Do you want to live an unforgettable experience? Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Morocco and the highlights of some must-visit places in Morocco !
Sunsets, sunrises and stars in the Sahara
A fan of stunning views ? You should definitely camp out in one of the largest deserts in the world, to do sunrise camel rides and to admire the beauty of the shining stars in the dark night skies.
Reasons to visit Morocco: Scenic mountains
Among the wonders to discover in Morocco is the Atlas Mountain. Jbel Toubkal is the Morocco’s highest mountain. For adventure and thrill-seekers, you have so many activities to do in this amazing playground like hiking, skiing and rafting to soak up in the magnificent landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. Or, you can explore the area and the treasures awaiting for you in Berber villages to learn more about the traditional life.
Colourful markets (souks) Of Morocco
Why bother with boring shopping at a mall when you can wander the stalls of Marrakesh ‘ The Red City ‘ and Fes? Known for their evocative colours, scents and exotic atmosphere, Morocco’s souks will immerse you in daily Moroccan life. Shopping lovers will surely be amazed by the multiple shops packed with clothing, rugs, jewelry and handmade goods where you can buy cheap souvenirs. There is a also a unique variety of food products, from tajines to sweets and biscuits.
Read also: Moroccan crafts: a testament of Morocco’s rich culture
Vibrant imperial cities
It’s true that each city of Morocco has its own unique charm and a distinct appeal that attracts visitors. But still, one of the reasons to visit Morcco is its imperial cities, four historical capitals : Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat. The current capital is Rabat, the second largest city of Morocco.
Be ready to enjoy the enticing Moroccan culture that waits for you around every corner of these cities. On this holiday, you’ll get the chance to discover the historic Medinas, perfect for giving in to temptation and experience endless sensations in these bursting with life cities.
Great hiking and cycling
Deep in the rocky mountains of Atlas Mountains, lies the breathtaking scenery of Todra Gorge. You can either explore it by foot, by bike or even go for a hike that will sure be the experience of your life. As for photography enthusiasts, the series of deep-sided canyons lined with ochre-coloured cliffs will defenitely capt your attention to make stunning pictures.
Want to try another way to travel around Morocco? Our Southern Oasis Cycling Tour takes valleys and mountain passes that are less traveled. From the Atlas Mountains to the Draa Valley, the largest date palm oasis in Morocco, through multiple scenic mountains passes.
Golden sand beaches
With thousands of miles of coastline, Morocco is known for its gorgeous golden sand beaches where visitors can try out several water sports or simply relax with the calming sound of the waves. Essaouira beach is an important stop in many of our Morocco holidays and the perfect opportunity for young children and teens to learn to surf.
Delicious food
For food lovers, this is one of your main reasons to visit Morocco. Moroccan cuisine is the perfect mixture of many civilizations such as Arab, Berber, Middle eastern…Once you try the Moroccan goods like tajines, couscous and pastries, you will surely get addicted. As you stroll through the souks, the smells and the vivid colors of the spice stacks will for sure get you to enter the restaurant. On our trips, our tour guides would be pleased to recommend local cafes and restaurants that provide traditional cuisine. For some good homemade Moroccan food, we go to Berber Villages.
Mixed cultural influences from Arabs, Berbers and others
Morocco’s magical motifs will enchant you, and the majority of them are rooted in the country’s rich culture. Throughout history, people of many ethnicities have come down to Morocco from all over the world and have been assimilated into Moroccan civilization, giving it a distinct multi-cultural identity. Morocco may be separated in general into two cultures: Arab and Berber.
Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa, and there are three primary Berber communities that speak three different Berber dialects. Tarifit is spoken by Berbers from the Rif area in Northern Morocco, Tamazight is spoken by Berbers from the Middle Atlas region, and Tashelheet is spoken by Berbers from the High Atlas and Souss regions in the south. Berber culture is characterized by a nomadic lifestyle, folklore music, exquisite poetry, and silver jewelry.
While Arabs are native to the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, invading Morocco in the late 7th century, they were greeted with severe opposition by Berber tribes. Morocco was finally conquered by the Arabs and make up around 40% of the Moroccan population and dwell primarily in Morocco’s northern regions. Customs, language, music, religion, food are all important aspects of Arab culture in Morocco.
You will also be able to spot influences from Andalousia in the North a Sub-Saharan influence in the South.
Tolerable society with hospitable people
Still looking for other reasons to visit Morocco ? Moroccans hospitality is definitely one, and it is an essential element of their values. Many tourists who visit Morocco fall in love with the people, they come for the country but end up staying for the people.
I mean who can blame them ? Moroccans are very humble, down-to-earth, friendly, kind, and loving people, constantly smiling and happy to help and always willing to offer whatever they have, even with strangers. If you get the chance to be hosted by Moroccan family, don’t think twice and accept, you’ll be spoiled for sure !
When visiting Morocco, my advice is to mingle with the people and get to know them in order to learn more about their ways of life. One special thing about them is that they are quite protective of their identity, yet they are also courteous and open to the outside world.
Moroccan Music Scene
Moroccan music is as enthralling as the country itself. There are about twenty-five distinct varieties, and depending on which region of Morocco you visit, you will hear Andalusian, Berber, Raï, Chaabi, or Gnawa sounds pervading the air. The merging of the roots displays its variety and recalls its current and previous history.
Andalusian music originates in Al-Andalus, often known as Andalusia. Moroccans call it El-Ala, a mix of Arab and Spanish music that is regarded Moroccan classical music and performed in classical Arabic. Berbers, on the other hand, can gather a whole town outside to sing and dance in a wide circle around a drum and flute. The ahouache and ahidus are the most well-known dances.
Rai, with its origins in Algeria, has been adopted by Morocco and is connected with the country’s eastern area, particularly the city of Oujda. As for Chaabi, it is considered the Moroccan pop music. It is one of the most popularly listened to forms of music in Morocco since it is sung in Darija (Moroccan Arabic). Drums, lutes, stringed instruments, and more recently, electric guitars and buzuks are used in the music.
For Gnawa music, it is a mix of Arab, Berber, and African rhythms. It’s a strong trance music that dates back to the 16th century and has recently achieved international acclaim.
So are these enough reasons to visit Morocco for you ?
