that surprises.
| Expense | Low budget | Mid budget |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostel/guesthouse) | 8-15€/noche | 20-45€/noche |
| Food (breakfast + lunch + dinner) | 5-10€/día | 15-25€/día |
| Inter-city transport (CTM bus) | 5-15€/trayecto | 15-30€/trayecto |
| Entry fees and activities | 3-8€/día | 10-20€/día |
| Shopping and miscellaneous | 5-10€/día | 15-30€/día |
| ESTIMATED DAILY TOTAL | 25-45€/día | 60-120€/día |
Tangier is the most common entry point from Spain (ferry from Algeciras or Tarifa, 35-60 min). The historic medina, Cape Spartel and the Grand Socco deserve at least a day. From Tangier, CTM bus to Chefchaouen (3h).
The most photogenic destination in Morocco. Blue and white streets, peaceful life, excellent hostels and a very relaxed atmosphere. Backpackers tend to stay longer than planned. From Chefchaouen to Fez: 4h by bus.
The Fez medina (Fes el-Bali) is a labyrinth of 9,400 alleyways unchanged for 1,000 years. The Chouara Tanneries (view from the terraces), the madrasas and the souks are unique. From Fez to Merzouga: overnight bus or organised 2-3 day excursion.
The Erg Chebbi dunes are the most epic experience in Morocco. Night in a Berber tent, sunrise over the dunes on camelback, gnawa music at dusk. The organised 2-3 day excursion from Fez includes transport and accommodation and is the most affordable option to get there and back.
En route from the desert towards Marrakech. The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO, Gladiator filming location) and the cinema city are perfect stops. The bus from Merzouga passes through Ouarzazate (4h) and continues to Marrakech (3h more).
The tourist capital has excellent hostels in the Gueliz neighbourhood. Jemaa el-Fna, Majorelle Gardens, the medina, the hammam and excursions to Agafay or Atlas are the main activities. Many backpackers choose Marrakech as a departure point (budget flights to Europe).
3h from Marrakech by CTM bus or excursion, Essaouira is the jewel of the Atlantic. Port ramparts, fresh fish at the harbour, relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds. The perfect end to the route before catching the flight from Marrakech.
Available in Marrakech (Gueliz), Fez, Chefchaouen and Tangier. Riads with dorms offer the Moroccan experience at hostel prices. Booking.com and Hostelworld have great options. Look for riad-hostels in the medina for the most authentic experience.
The most popular option for backpackers who prefer privacy. A small riad or family guesthouse with private room and breakfast included can cost 20-35€ in low season. Booking directly or via Booking.com gives the best prices.
For the Merzouga desert, the most affordable option is an organised 2-3 day excursion from Fez or Marrakech. Includes transport, guide, Berber tent with dinner and breakfast, and return trip. Much cheaper than going independently and sorting all the southern transport yourself.
The most comfortable and reliable. Connects all cities. Marrakech-Fez ~8€, Tangier-Chefchaouen ~4€. Book at ctm.ma.
North axis only (Tangier-Casablanca-Marrakech). Comfortable and punctual. Overnight train Tangier-Marrakech (~80 Dh). oncf.ma for bookings.
Shared inter-city taxis, faster than the bus. Depart when 6 seats are filled. Good for short routes (Fez-Meknes, Ouarzazate-Ait Ben Haddou).
For Fez→Desert→Marrakech, an organised excursion is often more affordable than travelling independently in the south (very little public transport).
25-40€/day low budget (shared hostel, local food, bus). 60-100€/day mid budget (private room, tourist restaurant, excursions). The south (desert) can be more expensive for transport if travelling independently.
Classic: Tangier → Chefchaouen (2-3 days) → Fez (2-3 days) → Merzouga/desert (2 days) → Ouarzazate/Ait Ben Haddou (1 day) → Marrakech (3-4 days) → Essaouira (2 days). 15-17 days total to do it without rushing.
For the desert, definitely yes. Southern Morocco has very little public transport and taxis are expensive. An organised 2-3 day excursion Fez→Desert→Marrakech is often the most affordable and best-organised option to see the Sahara.
The smartest way to see the Sahara as a backpacker: transport, guide, tent and breakfast included. No logistics hassle in the south.