Casablanca lies on the Atlantic coast, in central-western Morocco. Fondly known by locals simply as ‘Casa', the capital is the industrial, economic and cultural heart of this remarkable country, as well as its most cosmopolitan, liberal, and progressive city. While most visitors overlook Casablanca in favour of Morocco’s more popular and exotic tourist areas, this sprawling metropolis has plenty to offer the discerning traveller and has many hidden historical and cultural gems just waiting to be discovered. The city is famous for its spectacular Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture, constructed during the Colonial Period. Explore the Old Medina, a tiny, ancient, walled village; visit the impressive King Hassan II Mosque; discover the ornate rooms, masterfully tiled floors, and intricately carved wooden ceilings of the Hispanic-Moorish Mahkama du Pacha; or simply watch the world go by at one of the many ocean-view cafes along the waterfront boulevard.
Hidden high up in the Rif Mountains of northeastern Morocco, Chefchaouen is a relatively large historical town known for the striking, variously hued blue-washed buildings of its picturesque Medina. Visitors can look forward to wandering along narrow, cobblestone streets lined with leather and weaving workshops and an array of historical monuments. Must-see attractions include the town's exquisite waterfall; the ruins of an old mosque on a hill behind it; and the shady main square of Uta el Hammam, which is home to the red-walled casbah - a 15th-century fortress and dungeon displaying ethnographic and art exhibits. This charming town also serves as an ideal base for travellers eager to explore the traditional villages and dramatic mountains of the scenic surrounding area.
Rabat and its twin city, Sale, overlook the Atlantic Ocean from their location at the mouth of the Bouregreg River. This enchanting city serves as Morocco’s capital and features fascinating Islamic and French-colonial architecture. With a rich historical and cultural heritage, a long coastline with beautiful rocky and sandy beaches, an ecologically diverse countryside, wonderful hiking trails and a vibrant city centre with lush, green parks, the city is a popular destination for travellers. Explore the city on foot, relax on the unspoilt beaches and visit the captivating 12th-century seaside kasbah of Udayas.
Morocco’s second-largest city and the country’s former capital, Fes (Fez) is an exotic mix of Arabic architecture, ancient alleyways calls to prayer and colourful markets; all mixed in with a good dose of modern culture. Home to the venerated Karaouine Mosque, which dates back to 859 AD and incorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most hallowed shrine, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II; Fes is regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers should try to synchronise their trips with the annual Festival of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar showcasing diverse performances of spiritual and religious music; while those with a penchant for shopping can browse the mesmerizing colourful markets selling an exquisite array of silver, leather and other handicrafts up for grabs.
Situated at the foot of the Grand Atlas Mountains in southern Morocco, the French-built frontier town of Erfoud serves as the gateway to the magnificent Sahara Desert. With its low, dusty, red buildings occupied by businesses, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and mechanics, Erfoud makes a convenient stopover on the journey heading south to Merzouga from Fez or Meknes. Must-see attractions include the main gate into the medina, designed in the typical Almohad style; the vibrant souk, with its array of goods such as souvenirs and fresh produce; and the surrounding Saharan Dunes, which can be explored by 4x4 or camel.
Situated in the vast desert region of Saharan Morocco, dividing Morocco and Algeria, Erg Chebbi is one of two Moroccan ‘ergs’, which are a sea of dunes. What it lacks in size - compared to the deserts of Algeria, Libya and Namibia - it makes up for in its extraordinarily scenic golden landscape, which changes colours dramatically at sunset. The dunes of Erg Chebbi span over 30 kilometres and rise up to 160 metres. From Merzouga, the tourist centre, take a camel trip into the wild; enjoy quad biking; or stay overnight in a desert oasis called a Moroccan bivouac.
At the intersection of the Dades and Draa Valley lies the relaxed Moroccan town of Ouarzazate. Surrounded by some unbelievably picturesque terrain, the town is characterised by the red-glowing kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou, the snowcapped High Atlas Mountains, and the spectacular Sahara Desert with its rolling dunes, vast canyons and deep gorges. These exotic backdrops have served as the location for a slew of Hollywood movies which have turned this once sleepy town into Morocco’s version of Hollywood. The town is a popular stopover point for tourists on their way to the Sahara. Its palm-fringed boulevards are lined with grand palaces, bustling souks, old adobe buildings and film studios. It's an ideal location for hanging out at one of the many charming cafés, sampling some delicious local Moroccan cuisine and perhaps even spotting one of the many celebrities who frequent this fascinating North African city.
In Morocco within the region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz you will find the small town of Asni, also known as ‘The Land of the Amethyst’, for its rich deposits of this semi-precious stone. Located about three hours south of the country’s capital city, Sabat, in the Imlil valley at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains the region offers a myriad of cultural, adventure and nature activities. Visitors can enjoy the area’s pristine valleys and ancient villages through day trips, hiking and camping excursions, as well as walking or cultural tours. Roughly an hour’s drive away you can marvel at Mount Toubkal, part of the Atlas Mountains, and the highest mountain of both Morocco and North Africa, standing at an altitude of 4165 metres. If you happen to be around on Tuesdays and Saturdays, don’t miss the lively farmer’s market in the nearby village of Tahanaout for a true glimpse into local life.
Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination. Marrakesh is also home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant, and browse through exquisite carpets, spices and a myriad of other items. Art, design and architecture enthusiasts flock to the city to see its incredible artisan achievements, so beautifully expressed at the glorious Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said and Saadian Tombs, as well as at several museums. The other-worldly Jardin Majorelle is also unmissable.
