Her vision of Cape To Casa is that it should be an informative yet practical guide of everything to know about traveling and living in Morocco. Its long been a rich cultural mix, and today visitors are drawn by its honey-colored ramparts, postcard-pretty harbor and enormous swathes of golden sand, where the omnipresent gusts of wind known locally as alizee create the perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The rustling date palms and cool mud-brick castles of Zagora, Tamnougalt, Timidarte and Agdz must once have seemed like mirages after two months in the Sahara. Marrakech, known as the Red City, is not only considered one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco, but may also be the best known in the country. Fs is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. One of Essaouiras most popular and picturesque spots to get a great view of the medina. All three of these are located along the Bou Regreg River that snakes through the city. If the granite cliffs and oases werent scenic enough, a Belgian artist applied his paint brush to some local boulders with surreal results. It has a dramatic boulder slapped in the middle featuring a small arch and waves for days Oh, right, and a cool abandoned house that I found! Asilah is a city located on the Atlantic coast of northern Morocco, about 46 kilometers from Tangier. For about 200-250 Dirhams, you can book a day trip with any of the countless tour agencies in Marrakech, and youll get round-trip transportation in a comfy minivan. 19 Places To Visit In Morocco 2023: Tourist Attractions & Things To Do! This town is home to the tomb of Moulay Idriss, the founder of the first Moroccan dynasty, as well as the ruins of a Roman town. You can hear locals speaking Arabic and French, sometimes Spanish in the north. We cannot talk about the best places in Morocco without mentioning the city of Marrakech, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is also another of the most visited destinations in the country so due to the large influx of tourists who come in search of its beautiful beaches, mainly French, the city has become a cosmopolitan summer resort and one of the main tourist destinations in the area. On this seaside sidewalk you can find the Hassan II Mosque, arguably the best attraction in Casablanca. TripSavvy / Chris VR. Make sure to explore the colourful and charismatic Medina, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lesser-known Moroccan coastal city is ideal for surfers and beach bums. Visit the Atlas Mountain Range with a camel ride, only found on Get Your Guide. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Marrakesh knows how to put on a show. Palm tree studded river beds, deep blue pools, and surrounded by mountains Yep, this is a pretty darn beautiful place in Morocco. Without a doubt, the most beautiful city in Morocco is Chefchaouen. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! It is nestled in the mountain and cascades down the mountain like a blue waterfall. It's home to some beautiful beaches, great surf spots, and awe-inspiring rock formations. A sunburned granite range leading to the Sahara, the Anti Atlas Mountains remain relatively unexplored. Who hasnt dreamed of spending the night in a tent under a starry night in the middle of the Sahara desert, enjoying some of the most beautiful cities in the country or visiting Volubilis, the best preserved Roman site in North Africa? The High Atlas region is home to North Africa's highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, a top destination for hikers with a summit of 13,671 feet/ 4,167 meters. The Main Beach consists of a massive stretch of golden sand framed by a long sidewalk and hipster cafes. The result? First created in the 1920's these beautiful botanical gardens have been owned and maintained by French artists since. An in-depth city guide to Tangier including what to see, what to do, where to eat and where to stay in Tangier Top Things to do in Tangier Morocco. This article lists some of the most iconic and must-see places to see in Morocco. 6 Beautiful Moroccan Coastal Towns to Visit by Maria Ins Pinto | Essaouira, Morocco Articles Morocco isn't just winding souks and desert dunes: it's also 1,200 miles of coastline running along the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. A one-of-a-kind fusion of neo-Moorish and art-deco architecture dating from the early 20th century, when Casablanca was the jewel of the French colonies, fills the centerwith pleasing symmetry, sensuous curves and striking tilework, along with post-independence modernist and brutalist buildings. 