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.
Situated in the heart of Morocco, within a beautiful landscape of rich cedar forests, the Middle Atlas mountains, and the rich oasis of Tafilalt. The impressive imperial city boasts a unique blend of Islamic and European architectural styles, and serves as an important economic hub within the Meknes Prefecture. It is the quieter neighbour of Fez with more of a laid-back-faded-grandeur feel. The city is surrounded by monumental walls and features ancient ornate gates, palatial buildings, and winding narrow medina streets. Visitors can look forward to exploring the remnants of the Imperial city including the spectacular Bab el- Mansour, a large gate adorned with beautiful zellij mosaic tiling which crowns the entrance of the former Imperial city; the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, exhibiting magnificent courtyards and fountains; and the ruins of Heri es-Souani, a vast structure once used for stables and storage. Don’t miss the ancient marketplace and square of Pl el-Hedim.
Set along the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, Ait Benhaddou is a popular tourist destination in the Ouarzazate province. This ancient Moroccan village is a traditional mud-brick city edging the High Atlas Mountains. It has featured in many Hollywood movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Jewel of the Nile, and Gladiator. Thanks to the Hollywood touch-ups through the years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved. It is a ‘ksar’ which means fortified village and served as a convenient stopover for hundreds of caravans of camels following the renowned trans-Saharan trade route. Travellers can wander the ancient alleyways, view the traditional architecture, and visit the Granary perched at the top of the hill. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddon at the foot of the hill on the opposite side of town, and soak up the breathtaking views.
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.
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.
Favourably situated on a vast sweeping bay on the southwest coast of Morocco, featuring long stretches of glorious, golden-sand beaches, the historical town of Essaouira is one of the country’s premier tourist attractions. The town is set against a picturesque backdrop of lush, wooded hills and a patchwork of small fields, spread with a kaleidoscope of colourful wildflowers in springtime. Known for its bustling fishing harbour, quaint white and blue houses, and its lovely, souk-filled medina, there is plenty to keep you blissfully engaged in this popular seaside town. The strong Atlantic wind provides perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Despite its popularity, the town has managed to retain its old-world charm and is an ideal place to embrace the laid-back lifestyle of the locals and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
