When it comes to AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO, one can’t help but be captivated by the enigmatic allure of this North African gem. Morocco’s history has been shaped by a tapestry of cultures, from the Carthaginians and Berber merchants to the Mediterranean pirates and the majestic rulers of Andalusia. Amidst this rich backdrop, you’ll discover the awe-inspiring Atlas and Rif mountain ranges, their peaks often adorned with a snowy mantle, overlooking the ever-changing sands of the Maghreb and the picturesque oases below.
Come with me as I discover the top tourist destinations in Morocco:
Fez
Panoramic view of the tannery in Fez, Morocco. Image source: Milton Louiz/Shutterstock.com
A 1,200-year-old Maghreb city like Fez naturally possesses all the pleasures and attractions of its age. Fès el-Bali is the city’s ancient core, where a confusing web of alleys, steps, and squares winds its way through brightly painted tanneries and quaint adobe homes.
And then there are Ville Nouvelle’s posh avenues. The French took great care to craft this area’s picturesque palm-lined boulevards, bubbling fountains, plush hotels, and Parisian-flavored streets. Explore in ontravelx the legendary madrassahs and the spice-filled souks to get a sense of the real Morocco.
AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO: Marrakech
Panoramic views of Marrakech Medina, Morocco. Image source: Serenity-H/Shutterstock.com
Marrakech is best places to visit in morocco in winter, in the Moroccan Maghreb, is the prototypical Medieval city. The jewel in the Almoravid dynasty’s former crown, this monument now shimmers in orange and beige stone under the glistening Atlas Mountains.
It is centred on the enormous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the busiest in all of Africa and the centre of a huge market where everything from handmade carpets to shisha pipes and swaying golden lanterns can be found.
The medina is also teeming with beautiful Arabic-style riads, whose interior courtyards hold minty teahouses and some of the best tagines you’ll ever taste. There are also the Royal and Bahia palaces, which were built by the sultans and viziers who formerly governed the region.
Casablanca
City panorama of Casablanca, Morocco. Image source: Masterovoy/Shutterstock.com
Casablanca, the biggest city in Morocco and the Maghreb area, is also the namesake and site of Michael Curtiz’s magnum opus from 1942 (also named merely Casablanca).
Located halfway between Rabat and El Jadida on the Atlantic coast, it is replete with rows upon rows of beautiful Mauresque architecture, a unique mix of the Arabesque and the Parisian, on every roundabout and public square.
Although there is a modest medina district, the contemporary attractions are of a different, more gargantuan nature: the enormous King Hassan II Mosque, which is regarded as Morocco’s largest; the meandering Corniche, which is dotted with superclubs and posh hotels; and the unending Morocco Mall, which is the second-largest retail mall on the continent!
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Meknes
Architecture of Meknes, Morocco. Image source: Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock.com
Meknes, or the Historic City of Meknes, as it is officially known by UNESCO, is a fascinating stopover on the way from Rabat on the coast to Fez in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
In the 18th century, during the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismal, the city flourished, and now its fascinating medina features everything from the crenulations and patterns of the massive Bab El Khemis Gate to the ornate filigrees and inlays of the Dar El Makhzen royal house.
There is a typical souk here, albeit it is considerably smaller than the ones in Fez and Marrakech. There are also more tagine restaurants than you can shake a dried apricot at, and the air is thick with the aroma of spices.
AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO: Merzouga
Old kasbah in Merzouga, Sahara Desert, Morocco. Image source: bozulek/Shutterstock.com
Around the stunning city of Merzouga, the desert’s ever-changing sand dunes take over. Set deep in the country, on the eastward side of the Atlas peaks, this onetime camel caravan village is now a vision of the archetypal Sahara we all know from films.
If you want to see sand dunes that have been shaped by the constant winds of the desert, you should visit Erg Chebbi’s massive dunes. Travel on camel to the borders with Algeria, where few tourists travel, and get lost among the ochre-yellow scenery and the odd nomad settlement.