20 Absolute Best Places To Visit In Morocco + Map & Tips - Anywhere We Roam You can visit Chefchaouen on a day trip from Fez or Meknes, or you can stay a few days to really explore this charming town. The town became a thriving farming community producing olive oil, wheat and wine for the ancient Roman army. Just a few hours away from Marrakech is the small village of Imlil, nestled in the Atlas Mountains. Morocco's landscapes make it prime road trip territory. I been coming here since 2002 and i am on my 14 th trip here, it is beautiful, intetesting and i learned a lot about the history and culture of this place. And adorable beachside village with hardly anything more than a few places to eat and a couple of surf shops. Although narrowing Morocco's plethora of incredible destinations down to a top 10 list is difficult,no trip to the North African nation would be complete without a visit to at least one of its four imperial cities. c.hug / Flickr. If Essaouira is on your travel radar, you can definitely enjoy this port town's seafront area. 10 Most Beautiful Urban Public Parks. Use this form to get your free quote today. Epic landscapes carpet this slice of North Africa like the richly patterned rugs youll lust after in the markets, and Morocco's cities are some of the most exciting on the African continent. In the back and kind of hidden, they have this movie set which you are allowed to roam as you please! Bab Bou Jeloud, or the Blue Gate, and the Royal Palace are two very beautiful and well-maintained sights to see in Fez. This picture only shows about half of the break. The Best Beaches Near Marrakech Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? Kasbah of Udaya. Near the Algerian border in northern Morocco, Saidia is an idyllic town on the Mediterranean coast with one of the loveliest Mediterranean beaches in the country. However, Fez still feels very authentic and travellers may experience a bit of culture shock here. MeetEssaouiras coast. Located next to the city's main square, Jemaa al-Fnaa, the visually appealing Souk Semmarine is the largest market in the whole of Morocco, where traders have been selling goods for the past 1,000 years.. Venture outside the Medina to see the more modern size of Fez. After immersing yourself in the history of Rabat, head just south of the city to lounge on Temara Beach or Skirat Beach. A museum has opened, and you can wander fairly freely around this Unesco World Heritage site, pausing to peer at the dazzling mosaics. At Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and few local families still live in the tiny village, selling their traditional souvenirs to tourists. The views from Moulay Idriss Zerhoun are absolutely breathtaking and it is definitely worth a visit. Oh wow! A cultural crossroad, here you can find traditional north African influences in the Old Town and Medina, where the buildings are painted a classy white. While the city doesn't have quite the charm it did in the 1940s and 1950s when you could rub shoulders with the likes of Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, there's still a lot to see. There are spacious suites here that include luxury amenities, including Internet access, a restaurant, pool, patios, and lounges. This is a long one floor display of how various tiles, mosaics, carvings and other architectural finishes are achieved. Every summer (usually July), artists, musicians and street performers converge in Asilah for the town's vibrant annual Arts Festival. The Medina is full of shops selling gorgeous ceramics and traditional cafes selling fresh sardines, sugary mint teas and hearty tagines. The gorge is also home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in Morocco. The insides are full of scaffolding and broken bits, so be careful, but it was super cool to have this movie set to ourselves for a whole two hours! The drive is not for the fainthearted, but the views and stunning and you can always trust your local Moroccan drivers. Peter Moore | 19 August 2022 Wonderwells: 9 of the world's most beautiful oases These lush oases - located in Niger, Morocco, Oman and beyond - are a vital lifeline in the harsh deserts that surround them. Jema El Fnaa is insanely touristy and locals here exploit animals for tourist photos. It is a port city on the water, but the beaches arent as nice as others in Morocco. 154. Theres no way you can be blue in Chefchaouene unless youre a building, of course Drenched in light and deep shades of blue, this adorable town is hugged by the Rif Mountains and makes for a spectacular photo shoot, not only on its famous street either! You'll find rugged mountain ranges, rolling deserts, ancient cities, deserted beaches and warm hospitality. While you cant go inside of Mosque Bouzafar, you can certainly enjoy its viewpoint. Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, with over 3 million residents and the country's biggest expat community. On the drive into the mountains from Marrakech, you will most likely travel along the Tizi n Tichka Pass, which is a heart-stopping, winding road slicing straight through the cliffs. READ MORE: 25 things to know to help you plan your trip to Iran. 6 Beautiful Moroccan Coastal Towns to Visit - Journey Beyond Travel No kidding, right? Your line of vision is full of colourful traditional clothing, patterned pottery and ceramics, towering piles of spices, bustling fruit markets and streets congested with cars, motorbikes and donkeys. The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Morocco - Trip in Morocco Morocco Travel Guide. Visit the Modern Art Museum and National Archaeological Museum for an enlightening insight into Moroccan culture and art. What Is A Riad? The most visited city in Morocco, Marrakech is a bustling hub of travellers and locals alike. Ceuta is full of historical sites and shopping places and there are plenty of things to do. The outside is misleading, the inside is where the magic is held. Its an adventure into a medieval world of hidden squares, warrens of workshops and colorful markets. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is a good transition city between Europe and Africa. If anyone tells you theres nothing to see in Casablanca except the Hassan II Mosque, they havent looked closely enough. I actually like this portion of Essaouiras coast than the actual beach for kiteboarding and surfing because its more dramatic but certainly not safe for a swim or surf! But a nice walk or jog along the Corniche, or oceanfront boulevard is a great way to enjoy the ocean breeze. Known as the capital of Islam, a pioneer in the Muslim worship of this country, Fez is one of the 4 imperial cities along with Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat. Le CasArt Bar. In contrast to the Old Medina, the city also has a New Medina built in the 1930s, called the Quartier Habous. Dont miss our complete list of the best places to visit in Morocco! Now the story is changing, and investment is pouring in: theres a swanky new marina, hotels and apartment blocks are springing up around the bay, and streets are being spruced up. Happy to hear you love Morocco so much! Nestled against the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen may be the most picturesque place in Morocco. Here are the 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco. 8 of Morocco's best beaches for surfing, swimming and sunbathing. But Skirat is known as being one of Moroccos most beautiful and well-maintained beaches. They are works of art. Though Rabat is the countrys capital city, Casablanca is the biggest city with a population of about 3.4 million. Just past Ait Ben Haddou is this beauty. Morocco is full of rich history, intense culture, breathtaking natural beauty and endless opportunities for travellers to excite the senses. While staying in Marrakech, escape the city and venture to Ouzoud Waterfalls. Your riads, in Marrakech or not, will surely be another hot spot for an incredible picture in Morocco. Today, it is the Qutubia that houses the main prayer hall in Morocco; it is 90 metres long and 60 metres wide, with a capacity for up to 20,000 worshippers at a time. Merzouga is one of the most popular desert towns as its located right next to the massive Erg Chebbi Dunes. Traditional forts, or kasbahs, can be found at regular intervals and many now double as luxury hotels. The Complete Guide to the Atlas Mountains, The 8 Top Things to Do in Ouarzazate, Morocco, 10 Destinations to Top Your Africa Bucket List, Africa Highlights: What to Do and Where to Go, 10 Unforgettable Activities to Top Your Africa Bucket List, The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers, The Top 15 Things to See and Do in Morocco, Top 10 Destinations in Africa for a First-Time Visitor, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Some of the best Morocco destinations are already world-famous, though you may not realise. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. The only way to experience it is to plunge headfirst. With such diversity, it can be overwhelming trying to plan a trip to visit Morocco. This imperial city was once the capital of Morocco and it is full of beautiful architecture and historical sites. Climb up these walls to feel the fierce Atlantic wind on your skin and look out over the ocean and the nearby beach. Whether you choose a few shorter hikes or one long trek, you are guaranteed to find majestic mountain peaks, tiny remote villages with friendly locals, and lots of wildlife including sheep, donkeys and goats. 