17 Unforgettable Places to Cycle in Morocco: Your Ultimate 2024 Guide
Meta Description: Discover the 17 best places to cycle in Morocco, from epic mountain trails to serene coastal paths. This ultimate 2024 guide includes routes, tips, and how to plan your perfect two-wheeled adventure.
Morocco isn’t just a destination; it’s a cyclist’s ultimate fantasy. This North African gem delivers a sensational punch of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and thrilling terrain that caters to every type of rider. Finding where to cycle in Morocco is the first step to an adventure you’ll never forget.
Key Takeaways:
- Conquer legendary Atlas Mountain passes and feel the profound silence of the Sahara Desert.
- Experience a stunning variety of climates and landscapes, from lush coastlines to rugged gorges.
- Immerse yourself in vibrant culture, staying in traditional riads and meeting incredibly welcoming locals.
- Find your perfect route with options for hardcore climbers, leisure riders, and everyone in between.
- Plan confidently with essential tips on the best seasons, must-have gear, and local navigation.
Why Morocco is a Cyclist’s Dream Destination
Finding where to cycle in Morocco is exciting because the country itself is a continent in miniature. The variety is simply staggering.
- Diverse Landscapes for Cyclists: You can challenge the ruthless climbs of the High Atlas, cruise the flat, windswept Atlantic coast, and navigate the surreal, rocky expanses of the Anti-Atlas—all in one trip.
- Best Time to Go: The ideal seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These windows offer mild, pleasant temperatures perfect for long days in the saddle. Summers are scorching inland, and winters can bring snow to the high mountains.
An Overview of Morocco’s Top Cycling Regions
Your journey can take two distinct flavors. The north, around the Rif Mountains, offers greener, rolling hills. The south is where you’ll find the iconic, epic expeditions into the pre-Saharan valleys. Similarly, you can choose between the relaxed coastal paths or the demanding mountain challenges of the Atlas ranges.
1. Marrakech and Its Surrounding Wonders
Marrakech is the vibrant, chaotic, and perfect starting point for numerous rides.
- Day Trips from Marrakech: Escape the city chaos with a ride to the Ourika Valley. This moderate route rewards you with stunning mountain scenery, traditional Berber villages, and waterfalls.
- Navigating the Palmeraie: For a flat, easy escape, the Palmeraie is a vast palm grove with quiet tracks perfect for a leisurely pedal among thousands of date palms.
2. The High Atlas Mountains: The Ultimate Test
This is why many cyclists pilgrimage to Morocco. It provides some of the most spectacular and demanding riding on the planet.
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m): This legendary climb on the N9 highway is a right of passage, offering unparalleled, jaw-dropping vistas.
- Toubkal Valley: For quieter, more rugged tracks, the valleys around North Africa’s highest peak offer gravel roads and incredible isolation.
3. The Anti-Atlas: A Hidden Gem for Cyclists
Often overlooked, the Anti-Atlas is a stunningly beautiful network of routes. Its stark, lunar landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and ancient almond tree groves offer a uniquely peaceful riding experience far from the main tourist trails.
4. The Draa Valley Cycle Route: An Oasis Paradise
This is arguably one of the most beautiful rides in the world. A mostly flat track runs along the longest river in Morocco, flanked by a continuous, breathtaking ribbon of palm groves and fortified ksars (mud-brick castles). It’s a magical, timeless experience and a premier destination for where to cycle in Morocco.
5. Merzouga and the Sahara Desert Fringes
Riding towards the Erg Chebbi dunes is surreal. The landscape turns to hard-packed desert hamada before you’re faced with oceans of golden sand. Most cyclists park their bikes here for a camel trek into the dunes for a night under the stars.
6. Todra and Dades Gorges by Bike
While you can ride through these narrow, towering gorges, the real magic is cycling the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” that connects them. The route winds through a dramatic landscape of rock formations, oasis villages, and incredible geology.
7. Essaouira to Agadir Coastal Path
This 175km route is a classic. You’ll ride with the Atlantic Ocean by your side, passing through fishing villages and argan tree forests. The constant wind can be a challenge, but the fresh seafood and bohemian vibe of Essaouira are worth it.
8. The Mediterranean Coast: A Different Vibe
The north coast near Al Hoceima offers rugged, beautiful scenery with a distinct Mediterranean culture. It’s less developed for tourism, providing an authentic and peaceful coastal ride.
Planning Your Multi-Day Moroccan Cycling Tour
You have two excellent options for tackling a longer tour:
- Organized Tours: Companies like Ride Morocco handle all logistics—support van, mechanic, hotels, and meals. This is the stress-free way to focus purely on riding.
- Self-Guided Tour Planning: For independent spirits, self-guided touring is viable. Plan your route using tools like Komoot, and book accommodations like Riads or Auberges with secure, indoor bike storage in advance.
Essential Practical Information for Cyclists
- Bike Rental Options: You can rent good-quality mountain and touring bikes in major hubs like Marrakech. Expect to pay $30-$80 USD per day for a reputable bike. For a serious trip, many prefer to bring their own.
- Local Transportation with Bikes: Trains (ONCF) are a great option. You can take your bike on most trains for a small fee, but it’s best to book this in advance.
- Navigation and Connectivity: Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before you go. Cell coverage is good on main roads but can be non-existent in remote areas. A paper map is a reliable backup.
Conclusion: Your Unforgettable Moroccan Cycling Adventure Awaits
From the high-altitude climbs of the Toubkal Valley to the serene oasis routes of the Draa Valley, finding where to cycle in Morocco is the gateway to an experience like no other. It’s a country that challenges your body, dazzles your senses, and warms your heart with its incredible hospitality.
Start planning, get training, and prepare for the ride of a lifetime.
FAQ
What is the best month to cycle in Morocco?
The absolute best months are April, May, October, and November. These offer the most stable and pleasant temperatures across the different regions.
Can beginners cycle in Morocco?
Absolutely! While the mountains are for experts, beginners can enjoy fantastic rides in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, along the coast from Essaouira, or on flat oasis roads in the Draa Valley. Choosing the right route is key.
Is it safe to cycle in Morocco?
Road safety requires vigilance. Main roads are often in good condition but can have unpredictable traffic. The key is to ride defensively, be highly visible, and opt for quieter secondary and rural roads wherever possible.
What should I pack for a cycling trip in Morocco?
Essentials include: high-quality sun protection, a buff or scarf for dust and sun, layered clothing for temperature swings, a reliable repair kit, and a headtorch.
No comment