From the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakesh to the art deco architecture of Casablanca and the dune-filled deserts of the Sahara, Moroccan adventures immerse travellers into a diverse country with a fascinating heritage, drawing from centuries of history and age-old traditions.
This North African country has long been a cultural crossroads – a true melting pot of Arabic and European influences – along with fascinating indigenous cultures that result in one of the most intriguing places to visit.
Whether you love history, culture, architecture, luxury, food or adventure, there is truly something for everyone in Morocco. Where you decide to travel largely depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for, with each destination greatly varying in terms of pace, scenery and history.
A journey through Morocco is like experiencing living history – stepping into a different world with each different city, town and village. Here, old blends with the new, leaving the visitor unable to discern between structures that were built hundreds of years ago and those that were only completed within the last decade.
Perhaps most notable of all is the warm hospitality of the Moroccan people which deeply enriches the travel experience, leaving all those who have travelled to the North African country touched by the experience they have shared in this fascinating land.
While differences in taste and the wide array of cultural treats on offer make it impossible to name “best places” to visit in Morocco, there are a few locations that best encapsulate the wonders of this nation. Read on for some of our favourite destinations – some known while others are far off the beaten track.
Fes
Also known as the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa”, Fes is considered by many to be the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.
Founded in the 9th century, the medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and all who visit will be struck that, despite being a bustling city, very little has changed through the ages.
The old medina, with its labyrinth of narrow alleyways too small for motorised transport, is filled with donkeys, wheelbarrows and people going about their daily lives – a true feast for the senses. Fes is also home to incredible artisans – ideal for anyone with an interest in watching master woodworkers, metalworks, ceramicists and more putting their skills into practice – and of course shopping for one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.
Marrakesh
Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Morocco, , the “Red City” of Marrakesh dates back to the 12th century, with its famous rose-coloured terracotta buildings providing that quintessential Moroccan backdrop, along with the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
Steeped in history and tradition, the winding souks and abundance of boutiques also make Marrakesh a shopping mecca where you can explore to your heart’s content.
Fill your days perusing the famous landmarks: the intricately designed Bahia Palace, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa, the mesmerising Ben Youssef, the stunningly landscaped Jardin Majorelle and the adjacent Yves Saint-Laurent Museum.
High Atlas Mountains
Escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Marrakesh and gain a glimpse into Berber life, by meeting the communities that live in Morocco’s highest mountain range, known by locals as “Idraren Draren” or “Mountains of Mountains”.
The Berber people have inhabited the mountains, living a rural and peaceful life in villages tucked away in the High Atlas peaks. Visits here are a wonderful opportunity to slow down and interact with the local people, eating traditional food and learning from them as they go about their daily lives.
The High Atlas Mountains are also an adventurer’s playground. Set off on guided hikes across orchards, past salt mines, through villages and around Toubkal National Park, named after the highest peak which sits at an impressive elevation of 4,167m. Best of all, you can learn all about the countryside, botany and local way of life along the way, perhaps stopping for lunch in a traditional Berber homestead where you can chat over a wonderful meal and some refreshing mint tea.
Skoura
Between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert you will find the oasis town of Skoura, filled with endless fruit tree orchards and palm groves.
Incredibly scenic and filled with ancient adobe villages and mud-brick fortresses from the 17th century, the atmosphere feels like a scene out of The Arabian Nights – in fact its nickname is the area of “a-thousand-and-one kasbahs”.
Explore the Palmeraie and learn more about the community’s fascinating history of cultivating dates along with olives, almonds, pomegranates and figs – tasting along the way. Wander through the ruins of crumbling fortresses, perhaps opting to spend a night in a perfectly preserved kasbah set amongst picturesque gardens to soak in the spectacular surroundings.
Sahara
With never-ending golden sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see – the Sahara is truly the archetypal desert set against a deep blue sky.
Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under a blanket of a million stars for a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy a nomad dinner by candlelight with the sounds of traditional rhythmic drum music performed in the background alongside the campfire.
You can also set off on exciting desert adventures, either by camel, ATV or by foot, capturing incredible photography along the way. It goes without saying that both the sunrises and sunsets are completely surreal – watching as the sun slowly appears or descends as the sandy landscape shifts all around you is a sight to behold.
Rabat
Home to Morocco’s royal family, Rabat is the country’s capital city and is remarkable on account of its beautiful green spaces, modern buildings and ancient walls.
Laidback and immaculate with a beautiful marina and estuary to explore, Rabat is great for those seeking relaxation, but also for those interested in history and culture.
Visit the abundant landmarks, from the 12th century Hassan Mosque and ramparts, to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the ancient ruins of Chellah and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
All around the city you will find forests filled with huge cork oak trees – the perfect place for a picnic and walk to discover some of the 360 unique species of flora found here.
The Atlantic Coast
If you love to travel off the beaten track, then the wild sun-drenched coast of Larache on the Atlantic Ocean beckons.
About an hour outside of the more well-known port city of Tangier, until recently, Larache was almost completely undeveloped, with a beautiful, rugged coastline in the heart of rural Morocco that is totally unspoilt.
Now on the map due to the opening of the beautiful La Fiermontina Ocean, Larache offers the perfect blend of saltwater, culture and nature. Explore the surrounding villages, dining in local homes and witnessing ancient ceremonies, unwind at the beach club over a barbecue of freshly caught fish, go horse riding alongside the sand dunes or indulge in some fabulous pampering at the spa.
Interested in Morocco Conservation Travel?
Are you ready to experience Morocco? Then get in touch with our expert travel team on +44 20 8044 9538 or at connect@journeyswithpurpose.org and begin planning your very own journey into North Africa.
