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Page Content
- Welcome To Morocco
- Is Morocco Worth It For Digital Nomads?
- Cities To Consider As A Digital Nomad In Morocco
- Marrakesh
- Agafay
- Tangier
- Casablanca
- Fez
- Essaouira
- Taghazout
- Chefchaouen
- Safety & Local Scams In Morocco
- Getting A SIM Card In Morocco
- Getting To Morocco By Flight
- Travelling Within Morocco
- And That’s A Wrap!
- Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome To Morocco
Morocco is a highly sought-after travel destination with a vast culture to explore and plenty of activities to keep travellers engaged. I spent a month exploring Morocco and had an unforgettable experience that left me charmed and inspired and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Morocco has a postcard-perfect look with deserts, mountains, beaches, big cities, and charming villages. The visually dominant shades of crimson, mustard, and indigo seen in everyday life combined with the mouthwatering cuisine, create a sensory rollercoaster of colours, scents, and flavours! This rich sensory experience is deeply intertwined with the country's diverse cultural influences. For history buffs, there are many cultural tours and museums to explore, offering a deep dive into Morocco's rich heritage.
Alternatively, if you're a thrill seeker like me, the country's varied landscapes provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, horseback riding, ATV driving, and even skiing in the mountains.
In most cities, there is a balanced presence of conservative and liberal ideologies reflecting the theme old versus new theme in everyday Moroccan life. In global Moroccan cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier, the nightlife is poppin’ with parties and alcohol flowing until 5 AM. However, in more traditional places like Fez and Chefchaouen, most places tend to wind down by 10 PM.
What I loved most about Morocco was the fusion of French, Spanish, Arab, and African cultures found throughout the country. This unique blend of cultures gives Morocco its distinctive touch.
Is Morocco Worth It For Digital Nomads?
For digital nomads, Morocco is relatively affordable compared to its European neighbours just to the north. Morocco has a buzzing community of locals and travellers to tap into and make new friends. Morocco has a healthy handful of options for digital nomads seeking a base from big metropolitan cities to smaller seaside escapes.
Internet connectivity in Morocco is generally reliable, with most video calls running smoothly at my accommodations. On occasions when Wi-Fi was sluggish, I easily switched to 4G with my local Moroccan SIM card and experienced no issues.
Although Morocco does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, travelers can typically stay in the country for 30 to 90 days, depending on their citizenship and visa requirements. Be sure to verify the entry requirements for your particular situation as they may vary.
Now, let's move on to the next section and explore some cities you might want to consider as a digital nomad.
Cities To Consider As A Digital Nomad In Morocco
Marrakesh For Digital Nomads
For a blend of modern and traditional
Marrakesh is a bustling hub that blends old traditional culture well with a modern outlook with its presence of high-end malls, nightclubs, historical monuments, and cultural hotspots alike. If you have time to visit only one city in Morocco, make it Marrakesh. I spent 10 days in this city and I can confidently say Marrakesh captures the essence of Moroccan culture and provides a fulfilling experience for any traveler.
From a tourist’s perspective, Marrakesh offers the most out of any Moroccan city from the Old Medina to the picturesque Jardin Majorelle to the Yves Saint Laurent museum. Additionally, Marrakesh serves as an excellent base for day trips to the desert, the Atlas Mountains, local Berber villages, and waterfalls for those seeking a break from urban life.
Digital nomads and remote workers flock to Marrakesh as their top pick in Morocco because of its popularity and digital nomad infrastructure. Marrakesh features numerous cafes and coworking spaces in every neighbourhood to get some productive hours in on your laptop.
Verdict: Marrakesh is an exceptional first choice for digital nomads, offering a perfect blend of modern amenities and authentic Moroccan culture.
💻 Coworking Space Recommendation: Coworking L'BLASSA →
Agafay For Digital Nomads
For the desert charm
Located just 30 km south of Marrakesh is the Agafay Desert, a popular escape from Marrakesh with luxury desert camps that are very popular amidst travellers. This is an amazing options for a quick getaway from Marrakesh to experience the desert while working remotely.