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Morocco - YouTube The town is surrounded by mountains where you can go for a hike or enjoy the views of the city. These will be better for your wallet than eating in one of the many tourist restaurants. Morocco over the course of 15 or so blog posts, A Magical Morocco Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Weeks: Backpackers Guide, 21+ Phenomenal Morocco Tours: Adventures, Desert Getaways, & More, 45 Essential Morocco Tips You Need for Your Trip, 53 Awesome Things to Do in Morocco That'll Make You Pack Your Bags NOW, whereintheworldisnina.com/about-nina-ragusa-travel-blogger-and-nomadic-expat/. Another location for seeing the Sahara is the desert town of Mhamid, which leads to the Erg Chingaga Dunes. Have you ever visited one of these places? Make sure to visit Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and the Ricks Cafe, made famous by the movie Casablanca. The most beautiful places in Scotland - reader vote 2022 30 best seaside towns UK 5. Essaouira's Coast and Medina Meet Essaouira's coast. Book your trip to Essaouira today on Get Your Guide! The extra distance to Paradise Beach may be worth it, as this beach is bigger and less crowded than Asilah beach. It makes a wonderful base for activities including hiking, mountain biking and seeking out prehistoric rock carvings. Oukaimeden is another popular destination in the Atlas Mountains, as it is one of the few skiing destinations in Morocco. Amazing blog, rich with innumerable info for any newcomers, thank you for sharing with us. Highlights include the medina, the Kasbah Museum and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. It is a city that has known how to combine like no other its modern area with its historical center, and although it is not one of the most visited cities of the country, I can affirm that it is one of the most beautiful cities of Morocco. You can make your own amazing list of beautiful places in Morocco after taking an epic road trip. So its definitely worth waiting amongst the crowds to see these sights. In particular, Marrakesh, Fez, and Meknes are packed full of colorful bazaars, breathtaking palaces, and bustling town squares. Al Hoceima National Park has lots of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and admiring the dramatic, seemingly untouched natural beauty. Also called as Arcila, Arzila or Assilah, it is known mainly for its long beaches of fine sand, for its beautiful medina, the cleanest and most well cared for in Morocco, and for the international festivals that take place in summer, it is also considered one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. The 12 Best Casablanca Beaches Best time to visit Morocco - Lonely Planet THE 10 BEST Nightlife Activities in Morocco - Tripadvisor Sunset from this Spanish fort is PERFECT. Travellers flock here from all over the world to photograph the Blue Pearl of Morocco, as this small city is often called because of its blue-painted dwellings. It seems hard to limit the best places to visit in Morocco because there are so many beautiful places and different cultures to discover. I found these cuties roaming the trees in the Tamri region but you can find them mostly between Marrakech and Essaouira and a bit south from there too. This is the most authentic way to explore the Saharan landscape of knife-edged dunes, blazing blue skies and rare desert wildlife. 8 Things to Do in Ouarzazate: A Movie Buffs Paradise in Morocco, How to Visit Paradise Valley Morocco: A Day Trip to an Oasis, 7 Badass Beach Towns in Morocco for Surfers and Professional Beach Bums, What to Wear in Morocco Packing List: 13 Must-Have Items, This Is What Its Like Camping in the Sahara Desert in MoroccoErg Chigaga Trip, Finding a Surf Camp in Taghazout & Becoming a Badass Surfer (Kinda), What NOT to Miss on Your 5 Days in Morocco: Fes and Chefchaouen. To see the more local side of Chefchaouen, venture anywhere outside the crowded Old Town and youll find super cheap cafes and local markets. With a string of pristine and often deserted outside of Moroccan holidays beaches and budget-friendly guesthouses, it makes a low-key and less windy alternative to Essaouira. The most scenic place in the city is the Old Town, and the most photographed spots here are Blue Street, Place El Haouta and El Asri Street. The destinations are organised into three categories: cities, beach towns, and places of natural beauty. Just the Sahara Desert here. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. The Sahara Desert No trip to Morocco would be complete without a visit to the Sahara Desert. Known as the cultural capital of Morocco, Fez is famous for its historical significance and its well-preserved traditional culture. With thousands of miles of coastline, Morocco - a country known for sand dunes and the Sahara - has a slew of lovely beaches to enjoy. The Atlas Mountains stretch over 1,500 miles, from the west coast of Morocco to Tunisia. Great suggestions and excited to visit. It is bestexplored on foot and includes the Al Quaraouiyine mosque and its associated university, which is the oldest in the world (dating back to 859 AD). 