Best Hostels in Morocco

Morocco's Backpacker Trail

Morocco has become one of North Africa's most popular backpacking destinations, and a well-trodden trail links its headline cities. Most travellers move between Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and the Sahara, with hostels in each spot catering to budget travellers. The country's compact size and decent transport network make it easy to hostel-hop in two to three weeks.

Hostels here are typically converted riads or guesthouses, built around courtyards with rooftop terraces. This traditional architecture gives Moroccan hostels a distinctive charm you won't find in purpose-built dorms elsewhere, and many include cultural touches like hammams, cooking classes and live music.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the busiest hostel hub, with dozens of options in and around the medina near Jemaa el-Fnaa. It is the best base for meeting other travellers and arranging shared Sahara tours or Atlas Mountains trips. Dorms run from 80 to 150 MAD, and the social scene is the liveliest in the country.

Because of the density, standards vary widely. Read recent reviews carefully and confirm air conditioning for summer visits, when daytime heat is intense. The medina's car-free alleys mean you'll walk to your hostel, so pack light or be ready to wheel a bag over cobbles.

Fes and Chefchaouen

Fes, home to the world's largest car-free urban area, offers atmospheric hostels deep in the medina. It is less party-focused than Marrakech and better suited to travellers interested in history, tanneries and traditional crafts. Expect a more authentic, quieter stay.

Chefchaouen, the famous blue city in the Rif Mountains, is a backpacker favourite for its photogenic streets and relaxed pace. Hostels here are smaller and cheaper, with rooftop terraces overlooking the cascade of blue buildings. It is an ideal stop to slow down between bigger cities.

Essaouira and the Coast

Essaouira, a breezy Atlantic port town, draws surfers, kitesurfers and travellers wanting sea air after the desert heat. Its hostels sit within the walled medina, an easy walk from the beach, fishing harbour and ramparts. The vibe is laid-back and artsy, with regular live Gnaoua music.

Further south, Taghazout has become a surf-hostel capital, with dedicated surf camps offering dorm beds, board hire and lessons. If beach life and waves are your goal, the coast offers a refreshing contrast to the inland imperial cities.

The Sahara and Desert Camps

While not hostels in the traditional sense, budget desert camps near Merzouga and Zagora fill the same role for backpackers heading to the Sahara. Many Marrakech and Fes hostels sell two- or three-day desert packages that include transport, a camel trek and a night in a Berber tent camp among the dunes.

These trips are often the highlight of a Morocco itinerary. Booking through a reputable hostel usually means better value and reliability than dealing with street agents, and you'll travel with a ready-made group of fellow guests.

Choosing the Right Hostel

Decide first whether you want social or quiet. Marrakech and Taghazout lean social, while Fes and Chefchaouen are more relaxed. Check recent reviews for cleanliness, water pressure, Wi-Fi reliability and the accuracy of the map location, since medina addresses can be confusing.

Look for properties with a 24-hour reception or someone who can let you in late, as arriving after dark in a maze of alleys is stressful. Free or cheap airport and bus-station pickups are a valuable perk worth seeking out.

Budget and Practical Tips

Across Morocco, dorm beds average 80-160 MAD (8-16 USD) per night, with private hostel rooms from around 250 MAD. Carry cash, as many small hostels prefer dirhams and card surcharges are common. ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in desert villages.

Tipping is customary for good service, and small amounts go a long way. During Ramadan, be discreet about eating and drinking in public during daylight, and dress modestly everywhere outside beach resorts to respect local norms.

Best hostel cities in Morocco at a glance

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