It’s kinda wild to think there are desert experiences that are designed specifically for digital nomads with reliable wifi and dedicated workspaces. Some camps also have pools, bars, and wild parties — quite insane, isn’t it? It's impressive how digital nomads can find these comforts in the heart of the desert!
During the day you can engage in desert activities like camel rides or dune buggies or hot air balloons. At night you can enjoy an authentic meal and a celebration under under a starry sky.
Verdict: Working from the middle of the desert? Hell yes! It’s awesome for a short getaway stay from Marrakesh.
🌵 Book Your Desert Camp With Selina Today →
Tangier For Digital Nomads
For the chill seaside city energy
Tangier is a super relaxed and extremely modern port city across Europe, known for its exotic mix of African, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Middle Eastern influences because of its long history of colonization. Located on the Straight of Gibraltar, Tangier has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since forever.
Tangier overall has a very chill seaside vibe and the accessibility and facilities of a big city. The food was amazing with all the European influences, the people were welcoming, the nightlife was energetic – I absolutely loved it!
What baffled me was that you could literally see Gibraltar (a British Overseas Territory) and Tarifa (Spain) on a clear day from Tangier! Both are a quick ferry ride away, making it easy to plan two additional day trips during your visit.
While Tangier may not offer as many tourist attractions as other Moroccan cities, the chill modern vibe of it was exactly what I needed after a crazy busy time in the rest of Morocco.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a relaxed coastal big city without the traditional Moroccan chaos, this is your spot.
Casablanca For Digital Nomads
For an urban cosmopolitan experience
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and often doesn't get enough praise from travellers and locals alike. Casa is a vibrant city, known for its modern infrastructure, its lively energy, and its beautiful architecture. Like Marrakesh, Casablanca blends modern and traditional elements come together to create a unique atmosphere — but it does lean towards a more modern experience than cultural.
Casablanca is a major economic hub for the region and home to a variety of industries, from finance and technology to tourism and hospitality. Of all the cities I visited, Casablanca and Tangier were the most modern offering a more European-like lifestyle compared to other cities.
Despite the fact that many Moroccans expressed less favourable opinions of Casablanca, describing it as a dull and concrete industrial jungle, I was pleasantly surprised by what I experienced. The city was well-equipped with all the modern amenities you'd expect from a large metropolis. While it may lack the same cultural richness as other cities, it certainly doesn't deserve its negative reputation.
Verdict: Casablanca is a fun big city with a modern lifestyle making it a great entry or exit point for visiting Morocco. However, for longer stays, Marrakesh or Tangier may be preferred big cities for their rich culture and relaxed seaside ambience, respectively.
Fez For Digital Nomads
For an intense authentic touch
Fez is an extremely traditional and chaotic city that is often referred to as Morocco's cultural capital. Fez embodies the old Moroccan way of living in a bustling maze-like city. Fez is home to Fez El Bali, the largest car free urban area in the world. Its twisting lanes and centuries-old monuments, mosques, and markets create a fascinating and immersive experience. Exploring the labyrinthine streets can leave you in awe of its history, but it can also be overwhelming at times often described as “intense”.
People tend to have strong opinions about Fez: some love it for its deep cultural roots and historical significance, while others find it hectic and chaotic. Personally, I found it to be very overwhelming, draining, and scammy but I also felt it was important to see the authenticity of Morocco through the eyes of Fezys.
During my time in Fez, I stayed at Medina Social Club, which offered a lively rooftop bar and café, as well as a beautiful central courtyard perfect for working and unwinding. Digital nomad approved for sure.
Verdict: Personally, I wouldn’t recommend Fez — though do your own research to see if Fez would align with what you hope to get out of a Moroccan experience.
🏺 Book Your Stay at Medina Social Club →
Essaouira For Digital Nomads
For the hippie vibes
Essaouira is a perfect little bohemian seaside paradise in Morocco, straight out of a fever dream. The city is filled with lively markets, cafes, spice-scented lanes, and art galleries, and its harbour is famously lined with colourful fishing boats. The city has so much to offer and its relaxed vibe made it the perfect digital nomad escape. Essaouira can provide you with some unforgettable beach experiences such as surfing and horseback riding on the beach.
