Top Things You Can't Miss In Morocco
Morocco, a country in North Africa that borders the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, known for the Sahara Desert worldwide is a country with a blend of various ethnicities and cultures.
The Moroccan people are faithful believers of their religion; they are equally tolerant, respectful towards other religions. They believe in the notion of coexistence and try to implement it in their daily life.
Morocco is considered to be a safe country for travel and is known well for many tourist sites. We'll be discussing the famous things and places present in Morocco.
If you wish to gain a deeper insight into the culture and places present in Morocco, stay hooked till the end of this article!
Why Should You Visit Morocco?
Morocco is known to be a popular destination that attracts culture lovers, adventurers, backpackers, couples, foodies, and families alike!
Reason 1: Gorgeous Beaches Along the Coastline
Morocco borders both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert and has beaches along with both the water bodies.
The most famous beaches have the greatest facilities within easy reach but some destinations like Essaouria are believed to be perfect for water sports lovers.
Reason 2: Famous Mountain Ranges
The most famous mountain present in Morocco is the Atlas Mountain which has three separate ranges namely: High Atlas, Anti Atlas, and the Middle Atlas.
Each provides a somewhat different hiking experience for all kinds of people with different kinds of experiences.
Jbel Toubkal is the highest mountain in the country, Morocco. It is located in the High Range of the Atlas Mountains. One can reach here very easily from Marrakesh.
The Rif Mountains which are present in the northern part of the country, close to the Chefchaouen city, are known for good outdoor adventures.
Morocco's mountains provide the tourists with the benefit that they can enjoy hiking, horse riding, and even mountain hiking over there.
Reason 3: Accessibility To Sahara
The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert to ever exist. There are many places in Morocco from where you can dig into the desert and start your expedition.
There are many ways to enjoy the impressive landscape: horse riding, camel riding, trekking on foot, or moving on a four-wheeler through the sands.
Reason 4: Culture Influences Are Mixed
The population of Morocco is made up of both Berners and Arabs, both groups have equally contributed to the state's culture and rich traditions.
There remain certain legacies from the time when they used to be under colonial rule. Hence, we nowadays see a lot of influence from French, Spanish and Portuguese people in certain parts of the country.
There has been a heavy influence of Jews in Morocco as they used to reside in the country a long time back.
But, we will be able to find the only Jewish Museum in the entire world in Casablanca only. Casablanca is a city in Morocco.
Reason 5: Remarkable Architecture Across The State
Many architectural beauties can be found in and across the state. From grand mosques to remarkable palaces, Morocco inhabits all of them.
Morocco carries with itself many ridiculous buildings to marvel at. Most of the buildings in Morocco feature traditional tilework known as Zellige.
Many buildings consist of impeccable wood structures and decorative carvings all over the structure. The names of some of the most beautiful foundations in Morocco are:
Saadian Tombs in Marrakech
Mosque and the University of al Quaraouiyine in Fes
Grand Mosque of Tangier
Hassan II Mosque situation in Casablanca
These are the well-known and famous buildings that one must visit on their trip to Morocco.
Reason 6: Excellent Marketplaces
Every major city and town in the country has at least one marketplace which has all kinds of goodies.
At some places, marketplaces are open on only some stipulated days whereas at some places they are open all around the week.
These marketplaces are attractive and are magnetic in effect, they attract the consumers because of their beautiful showcase and the essence they generate.
Some common items you should look for at a marketplace are varieties of clothing, lamps, spices, musical instruments, and many more.
10 Best Things To Do in Morocco
Morocco has a diverse range of activities for the pursuit of all kinds of travelers. The best places to visit in Morocco are the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert.
1. Visit Marrakech Riad
Accommodation in Marrakech Riad is believed to be top-notch and people love to take a rest in the hotels of this area.
Riad, a traditional Moroccan Medina mansion has a courtyard garden right in the middle. In all, hotels of Marrakech are believed to make up a soft landing.
The hotels in Marrakech are believed to be good bases for exploring Medina. They also provide the best-built rooms in town.
2. Pay a Visit to Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is the most famous village in the country. It is situated in the Rif Mountains of Morocco.
All the alleys and walls of this small medina are painted in blue making it the best photography point in the whole of Morocco.
The main activity to do over there is simply wandering in the empty streets and getting a good vibe of the sweet atmosphere that surrounds us.
The village Chefchaouen has a distinctive architecture, it features ceramic-tiled roofs and Spanish- style balconies. Although the paint in blue was started in the late 1930s only.
3. Hiking on Jbel Toubkal
Jbel Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa with a summit at 4,167 meters. The trek to the summit takes two days and is the most popular activity to do in Morocco.
The trek takes place at a high altitude and can turn out to be difficult, so one must have the required fitness level for it.
But the view and the sight you get to see after reaching the summit is worth the hard work and sweat. Jbel Toubkal is located in the Toubkal National Park.
