Morocco is a country of contrasts, rich historical heritage, and unique landscapes. Discover its dazzling imperial cities and the wide variety of nature getaways, outdoor experiences and delicious cuisine on offer. Keep reading!
Imperial cities: Marrakech, Rabat, Fez and Meknes
Marrakech, also known as the ‘Red City’, is home to a unique medina which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here, you can experience the true essence of Morocco amid souks, narrow streets and riads. Must-see sights include Jemaa El-Fna Square, which offers a wide range of culinary delights; the Koutoubia Mosque, the most important in the city; the Menara Gardens, a large green space; and the Guéliz and Hivernage neighbourhoods, which are full of shops and lively nightlife.
Madrasa al Attarine
Meanwhile, Rabat, the capital of the kingdom, perfectly fuses modernity and tradition. Make sure you visit the Hassan Tower, the mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah des Oudayas — a fortified, walled complex forming the city’s old citadel. Other must-sees are its beaches, the Andalusian Gardens and the international festivals that the city plays host to, such as the Mawazine.
Travelling to Fez is like travelling back in time. This city is the country’s spiritual capital, home to one of the world’s largest and oldest medinas. The entrance to the medina is the iconic Bab Boujloud gate. Strolling through its winding streets is like exploring a maze full of history, with beautiful mosques and hundreds of craft stalls.
Finally, Meknes is the fourth imperial city of Morocco. Bab Mansour, the gateway to the city, is the largest in the country and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as has its medina. The El-Hedim Square and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum are two must-see attractions.
Diverse nature getaways
Fint Oasis / Draa Valley
The cities of Ouarzazate, Zagora and Tinghir, in southern Morocco, form a remarkable area just on the edge of the desert. These destinations are home to iconic palm groves such as those in Skoura and Draa, large dunes such as those in Chegaga, unexpected oases such as Fint, and lakes in the middle of the arid landscape such as Mansour Eddahbi. Two must-see areas for guided hikes are the Dades Gorges and Iriqui National Park. Make sure you see them!
Nature lovers should visit the Azilal region in the High Atlas. Here you will find the magnificent Ouzoud waterfalls, the Aït Bouguemez valley and Lake Bin El Ouidane, three ideal destinations for ecotourism enthusiasts. Similarly, the city of Chefchaouen will captivate you with its mountainous landscapes and tranquil natural parks, which are full of trails and waterfalls.
The city of Taroudant is an excellent starting point for excursions into the surrounding mountains and valleys. Meanwhile, Tioute’s enormous palm grove and kasbah are sure to impress visitors. And we mustn’t overlook Essaouira, a jewel of the Atlantic coast, where argan forests, dunes, and wild beaches provide a stunning natural spectacle.
Last but not least is Merzouga, one of Morocco’s most iconic and extensive desert areas. Its dunes can reach heights of up to 150 metres.
Traditional flavours and culture
Moroccan cuisine stands out for its wide variety of flavours, aromas and colours, clearly reflecting its rich and diverse historical heritage. According to ‘La Liste’, some of the world’s top 1,000 restaurants are located in Marrakech, Fez, Agadir and Rabat. These cities are therefore must-visit culinary destinations.
Chebakia
Couscous, made from wheat semolina, is a key element of Moroccan cuisine. Some of the most iconic Moroccan dishes include tajine, a slow-cooked stew in a clay pot; harira, a traditional soup; and mechoui, spiced roast meat. Aubergine zaâlouk, pepper and tomato tektouta, and meat-filled briouates are three ideal starters to whet your appetite.
Sweets play a fundamental role in Moroccan cuisine, with chebakia, a type of fried dough covered in honey, being the most popular. Don’t leave without tasting the gazelle horns, made from ground almonds, or the ghriba, delicious butter biscuits.
Sports activities
Morocco is a great destination for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. The city of Casablanca is renowned for its prestigious golf courses, as well as its wide range of water sports: surfing, windsurfing, diving and sport fishing. Essaouira and Dakhla are two more ideal destinations for enjoying the coast and all the adventures it offers.
Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga
Meanwhile, visitors who prefer to venture into the lush vegetation of the kingdom should visit the region of Ouarzazate, Zagora and Tinghir, where they can go hiking, mountain biking and trekking, and enjoy motor sports in the dunes.
Merzouga also allows you to enjoy the desert in all its splendour, especially the Erg Chebbi dunes, where visitors can go sandboarding or explore caves and gorges on quad bikes.
0 comments