Morocco or Jordan: Which Destination to Choose?
Two trips of desert and history, with nights under canvas and legendary sites. Jordan has Petra and Wadi Rum; Morocco has the Sahara, the Atlas and its medinas. Here is the honest comparison to help you choose.
Choose Jordan for Petra, the UNESCO-listed Nabataean city carved into rose-coloured sandstone, Wadi Rum and its Martian landscapes, the Dead Sea where you float, and Red Sea diving in Aqaba, all in a compact country you can cover in a week. Choose Morocco for more variety and an often gentler budget: the living medinas of Marrakech and Fes, riads, the Atlas Mountains, the tall sand dunes of Merzouga and Atlantic surfing, with shorter flights from Western Europe and, for most Europeans, no visa. Jordan requires a visa for many travellers and site entry fees are higher. For a trip built around one legendary site, choose Petra; for a longer, more varied and more affordable trip, choose Morocco.
The Comparison in One Table
| Criterion | Morocco | Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Signature site | UNESCO medinas, Aït Ben Haddou | Petra (UNESCO) |
| Desert | Tall sand dunes (Merzouga) | Wadi Rum, rock and sand desert |
| Night under canvas | Camps in the dunes | Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum |
| Sea | Atlantic (surf) + Mediterranean | Red Sea (Aqaba), Dead Sea |
| Mountains | Atlas, Toubkal | Desert uplands |
| Budget | Often cheaper | Higher site entry fees |
| Flight from London | About 3.5 h | About 5 h |
| Visa (EU/UK) | No, up to 90 days | Often required |
Desert: the Sahara or Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum impresses with its sandstone cliffs and arches in a mineral setting. In Morocco, the Erg Chebbi offers true golden sand dunes, among the tallest in the region, with a sunset camel ride. See the Merzouga desert and the best desert camps in Merzouga.
See desert tours from Marrakech· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
Heritage and Culture
Petra is a site unlike any other in the world, and alone justifies the trip. Morocco answers with diversity: the UNESCO medinas of Fes and Marrakech, palaces, kasbahs, souks and a very lively everyday culture. See Morocco's must-sees.
Budget and Planning
Jordan is compact, but site entry fees and accommodation are generally more expensive. Morocco offers good value, with affordable riads, excursions and transport. See the budget for a Morocco trip.
Our Verdict
| Your plan | Our pick |
|---|---|
| Seeing Petra | Jordan |
| Floating in the Dead Sea | Jordan |
| Sand dunes and a desert camp | Morocco |
| Short break or weekend | Morocco |
| Long, varied trip on a budget | Morocco |
| Surfing and mountain hiking | Morocco |
Going with Morocco? See Morocco in 7 days and our first trip guide.
See riads in Marrakech· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
See activities in Morocco· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
FAQ — Morocco or Jordan
Morocco or Jordan: which is cheaper?
Which desert is more beautiful, the Moroccan Sahara or Wadi Rum?
Do you need a visa for Morocco or Jordan?
How many days do you need for Morocco or Jordan?
Which is better for a first desert trip?
In Short
- Jordan → Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, a compact country.
- Morocco → medinas, Sahara dunes, the Atlas, the ocean, a gentler budget.
- First desert trip → Morocco; dreaming of Petra → Jordan.
