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.
