Top 10 Places to Visit on a Morocco Tour

Top 10 Places to Visit on a Morocco Tour
Morocco is a modern Muslim country in North Africa. It has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco, also referred to as the Kingdom of Morocco, has international borders with Algeria to the east, Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait and land borders with two small Spanish cities, Ceuta and Melilla), and Mauritania to the south. For Westerners, Morocco holds an immediate and enduring fascination. Since it’s not possible to see everything on the first or even second trip we’ve selected The Top 10 Places Not to Miss when traveling to Morocco which will give you a taste of the country’s highlights: outstanding natural wonders, spectacular cities, history, culture and breathtaking architecture. 

 

DJEMMA EL FNA SQUARE, MARRAKESH
Snake charmers, fortune tellers, monkeys and musicians transform this square into a medieval circus.

ERG CHEBBI DUNES, SAHARA DESERT
These mesmerizing sand dunes at the edge of Merzouga are one of Morocco's great sites.

CASCADES D'OUZOUD, MARRAKESH-AZILAL

These dramatic waterfalls with cafés and pools to plunge into are set within a lush valley.

MAJORELLE GARDEN, MARRAKESH

A magnificent botanical garden designed by Jacques Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent.

TODRA GORGE, HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

These carved out cliff– sided canyons offer spectacular views of the Moroccan countryside.

VOUBILIS, WALILI ROMAN RUINS

A third-century archeological site with the best preserved Roman ruins in Northern Africa.

KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE, MARRAKESH

This twelfth-century minaret is a symbol of Marrakesh, visible for miles around the city.

AIT BENHADDOU, OUARZAZATE

This fortified Kasbah in the Souss-Massa-DraâValley is where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. 

KASBAH TAOURIRT, OUARZAZATE

Built by the Glaoui, this is one of the souths most breathtaking Kasbahs.

FES DAR BATHA MUSEUM, FES

This nineteenth-century Hispano-Moorish palace houses a collection of Fes traditional art.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Morocco

Top 10 Places to Visit in Morocco

 Top Destinations Travel Africa Morocco Marrakech FES

When you travel to Morocco the best places to visit include the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes and Meknes. This is where you find wonderful bazaars, palaces and bustling town squares. Morocco is also famous for its beaches and some of the best seaside towns include Essaouira, Tangier and Asilah. Morocco also has natural beauty. You can hire a camel and trek through the Sahara; climb North Africa's highest peak; or stay in a traditional Kasbah in the fascinating Dades Valley.

1. Marrakech

Situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech is large, noisy, full of history, and beautiful. There's a lot to see and do in Marrakech. Highlights include the central square of Djemma el Fna; the Saadian Tombs, Marjorelle Gardens, and the souqs (bazaars). Staying in a traditional Riad will really enhance your visit to this fascinating city.

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2. Fes (Fez)

The most complete medieval city of the Arab world, Fes is a strange and appealing mix of middle ages meets the modern world. The extraordinary medina city of Fes El Bali is worth a few days walking in itself. Other highlights include the Merenid tombs, the Royal Palace and the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Fes was Morocco's capital for more than 400 years and is still considered the religious and cultural center of the country.

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3. Essaouira

A favorite with independent travellers, Essaouira is a great place to get away from the heat and bustle of the bigger cities. Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley enjoyed the beach scene here in the 1960's. Highlights include strolling through the town's beautiful narrow streets filled with red and blue painted houses, the ramparts, the beach and listening to traditional music of the Gnawas.

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4. Chefchaouen

Situated in the Rif mountains Chefchaouen is a small town in a big landscape. Popular with independent travellers (perhaps because it is the cannabis capital of morocco) but not yet spoilt by them. Highlights include hiking, swimming in streams, sipping a drink on the main square (Outa el Hammam) and enjoying the beauty of the white houses and their brightly painted doors.

