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.
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.
Boumalne Dades is located in southeast Morocco’s Tinghur Province, at 1500 metres above sea level in the High Atlas Mountains. It is a spellbinding destination - a city of terracotta buildings resting between rugged red cliffs, palm oases and fields of crimson wildflowers. The city’s scenic beauty is matched by its cultural intrigue - it has a rich heritage that includes its traditional art, music and adobe architecture - some of which have remained virtually intact over several centuries. A hiking trail leads between the Dades Gorge and the Rose Valley and is a wonderful way to experience the area’s ancient palaces and forts, Berber villages and spectacular scenery.
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 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.