Essaouira holds a special place in my heart as one of my favourite cities in the world. Very few places have made me feel the way Essaouira did, and I hope it brings out the same sense of wonder and joy when you set foot here.
To my surprise, despite being very old-school, Essaouira has two coworking and coliving spaces perfectly suited for digital nomads: NOQTA Space and Atlantic Hostel. Essaouira offers numerous cafes and restaurants with good wifi. So, you can set up shop pretty much anywhere and get stuff done while enjoying the local scene. These hubs offer ideal environments for work and collaboration tailored perfectly to the needs of remote workers like me.
As a nomad, I’d say I could comfortably spend anywhere between 1 to 2 weeks in Essaouira amidst it’s horseriding and surfing experiences to keep me busy.
Verdict: Essaouira stole my heart and it’s one of my favourite nomad cities! It’s great for short nomad stays — though I can see people preferring bigger cities over Essa.
🛌 Book Your Stay At Atlantic Hostel →
Taghazout For Digital Nomads
For the surf & work culture
Taghazout is a great choice if you want to surf and work remotely. The town has a similar vibe to Essaouira, with its growing popularity, bohemian energy, and small-town charm. Unlike Essaouira, Taghazout is more of a compact fishing village, easily walkable in about 10 minutes. Many nomads prefer Essaouira for its larger size and additional resources. However, if you're seeking better waves and a laid-back, small-town atmosphere, Taghazout is perfect for you.
In addition to surfing, Taghazout has a strong focus on wellness, with many yoga retreats and wellness centres. Digital nomads who enjoy yoga and holistic practices will find plenty of options here.
As a small town, Taghazout may not have as many resources and amenities as larger cities. It’s good to note that 30 minutes away from Taghazout is Agadir, a much larger city that has all the resources you need if you’re looking for some big city energy while you’re tucked away in your surf village.
Verdict: Sign up for a surf camp here and work your heart away — though Essa might be your spot if you want similar hippie vibes with more activity.
🏄 Book BigBlue Hostel For Coworking, Yoga, And Surfing →
🧘♀️ Book Atlas Wonders For Coworking, Yoga, And Surfing →
Chefchaouen For Digital Nomads
For the fairytale energy
Also know as the 'Blue Pearl' of Morocco, Chefchaouen is a small & stunning mountain city in the north known for being the bluest damn thing in the country -- and maybe even the world. With perfect blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen. The blue alleyways of Chefchaouen make you feel like you’re stepping into an oil painting. It feels kinda euphoric to aimlessly wander the streets and take in the dreamy vibe of this small town. Chefchaouen is overflowing with bright blue emotion. Warm waves of colour inside every alley, around every corner, and atop every staircase.
Creative nomads will find Chefchaouen to be a source of artistic inspiration. The town is home to numerous cafes and restaurants that offer strong Wi-Fi, making it easy to work remotely while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
While Chefchaouen is relatively small and can be explored in a couple of days, its fairytale ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a short stay, especially when traveling between Tangier and Fez. Even a day trip can provide a memorable experience if you're pressed for time.
Verdict: Two days is usually enough to explore Chefchaouen, but for those seeking to work remotely and soak in the artistic ambiance, a few extra nights might be worth considering.
Safety & Local Scams In Morocco
Safety In Morocco
As a male solo traveller, I felt quite safe in Morocco for the most part. For a safe experience, I recommend following some basic safety practices:
- Don't trust strangers
- Don't wander into shady alleys
- Avoid walking home alone at night
- Beware of your belongings to avoid being pickpocketed
- Use common sense and avoid risky behaviour
These safety tips align with the general precautions you'd take in many other developing countries. In major cities like Casablanca and Marrakesh, I was advised to be mindful of my surroundings, especially after sunset. However, you'll likely be fine in most touristy areas during the daytime and if you're using a ridesharing app at night. However, in places like Chefchaouen and Essaouira, I felt completely at ease – even walking home after a late night out.