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5. Merzouga

Merzouga is a desert town that lies a stone throw away from the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes, Morocco's largest dunes. From here you can organize camel treks into the desert and get a little taste of Bedouin life. The landscape around Merzouga evokes the classic images of the Sahara desert and won't disappoint. There are plenty of places to stay to suit all budgets.

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6. Jebel Toubkal - Trekking the High Atlas Mountains

Jebel Toubkal, situated in the High Atlas Mountains, is North Africa's highest peak at 4,167m (13,667 ft). It's a challenging trek to the summit, but worth it for the spectacular views. While you can make it to the summit and back to the town of Imlil in a day, it's recommended you take at least 3 days to get the most out of it.

7. Meknes

Getty Images/Petr Svarc

Meknes is smaller and a little more laid back than Marrakech and Fez yet this imperial city has similar charms. Highlights include a wonderfully preserved medina filled with souqs which is easy to navigate without a guide. The Imperial City, built by the powerful Moulay Ismail in the 17th Century, is a showcase of Moroccan architecture complete with huge gates and impressive carvings. The nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis are also well worth a trip.

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8. Dades Valley

The Dades Valley runs in between the Jebel Sarhro and the High Atlas Mountains and offers some of Morocco's most spectacular scenery. The deep red cliffs on each side are lined with impressive Kasbahs, traditional Moroccan built forts. The best way to appreciate the valley and its Berber villages is to get out of your car and walk especially when you reach the Todra and Dades Gorges. Several Kasbahs in this region have been turned into hotels.

9. Tangier

Tangier is the gateway to Africa for many travelers. While the city doesn't have quite the charm it did in the 1940's and 1950's when you could rub shoulders with the likes of Truman Capote, Paul Bowles and Tennessee Williams there's still a lot to see. Highlights include the medina, the Kasbah and the Ville Nouvelle. Tangier is well known for its aggressive touts, but persevere and this unique city will grow on you.

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10. Asilah

Asilah is a wonderful beach town on Morocco's North Atlantic coast. Asilah is very popular with Moroccan vacationers who flock to its sandy beaches in the summer months. The city walls are covered in colorful murals and the houses are white-washed making this town look like it could be at home in Greece. A popular cultural festival is held here every summer. Other highlights include the beaches, small shops, the ramparts and medina.

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A Journey to the beauty of Moroccan architecture

Drawing inspiration from Moorish architecture, this magnificent Moroccan home is built as a contemporary interpretation of the style.

Simplified Moorish details beautifully coexist in this contemporary residence as they pay homage to the traditional architecture of the region.

Columns, niches, horseshoe or Moorish arches, muqarna-like details and rich finishes are evidenced throughout but interpreted in the cleaner lines of the contemporary style.

Designed with the amenities of a resort, this beautiful 4500m2 (48,440 sq ft) home has two heated pools, a private spa with jetted tub, home theatre and fitness center.

Numerous fireplaces and furniture groupings create intimate gathering places within the large open spaces of the home.

With 11 bedrooms and bathrooms, there are ample accommodations for family and guests to enjoy the home and extensive outdoor living spaces.

Typical of Moorish architecture, windows on the public side of the home are kept small to insure privacy. The domed and columned portico as well as the whitewashed stucco facade show the Moorish influence.

The wall of glass in this contemporary living space is perfectly centered to view the outdoor entertaining area. The Venetian plastered walls produce a slight shimmer in the reflected light.

The muqarna-inspired open grillwork above the water basin is further evidence of the Moorish style. The glass firescreen on the horseshoe arched fireplace exemplifies the marriage of contemporary with traditional.

The suggestion of columns, the series of arches and the filigree on the pendants all show Moorish influence but are accomplished in a cleaner, simplified contemporary style.

Changes in the ceiling and flooring details help to define the very large space and create cozier conversation areas. Illuminated columns and recessed wall fixtures near the floor mark the entrance.

The stylized horseshoe arch fireplace and niches speak of the Moorish influence while the furnishings are classic modern in style.

Moroccan architecture

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