Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman may have given the world Casablanca, but there is much
more to see in Morocco than its largest city.
This Atlantic coast country gives travelers the opportunity to experience life in an ancient
Arabic culture, sunning on beaches or snow skiing in the mountains.
Whether rambling through ancient medinas, sampling cuisine at a local souq or relaxing
in the sun at a white-washed seaside town, the past is always present in this diverse
and colorful country.
Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Morocco:
Number 10.
Legzira Beach
Located south of Agadir, Legzira Beach is considered Morocco’s most unique beach due
to the gigantic sea arches that dot the beach.
They are so big that a person standing underneath one at low tide will seem like a small doll.
The arches glow red at sunset, making a very picturesque scene.
The beach is popular with hang gliders and parasailers, but it’s also a good place
to sit and enjoy the spectacular sea arches.
Number 9.
Casablanca
Everyone knows the city of Casablanca as the colonial setting of the 1942 romantic film,
but the city of today doesn’t quite reflect that dreamy, enchanting feeling.
Instead, modern-day Casablanca is a trading powerhouse.
The importance of the port city means it is Morocco’s economic hub.
You can still take a walk around Casablanca’s curious old downtown to discover its past.
Ornate Moorish architecture is infused with European shapes and styles.
If you really want to hark back to black-and-white films, have drinks at Rick’s Cafe – the
famous bar from the film.
It’s a reconstruction, but we can all pretend right?
Number 8.
Meknes
Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and its name and fame are closely
linked to that of Sultan Moulay Ismail.
The sultan turned Meknes into an impressive city in Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded
by high walls with great gates.
While Meknes is an imperial city with a lot of historical monuments and natural sites
it is also the nearest city to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Number 7.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen might just as well be called the blue city because it’s filled with – what
else?
– buildings in various shades of blue.
Located in northwest Morocco, Chefchaouen is close to Tangier, making it a popular tourist
destination.
Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, the city’s narrow labyrinth of lanes hide plazas
and ancient kasbahs, with plenty of photo opportunities around every corner.
It’s popular with shoppers who can find Moroccan handicrafts, such as woven blankets,
not found elsewhere in the country.
Number 6.
Asilah
Now a popular seaside resort town, Asilah has a glorious history that dates back to
when it was a trade center for the Phoenicians in 1500 BC.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, pirates used it as a base of operations.
Fortifications from these bygone eras remain, surrounding the restored medina.
Whitewashed buildings complete the picturesque scene.
It has a good selection of budget hotels and restaurants, and a growing art scene.
About 1.5 miles south of Asilah lies Paradise beach, a wonderful wide stretch of sand, popular
with locals and tourists.
Number 5.
Essaouira
Essaouira boasts pretty, sandy beaches, but the strong winds make sunbathing out of the
question.
Water-sports fans know the benefit of the wind, however, and meet up on Essaouira’s
beaches in the summer months to practice their windsurfing skills.
The harbor and old city walls add a depth to the city’s history and, with its small
lanes and interesting streets, make for the perfect place to get lost and discover new
and interesting secrets hidden among the walls.
Number 4.
Fes.
Once the capital of Morocco, Fes exudes culture and history.
It’s emblematic medina is a huge pedestrianized sprawl that oozes ambience and history.
It can seem completely overwhelming to many visitors, whilst others fall in love with
the ebullient atmosphere.
Those who are brave enough to wander down the narrow alleys can discover the city’s
two Islamic schools.
Dating back to the 14 Century, both madrasa have intricate faces carved from cedar as
well as elaborate tiles.
The 11th Century Chouara Tannery is one of the oldest in the world and has been making
leathers for traders for many generations – make sure to look out for it in the bustling
marketplace.
Number 3.
High Atlas
The High Atlas is a mountain range that runs from the coast of Morocco towards Algeria.
The tallest mountain range in North Africa, the High Atlas offers outdoor recreation opportunities
year round, from snow sports in the winter to hiking in the summer.
One of the best place to visit is the Todra Gorge in the eastern part of the High Atlas.
Both the Todra and neighboring Dades rivers have carved out steep cliff-sided canyons
through the mountains.
On the edge of the High Atlas Mountains is Aït-Benhaddou, a traditional Mud Brick city
that has appeared in many movies including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Number 2.
Merzouga.
Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco not too far from the border with Algeria.
It’s on the tourist route because of its proximity to Erg Chebbi, sand dunes created
by winds that reach up to 500 feet high.
Travelers looking for a unique experience might want to take an overnight camel ride
through the wavy, deep reddish-orange dunes.
Most group tours end up at a pre-setup camp at the base of some very large dunes, where
the various tour operators have their Berber tents set up.
Dinner will be cooked here, perhaps some music played, and visitors can frolic on the sand
dunes under zillions of stars.
Number 1.
Marrakech
Formerly one of the country’s imperial cities, Marrakech is sometimes referred to as the
Red City because of its sandstone buildings.
During the 1960s, Marrakech was known as a “hippie mecca,” attracting famous celebrities
such as The Beatles, Yves Saint Laurent and the Rolling Stones.
Comprised of beautiful old architecture and courtyards of orange, palm, apricot and olive
trees, Marrakech today is still one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations.
The best way to sample its charms is to take off walking through the medina: watch a snake
charmer, haggle over an old carpet, eat local delicacies such as sheep’s head or have
a massage in a public bath.
Other possibilities include strolling through the Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden that
blends art deco and Moorish features, and sipping mint tea at a traditional tea house.