Morocco is fast becoming the destination of choice for gravel hungry back country bike travellers
Cycling the Atlas Mountains is accessible and adventurous which is why I believe it’s found such popualrity with the bikepacking and gravel communities.
Few places stir the cycling imagination quite like Morocco. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the hairpin bends of the High Atlas and the salty winds of the Atlantic coast, Morocco is a bike traveller’s dream.
This guide is built on first-hand experience from our own ten-day ride through the Atlas Mountains and beyond. It’s designed to help you plan your trip: when to go, what route to take, what gear you’ll need, and how much it will cost.
Trip Report: Cycle Touring in Morocco: Atlas Mountains by Bike
Best Time to Cycle the Atlas Mountains and the rest of Morocco
Morocco offers year-round riding, but the Atlas Mountains are best tackled in spring and autumn.
- Spring (March–May): Warm days, cool nights, mountain wildflowers.
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): Stable weather, clear skies, fewer tourists.
- Summer (June–Aug): Too hot in the plains (40°C+). Passes are rideable but punishing.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow and freezing conditions in the High Atlas, but the Atlantic coast remains pleasant.
Tip: Plan around shoulder seasons for the best mix of weather and road conditions.
Resource: My Ultimate Guide to Bicycle Touring: How I Plan, Ride & Thrive on Two Wheels
Routes & Itineraries
Classic 10-Day Atlas Loop
Adrian and I planned this loop on the back of a beer mat in a Farringdon pub. It was a much need break from the city and one of my favourite rides for it’s distinctive landscapes and demanding terrain.
Our ride followed a spectacular loop:
- Start: Marrakech
- Climb: Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m)
- South: Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou
- West: Taroudant and Agadir
- North: Essaouira and the Atlantic coast
- Finish: Marrakech
This route combines big mountain passes with coast roads and city stopovers. Expect around 600–700 km with plenty of climbing.
Resource: Is A Steel Touring Bicycle The Best Choice For A RTW Bike Trip?
Shorter Trips (3–8 Days)
- High Atlas Loop: Out of Marrakech, up to Asni and Tizi n’Tichka, then return. Big climbs in a short distance.
- Essaouira Coastal Loop: Start in Marrakech, ride west to Essaouira, enjoy the Atlantic breeze, and take a bus back.
- Desert Edge Ride: Ouarzazate to Merzouga and the edge of the Sahara. Rugged, remote, unforgettable.
Longer Adventures (2–3 Weeks)
- Atlas + Coast Traverse: Agadir north through Essaouira, Rabat, and Tangier. A mix of mountains and Atlantic shoreline.
Resource: Is A Brooks Leather Saddle The Best For RTW Bike Travel?
The Route of Caravans
A brace of brand new long distance cycling routes created to offer a bikepacking route across the country. The Morocco Traverse runs from Tiznit to Tangier in a simply named North and South.
SInce it’s launch in Autumn 2024 on Bikepacking.com, the route has seen high demand and exciting feedback. An excellent starting point for a self guided bikepacking trip in Morocco.
Review: Is the MSR WhisperLite Multifuel the Best Bike Touring Stove?
Road Conditions & Terrain
The Atlas Mountains are serious terrain:
- Paved Roads: Most mountain passes are sealed but steep, with gradients up to 10%.
- Gravel & Dirt: Side routes offer adventurous bikepacking options. Expect rough surfaces.
- Traffic: Busy near Marrakech and Agadir, but quiet in rural valleys.
- Animals & Obstacles: Expect donkeys, goats, potholes, and the occasional landslide.
Tip: Wide tyres (35–45 mm) make life easier on mixed surfaces.
Review: Is The Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT The Best Tent In The World?
Accommodation & Food
Where to Sleep
- Riads & Guesthouses: Common in towns, affordable and atmospheric.
- Camping: Wild camping is possible in rural areas, though not always discreet. Ask locals for permission.
- Budget Hotels: In cities, expect basic but secure rooms.
Resource: Camping Mat vs Air Mattress: How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Bike Travel
What to Eat
- Tagine: Slow-cooked stew, available everywhere.
- Couscous: Served with vegetables and meat, filling and cheap.
- Bread & Tea: Staple roadside fuel. Mint tea is a ritual and a pick-me-up.
Budget: €20–€40 per day, depending on comfort level.
Gear & Bike Setup
- Bike Choice: Touring bike, gravel bike, or MTB. All work — the key is strong wheels and low gearing.
- Tyres: 35–45 mm recommended. Wider if you plan dirt tracks.
