Did you know that you can get to Morocco in just an hour or two by ferry from Spain (depending on the route) and several Moroccan cities are well served by budget airlines. So, for Europeans in particular, the country is easily accessible and is a treat for history, architecture and food lovers. Then there is the diversity of landscapes with coastline, snow-capped mountains and dessert, not to mention the incredible cities and great holiday resorts. Question is … if you haven’t been there yet … why not???!!!
During the past 5 years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Morocco 4 times – 2 road trips and 2 shorter vacations. The following are my favourite suggestions based on those travels. So if you ever get to this beautiful place, try and check as many of these as you can!
1. Get lost in Fez Medina
And get lost you will!! With an estimated 9500 streets, it really is a labyrinth (and therefore may not be the best place to begin your Moroccan trip!). However, this is probably the best preserved medina in the Arab world and offers a more authentic experience than Marrakech. It is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and of course the famous tanneries (above).
2. Enjoy mint tea in Rabat
Ok – you can have mint tea anywhere in Morocco but location is everything. In Rabat, locals and visitors alike head for the Kasbah – the stronghold of the medina – and Cafe Maure. Here you can enjoy your tea and pastries on a terrace offering panoramic views.
3. Stay in a Riad in Marrakech
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house found in city medinas . A single door onto the street hides stunning interiors. Many have a few floors built around a small courtyard or garden and a roof terrace. Of the thousands in Marrakech medina, about 1500 of them operate as guest houses. Some are still family run and offer a great alternative to the large impersonal hotels
4. Explore the Atlas Mountains
Its another world when you get away from the cities. Berber villages, goat herds, canyons, incredible views – this is a haven for hikers but you don’t have to be a serious walker to enjoy the landscape. Its worth renting a car for a few days and exploring on your own but its possible to take a day trip from Marrakech if you don’t have much time.
5. Spend a night at an oasis
You don’t have to sleep under the stars (if you don’t want to), and if you hate sand you don’t have to go all the way to the Sahara. Once past the Atlas mountains the landscape of scrub and rock opens out on occasion to fertile strips of greenery, that in times gone by were important stops on the old caravan routes to the Sudan, Timbuktu and beyond. Here you will still find mud kasbahs and busy villages and many offer accommodation in lovely houses and lodges with great food and facilities.
6. Visit the magnificent Hassan 11 Mosque in Casablanca
Overlooking the Atlantic ocean, this stunning building blends traditional Moorish architecture with 20th century innovation which allows the mosque to withstand earthquakes and boasts a sliding roof and heated floor. There’s plenty to admire outside but if you have time, its worth taking a guided tour of the fabulous interior.
7. Immerse yourself in the ruins and mosaics of Volubilis
If Roman ruins are your thing then you’ll love Volubilis. If mosaics are your thing then you’re really in for a treat! All this history, art and architecture just lying there, with a backdrop of Moroccan countryside – spectacular!
8. Sit and read in the coffee shops of Tangier
To do this right you need a Paul Bowles novel – preferably his first The Sheltering Sky (1949) and preferably second hand. On no account are you to pull out your kindle!!!
9. Soak up the Atlantic air in Essaouira
Despite the fact that you will never get the spelling right – all those vowels!! – you will love this laid back fishing town which must be one of the most popular destinations in Morocco. In the morning, you can watch the fishermen land with their catch. Walk the ramparts and beach before heading back to the medina which is far less manic than those of the bigger cities. Enjoy a mint tea overlooking the ocean before deciding on which great restaurant to pick for dinner. And do it all again the next day!!
10. Discover the charm of Morocco’s ‘Blue Pearl’
Touristy? Yes. Worth a visit? Yes. Everyone knows the images of the blue town of Chefchaouen (another spelling you will never get right!!) but its familiarity and popularity doesn’t detract from the quaintness of its alleys and squares. Even if blue is not your favourite colour, just go for the fresh orange juice!
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If you’re thinking of visiting Morocco, have a look at the following:
From Rabat to Tangier: A Road Trip in Northern Morocco
Is Rabat Worth a Visit? Definitely!
A Study in Blue – Images from Chefchaouen
Souks, Sand and Sea – A Road Trip in Morocco
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I’ve never wanted to go… until reading this! Thank you, Marie!
You are right this minute in a camper van!!! Just keep driving!! Morocco is full of RV’s from Europe – you’d love it….. think of all those crafts!!!
😂
wonderful…..nice place
Stop teasing! Seeing the mountains fade away (from Spain and Gib) was torture, but I’ll get there one day!
Aaaahhhhh nnnnooo!…. sssssooooo close!!!
Yep so near so far, back home in Brexit Britain now.
Well lucky you – sure you couldn’t go away and leave that!!
That’s what I was trying to do!
Definitely want to go!!
Well that’s the big decision made!!! Hope you get there one day. xxxxM
We had a chance to visit Morocco last spring and I have to say it was one of the most memorable family trips ever. It’s a photographer’s and travellers dream combined in to one. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 😀
Have to admit to being my own No. 1 fan!!! I got quite a yearning as I was typing and looking at photos – so I’ve booked a week at the end of October!!! Heading south this time – can’t wait.
Morocco is fantastic, we have done a couple of road trips and it’s an amazing country. We still have a not done all your top 10 yet but we are working on it!
All the better – that means you will have to go back!!! Is there anything from your own travels that you would have included?
Good question! A road trip to Guelmim in southern Morocco, Gateway to the Sahara. We seemed to be the only Westerners there, fantastic experience and off the beaten track. We weren’t prepared for the temperature sweep, it was so cold at night so we bought Jellabas to wear and blended in like locals.
About as far south as one can go in Morocco I’d say … we’re going to spend 2 nights in Tafraoute and also going to Sidi Ifni and Mirheft… but they’re pretty much on southern tourist trail …
Well by coincidence we stayed a few nights in Tafraout on the same trip. We did Guelmim then Tafraout and then out to the Atlantic coast. It’s a fab base for trekking and road trips – we loved it there. There was a bar called La Kasbah; a guy there called Hussein knows everything about the trails and treks and will find you a trek guide if you want one. Or at least he did when we were there 3 years ago! Actually that trip was our first ever blog; it’s all still there under “Africa” if you want a sneak preview of Tafraout!
Great… Will do … xxxx
I wish I’d got around to visiting the Blue Pearl – maybe next time 🤗
Nice listicle Marie!
Its always good to have an excuse to go back!!!!
Yes!!! Absolutely 🤗
Always wanted to go … Now, more than ever.
BTW, the photo of Mrs Bear and I was taken on the Ring of Kerry
Ha – that grey sky is a giveaway!!! – Had to be somewhere around here!!!!
We went in 2014 and then I think 3 times since. Easy trip for us… either direct to Marrakech or 2 short flights. There’s a lot there to see and do -nor just do nothing! Definitely something there for everyone…. XXXM
I’ve had 2 very short visits to Morocco = reading this post has brought it all back – I must return. It’s such an onslaught for the senses – the sights, sounds and smells are other worldly and just wonderful. Thank you for taking me back!
I’ve been looking out at grey skies here and thinking of the brightness and colour and how much I’d love another trip! Definitely on my radar once things get back to normal – whatever and whenever that will be!