Places to Visit in Morocco
Things to Do in Morocco: Places to see, attractions and main cities
Top Destinations Morocco
Marrakech (Morocco)
8.3
Founded in 1062, Marrakech was once the capital of an empire which stretched from Toledo to Senegal. It is even called the 'Red City' because of the colour of the... Next
Art & Culture, Food experience, Romance...
5 Travelers' reviews on Marrakech
Rabat (Morocco)
7.3
Rabat is situated on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bou Regreg estuary, opposite Salé, northeast of Casablanca. Rabat is Morocco’s political and... Next
Art & Culture, Food experience, Family fun...
3 Travelers' reviews on Rabat
Agadir (Morocco)
7.2
Agadir is in southwest Morocco. This costal city is located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and is home to an estimated... Next
Sun & beach, Family fun, Food experience...
5 Travelers' reviews on Agadir
Asilah (Morocco)
7
Asilah is one of the most beautiful old cities of Morocco, situated in the cliffs to the north of the country and facing the Atlantic... Next
Educational, Art & Culture, Family fun...
2 Travelers' reviews on Asilah
Essaouira (Morocco)
7
Essaouira is in Morocco. It is home to 70,000 people. It enjoys a moderate climate with mild winters (Oct-Mar) and warm dry summers (May-Sept); the... Next
Art & Culture, Sun & beach, Romance...
1 Travelers' reviews on Essaouira
Dakhla (Morocco)
6.9
Dakhla is located in Western Sahara, which is a territory in North Africa to the south of Morocco. Dakhla,... Next
Educational, Youth travel, Rural...
1 Travelers' reviews on Dakhla
Ouzoud (Morocco)
6.9
Ouzoud is located in the Middle Atlas mountain range running through the centre of Morocco. Ouzoud is the site of for the... Next
Educational, Youth travel, Rural...
1 Travelers' reviews on Ouzoud
Tangier (Morocco)
6.9
Tangier is in northern Morocco, and lies on the Strait of Gibraltar. The city is home to approximately 669,685 inhabitants.... Next
Art & Culture, Food experience, Family fun...
2 Travelers' reviews on Tangier
Casablanca (Morocco)
6.8
The financial capital and an internationally expanding metropolis, Casablanca owes its name to the few white houses gently growing old along its ramparts. Completely... Next
Art & Culture, Food experience, Shopping...
8 Travelers' reviews on Casablanca
Tetouan (Morocco)
6.8
Tetouan is located in the extreme north of Morocco, just a few miles south of the Strait of Gibraltar. This... Next
Educational, Youth travel, Rural...
2 Travelers' reviews on Tetouan
Meknes (Morocco)
6.7
Meknes is a city in northern Morocco. A historical city, it is home to an estimated 536,322 people.... Next
Art & Culture, Educational, Mountain...
4 Travelers' reviews on Meknes
Ouarzazate (Morocco)
6.7
Ouarzazate (pronounced Warzazat) is in southern Morocco . This city, at the confluence of the Draa and Dades valleys, it is home to... Next
Romance, Family fun, Youth travel...
1 Travelers' reviews on Ouarzazate
Chefchaouen (Morocco)
6.6
Chefchaouen is located in the northern part of Morocco in the Rif Mountains. This tiny village with a population of... Next
Romance, Mountain, Art & Culture...
2 Travelers' reviews on Chefchaouen
Fez (Morocco)
6.5
Fez, in northern Morocco, is the third-largest city in the country. It has a population of 946,815 inhabitants. The... Next
Art & Culture, Romance, Educational...
3 Travelers' reviews on Fez
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Top 5 Things You Must See in Morocco
Top 5 Things You Must See in Morocco
Morocco is a hot topic in the travel world these days it seems. With our recent guest post from Gail Burgen regarding her scary carpet experience in Fes to the latest reality show Expedition Impossible taking place in Morocco, our interest is definitely sparked. Saturdays are for dreaming. They are a day to relax and pamper yourself. It’s your day to do whatever you like, and today we’re dreaming of visiting the exotic land of Morocco in Northern Africa.
