Morocco, North Africa, is a popular destination for many travellers, from adventure travellers and backpackers to couples, families, foodies and more. Buy why are Morocco tours so popular with everyone?
Reason 1: Historical Cities with Tonnes of Character
There are four imperial cities in Morocco:
- Rabat – the current capital city which seems modern at first glance, but actually contains many historical attractions such as the Hassan Tower, the old medina, the Kasbah of the Oudaias, and the Royal Mausoleum
- Fes – The former capital, and home of the hat is well known for its many tanneries. It is also home to one of the oldest Universities in the world
- Marrakesh – Also known as the Red City, Marrakesh has many tourist attractions including ancient palaces such as the Badi Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, numerous souks and markets such as Djemaa el-Fna, and not forgetting the Saadian Tombs.
- Meknes – This charming historical city is best explored by horse-drawn carriage – and don’t miss the Beb-el-Mansour monumental gate
Reason Two: Beautiful Coastlines with Stunning Beaches
Although it is probably most well-known for its cities, Morocco is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world as well – with coastlines along both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Agadir (on the Atlantic Ocean) and Tangier (on the Mediterranean Ocean) are popular with many tourists, with those in the know also heading to Asilah one of the local’s favourites spots on the Atlantic close. Places such as El Jadida, El Jebha and Oualidia are also starting to become more well known.
Top Tip: If you are a lover of water sports, then you need to head to Essaouira to take advantage of its trade wind which blows constantly onto the protected bay.
Reason Three: Fabulous Mountain Ranges for Outdoor Lovers
The world-famous Atlas Mountains of Morrocco actually consist of three separate ranges with a variety of hiking experiences available for people of all levels:
- High Atlas contains the country’s highest mountain – Jbel Toubkal – which is easily accessible from Marrakesh
- Middle Atlas – the northernmost mountain range in Morrocco
- Anti- Atlas – a traditional Berber area
The mountains of Morocco are the perfect places to explore not just for bird spotting and seeing local wildlife, but also for hiking, horse riding and even mountain bike riding (if that takes your fancy).
Reason Four: The Breath-taking Sahara Desert
The vast Sahara Desert is the world’s largest (hot) desert. We love it so much that we think our luxury sahara desert camp is a must do. You can trek by foot, experience the desert in the back of a four-wheel drive, or even trek through it on horseback.
There is nothing like experiencing the twinkling stars at night with no light pollution, while listening to the sound of nothingness. The sights you experience here will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Reason Five: Amazing Architecture Wherever You Look
Morocco has a cultural diversity which is reflected in many of its buildings, which can be found all over the country. From the brilliant palaces to the majestic mosques and sublime centres of religious studies to traditional riads, there are many breath-taking buildings to admire in Morocco.
Keep your eyes out for the traditional tilework, known as zellige – a style of mosaic tiling made from individually hand-chiselled tile pieces which is set in a plaster base. You will also often see decorative carvings, plasterwork and woodwork as well.
Some buildings to add to your must-see list include:
- Grand Mosque in Tangier
- Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh
- University of al Quaraouiyine in Fes
Reason Six: Shopping at the Souks
Every major town and city in Morrocco contain at least one Souk, if not more. These traditional marketplaces sell a variety of wares such as clothing, lamps, musical instruments, shisha pipes, spices, and tea sets.
Souks are a magnet for the shopaholics amongst us, due to their overall sense of the exotic mixed with evocative colours and scents. You need to lean to haggle before you go to a Souk – it is part and parcel of this essential experience.
Reason Seven: Foodies are well Catered for
Morocco has now become known the world over for its tasty cuisine, which features spices quite heavily in its more traditional cooking. Bread is also a staple in the Morrocco diet, with many variations including Bagheri (a flatbread made with semolina), khubz (similar to pita bread) and msemen (flatbread made with flour).
Most moroccon dishes contain some kind of meat, with the most popular being lamb and mutton – although chicken and beef are becoming more popular. In the coastal areas, as you would expect, you will see more fish and seafood-based dishes.
The traditional Morrocco dishes that are on our must-try list are:
- Bisarra – bean-based dip
- Couscous – steamed balls of crushed semolina
- Harira – Morrocco soup
- Pastilla – meat pie
- Tagine – named after the shallow pot it is cooked in
Reason Eight: Hospitable People and a Tolerant Society
When it comes to tolerance, Morrocco is well known for being one of the most tolerant of the Arab nations as it is relatively peaceful, stable and safe.
The Morocco people are super hospitable and have a warm and friendly nature that is well loved by many. Children especially are keen to strike up conversations with visitors, often accompanied by a wide smile.
You may not know this, but English is actually widely spoken in Morocco, with French also being widely spoken, due to Morocco’s past life as a French colony. Communication is therefore rarely an issue.
As you can see there are many reasons why Morocco is such a popular place to visit, so what are you waiting for? Why not book one of our luxury morocco tours and experience it for yourself?
Discuss this article