The North African state of Morocco is popular for different reasons to most of the African continent. Instead of incredible wildlife, Morocco is home to ancient nomads, bustling imperial cities, and stunning mountain scenery. From the famous Blue City of Chefchaouen to the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and the numerous sights of Marrakech, this article will discuss all of the best places to visit in Morocco.
Magnificent Places to Visit in Morocco
Marrakech
Although not the capital of the country (that’s Rabat), Marrakech is the most popular city destination in Morocco. Visitors to the vibrant city will want to head straight to the Djemaa El Fna main square. Located in the heart of Marrakech’s ancient medina, the square is a hive of activity, with market traders, snake charmers, and salesman all going about their business. It can be a bit intimidating to a first-timer. However, all of the merchants are friendly. It’s all a part of the Morocco experience as you browse the bustling souks. One of the best attractions to visit on your Morocco holiday is Koutoubia Mosque, an impressive structure that is the tallest building in the city. Other highlights include the pretty Majorelle Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Ait Benhaddou
UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Morocco. The ancient walled village was constructed hundreds of years ago, high up on a hill for defense purposes. The kasbah is incredibly well-preserved and has starred in blockbuster movies including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, as well as the famous TV show Game of Thrones. You can wander the narrow streets at your own leisure. Or you can hire a local guide to show you around. The local guides tend to have relations with the vendors and business owners. So it’s always a better experience if you can negotiate this way!
Chefchaouen
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is renowned for its blue-washed buildings, earning it the nickname of the Blue City. It’s a must-visit destination on any Morocco holiday and its relatively small size means the city is easily navigable in a day or two. You’ll want to explore Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the heart of the ancient medina. If you want to make the most of your incredible surroundings, why not enjoy a trek into nearby Talassemtane National Park, home to otters and Barbary macaques. You’ll also be able to admire the cascading Akchour Falls.
Casablanca
Casablanca is the gateway to Morocco, home to the country’s main international airport. Although it lacks the attractions of Marrakech and Fes, it is still a popular place to spend a day or two on your Morocco holiday. Attractions in the city include the Hassan II Mosque, which has a capacity of 25,000. This figure makes it the third-largest mosque in the world. Place Mohamed V is the city’s main square and a great place to admire the French colonial architecture that Casablanca is known for. It is also a great place to enjoy a stroll, with pretty, well-tended gardens to admire.
Essaouira
The fishing city of Essaouira is Morocco’s prime seaside settlement. Back in the 1960s, it was popular with global superstars including Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. Today, it remains a great location to spend a few quiet days. The walled medina is a captivating place to explore and if you consider yourself something of an adrenaline junkie then you can enjoy a range of water sports. Essaouira’s Atlantic coastline creates prime conditions for wind and kite surfing. A popular Morocco holiday route is to take in the three cities of Marrakech, Casablanca, and Essaouira, which form an almost perfect triangle.
Fes
Fes is a sprawling medieval city, one of the oldest and largest in the world. This ancient city is certainly one of the best places to visit in Morocco. The city is a maze of narrow alleyways and side streets – many often ending in dead ends. The entire city is alive with smells, sights, and sounds. The best way to explore the city is on a guided tour, as it is easy to get lost and miss some of the key sites. You’ll want to pay a visit to the ancient dye pits and tanneries, which are still in use today. Dar Batha Museum is home to a vast array of 14th-century artifacts and the Merenid Tombs are the final resting place of many historic Merenid sultans from Morocco’s history.
Morocco Holiday Summary
In conclusion, there are many other highlights to Morocco than those listed in this article. The Roman ruins of Volubilis, towering Todra Gorge, the fascinating capital of Rabat, and the port city of Tangier are just some of the other worthy destinations in Morocco. The best way to see the country is on a guided group tour. This allows for a more peaceful and organized trip making some of the more overwhelming Moroccan cities easier to take in. Consequently, it also makes traveling between destinations that much easier. As always, we encourage readers to submit photos of their favorite travel destinations. “Touristy” selfies welcome! 😉