The Best Hostels in Morocco

Just a short walk from Marrakech’s central Jemaa el-Fna – home to juice sellers by day and a buzzing night market after dusk – this hostel lets you get stuck into the local way of life. Set inside an atmospheric riad (a traditional Moroccan home with a pond-studded courtyard and sun-drenched rooftop terrace), it attracts travellers with its add-on day trips to the Sahara and its cookery classes, where you’ll learn to simmer fragrant tagine or bake khobz bread (white bread).

This hostel brand has outposts in Barcelona, Budapest, Lisbon and Istanbul, but the Marrakech location couldn’t be more Moroccan – set inside a 19th-century riad full of geometric tiling and hanging stained-glass lamps. That’s not to say it’s old-fashioned. Slick contemporary furniture, a courtyard swimming pool and arty photographs keep things feeling fresh (and gives it plenty of Instagram appeal). Once you’ve had your fill of the souks, sign up for its quad-bike tour of the desert.

With its grand and sunny tiled courtyard, intricate lattice windows and atmospheric beamed ceilings, the Médina Social Club is pretty enough to be an upmarket hotel. But this affordable stay, within walking distance of Fez’s must-see Blue Gate, is instead a sociable and energetic hostel. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow travellers – from concert nights to live debate sessions. Meanwhile, the rooftop terrace breakfast, with fresh fruit, pastries and vibrant juices, is a highlight.

If you want to save on your stay in Morocco, this Fez hostel, northeast of the city centre, has a shared kitchen so that you can whip up meals for mere pennies (apart from breakfast, which is already included in a daily buffet spread). Shared dorm-style rooms are classic Moroccan in feel, with ornate ceilings and comfortable beds. Be sure to get local tips from host Mehdi, praised by travellers for his warm and helpful service.

The peachy art deco exterior, gorgeously framed by palms and a tiled archway, feels straight out of a film set. Everything is picturesque within, too, from the intricate zellige-tiled walls in the salon – lined with floral banquettes – to the colourful breakfasts. With rooms sleeping between two and five people, it’s a great choice for couples, older travellers or a small group of friends travelling through Morocco together.

Seaside Essaouira already feels bohemian, with its laid-back shopping streets and buzzing surf scene. And this colourful hostel amplifies the chilled-out feeling, with its elaborate and varied frescoes, rainbow cushions and assorted knick-knacks stuck to the walls – everything from tiny shoes to postcards. Private doubles, dormitories and an apartment with a terrace are individually decorated, ranging from a Jimi Hendrix theme (done up in black and white) to classic Essaouira blue and white.

The name says it all – this hostel, set outside Agadir, is serious about surfing. Both beginner and seasoned surfers book in over the winter months, when the waves are at their best, for a few days – or even a few weeks – to get expert coaching sessions and to explore the best surf spots in the region. Others come as the weather warms, for a balanced mix of surfing and yoga classes, boosted by organic breakfasts and light lunches on the beach.

Between the outdoor pool fringed by a patch of lawn and palms, and the organic, locally sourced Moroccan meals, it’s hard to believe that Surf Safari Morocco is a hostel. It also has expert-led surf sessions, suitable for beginners and intermediates, and a prime location within easy strolling distance of the beach. Rooms are simple and clean, and with the villa powered mostly by roof solar panels, the hostel is greener than many others.

Dar Naima is within a 10-minute walk of the Kairaouine Mosque and University, the Bou Inania Madrasa and the exquisite Nejjarine Fondouk. Many other attractions are also nearby. The hostel has an eight-bed dormitory as well as double, triple and quadruple rooms, and wifi is available. The cosy lobby has a warming fireplace, perfect for winter visits to the city. In the warmer months, you can relax on the rooftop terrace. Breakfast is included in the nightly rates, and the on-site restaurant serves a delicious assortment of traditional Moroccan dishes.

Dar Tanger Medina is close to many attractions in Tangier, including the Dar el-Makhzen and the Place de la Kasbah. The guesthouse has twin, double and family rooms and offers breakfast, a communal lounge with a TV and free wifi in the public areas. You can book tours here, helping you to maximise your time in Tangier and hit many of the city’s highlights with ease.

Essaouira Youth Hostel and Social Travel lies in the old medina, close to souks, the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum, the harbour and the Skala de la Ville. It has mixed and female-only dorms that have four or six beds. Alternatively, couples and those travelling with a friend can check into a room with a double bed or two single beds. Amenities include hairdryers, free wifi, a safety deposit box, a rooftop terrace, a lounge with a TV and an on-site cafe.

Earth Hostel is the dream of one Berber man whose aim was to unite travellers from across the globe. A lofty ambition, no doubt, but with unpretentious, rustic Moroccan decor, shared dorms and a location just a short walk from the lively Jemaa el-Fna in the heart of the Marrakech medina, the hostel is on the right track. Complimentary breakfast and wifi continue the good vibes, as does the charming rooftop terrace, which makes an excellent post-excursion gathering spot.

Just steps from the Saadian Tombs, Dream Kasbah is an attractive hostel housed within a traditional riad, complete with a rooftop terrace and a lounge, in the old medina of Marrakech. There are plenty of artistic touches around the building and a wide selection of rooms, including mixed and female-only dorms, double rooms with a shared bathroom and double ensuite rooms. It also offers free wifi and a filling breakfast each day. While toiletries and hairdryers are provided, you’ll need to bring towels or rent one.

The Madrassa is a pleasant hostel in Marrakech’s medina – a short walk from one of the top museums in the city, the Dar Si Said Museum. Other nearby attractions include the Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fna. There are mixed dorms for four, six and eight, and you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each day. Facilities and amenities include a rooftop terrace, a shared lounge, wifi, hairdryers and laundry services. Towels are available to rent.