Rabat
River Bou Regreg seafront and Kasbah in the medina of Rabat, Morocco. Image source: saiko3p/Shutterstock.com
Rabat, with its Moorish and Spanish influences, has a number of excellent museums and galleries (including the National Archaeological Museum and the Modern Art Museum) and a wonderful setting on the Atlantic coast.
Check out the shimmering beach that can be found just below the tower of the famous Almohadan Citadel, or stroll down the busy corniche that winds down the coast. However, the Berber quarter in the city’s centre is where it’s at.
The Oudaias Kasbah is home to the famous blue and white stairways and alleys that lead to the heart of the old medina.
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Tangier
Views of the medina of Tangier, Morocco. Image source: Jose y yo Estudio/Shutterstock.com
Africa’s side of the Gibraltar Strait begins in Tangier. Since the days when the Carthaginians dominated the seas, this town and stronghold on the Mediterranean’s doorstep have been much sought after by competing maritime powers.
Even while the town’s history is still very much present, notably in the old medina and underneath the huge kasbah of the former Sultan of Tangier, the town today has a more contemporary rhythm.
The Avenue Mohammed VI and its surrounding beaches and hangouts come alive with the arrival of Spanish tourists using the quick boats from neighbouring Algeciras.
AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO: El Jadida
Aerial view of Mazagan in El Jadida, Morocco. Image source: Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock.com
Like something out of “Game of Thrones,” the massive walls of the El Jadida fort rise from the waves. They are one (although prominent) symbol of the town’s unusual past as a colony of the Portuguese, rather than the French or the Spanish. El Jadida is a bit more laid back than other places like Fez or Marrakech; you can see this in the city’s baroque-topped churches and the spaces between the synagogues in the Jewish Quarter. Don’t forget to check out the beaches, which attract thousands of visitors each weekend throughout the summer.
Essaouira
Essaouira, a city and port on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Image source: Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock.com
The lengthy stretch of beaches that begins in Agadir (guess which other seaside resort town is popular in Morocco) and ends in Essaouira is a major tourist attraction in the country.
The town has a number of impressive fortifications dating back to the 18th century, including a series of keeps and crenulated lookouts that rise from the ocean.
The refreshing sea breezes are another reason why so many people go here from the hot interior medinas in the summer. This makes the beaches around Essaouira unusable for beachcombing and wind-downing. Although, harbours and great seafood make up for that!
Agadir
Boats at the Marina harbor in Agadir, Morocco. Image source: saiko3p/Shutterstock.com
Sun-kissed Agadir, Morocco, rises from the Atlantic coast with its colourful houses and whitewashed Berber caves. Visitors in search of waves have been flocking there for years. And it has served its purpose admirably.
The main beach is lined with hotels that extend out onto the sand from their palm-studded gardens, where surfers may challenge the screaming left-to-righters at popular breaks like Devil’s Rock and Cro-Cro.
You can also look forward to one of the greatest nightlife scenes in the nation once the sun goes down, with opportunities to experience anything from whiskey-infused teas in Moroccan riads to classic English ales in local pubs. Nice.
AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO: Oukaimeden
Mountains in Oukaimeden, Morocco near Marrakech. Image source: Mehdi ASEBBANE/Shutterstock.com
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to ski and salotpette at an altitude of 2,600 metres, overlooking the Maghreb and the sandy regions of the Sahara Desert below? The good news is that you can find out for yourself in Oukaimeden!
It’s the highest ski resort in Africa (well, there aren’t many, but still) and it’s located high in the Atlas Mountains. Located just 45 miles away from the bustling metropolis of Marrakech, it’s the ideal escape from the sweltering heat of North Africa.
Overlooking the craggy apex of Jebel Attar, you’ll find five distinct routes, a system of drag lifts, a ski school, rental services, and stunning vistas.
