Morocco, the jewel of Northern Africa, is a diverse place to visit. Encompassing a whole new world altogether, it offers various spots to see and things to do.
Boasting incredible historical architecture, rich history, vibrant culture, ancient markets, and North Africa’s stunning scenery, Morocco is a one-of-a-kind destination. The blend of African and Arabic customs has transformed Morocco into a fascinating country.
The local souk or bazaar of Morocco
From quaint coastal villages to colourful towns and beautiful beaches, there is a lot to see in Morocco.
Check out the top 8 things you need to see for a promising trip to Morocco.
1. The Imperial Fez
One of the oldest and most imperial cities in Morocco is Fez. It is a hub for historical culture, often dubbed the ‘Athens of Africa’.
A tannery in Fez
Surrounded by the ruins of old palaces, secret alleyways, and local markets, Fez is the perfect place to wander around. The streets are full of Moroccan street foods such as Pastilla, chebakia, and mint tea. Fez is also famous for its artisan leather products that come from the leather bazaar, or souk.
In the imperial city of Fez, one of the best things to see are the tanneries that have been operational since mediaeval times. The vats filled with colourful dyes and the skins left to dry are a spectacular sight to observe.
2. The blue streets of Chefchaouen
The city of Chefchaouen is one of the most recognisable and mystical places on earth. It is situated in the Rif Mountains and offers solace away from the hectic cities of Morocco.
An alleyway in Chefchaouen
The most striking feature of Chefchaouen is the blue-on-blue buildings that are mesmerising and photogenic. Painted in different shades of blue, the city is also renowned for its history. It is one of the best places to catch the beautiful scenery of the distant mountains and absorb its beauty.
Chefchaouen is also Morocco’s main trekking and hiking destination, as it serves as a starting point for Rif Mountain walks.
3. Marrakesh Medina
This old fortified city is one of the major tourist attractions in Morocco. It comprises numerous landmarks where you can experience the beautiful culture of the country.
Marrakesh during nighttime
The bustling city of Marrakesh starts at the vast Djemma el-Fna Square. Traditional musicians, snake charmers, vendors, and acrobats fill the streets of Marrakesh. Once you enter the medina, you are met with several pathways and shopkeepers.
Marrakesh holds the largest market in Morocco, where you can purchase handicrafts, local spices, and leather.
4. Ait Ben Haddou
This fortress, or kasbah, is a former caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. The golden stone fortress appears frozen in time and resembles historic times.
The historic Ait Ben Haddou
The orange-hued tower and its unique architectural design are often seen in Hollywood films. Its surreal beauty makes it stand out from the rest of the scenery. If you are travelling into the inland regions of Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou is a must-visit.
You can also experience sleeping inside the kasbah. However, do keep in mind that there is no electricity within the fortress.
5. Erg Chebbi dunes
The largest and most magnificent desert in the world, the Sahara is mesmerising. In Morocco’s eastern Sahara region, the grand dunes of Erg Chebbi can be observed near Merzouga.
Camel rides over Erg Chebbi dunes
For those wanting to enjoy their dose of action in the desert, this is the main spot. Activities like four-wheel drives in the desert, camel trekking, and dune surfing can be enjoyed.
For an authentic experience in Sahara, you can choose to stay overnight in a desert camp and spend the night under the stars unspoiled by pollution. You can also take a trip to the traditional Bedouin village to witness local civilizations.
Sunrise and sunsets are spectacular when seen from the Sahara desert and transform the dunes into a dreamy landscape.
6. Hassan II Mosque
Out of all the beautiful mosques in Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is the most impressive. Completed in 1993 at the orders of King Hassan, this nearly-modern mosque is a major point of Casablanca and a lavish symbol of Morocco.
The elegant Hassan II Mosque
It is the largest mosque in the country which took at least 10,000 artisans to fill in the decorations. The intricate details in the mosque such as carved marble pieces, zellige tiles, and vivid mosaics pay tribute to traditional Islamic architecture.
Moreover, this landmark building manages to capture Moroccan craftsmanship. Visitors can take a tour of Hasan II Mosque after the prayers are over, and admire its breath-taking interior. Outside, the building has an oceanfront setting, enhancing its beauty further.
7. Essaouira
Essaouira is a seaside town in Morocco and is situated along the Atlantic coast. This laidback port city has never lost its authenticity even though it is a favorite destination for windsurfers.
The quaint town of Essaouira
The little town is painted in blue and white colors and boasts a beautiful beach that stretches for miles. Its traditional boats, shoreside forts, and twisted lanes make Essaouira a charming place to explore.
The best way to enjoy the town is by visiting the Bohemian cafes and watching locals go along with their lives. For active sightseeing, you can go on walks and even surf along the beach.
8. Atlas mountain
The Atlas Mountain stretches from the west coast of Morocco to Tunisia. This region is home to Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
The picturesque landscape of Atlas mountain
One way to enjoy the scenery of the picturesque mountain is by trekking or hiking. Most treks start from Imlil which is a mountain village located near Marrakesh. It is recommended to go along with a guide to acquire more knowledge about the region.
While hiking, you are met with varied landscapes ranging from green valleys, and pastures to snowy peaks. If you do not prefer to walk around a lot, there are other relaxing hikes available in the surrounding region that offer equally gorgeous vistas.
The beautiful and historic Morocco has various landmarks and attractions to visit. The ones mentioned above are some of the iconic which must go straight onto your travel list. They are bound to transform your simple vacation into a genuine Moroccan trip.
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