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Morocco. From the beaches to the mountains and everything in between, Morocco is a beautiful country with something for everyone. Dont lose this post! The waterfalls are simply stunning, with multiple huge cascades thundering town towards the El-Abid River Gorge. The Most Beautiful Beaches in Morocco - Culture Trip Best places to visit in Morocco - Lonely Planet Royal Mansour Bars. Walk around the old city and discover the creativity and tradition oozing from every street. Hello, beautiful. 2. Art lovers can also visit the famous art gallery known as Aplanos, or attend the Annual Arts Festival in August. Attractions likethe Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace give an insight into the city's rich history. She plans to continue her adventures around the world for as long as possible. Other highlights include the Chaouwara Tanneries, theMerenid Tombs and the Mellahor Jewish Quarter. The 25 Most Beautiful Places In Morocco You Must See (Map Included) Some of the best places to visit in Morocco are imperial cities like Marrakesh, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat. Here, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Palace of the beautiful", is a palace and gardens located right in the Medina of Marrakech. Morocco is perhaps the most convenient gateway into this sea of sand. Roads now allow safe, speedy passage through the final stretches of ancient caravan routes from Mali to Marrakesh, but beyond the rocky gorges glimpsed through car windows lies the Draa Valley of desert traders dreams. Here are the most photogenic, most beautiful, and most spectacular places I visited in Morocco In photos. The star attraction for trekkers is the quartz massif of Jebel El Kest, the "amethyst mountain,"which you can walk to through the Ameln Valley. From Imlil you can begin the multi-day trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in northern Africa. Stylish riads, fresh seafood and a fascinating art scene complete the picture. Nestled amidst the scenic peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a small town in a big landscape. Fes is also home to the worlds oldest university, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, which was founded in AD 808. Do be sure to come after its rained a bit so that the pools and waterfall are full! How to Be a Social Media Manager and Never Work in an Office Again, The 3 Things You Absolutely MUST Have for Your Passion Project to Succeed. READ MORE: Plan your trip to experience Porto, Portugal. We have searched the whole country for you and have narrowed it down to the top 10 most stunning sights for you to visit and snap your next picture in Morocco: 1. You will notice at the beaches that most local women dress conservatively. Also, Casablanca is well connected to other cities in Morocco, you can easily hop on a train or bus to explore more of this beautiful country. If you are into surfing or kitesurfing, then you will definitely want to add Dakhla to your Morocco travel itinerary. Get lost in the winding mazes of Moroccan medinas, the walled hearts of the ancient cities nonimatge / Getty Images. Top Attractions in Morocco. The beach is well-known for kitesurfing, while the town charms with narrow streets, red-and-blue-painted houses and ramparts that overlook the busy harbor. But you may choose to cover up as much as possible to blend in with the locals and show respect for their culture. If not, its definitely worth considering for your next vacation. She is an engineer by profession but nowadays spends most of her time traveling and writing about travel and food. Why it's awesome: Where to even start with why Jemaa el-Fnaa is awesome? for nearly as long. Meknes is smaller and more laid-back than Marrakesh and Fez yet it has all the charms you'd expect of an imperial city including a well-preserved medina filled with easily navigable souks. Being blue is not all that is special about this city. Another interesting place in Marrakech is Jemaa el-Fnaa, the citys main square, which comes alive at night with food stalls, snake charmers, and delicious Moroccan street food. Marrakech Marrakech is one of the most visited cities in Morrocco. Nature and Beauty The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Morocco in 2023 8 months ago Read Time: 6 minutes by beblissfultravel If you're looking for an unforgettable travel experience, look no further than Morocco.