Top 5 Things you Must See in Morocco
Morocco is a fascinating multicultural country blended from African, Arab and European influences. It is our closest link to the continent of Africa and a diverse holiday destination. The country offers an incredible amount of history, culture, art and music along with a fascinating geographical landscape incorporating the Sahara desert, the snow capped Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic coastline. There is so much to experience, whether on an adventure or luxurious all-inclusive Morocco holiday, here are five things that you simply must see during your visit:
Visit the Jamaa el Fna in Marrakech
Djamma el Fna at Dusk
A holiday in Morocco is not complete without an extended visit to Marrakech, the Imperial City of Morocco situated at the base of the Atlas Mountains. There are many things to experience in this city, but you should visit the Jamaa el Fna in the centre of the old city. This square is the home of orange juice stalls and snake charmers, dancers and story tellers, magicians and peddlers. It is a kaleidoscope of colours and as dark falls it becomes a food market where you can purchase some of the amazing culinary delights of Morocco and eat them in the chill of the desert evening.
Around the edge of the Jamaa el Fna you will find the souk, the traditional African markets and café terraces. There are also hotels and gardens and a maze of tiny streets to explore. You will find a visit to the Jamaa el Fna an unforgettable experience.
Spend some time at Fes el-Bali in Fes
leather tannery in fes
Fes is the oldest city in the country and the Medina (or Fes el-Bali) is a World Heritage site. There is nowhere in Morocco that has quite the vibrancy and culture of Fes, and in particular the Fes el-Bali, so a visit to it should be an essential destination on your itinerary. It is worthwhile paying for a guide to take you through its maze of streets and to show you the important sites and explain some of its history. Hiring a guide for a half or even a full day is quite inexpensive and an investment worth making.
In the Fes el-Bali you will take a trip back in time, you will find yourself in a place that is unique to your experience and which others have described as life changing. Many of the houses to be found in the labyrinth of tiny streets can only be accessed by drop ladders; you will find Royal gardens, Mosques, the workshops of local artisans, fountains and several monuments; but most of all your senses will be overwhelmed by the variety of things you will experience.
Watch the sun rise on a Merzouga morning
Sand Dunes near Merzouga Morocco
The sun seems to rise very quickly in the desert. First there is the flash pre-dawn green followed by a yellowing of the sky then suddenly the desert sand are set alight by the vivid morning sunlight and glow a fiery red. To experience a desert sunrise is an unforgettable experience and the best place to do so is at the Merzouga sand dunes or Erg Chebbi. Some of these dunes tower over a 160 metres high and support a highly diverse wildlife of flora and fauna. You will find pink flamingos fishing in the lake and many rare birds taking a break from their spring migration.
To make the most of the region why not spend a few days on a camel trip through the desert spending the nights under canvas after watching the sun set behind the dunes and enjoy an early Moroccan breakfast cooked by your guide as you watch the sun rise; you will never forget the experience.
Take in the Colours of the Dades Valley
There is no other place in the world that is quite like the Dades Valley, which translates the Red Valley, though red is not the only colour you will experience. The mineral rich Dades Gorge sparkles in many hues of blue and green as well as white and red.
Many communities populate the valley; these are connected by a long winding road and nourished by the waters of the river that meanders through them. Once these communities were made up of warring tribesmen, but today all is peace and harmony, or at least that is how it appears to the tourist. Drive though and experience the continually changing vista and spectacular views, or if you are brave enough leave the vehicle behind and hire a guide to take you through part the valley on foot.
Relax on the beach in Essaouira
Ramparts of Essaouira
Finally, after the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and Fes and the spectacular sights of the desert at Merzouga and the Dades Valley, our final must see is the beach at Essaouira. This Atlantic coast beach is a favourite of wind and kite surfers due to the often shallow waters. It was once a favourite haunt of Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, though times have moved on since then.
As well as the beach there is also plenty to experience in the town, which is typical of many small fortified Moroccan townships. At one time it was a very important port, it is still a fishing port, and it was a trading post in 400 BC; it is now a World Heritage City.
