Morocco is a great destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and affordable place to work. From bustling cities to quiet coastal towns, the country offers a special blend of culture, nature and great amenities for remote workers. In this guide, I share my experiences and practical tips on remote working in Morocco, based on my stays in Marrakech, Essaouira, Taghazout, Sidi Kaouki and Agadir.
Why work remotely in Morocco?
When you think of Morocco you often think of chaotic cities, small quiet Berber villages and the desert. Not the most ideal place perhaps for a digital nomad? That’s what I wanted to investigate for myself. What are the amenities like here? Is the wifi good enough? What does life cost if you’re here for a while? And also, what do I think of Moroccan culture.
Fortunately, I have been positively surprised. Top of the list are the people. They are all so incredibly sweet, kind and helpful here. I get a big smile when I think back on this. The culture is definitely different from what I am used to. Not only because of the religion, of course it is Islamic, but also because of the customs here. The pace is slower, people don’t worry easily. As a hurried and perfectionist Dutchman I always have to get used to that, but at the same time that is the beauty of traveling. It shows you that you can do things differently, slow down and enjoy everything around you. By the way, Moroccans are always punctual, Spaniards could learn something from that. To my surprise I must say, the bus goes exactly according to schedule, the cab driver is punctual and all my business appointments were also exactly on time.
And, how great people here can cook. I really enjoyed all the delicious, and also healthy, food here. Okay, all the sweets are less healthy, but that makes me intensely happy. It takes some getting used to in terms of times, breakfast is often only available from 10:00 am, lunch is around 3:00 pm and dinner is not until 10:00 pm. But of course, as a tourist, you can eat whenever you want.
The ideal travel time for Morocco
Beautiful weather is another reason to go to Morocco. That is, in the winter. I was there in February and March, when it is usually around 20 degrees with sunshine. In the evening and night it does cool down and you need a jacket. Which, by the way, the Moroccans also find necessary during the day, they find winter in Morocco chilly and walk around in winter coats. From May onwards I find it much too hot here, then it can be 40/45 degrees. Except at the coast by the way, then it stays around 30 degrees, lovely! Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you have to be minimally dressed. I always think it’s decent to respect the local culture, so I always dress more covered up here.
The best places for digital nomads in Morocco
As in any country, the infrastructure in larger cities is often better than in villages or small towns. This is also the case in Morocco. Wifi can be found everywhere, but the quality varies. If you explain at a hotel or restaurant that you are a digital nomad and need to work online, almost everyone says there is wifi you can use. But its quality often leaves much to be desired. So do a critical check beforehand, request a speed test, for example, or make sure you have a good backup in the form of a local sim or eSIM.
Morocco is a big country. Connections by planes, buses, cabs and trains (in the north) are good, but make no mistake about the long distances between different places and the travel time this takes. During my 2-month visit, I therefore decided to visit 5 places: Marrakech, Essaouira, Taghazout, Sidi Kaouki and Agadir. On my next visit, I would also like to visit Fez, Tangier, Merzouga and Dakhla as well.
Marrakech: The bustling nomad hub
Marrakech is a vibrant city full of color, smells and sounds. For digital nomads, this city offers a mix of modern facilities and traditional charm. You will find endless stylish riads and hipster restaurants, which are very Instagrammable. You can also still find plenty of traditional Moroccan spots, which I personally find more charming. On your way to a nice place to work, you’ll have to get used to the hustle and bustle of the city and pushy salespeople, but in the meantime you’ll get greedy with all the nice things for sale. Some of the best places to work are:
- Atay Cafe: A cozy restaurant with fantastic rooftop terrace overlooking the city. The wifi is a bit weak, so arranging your own backup for good internet is handy.
- Pikala cafe: My favorite spot. Not yet discovered by the masses, but what a gem. Full of fine workspaces, beautiful sitting areas and delicious vegetarian food.
- Coworkspace L’BLASSA: A hub for entrepreneurs and creators in Marrakech to work and network. Located in the Gueliz neighborhood, you will find the perfect place to work productively, in a professional environment.
More tips on fine places to work in Marrakech can be found in this blog: 20 tips for remote working in Marrakech.
