Our recommendations on the best travel books for Morocco
Morocco is one of our favorite travel destinations, with its intoxicating blend of ancient traditions and vibrant modernity. Wander through the winding alleys of Fez's medina, where artisans craft intricate leather goods and the air is perfumed with spices. Climb the golden dunes of the Sahara at sunset, then spend a night under the stars in a Berber camp. In Marrakech, lose yourself in the sensory overload of Djemaa el-Fna square, where snake charmers and storytellers captivate crowds. Sip mint tea in a quiet riad courtyard, feeling centuries of history around you. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the dramatic gorges of Todra, Morocco offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories and connect with a culture that's both exotic and welcoming.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Morocco
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Morocco
Lonely Planet Morocco
Our recommended guidebook for Morocco is Lonely Planet. This comprehensive guide offers the most up-to-date advice on this amazing travel destination. From wandering through the bustling Marrakesh medina to exploring the enchanting blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, and relaxing on picturesque Mediterranean beaches, this guide has you covered. Packed with local insights, colorful maps, and essential phrases, it helps you uncover the heart of Morocco's rich culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you're a solo traveler, part of the LGBTQIA+ community, traveling with family, or seeking accessible options, Lonely Planet's Morocco provides tailored information to ensure your trip is both seamless and extraordinary.
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Marrakech
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Marrakech is a really good choice for anyone planning to explore the enchanting city of Marrakech. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Atlas Mountains, this pink-walled city captivates visitors with its winding alleys, grand mosques, and centuries-old charm. The pocket-sized book offers a wealth of information, featuring top 10 lists of must-see attractions like Jemaa el Fna and Koutoubia Mosque, as well as recommendations for the best restaurants, nightlife, and day trips. With easy-to-follow itineraries, themed lists, and a laminated pull-out map, this guide ensures that travelers make the most of their Moroccan adventure, whether it's a day trip or a week-long stay. From the vibrant souks to the serene Majorelle Gardens, DK Eyewitness Top 10 Marrakech helps you uncover the magic of this timeless city with ease and confidence.
The Caliph’s House, by Tahir Shah
We really enjoyed the glimpse into Moroccan life in Tahir Shah's captivating story of uprooting his family from the gray skies of London to the sun-drenched streets of Casablanca. With two kids in tow, Shah and his wife embark on a wild adventure to breathe new life into a crumbling mansion – once the crown jewel of the neighborhood. Shah's witty account of their family's rollercoaster transition will have you laughing, cringing, and cheering along. Think Under the Tuscan Sun meets A Year in Provence, but with a hefty dose of Moroccan spice that'll leave you hungry for more. This isn't your typical rose-tinted expat story – it's a hilarious, heart-warming, and brutally honest look at what happens when East meets West in the land of mint tea and ancient medinas. Read our full book review of The Caliph’s House here.
The Food of Morocco, by Paula Wolfert
Paula Wolfert, winner of the James Beard Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award and dubbed the "queen of Mediterranean cooking," presents The Food of Morocco, a definitive guide to Moroccan cuisine. This lavishly photographed cookbook, praised by culinary experts like Anthony Dias Blue and Craig Claiborne, offers tantalizing recipes and helpful preparation techniques for chefs, home cooks, and culinary enthusiasts alike. A perfect companion to Wolfert's classic Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco, this extraordinary culinary journey across Morocco's colorful and exhilarating land is sure to delight fans of renowned food writers and Mediterranean cuisine experts.
The Sheltering Sky, by Paul Bowles
Venture into the sun-scorched expanse of North Africa with Paul Bowles' groundbreaking 1949 novel, The Sheltering Sky. This haunting tale (still readable today) follows three American wanderers as they navigate the alien landscape of the Sahara, desperately searching for meaning and fulfillment in their increasingly unmoored lives. While the exact setting remains tantalizingly vague, Bowles' intimate connection with Morocco—where he spent decades as an expatriate in the vibrant port city of Tangier—infuses every page with authentic, sweltering atmosphere. This literary masterpiece, which later inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation, continues to captivate readers with its exploration of cultural clash, existential crisis, and the raw, unforgiving beauty of the desert.
Interested in learning more about Morocco? Check out our recent blog sharing more reviews and recommendations on the best books to help prepare for your Moroccan travel experience.