Is Morocco in a Day Really Worth It?

There are flights to interesting Moroccan cities like Fes and Marrakech from many places in Europe. You can include a real visit to Morocco on a future trip to Europe, yielding a worthwhile amount of sightseeing time.

Not worth a day trip, I'm afraid. We just went to Morocco last fall. We started in Gibraltar (much closer than Malaga), our hotel drove us to Algeciras Port, we caught a 9:00 ferry to Tanger Med, and a car service drove us to Chefchaouen (an hour farther than Tangier, nowhere near as far as Fez).

The ferries from Spain to Morocco are ALWAYS delayed. Customs is a pain - true you do it on the ship while you're not doing much else, but the lineup takes FOREVER! We arrived at Tanger Med about an hour late, and were not in Chefchaouen until afternoon - nowhere near enough time to turn around and go back, much less see anything.

There is another option, the fast ferry from Tarifa across to Tanger Ville (right in downtown Tangier). But its an hour farther to get to Tarifa, and those ferries often cancel because of high seas.

Ours was a 2-week trip, but just that one day was enough to tell me the logistics are just not there for an enjoyable train trip.

There's no way I can advise if an 18 hour day will burn you out. I've done it before and been OK with it. It might be fun. My first trip to Europe started with a cruise. I was stressed thinking that one day in each place wasn't going to be worth it, but a well travelled friend gave good advice. He said enjoy it for what it is and consider it a sneak peak to determine if a place is worth going back. That helped me enjoy the cruise and every port. So yes, a one day trip to Morocco may be worth it.

I can't add anything to the advice you've received about the logistics of the ferry crossing. And it's true that the riches of Morocco deserve more than a day. If you think you'll be able to visit Morocco for a longer stay in the future, I wouldn't bother going now.

But I will say this: if you decide to go to visit Tangier, you can get a nice experience of that city in a day. If you spend the night, even better. Tangier's medina is very enjoyable and attractive. You can get some good food, and there are many nice options on places to stay. I would say that pickpockets are not a big concern (certainly no bigger a concern than in most cities in Spain) as long as you are sensible. And I saw no monkeys in Tangier. (I understand that's an issue in Gibraltar.)

Hello all,

All of this info is very good to know. Thank you! Realistically, I'll never really go back there again, unless if I find another good company down the road that will give me the time off. I think I'm more so curious to see what that experience is like and wanting to be in a tour group (for safety purposes). I know it's just Morocco & it's beautiful, but I am well aware there is a lot of crime in Africa too.

This trip/vacation I'm doing in spring, I'd say is like a mix of a vacation and trip; tripcay! I'll be in two-ish countries (Spain, Portugal, maybe Morocco for a day) for 2.5-3ish weeks total; 20 days (two travel days included). Trying to spread out what things I do. I've traveled to the U.K. and France and did all of the touristy things within 10 days (did 1 week in London, 1 day in Watford, 2ish days in Paris, & day trip to Versailles).

Thank you,
Adam

You saw all the "touristy things" in the UK and in France in ten days!!

Wow!!! You are a fast mover!!

skip it. Do Morocco properly and visit Fas and Marrakesh.

I haven’t been to Morocco, and I rarely take day or even one-night trips; but the worth of day trips is a more general question, one that I’ve often confronted myself, and so I would still suggest not giving up yet on your brief Morocco plan. And here’s why:

There seems to be a “spectrum” of tourism, at one end of which are those whose primary motive is to see each country’s famous and fabulous “must sees” — the Taj Mahal in India, the Alhambra in Spain, Machu Picchu in Peru, and so on. Of course, it’s a perfectly legitimate way to travel; but not the only one.

At the other, probably less populated end of the spectrum (my end), travel is more to experience places: experience other ways of life, other languages, other cultures, other city-scapes, etc., regardless of whether there are any Famous and Fabulous “Must-Sees” around. At this end of the spectrum, experience and curiosity, not popularity or visual grandeur, are the guiding motives.

And as your impressive comment about being “curious to see what that experience is like” hints that you may be sympathetic to this latter travel style, I would recommend that you not give up yet on your Morocco plan -- especially if you haven’t yet visited North Africa, or the Islamic world, and you’re not sure whether you will any time soon. (But as others suggested, if you can find an overnight trip, that would be better)

Footnotes: My opinion also comes partly from the fact that for one of my Spain trips I considered doing almost the same thing — going down to Spain's southern end and taking a one or two night trip to Tangier, just out of curiosity; but I ended up going elsewhere in Spain. Also, as I looked down the above responses, I agreed with Lane’s the most.

I am on the same end of the travel spectrum as Faedus, and I think you should do it.

My husband and I have always looked for adventures like this on our vacations, and this will likely be one of the most memorable days of your trip — whether for good reasons or bad! You’ll have a story to tell when you get home. And you’re young — you’ll recover quickly.

If you have no burning desire to visit Morocco, then it is a long day to check a continent and a country off your bucket list.

If you only go for a day, you’re seeing a "display version" of Morocco. If you go for two weeks, you’re actually feeling Morocco, I spent 10 days there with my family, and even then, we felt like we were rushing. Morocco is incredibly diverse from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the coastal winds of Essaouira and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, old medinas... Morocco needs its own dedicated vacation.