Essaouira: The creative coastal city
Essaouira is a charming coastal town with a laid-back vibe, it is about 3 hours from Marrakech. The medina is very charming and colorful and it is still a little less touristy. After your working day, you can enjoy golf surfing, kite surfing or enjoying the beach here, with camels! And horses. You can find those everywhere on the beach in Morocco. The Internet is pretty good in most places and there are some nice places to work:
- Noqta coliving: A small coliving with workspace in the medina. With several small spaces, where you can work nicely. Very nice if you want to meet other digital nomads.
- Salut Maroc: A beautiful place to work with a colorful interior and a super nice rooftop terrace overlooking the sea.
- MAMA LOVA: A nice hotel with a restaurant downstairs where you can work nicely at a large kitchen table. Not cheap, but stylish.
Taghazout: surf hotspot of Morocco
Taghazout is a well-known surf spot that is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads. You’ll find more tourists than Moroccans there. I was here by camper myself and have never been in such a magically beautiful place. Right on the ocean, in an oasis of peace and surrounded by many other itinerant RVers. It has a laid-back atmosphere, cozy streets with nice restaurants and some nice places to work:
- SunDesk: One of the most famous colivings in Morocco, especially geared towards remote workers. Here you are undoubtedly going to have a great time. Should you be looking for a coliving you will find several in Taghazout these days, where you will meet like-minded remote workers.
- World of Waves: A cozy cafe with work-friendly spots inside and ocean views if you sit on the terrace. You can also have a great meal there, with nice views of the beach, where all kinds of things happen. From camel rides to surfers to dogs playing.
- The Road: If you walk past all the hip and crowded restaurants you will come to this hidden gem, highly recommended! This p lek is great for sunset, chilling on low pillows with a nice cup of Moroccan mint tea (no alcohol) the view and tranquility here is insane.
Sidi Kaouki: For those seeking ultimate tranquility
Located a short drive from Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is perfect for nomads seeking total relaxation. You’ll find some wonderful accommodations, both for low budget travelers and luxury couples. It is small but nice. You can surf, chill and eat delicious (and dirt cheap!) food. Go for a lovely walk on the beach, too, and you’ll meet all kinds of animals here: camels, horses, dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, you name it. The internet here is a little less stable in most cafes, few digital nomads come here, so get a local SIM card, eSIM or take a digital detox for a while.
Agadir: The modern city with good amenities
Agadir is a modern coastal city with a wide range of accommodations and restaurants. It attracts many vacationers who want to enjoy the beautiful wide beach and good climate. I haven’t visited a good coworking space or café where you can work nicely, and to be honest I haven’t read anything about it either. Which suggests that Agadir is still a bit behind in that in terms of digital nomads.
The city is less authentic than, say, Marrakech or Essaouira, but it offers a lot of comfort. Personally, it is not my favorite destination, although the beach there is really big and nice. Also here you can go surfing after your working day. You can easily visit the charming towns of Tamraght and Taghazout from here.
Practical tips for working remotely in Morocco
- Provide a local SIM card or eSim
Although wifi is okay in many accommodations and cafes, it can be useful to buy a local SIM card (from Inwi, Maroc Telecom or Orange, for example) for stable mobile Internet. You can also purchase an eSIM take, which you can easily arrange at home already and goes completely online. - Choose your accommodation carefully
Not all hotels and Airbnb’s have good Internet. Read reviews and ask about Internet speed beforehand. Don’t settle for someone who says “yeah, that’s fine,” because they often don’t understand the importance of a fast and stable connection for your online work. - Keep in mind the culture
Morocco is an Islamic country, and although quite open in tourist areas, it is good to be respectful of dress codes and local customs. You will hear the call to prayer several times a day, the first around 5 a.m. in the morning. During Ramadan, restaurants in non-touristy areas are closed everywhere. Only when dining is allowed in the evening do they reopen. - Plan your travel time smartly
The summer months can be extremely hot, especially in Marrakech, considering that it is located inland. The best travel time for remote work is from September to May. Then it is usually around 20 degrees with sunshine. It only rains about 10 days a year in Morocco. There is only one or even no time difference with the Netherlands, depending on exactly when you go.
Definitely go remote work in Morocco
Morocco is a surprisingly fine destination for digital nomads. Whether you choose the vibrant energy of Marrakech or the coastal vibes of Essaouira and Taghazout, there is something for everyone. With proper preparation and the right places to work, remote working in Morocco can be a fantastic experience. So pack your laptop, book a ticket and explore this diverse country while you just keep working!
Score your remote job
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