Morocco – a culture lover’s paradise
Morocco often lives up to people’s exotic expectations – in its squares, souks and medinas. But outside its enchanting cities is also a lyrical landscape: there are also vast mountain ranges, serene deserts and tranquil beaches.
Morocco is indeed a gateway to Africa, as it is often described. Easily accessible from Europe, it is equally popular as an African travel destination. And understandably so – it has much to recommend it.
To help you figure out where to go in this magical country, we’ve highlighted five of the most incredible sights that really should be top of your list.
Marrakech
Marrakech is the perfect place to start – just be prepared to have your senses overwhelmed. The country’s old imperial capital is a sprawl of narrow streets, at once dense and entrancing. At least one of your evenings should be spent in the Djemaa El Fna – Marrakech’s main square that is fondly dubbed ‘La Place’. This busy plaza plays host to snake charmers and street performers (halqa), in what can only be described as organised chaos. See it to believe it. Sunset marks the start of a fierce grilling competition by Moroccan cooks; after dinner, there are the ‘jam sessions’, complete with enthusiastic audience participation.
For those interested in Moroccan architecture, we recommend Bahia Palace – a sprawling site of some 20 acres. The Saadian Tombs, dating back to 1659, are another must-see. This network of sepulchres and mausoleums were purposefully built over and lay hidden until 1917.
And if you want to escape the crowds we suggest Jardin Majorelle or ANIMA. It is in our view, one of the most charming places to visit in Morocco outside Marrakech, ( a 35-minute drive away) and, despite being a little difficult to find, is well worth the trip. Somewhat of an oasis, ANIMA is an art gallery masquerading as a garden and features work from the likes of Keith Haring and Pablo Picasso.
Tangier
In late 2018, Morocco unveiled Africa’s first high-speed train, connecting Rabat (and Casablanca) with Tangier in the north. The route has cut the journey time in half and, whilst Moroccans will have to wait to see the long-term economic benefits of the project, visitors should take full advantage.
We recommend heading for the port city of Tangier. Largely ignored by Moroccan power in the 20th century, due to its Western influence, Tangier has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in the past two decades. Expect to find laidback squares and a unique mix of people, many of whom enjoy the city’s thriving café culture.
Whilst the old town is popular with day-trippers from nearby Spain, it retains a more relaxed feel than Marrakesh. So take your time to wander here. Immerse yourself in a sea of craftsmanship, fill your stomachs with fish tagine and when you’re done, relax on the beach – a wide stretch of sand that doubles as a park for locals.
Fez
Boasting the world’s largest and oldest medina, Fez was the Moroccan capital until 1912 (it’s now Rabat). And Fez’s medina really is the final word in mazes – the best thing to do is to get such in and resist the fear of getting lost. Just follow everyone else, and you should be fine. There’s of course much more to this astonishing, ancient city: Fez is also home to the oldest educational institute in the world. The Madrasa (or University) of al-Qarawiyyin dates back to 859 AD. And, whilst only Muslims are allowed inside, there are plenty of other Islamic colleges to explore. We suggest the somewhat more lavish Al-Attarine Madrasa.
When you’ve had your fill of culture head for one of Fez’s many souqs. If you can bare their labyrinthine layout, there are some serious bargains to be had. From Berber jewellery to Fassi ceramics and enough saffron to paint a sunset with, you can easily lose an afternoon (or your bearings) perusing in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Atlas Mountains
For one of the exhilarating places to visit in Morocco when you’ve had your fill of city life, make for the hills. The Atlas Mountains are North Africa’s highest mountain range and offer not only world-class hiking but also a window into the indigenous Moroccan culture. Whilst traditionally referred to as Berber, these people now wish to be known as Amazigh – meaning “free people”.
With the Mediterranean to the North and the Sahara to the south, the mountains provide a perfect climate to hike in, from spring to autumn. They can be reached within several hours from Marrakech and, whilst day-trips are possible, we recommend spending several nights in this vast expanse of canyons and valleys.
Tours can be arranged with English speaking guides and such trips cover accommodation, transport and food. Expect the latter to be both local and plentiful.
Erg Chebbi
Any trip to Morocco should include a visit to the desert. How could you not? And, whilst this outpost might be some 13 hours from Marrakech (by bus) – it is fully worth the journey! For Erg Chebbi is a sea of sand dunes – calm, majestic and ethereal.
You will arrive in Merzouga and head into the pre-Saharan steppes on foot or by camel. Day trips lead you back to this tourist town whilst overnight excursions offer the experience of a night under the stars, with food and entertainment provided by locals.
5 alternative places to visit in Morocco…
- Chefchaouen– another spectacular place to visit in Morocco and only an hour from Tangier, this mountain village is known as ‘The Pearl of the North’. And, given the blue tinge that permeates almost every building in sight, you can understand why! A great place to relax in – just don’t forget your camera…
- Essaouira– nicknamed “Africa’s Windy City”, this seaside port is a popular place to visit in Morocco and is a well-known hangout for both surfers and windsurfers. And its medina is more relaxed than most – allowing tourists easy access to ample galleries and boutiques.
- Casablanca– Morocco’s largest city might be youthful but it lacks charm. Worth stopping in if you wish to see the towering Hassan II Mosque, the seventh-largest of its kind in the world. If you were enchanted by the film Casablanca then it probably should be on your list of places to visit in Morocco.
- Volubilis– Another UNESCO World Heritage site (Morocco boasts eight of them), these impressive Roman ruins date back to the 3rd century BC. They can easily be reached from Fez and are well worth a day trip.
- Agadir– if sun, sea and sand are all you are seeking then this is the place to you. You can find your fill of western food in the various hotels and still connect with local culture on its main promenade.
So what do you think? If you have ever been to this magical country, where would say are the best places to visit in Morocco?
Sources
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/hidden-morocco-travel-guide
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/170/
https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/morocco