I truly loved our one day in Morocco. Like you, I was staying in Malaga. We were there for a wedding last May. I heard many people telling me not to go to Morocco for one day. And their advice was noted. It was expensive. It was short. However, it became one of my favorite experiences of my well-traveled life. I am so glad we took the opportunity to go.

I booked a private tour ( Rick Steves Guide Rec) to Tangier that included a camel ride and time in the Medina. We drove from Malaga in the morning to Tarifa, dropped our bags off at a hotel, and then took the ferry to Tangier. Our tour guide and driver were waiting for us when we arrived.

He was knowledgeable, professional, personable, and helped us make the most of the short time we had in Tangier based on our interests. I expected a touristy, loud port town and instead found quiet streets with flowers and deep blue skies. We rode camels on a beautiful quiet beach looking out over the Straits of Gibraltar where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

Did we have enough time -- of course not. Did we buy a few souvenirs -- of course.
I bought spices that I am still enjoying. I broadened my world view. I took amazing photos. I stepped on a new continent.

I'd do it all over again.

And when we returned to Tarifa via the ferry we continued to enjoy wonderful Moroccan food. Our hotel (La Sacristia) in Tarifa became one of my all-time favorites.

I think it could be worthwhile but personally, it was not our favorite day-trip (2014). We took the ferry from Tarifa, hired a private guide (via Rick Steves guidebook rec) - who was fine! But he met us at the ferry in Tangier already concerned about weather. And our return ferry was cancelled by early afternoon, which cut short our time because we had to get to Tangier Med to take the larger commercial vehicle ferry to Algeciras, which, obviously, was not Tarifa. Managed to figure out the bus to Tarifa. Not that any of this is likely to happen to you, but it's good to know that an already-long day might be even longer. I think the cost-benefit, for us, was not really there. Other things to consider is what day of the week - many shops, mosques, etc are closed after noon on Fridays for prayer services, although tourist spots are likely open.

I am a fast paced traveler, and usually travel solo and without a tour. I'm still youngish approaching 50 :-)
Like you want to do, I've done a fair share of "pop in a country" for a day. Because of my work schedule and family obligations with child in middle school, I am limited on time when I travel. People find it crazy I travel across the world for 9-10 days (plus 2 days for travel). But hey - if that's all I get, than I'll make the most of out it. Hopefully one day I can take a full 2 or 3 week trip somewhere, but I'm not quite there yet.

I understand the feeling to tick that box that you visited a new continent and country, and I would go for it if I was in your place, and if you can make the budget work for you.

Is is true that one city in Morocco won't give you a full perspective. (I was in Morocco last year for 10 days and did a big loop from Marrakesh, to Sahara desert/Merzouga, up to Fez and Chefchouen, and flew out from Casablanca in the afternoon after visiting the Mosque in the morning. And still so much I didn't cover like Tangier and the coastline. ). But I think the same of people who come to the US and only visit New York. (I know a much larger country but what I'm trying to say it is hard to fully experience a country).

I've done a full day trip in Japan when I was in Kyoto. Took early bullet train to Hiroshima/Miyajima, explored the city and island, and could take evening train back to Kyoto, but opted to stay overnight and take early train next morning. I knew I would be tired so I planned my next day to be a quieter one, with peaceful stroll around some temples.

I see another person had some more tangible experience to share about Tangier and what to do there. I'm here just to support the decision to visit for a day.

Edited to add: My experience in Morocco was most places only accepted cash (not debit card). A few more established restaurants took credit card. So keep in mind you may need to withdraw Dirham for the day.

You can do it in a day, but expect it to feel rushed. If you go, keep your phone/wallet close and just enjoy wandering the medina a bit instead of trying to see everything.

I keep thinking about taking a day trip.
I will begin another thread about this...

I keep reading how Tanger has changed, for the goodie recent years--apparently it's not just about the Medina...
I', going to do some further reading and come back with a few questions; I'd be going on a day trip from Tarifa, so I anyone has done this recently, keep your eyes peeled for a new thread...thanks so much!!

EDIT: Had everything planned to go today to catch 9am ferry but there is a severe wind warning. Concerned that ferries may be cancelled on the return, I will try again next week for a day in Tangier.

Customs would be pretty simple since it's on the ferry

Hmmm... Are you sure about that? If I were Spanish customs I'd want to have a cosy chat and a good look at the contents of your bag after taking a day trip to Morocco.

Hi,

Yeah, after talking to a lot of people about it, and split opinions on it; I have made my choice.

It doesn’t really sound like it’s worth the hassle, for a day trip. I did the U.K. & France a few years ago and woke up early almost every morning (10-days, 2 countries, non stop go go go mentality; hyped up on coffee, black tea, & pastries/snacks in mornings). Fun & would do again, but I felt like I needed a bit more time to just chill & relax. I only had one day in the U.K. like this (after surviving Paris strikes).

