Located in North Africa and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Morocco is a country of dazzling diversity. This magical country is home to stunning beaches, rugged mountains, vast deserts, ancient cities and more. Morocco is also a country with a rich mix of cultures, with influences from Berber, Arab, and European traditions. A foodies delight, Morocco is famous for its delicious tagines, couscous, and mint tea.
Here are our top 10 places to visit in Morocco.
No. 10 - Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast in the northwestern part of the country. The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Islamic empires, and French colonialism. It is home to several impressive historic sites, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified medieval city overlooking the sea, and the Hassan Tower, a minaret from the 12th century that was never completed.
Rabat is also home to other iconic attractions, such as the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which houses the tombs of the late king and his two sons, and the Chellah, a historic necropolis that dates back to the Roman Empire. The city’s best museums include the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Archaeological Museum.
As the administrative centre of Morocco, Rabat is the location for several government institutions, including the Royal Palace and the Parliament. The city has a modern side as well, with a vibrant shopping district, trendy cafes, and restaurants serving traditional Moroccan cuisine.
No. 9 - Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is a fortified village located in the Ouarzazate province, at the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. The village is famous for its distinctive architecture, which consists of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls made of mud and straw.
Ait Benhaddou has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is often used as a film location for many famous movies and TV shows, such as "Lawrence of Arabia," "Gladiator," and "Game of Thrones."
Visitors can explore the village's narrow streets and alleys, which are lined with traditional shops and cafes. They can also climb up to the top of the hill to see the ancient granary, which was used to store food during times of siege.
Ait Benhaddou is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of red cliffs and desert plains, and it is an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby valleys and gorges, such as the Draa Valley and the Dades Gorge.
No. 8 - Toubkal National Park
Toubkal National Park is located in the High Atlas Mountains and covers an area of over 380 square miles. The park is named after Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, which rises to a height of 13,671 feet and is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers.
The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endemic species such as the Barbary macaque and the Atlas cedar. Visitors can explore the park's many trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Some of the most popular hiking routes include the Toubkal Circuit, the Azzaden Valley Trek, and the M'Goun Traverse.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy other outdoor activities in the park, such as rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. There are also several small Berber villages within the park that offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.
No. 7 - Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a city in southern Morocco, located at the edge of the Sahara Desert, in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. It is known as the "Gateway to the Desert" and is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture.
The city is home to several historic sites, such as the Taourirt Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the residence of the Glaoui dynasty. Visitors can explore the kasbah's maze of narrow alleyways and ornate courtyards, which offer a glimpse into Morocco's ancient architecture and way of life.
Ouarzazate is also a popular destination for the film industry, with several famous movies and TV shows filmed in the area. Visitors can take a tour of the Atlas Film Studios, which offer a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process.
Outside of the city, visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of the Draa Valley, the Dades Gorge, and the Todra Gorge, which offer breathtaking views of red cliffs, lush palm groves, and sparkling rivers.
No. 6 - Casablanca
Casablanca is a large city located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, and it is the largest city in the country with a population of over 3 million people. It is known for its modern architecture, lively atmosphere, and economic importance as the commercial and industrial centre of Morocco.
The city is home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Hassan II Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in the world. The mosque's stunning architecture, featuring intricate mosaics, marble floors, and a massive minaret towering over the sea, make it a must-visit destination for tourists.
Casablanca also has several museums, such as the Museum of Moroccan Judaism and the Villa des Arts, which showcase the city's rich cultural heritage and art scene. The city's vibrant nightlife, with its numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants, offers a lively and exciting atmosphere for visitors.
No. 5 - Essaouira
Essaouira is a coastal city located in western Morocco. The city is famous for its well-preserved medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medina's narrow streets are lined with traditional houses, art galleries, and shops selling local crafts, such as jewellery, textiles, and pottery. Visitors can also explore the Skala de la Ville, a 18th-century fortification built by the Portuguese that offers stunning views of the sea and the city.
Essaouira is also a great spot for beachgoers due its beautiful beaches, which are popular with surfers and windsurfers due to the strong winds and waves. The city's harbour is also a popular spot for fishermen, who bring in fresh seafood that can be enjoyed in the many restaurants and cafes in the city.
If you’re a music enthusiast, be sure to stop by Essaouira. The city has a rich musical history, with several festivals and events celebrating traditional Moroccan music, such as the Gnawa Festival, which takes place every year in June.
No. 4 - Merzouga
Merzouga is a small village located in southeastern Morocco, near the border with Algeria. It is famous for its stunning Sahara Desert landscapes, which attract thousands of tourists every year.
The village is located near the Erg Chebbi, which is a large area of sand dunes that can reach up to 500 feet high. Visitors can explore the dunes by camel or on foot, and experience the breathtaking scenery of the desert at sunrise and sunset.
Merzouga is also known for its traditional Berber culture, with several nomadic tribes living in the surrounding desert areas. Visitors can learn about the Berber way of life, taste traditional cuisine, and listen to music played on traditional instruments, such as the oud and the darbuka.
The village is a popular starting point for expeditions to other destinations in the Sahara Desert, such as the Draa Valley and the Dades Gorge, which offer stunning natural beauty and a glimpse into Morocco's ancient history and culture.
No. 3 - Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, also known as the "Blue City", is a picturesque town in northern Morocco. It is situated in the Rif Mountains and is known for its distinctive blue-painted buildings and narrow winding streets. The town's blue colour is believed to have been introduced by Jewish refugees who settled there in the 1930s.
Chefchaouen's medina is a popular tourist destination, with its blue buildings, bustling marketplaces, and traditional Moroccan architecture. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways, explore the souks (markets), and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
The town also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking in the nearby mountains, exploring the Akchour waterfall, and visiting the Talassemtane National Park.
No. 2 - Fes
Fes, also known as Fez, is one of the largest and oldest cities in Morocco, located in the northeast of the country. It is often referred to as the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco and is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and traditional way of life.
The city's medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many historic mosques, palaces, and madrasas (Islamic schools). Visitors can wander through the narrow alleys, explore the souks, and admire the intricate tilework and carvings that adorn many of the buildings.
Fes is also famous for its tanneries, where leather is still produced using traditional methods. Visitors can observe the tanning process from the rooftop terraces of nearby shops and purchase leather goods at the many stalls and shops in the area.
Other popular attractions in Fes include the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, and the Dar Batha Museum, which houses a collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.
No. 1 - Marrakech
Marrakech, also known as the "Red City", is a vibrant and bustling city located in central Morocco. The city's medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many historic buildings, including the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs. Visitors can also explore the winding alleyways of the souks, where they can find everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and pottery.
One of the most iconic attractions in Marrakech is the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a lively public square that comes alive at night with street performers, food vendors, and musicians. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at one of the many restaurants or food stalls in the area while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Other popular attractions in Marrakech include the Majorelle Garden, the Menara Gardens, and the Museum of Marrakech, which showcases traditional Moroccan art and architecture.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Morocco. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Morocco.
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