For solo female travellers, the experiences vary. Some women I spoke to felt entirely secure and encountered no issues, while others had reservations about the forward and pushy behaviour of some men.
Local Scams In Morocco
Nothing Is Free
In Morocco, you might run into locals offering you something for free, guiding you to a market sale, or inviting you to visit a nearby shop (which is never as close as they claim). These situations often involve attempts to sell you something or lead you into a travel scam. If someone asks you to follow them or says something is free, be cautious as there are likely strings attached.
Asking For Directions
When asking for directions in tourist areas, some locals might expect a tip in return. To avoid this, ask shopkeepers instead of random people on the street; shopkeepers are less likely to expect a tip. Using GPS on your phone can help you avoid getting lost, especially in the medinas.
Haggling And Negotiating
Research prices before making purchases because shopkeepers often overcharge tourists. Always haggle for a fair price when shopping locally, whether it's in a market or taking a taxi. Using ridesharing apps can also help you avoid being overcharged by taxi drivers.
Getting A SIM Card In Morocco
During my trip, I had some moments when the wifi was a bit patchy, and other times when it was super fast and reliable. When the wifi did lag, my local SIM card’s data came to the rescue. Data was consistently dependable throughout my stay.
I'd recommend picking up a SIM card directly from the airport when you land. I went with Maroc Telecom and had a positive experience. SIM card prices at the airport and in the cities are comparable, so it's best to grab one as soon as you arrive.
Getting To Morocco By Flight
Casablanca is the most common entry point into Morocco, with flights from cities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Marrakesh and Tangier are also good options to fly into, with connections to major European hubs.
Check out some of your flights options below with Skyscanner.
Travelling Within Morocco
During my month in Morocco, I traveled between cities by flights, trains, and buses, and it was a smooth ride the whole time. The buses and trains connecting popular destinations are comfortable and commonly used by other travellers. So if you're having any doubts, don't worry — it's a good experience!
For getting around within the city, I recommend downloading the ridesharing apps Roby and Careem. They'll make your city travel a breeze and more importantly keep you safe without overpaying.
And That’s A Wrap!
My experience working remotely from Morocco was truly unforgettable. With the coastal charm of Essaouira, the vibrant energy of Marrakesh, and the laid-back vibes of Tangier as my top digital nomad highlights. However, the country has even more to offer depending on your interests and travel style, with several other captivating cities worth checking out. I hope you get the opportunity to experience this beautiful and culturally rich country for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions About Morocco
Can you be a digital nomad in Morocco?
Absolutely! Morocco is a great place for digital nomads, with multiple cities you could consider making as your base like vibrant cities — from big cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Tangier to smaller hubs like Essaouira and Taghazout. Morocco had a mix of modern infrastructure and traditional charm making it a great pick for nomads. The reliable internet connectivity and affordable cost of living make it an excellent destination for remote work.
What is the best city in Morocco for digital nomads?
While each city offers its own unique vibe, I personally found Marrakesh, Essaouira, and Tangier to be the best for digital nomads. Marrakesh is a lively city with coworking spaces and bustling markets, while Tangier provides a relaxed coastal atmosphere, and Essaouira had some beautiful small city hippie energy.
Do I need a visa to work remotely in Morocco?
Morocco doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa, but most travellers can stay between 30 to 90 days depending on their citizenship and visa requirements. It's important to double-check the entry requirements based on your nationality.
Is Marrakech good for digital nomads?
Yes, Marrakesh is a popular choice for digital nomads. The city has a great mix of traditional and modern elements, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to get work done. Plus, there's so much to see and explore when you're not working! I spent about 2 weeks working remotely from here and could see myself spending more time in hindsight if I had to take things slower.
What is the most tourist-friendly city in Morocco?
Marrakesh is probably the most tourist-friendly city in Morocco. Its vibrant markets, historical sites, and modern amenities make it a favourite for travellers. Chefchaouen is also a must-see for its stunning blue streets and artistic energy in my opinion.