I’ve also read up that people in Morocco would pester me (also my neighbor told me this too), as a white solo traveler. I also read that up in the Rick Steves Spain book. Sounds like they don’t really take no as an answer (when Moroccans ask for money or asking for people to buy an item). :/

It sounds super fun to see a different culture/country/geogrpahy in Africa, but I think better down the road with someone else, or family. Hope I get the chance to visit here properly down the road.

Thank you all!

-Adam

I think that's for the best.

A friend of mine who has since departed loved Essaouira. He'd been to all the cities, up into the Atlas Mountains and down to The Sahara, but he always liked being by the sea in Essaouira.

Give Morocco a bit of your time. I've never been, but I'd like to go. People asking me for money wouldn't bother me so much. A few pertinent phrases in French and Arabic and you'd be good to go. Flat out ignoring people works in my experience sometimes too. I might envisage it as a bit of a pain in Morocco, but I can't speak from personal experience. These sort of things are always going to be at their worst around the busiest tourist spots.

Good luck with the rest of your travels!

I don't disagree with your overall decision, that a day trip to Morocco likely doesn't fit your circumstances. However ...

I’ve also read up that people in Morocco would pester me (also my neighbor told me this too), as a white solo traveler. I also read that up in the Rick Steves Spain book. Sounds like they don’t really take no as an answer (when Moroccans ask for money or asking for people to buy an item). :/

I don't agree with that. People DO offer goods and services, and certainly in a more aggressive way than we are used to in North America. But very rarely do they not take "No, shukran" for an answer. We never once felt aggrieved by a vendor / beggar / "tour guide".

It’s a different situation, since I have not had the opportunity to travel as much my friend. Safety is key. My travel agent has never booked a Moroccan tour (I’m not taking that risk if travel agent doesn’t know what’s expected). I even had a close situation in Paris, France. The Tangier airport has a kiosk to book a taxi. Morocco’s government had to put that in place, due to travelers (like myself) getting scammed by taxi drivers. I know people in Spain too, which helps big time. Another time when I have at least two days. I’m sorry we don’t see eye to eye on that. I have spent a lot of time researching and asking many people about a one-day trip to Morocco. I hope we can still discuss topics like this, in a respectful manner, without putting one another down. Thanks for understanding :)

I can only share our experience. We went to Tangiers many years ago from Spain and stayed overnight. From before we got off the boat and unrelenting for the next two days we were hassled, hustled, followed, assaulted, offered little sisters and then little brothers when we declined, lied to and cheated. We were twenty one at the time and too naive to be scared. If you choose to go I’d strongly recommend a guide to fend off the hassles we encountered. Have things changed? I wonder. Safe travels.

OP - I respect your decision based on your comfort level being alone in a new country, and experience friends shared with you.

But I also want to share mine. I’m approaching 50 and have traveled abroad alone since 20 (I turned 21 during a solo backpacking trip in Europe). I learned a lot including to ignore hasslers. I was in Morocco last year - alone in Marrakech for 2 days then joined a small group tour for a loop around the country. But I still explored other cities on my own before or after the designated 2 hour tour. I loved the country! So different depending on the region.

Marrakech was full of vendors trying to get your attention, guess where I was from, shouting hello in English, French, Spanish… I just kept walking and ignored them. Once one got quite close and I just raised my hand and said No in Arabic (always good to learn few key words). I never felt unsafe.
I have friends who thought I was crazy to travel there alone, and when I went to China, Philippines, Thailand (in my 40s). My 40th gift to myself was to hike the Great Wall of China (and I joined a small group for the hike for safety reasons).
Oh, Thailand was quite interesting too with people offering ladyboy experiences as I walked around Phuket.

But I understand that some people might prefer to travel in a group or with a friend to unknown places, and I respect that. As a solo female traveler, I also have some safety procedures that I follow. The same when I bring my child along on a trip. If I my gut and comfort level tells me otherwise, I would also avoid a place.

Have a wonderful trip to Spain - and may you create beautiful memories!

Thank you for being kind. I very much appreciate it. That's very good to know about your travel experiences. Of course, please share your experiences. I love to hear what you encountered! Wow, you have travelled to many places! It sounds like you stood your ground with that one local. Fascinating. If an opportunity arises, I won't forget to come back and visit Morocco. It sounds very beautiful and one day doesn't really do it justice; at least a couple of days or one week there. Thank you so much! I am very excited to have the opportunity to travel again (I don't know if I'll ever get this chance for awhile). Happy travels!

I looked into doing that exact day trip when I was in Málaga and yeah, it’s doable but it’s a pretty intense day. Most of those tours run via Tarifa or Algeciras, ferry over to Tangier, then you’re basically on a guided schedule the whole time before heading back late. I found a decent breakdown here and it matched what agencies were offering.
From what I read (and friends who did it), it’s fun but very “packaged”. You get a quick intro to Morocco, food, medina walk, maybe a camel ride, but not much freedom. I also checked a couple of blogs like Rough Guides and TripAdvisor forums, and the common theme was that it’s worth it if you’re short on time, but a bit rushed.
Personally I skipped it as a day trip because I didn’t want to spend more time in transit than actually there. If you’re okay with a long day and just want a glimpse, go for it. If you want to actually feel the place a bit, even one night would make a big difference.