4. Traditional Spa Break
Whenever you get to visit Morocco, you should make sure that you do not miss out on the spa bath or the hammam.
Hammam, is a traditional bath practiced in Morocco where the guests soak and then steam after which the attendants scrub them.
The scrub is mainly done by a Rhassoul Clay which is available in the markets of Morocco easily. Hammams played a huge role back then as many people didn't have their own washrooms.
Many luxury hotels have started to identify with this traditional way of bathing and provide their guests with hammam.
5. Relax On The Agadir Beach
Agadir, which is the main beach resort of Morocco is very popular amongst the locals as well as the tourists.
A visit to a beach or the Agadir Beach beans sand, a lot of sunlight, and the beautiful sea.
The tourist season is mainly the summer season, although people love to visit the beach in springtime too.
6. Camel Trek to Erg Chigaga
The sand sea of Erg Chigaga is an adventurous journey and has a lot to offer. This is stretched up to 40 kilometers
It is known as one of the largest desert dunes of Morocco, and you can pay your visit here if you wish to go to a not-so-crowded area.
7. Colorful Alleys of Moulay Idriss
Moulday Idriss is one of the prettiest villages in Morocco. It is well-known for its impressive structure and alleys. The alleys of this place are painted in pastel color which enhances its beauty.
Moulay Idriss is also a very important Muslim Pilgrimage site as Moulay Idriss (who was the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad) died here. Hence the name of the alley is named after him. Pilgrims from all around the world come here to pay him for services.
8. Tizi n' Test: Roadtrip
The Tizi n' Test is one of the most famous mountain pass roads known in Morocco. This road was built to link Marrakesh with Taroudant.
If you are lucky enough and the weather is good then you will enjoy the journey because the journey offers top-class scenic beauty.
There are stipulated viewpoints with many cafes on the road. They provide coffee which is much needed for the long journey and provide rest after the long drive.
8. Trek the Anti-Atlas
Tafraoute which is situated in the Ameln Valley is believed to be an excellent base for cycling and hiking.
This place is bound to interest archeologists and historians as there are a lot of ancient rock engravings and unusual rock formations on the way.
9. Hiking the Ounila Valley Area
The trails in this valley area are adventurous and are bound to interest hikers, mountain bikers, and off-road drivers.
High Atlas Valley stretches from Telout which is 127 kilometers away from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou. This place is the main historic site and is often flooded with tourists.
Top Places to Visit
The top places to visit in Morocco have already been covered above, but so that you don't miss out on any of the best places, here I have compiled a list for the same!
1. High Atlas
High Atlas is also known as heaven by most trekkers and mountain lovers. It is the highest mountain range in morocco.
Out of all the famous places of Morocco, the High Atlas mountain range is bound to take your breath away with its scenic beauty. You can easily reach the High Atlas range by bus or taxi.
If you're a mountain lover or wish to experience the scenic beauty of Morocco, this is the place you have been looking for.
2. Essaouira
Essaouira is one of the best tourist attractions of Morocco known for the shooting of Game Of Thrones.
The third season of Game of Thrones was fully shooted here and people love to visit this place because of its beautiful architecture.
You can reach Essaouira only by bus because there is no train station at the place. You should visit this place if you're a GOT fan or if you love beaches!
3. Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a city that's set amongst the famous Rif Mountains, known for its blue aesthetics.
This city is known for solo traveling people individually love to experience and explore the houses painted in blue and white.
The people of Chefchaouen are super sweet, they will help you in case you get lost in the bewildering and beautiful streets of this city.
You should visit here if you wish to collect the best souvenirs from Morocco and this city is also known for the best handicrafts.
4. Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert which is the largest in the entire world is a must-visit when you're in Morocco.
The sunsets and sunrises look the most attractive over here. You should pay a visit to the Sahara Desert if you wish to sleep beneath the canopy of stars.
You can even try desert safaris and camel caravans over here. You could also find a camel group trek if you're enough!
5. Casablanca
Casablanca might not be the best in terms of atmosphere and the weather, but it is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to pay a visit to in Morocco.
The stunning buildings in Casablanca are a mixture of the French Colonial and the traditional Moroccan design. These buildings attract a lot of tourists.
You can reach Casablanca easily through trains because the stations can be put on navigation easily and the time of arrival/departure is also displayed on the board which facilitates an individual's journey.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Morocco is a beautiful place one must visit. It has a lot many things to offer, ranging from high mountain ranges to well-known beaches.
It is known for an extremely warm temperature and the people here are very kind and helpful which glorifies the beauty of the state.
There is no end to the number of shopping avenues at this place and one can enjoy the calm nightlife of the city very happily.
If you're a travel enthusiast, Morocco should be put on your checklist and you must ensure that at least once you visit this lovely country!