- Gearing: Compact setup with low gears for mountain passes.
- Must-Haves:
- Lights (tunnels and early starts).
- Warm jacket (nights get cold above 2,000 m).
- Water filter (streams and fountains).
- Spares: tubes, cables, multi-tool.
Tip: Pack for extremes — 35°C desert afternoons and freezing mountain mornings.
Review: Is This The Best Filter Water Bottle For Bike Travel?
Costs & Budgeting
- Accommodation: Guesthouses €10–€20 per night.
- Food: Café meals, €3–€5; street snacks, under €1.
- Transport: Buses often take bikes (for a fee). Trains do not.
- Flights with a Bike: Marrakech and Casablanca are the best entry points; most airlines charge €50–€100 per bike bag.
Resource: My Bike Travel Tech Stack: Useful Gadgets for Travelling the World on Two Wheels
Safety & Practical Tips
- Road Safety: Drivers vary; stay visible and ride defensively.
- Culture: Greet people politely; dress modestly in rural areas.
- Language: French is widely spoken, Arabic is the standard language, and Berber is spoken in mountain villages.
- Money: Cash economy; ATMs in towns. One Moroccan Dihram will cost around 80p /0.93 Euro/11 cents of USD
- Connectivity: SIM cards are cheap in cities, patchy in remote valleys.
Safety Note: Morocco is generally safe for cycle touring, but be prepared for increased attention as a foreign rider. Always lock your bike in big cities.
Resource: The Subtle Art of Rough Sleeping And How To Do It Well
Sample Packing List
- Touring bike/gravel bike with low gears
- Helmet, lights, reflective vest
- Warm jacket, rain layer, cycling kit
- Cooking stove (optional), utensils
- Tent/bivvy (if camping)
- Toolkit: pump, multi-tool, spare tubes, chain links
- Water filter/purification tablets
- Camera & power bank
Resource: My Complete Cycle Touring Kit List for Epic RTW Adventures
FAQs Cycling the Atlas Mountains in Morocco
What is the best time to cycle in Morocco?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov) are the best seasons for comfortable temperatures and stable weather.
Review: Is A Brooks Leather Saddle The Best For RTW Bike Travel?
Is Morocco safe for cycle touring?
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for cyclists. Expect curiosity from locals. Watch traffic near big cities and secure your bike at night.
Resource: Cycle Touring Panniers and Bike Bags for RTW Adventures
What if I’m invited to stay in someones home?
While cycling the Atlas Mountains, Adrian and I were hosted by a lovely family and taken to the local hammam. We felt safe and found Moroccan hospitality to be generous. Use your comon sense and keep an open mind in these situations. Mostly, it’s an act of genuine kindness.
Resource: Five Best Stretches For Cyclists Before And After A Ride
How difficult are the Atlas climbs?
They’re serious: long, sustained climbs above 2,000 m with gradients around 6–10%. Fitness and low gears are essential.
Review: Is The Rab Neutrino 200 The Best Down Sleeping Bag For Bikepacking and Cycle Touring?
Can I wild camp in Morocco?
Yes, but discretion is advised. Always ask permission near villages. Camping in valleys and open plains is common among cycle tourists. There were parts of our trip cycling in moroccco where wild camping was tricky due to farming. We asked a local for permission and ended up being invited to stay the night. A common occurence in our experience.
Resource: A Road Tested Guide To Wild Camping And Sleeping Outside
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Many nationalities (including the UK, EU, US, and Australia) are eligible for 90 days of visa-free travel. Always check current entry rules before travel.
Resource: Camp Cooking Tips For Long-Distance Bicycle Touring
Resources & Further Reading
- A Beginners Guide To Bicycle Touring: How To Prepare For Your First Bike Trip
- I’m a big fan of Push Bike Girl, read Heike’s trip report here her photography is next level
- This Reddit forum discusses the new Route of Caravans with up to date details of both North and South options.
- The BBC review of The Route of Caravans
- Morocco tourism board: visitmorocco.com.
- Paper maps: Michelin Morocco 742* or OpenCycleMap online.
Review: Why A Thermarest Is The Best Sleeping Pad For Bike Touring
Cycling the Atlas Mountains – is it for you?
Cycling the Atlas Mountains in Morocco is everything an adventurous rider could hope for — towering passes, endless skies, bustling towns, and friendly roadside encounters. The Atlas Mountains will test your legs and reward your spirit.
Plan your trip well, pack light but smart, and give yourself time to stop for tea with strangers. Morocco by bike is an experience you’ll carry forever.