Conclusion
These top 5 things you must see are just a sample of what’s available for tourists on holiday in Morocco; in such a diverse country there are so many holiday options available. You might prefer to create your own adventure holiday roaming the desert, or if you prefer the comfort of staying in a fine city hotel then a luxury all inclusive resort might be more to your style. Whatever your choice, you are pretty unlikely to be disappointed as there is so much on offer.
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Morocco
With long beaches, fortified fishing ports, lush oases and the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s coasts and countryside offer plenty to interest travelers. Throw in the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh with their superb examples of early Islamic architecture, and you’ll understand why Morocco is a great travel destination.
The top tourist attractions in Morocco:
10 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 a 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.
9Volubilis
In antiquity, Volubilis was an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests in present day Morocco. It was the administrative center of the province Mauretania Tingitana. The fertile lands of the province produced many commodities such as grain and olive oil, which were exported to Rome, contributing to the province’s wealth and prosperity. The Romans evacuated most of Morocco at the end of the 3rd century AD but people continued to live in Volubilis for many centuries.
8Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen (or Chaouen) is a gorgeous mountain city in northeastern Morocco. The picturesque medina, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, is filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue accents. It is a popular shopping destination offering many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists. The region around Chefchaouen is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco. Hashish is subsequently sold all over town, but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenis.
7Todra Gorge
Todra Gorge is situated on the remote east side of the High Atlas Mountains. Both the Todra and neighboring Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons through the mountains. The final 600 meters of the Todra Gorge are the most spectacular as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10 meters (33 ft) wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160 meters (525 ft) high on each side.
6Essaouira
Essaouira is a relaxed fishing port, protected by a natural bay. It was formerly known, by the 16th century Portuguese as Mogador. The present city of Essaouira was only built during the 18th century to increase trade exchanges with the European powers. Nowadays, Essaouira is renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected bay. Parasols tend to be used on the beach as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. The medina of Essaouira is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and wood-carving.
5Draa Valley
Located south of the High Atlas mountains, the stunning Draa Valley, lined with old Kasbahs, Berber villages and palm groves, spreads from Ouarzazate in the west to Zagora in the east. A drive through the valley is undoubtedly one of the most scenic journeys in Morocco. The Draa Valley is intersected by the Draa River which starts in the High Atlas and ends in the Atlantic Ocean, though in reality the river normally dries out before reaching the ocean.
4Erg Chebbi
The Erg Chebbi dunes are located in the Sahara Desert. The awe-inspiring dunes are as high as 150 meters tall, and one certainly feels small in their shadows. Erg Chebbi special feature is its beautiful unique orange colored sand. Excursions to the dunes normally start from the village of Merzouga which is located on the edge of the erg. Camel trekking is the most popular option although it isn’t the most comfortable way of traveling.
3Fes el Bali
Fes-al-Bali, the larger of the two medinas of Fes, is a nearly intact medieval city. With a population of about 150,000 inhabitants, it is the largest carfree urban area in the world by population. Transports of goods is provided by donkeys, carriages, and motorbikes. The entire medina is surrounded by high walls with a number of historic city gates. Several shops and restaurants have a rooftop terrace which is a great way to escape the bustling streets. The views are particularly spectacular during sunset and after dark.
2 Aït Benhaddou
Aït Benhaddou is one of Ouarzazate’s fortified cities along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Inside the high mud walls are 6 kasbahs and a small number of homes. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river although a few families still live within the city walls. Aït Benhaddou has appeared in several movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Djemaa el Fna
Djemaa El-Fna is the highlight of any visit to Marrakech and one of the top tourist attractions in Morocco. By day this square at the heart of the medina is largely filled with snake charmers and people with monkeys, as well as some of the more common stalls. As the day progresses the entertainments on offer change: the snake charmers depart, and in the afternoon and evening the square becomes more crowded, with story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As dark descends Djemaa El-Fna fills with dozens of food-stalls, and the crowds are at their height.
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