Al Hoceima
Panoramic view of Quemado Beach in Hoceima City, Morocco. Image source: RedonePhotographer/Shutterstock.com
Al Hoceima is a relaxed and lovely city with a blend of Andalusian and traditional Berber character (which remains stronger here than in practically any other town found tumbling down the slopes of the Rif Mountains in the north of the nation).
In a breathtaking setting, golden sand beaches stretch out into the Mediterranean Sea from between towering cliffs.
Furthermore, the area often gives credit to the famed Rocade road that runs along the coast to the east and west, rather than its own collection of fine hotels and quaint teahouses.
Here you may lose yourself in a landscape like the Amalfi Coast of Italy, complete with grassy cliffs, towering coastline mountains, carved canyons, and more.
Chefchaouen
Amazing view of the streets in the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco. Image source: Olena Tur/Shutterstock.com
The fabled blue city of Chefchaouen has its own special allure because of its intricate network of narrow streets and alleys.
Location adds to the town’s good appearance; it sprawls over the brown and green ranges of the Rif Mountains, amid the likes of Jebel al-Kalaa and the Talasemtane reserves (both of which are accessible on hiking expeditions).
Nonetheless, most visitors come to Europe just to explore and marvel. Relax with a cup of mint tea at a quaint teahouse in this hill village and take in the sights and sounds of the indigenous Berber community.
AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO: Ouarzazate
Old traditional Arab fortress in Ouarzazate, Morocco. Image source: Pav-Pro Photography Ltd/Shutterstock.com
Ancient Ouarzazate, a trade station on the edge of the Morccan Sahara, is recognisable by the patchwork of beige and brown adobe fortifications and bulwarks that rise up from the desert floor.
For generations, the Dades Valley has been a halt for camel caravans and traders from the Mediterranean and Central Africa.
The ancient bazaar is still here today, a jumble of dusty shops selling unusual knickknacks and wares out of the back of vans.
Check out the adjacent village of At Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been featured in the likes of Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia.
Asilah
Blue city of Asilah, Morocco. Image source: Eric Hongqin Wang/Shutterstock.com
It would be easy to mistake the sun-drenched seafront and the luminous inner passageways of charming Asilah for the whitewashed cubist settlements of the Greek Aegean Islands rather than a seaside hamlet on the extreme reaches of North Africa.
The town is a surfer’s paradise due to the long stretch of dune-backed beaches to the north and south, and it also has a thriving arts scene because of the many charming, tiny independent artisan galleries that dot the town’s central district. Please note that Asilah may get quite crowded during peak times.
It’s the first genuine resort you come across on your way south from the Spanish docks of Tangier, and it’s popular with folks coming from the city.
Conclusion
Morocco, a land of captivating beauty and diverse culture, offers travelers a unique and enriching experience. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene landscapes of the Sahara Desert, this North African country is a treasure trove of adventures and discoveries.
People Also Ask :
Where is the nicest place in Morocco?
Morocco offers numerous beautiful places, but some of the nicest include Marrakech, Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlas Mountains.
What are 4 tourist attractions in Morocco?
Four popular tourist attractions in Morocco are the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the medina of Fes, the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, and the ancient city of Ait Benhaddou.
What are 2 famous cities in Morocco?
Two famous cities in Morocco are Marrakech, known for its vibrant markets and historical sites, and Fes, renowned for its well-preserved medina and traditional craftsmanship.
What to do in Morocco for 5 days?
In 5 days in Morocco, you can explore Marrakech's markets and historic sites, visit the Atlas Mountains, take a desert excursion to the Sahara, and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Fes.
Plan your trip with ontravelx and get ready for a journey full of breathtaking sights and priceless memories.
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Official Website of the Kingdom of Morocco
- This is the official government website of Morocco, providing information about the country’s government, culture, and more.
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Tourism in Morocco – Wikipedia
- Wikipedia’s page on tourism in Morocco offers comprehensive information about the country’s popular tourist destinations, attractions, and travel tips.
