"Top 10 Unmissable Destinations in Morocco: Explore Beaches, Mountains, and Historic Sites"
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by Unboxify,
7 min reading time
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Discover the Magic of Morocco: Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations 🌍
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.
Legzira Beach: A Natural Marvel of Gigantic Sea Arches 🌊
Location
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.
Activities
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The beach is popular with hang gliders and parasailers.
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Great place to sit and enjoy the spectacular sea arches.
Casablanca: A Modern Trading Powerhouse with Historical Charm 🏙️
Colonial Charm Meets Modern Day
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.
Explore the Old Downtown
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.
Rick's Cafe: A Nostalgic Experience
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?
Meknes: The Imperial City of Sultan Moulay Ismail 👑
A Blend of History
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.
Historical Monuments
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.
Chefchaouen: The Enchanting Blue Pearl of Morocco 💙
Stunning Blue Hues
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.
Breathtaking Surroundings
Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, the city’s narrow labyrinth of lanes hide plazas and ancient kasbahs, with plenty of photo opportunities around every corner.
A Shoppers Paradise
It’s popular with shoppers who can find Moroccan handicrafts, such as woven blankets, not found elsewhere in the country.
Asilah: The Seaside Resort Steeped in History 🌴
A Rich Historical Tapestry
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.
Charming Fortifications and Medinas
Fortifications from these bygone eras remain, surrounding the restored medina. Whitewashed buildings complete the picturesque scene.
Local Attractions
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It has a good selection of budget hotels and restaurants.
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Growing art scene.
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Paradise beach: a wonderful wide stretch of sand, popular with locals and tourists.
Essaouira: The Windy City for Water-Sports Enthusiasts 🏄♂️
A Beach Lover's Paradox
Essaouira boasts pretty, sandy beaches, but the strong winds make sunbathing out of the question.
Water Sports Haven
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.
Historical Charm
The harbor and old city walls add 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.
Fes: A Cultural and Historical Gem 📜
A Glimpse into Morocco’s Past
Once the capital of Morocco, Fes exudes culture and history. Its emblematic medina is a huge pedestrianized sprawl that oozes ambiance and history.
A Medley of Sights
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It can seem completely overwhelming to many visitors, whilst others fall in love with the ebullient atmosphere.
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The narrow alleys offer discoveries like the city’s two Islamic schools dating back to the 14th Century, both madrasas with intricate faces carved from cedar as well as elaborate tiles.
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The 11th Century Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest in the world, has been making leathers for traders for many generations – make sure to look out for it in the bustling marketplace.
High Atlas: Morocco’s Majestic Mountain Range 🏞️
An Adventurer's Paradise
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.
A Natural Wonder
One of the best places 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.
Film Set Surprises
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.
Merzouga: The Gateway to Morocco’s Grand Sand Dunes 🏜️
Dramatic Landscapes
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.
Desert Adventures
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.
Experience Authentic Berber Life
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Dinner cooked on-site.
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Music played.
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Visitors can frolic on the sand dunes under zillions of stars.
Marrakech: The Vibrant Heart of Morocco 🌹
An Imperial City
Formerly one of the country’s imperial cities, Marrakech is sometimes referred to as the Red City because of its sandstone buildings.
Hippie Haven in the 60s
During the 1960s, Marrakech was known as a “hippie mecca,” attracting famous celebrities such as The Beatles, Yves Saint Laurent, and the Rolling Stones.
A Cultural Kaleidoscope
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.
Exploring the Medina
The best way to sample its charms is to take off walking through the medina:
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Watch a snake charmer.
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Haggle over an old carpet.
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Eat local delicacies such as sheep’s head.
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Have a massage in a public bath.
Jardin Majorelle & Traditional Teahouses
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.
Morocco encapsulates a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the historical charm of Meknes and Fes to the striking landscapes of the High Atlas and Merzouga’s dunes, this North African gem offers endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, the best places to visit in Morocco ensure an unforgettable journey.
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