A Comprehensive Guide for Football Fans and Travelers
Places to visit in Morocco AFCON 2025: Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) offers a unique blend of world-class football and rich cultural exploration. This guide delves into the top destinations, practical travel tips, and hidden gems to help you make the most of your trip.
1. Host Cities: Where Football Meets Culture
Marrakech: The Vibrant AFCON Hub
Marrakech’s Grand Stade de Marrakech will host high-profile matches, including the opening ceremony. The city’s historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of souks selling spices, textiles, and ceramics. Don’t miss the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century architectural marvel, or the tranquil Majorelle Garden. For adventure seekers, day trips to the Atlas Mountains offer hiking and Berber village visits. (Places to visit in Morocco AFCON 2025)
Casablanca: Modernity and Tradition
As Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca combines sleek skyscrapers with historic landmarks. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques globally, towers over the Atlantic Ocean. The Corniche district provides beachside relaxation, while the Old Medina showcases traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. The Mohammed V Stadium will host quarter-finals and semi-finals, making it a key AFCON destination.
Agadir: Coastal Matches and Beach Escapes
Agadir’s Adrar Stadium, recently expanded for AFCON, is minutes from the city’s 10km golden beach. The nearby Souss-Massa National Park is ideal for birdwatching, and the Taghazout surf village attracts wave enthusiasts. Local fish markets like Souk El Had offer fresh seafood dinners, a must-try for culinary explorers.
Fez: Ancient Wonders and Football
Fez Stadium’s matches are steps away from the Fes el-Bali medina, the world’s largest car-free urban zone. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD, and the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed using centuries-old techniques. The city’s blue gates, a symbol of its spiritual heritage, make for iconic photo opportunities.
Tangier: Gateway to Africa
Tangier’s Ibn Battouta Stadium will welcome teams from across the continent. Explore the Caves of Hercules, where mythology claims the Greek hero rested, or stroll through the Kasbah Museum for panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar. The city’s blend of Arab, African, and European influences creates a unique cultural tapestry.
(Top Places to visit in Morocco AFCON 2025)
2. Cultural and Historical Destinations
Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets are a photographer’s dream. The town’s Kasbah Museum offers insights into its 15th-century origins, while the Ras Elma River provides serene walking trails. Local guides can arrange hikes to the Akchour Waterfalls, a hidden gem in the region.
Essaouira: Coastal Heritage
This fortified port city, a 3-hour drive from Marrakech, boasts UNESCO-listed ramparts and vibrant arts scenes. The annual Gnaoua World Music Festival often overlaps with AFCON, offering live performances alongside football excitement. Windsurfing and kiteboarding thrive here, thanks to consistent Atlantic winds.
Meknes: Imperial Grandeur
Often overshadowed by Fez, Meknes features the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the Heri es-Souani granaries. The nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis provide a glimpse into Morocco’s ancient past. This city is an easy day trip from Fez or Rabat.
3. Sahara Desert Adventures
Merzouga: Dunes and Desert Camps
Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes near Merzouga are the Sahara’s most iconic landscape. Many tour operators combine AFCON match tickets with 3-day desert packages, including camel treks and overnight stays in luxury camps. The annual Sand Music Festival here features international artists performing against a desert backdrop.
Zagora: Gateway to the Draa Valley
Famous for its “Timbuktu 52 Days” camel caravan signpost, Zagora offers palm-fringed oases and prehistoric rock carvings. The Draa Valley’s kasbahs, like Tamnougalt, showcase traditional Berber architecture. Budget-friendly desert tours from Zagora are ideal for backpackers.
Erg Chigaga: Remote Desert Beauty
For travelers seeking solitude, Erg Chigaga’s untouched dunes require a 4×4 journey from M’Hamid. Stargazing here is unparalleled, with minimal light pollution. Multi-day tours often include visits to nomadic families, offering authentic cultural exchanges.
4. Day Trips and Excursions
Atlas Mountains: Hiking and Berber Culture
The High Atlas range, accessible from Marrakech, features Mount Toubkal (North Africa’s highest peak). Guided treks to villages like Imlil include traditional mint tea ceremonies. In winter, the Oukaimeden ski resort offers snowy slopes just 90 minutes from the city.
Ait Benhaddou: Hollywood of Morocco
This UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) has starred in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Located en route to the Sahara, it’s a popular stop for photo ops and learning about ancient trade routes.
Ouzoud Waterfalls: Nature’s Spectacle
North Africa’s tallest waterfalls, located 3 hours from Marrakech, cascade 110 meters into the El Abid River. Boat rides to the base and hikes to the summit viewpoints are available. Local cafes serve tagine with views of the misty falls.
(Top Places to visit in Morocco AFCON 2025)
5. Practical Travel Tips for AFCON 2025
Transportation Between Cities
Morocco’s ONCF trains connect major host cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. The Al Boraq high-speed line reduces Casablanca-Tangier travel to 2 hours. For remote areas like the Sahara, CTM buses or private transfers are recommended.
Accommodation Strategies
Book riads (traditional guesthouses) in medinas for authentic stays. Major hotel chains like Sofitel and Ibis operate near stadiums. Desert camps should be reserved 6+ months in advance for peak AFCON dates.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly in medinas and religious sites. A simple “Shukran” (thank you) in Arabic fosters goodwill. Avoid photographing locals without permission, especially in rural areas. (Places to visit in Morocco AFCON 2025)
6. Local Cuisine Highlights
Must-Try Dishes
Tagines (slow-cooked stews), couscous Fridays, and pastilla (savory-sweet pigeon pie) are Moroccan staples. In coastal cities, order grilled sardines or seafood pastilla. Street food fans shouldn’t miss msemen (flaky pancakes) and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Dining Tips
High-end restaurants in Marrakech’s Gueliz district offer fusion cuisine, while Djemaa el-Fnaa square becomes a massive open-air food court at night. Always negotiate prices at street stalls, and confirm if water is included (often charged separately).
Let’s shape your destination
BOOK NOW
