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Morocco offers a vibrant blend of culture, history, and natural beauty with a wide variety of things to see and do. From exploring bustling souks in Marrakech, admiring the architecture of Fes, or unwinding in the coastal city of Essaouira. The Sahara Desert promises breathtaking sunsets and camel treks, while the Atlas Mountains offer scenic hikes and stunning views. Moroccan cuisine, with its flavorful tagines and mint tea, is a culinary delight. The country’s rich traditions, welcoming hospitality, and diverse landscapes create a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
I’ve only visited Marrakech (twice) but would love to go back and see much more.
15 Things to Do in Morocco
Explore Marrakech
Shop in the Souks:
Souks in Morocco are lively markets that form the heart of every medina. Filled with vibrant stalls, they offer variety of colours, scents, and sounds. Vendors display handcrafted goods, from intricate carpets and leatherwork to spices and jewellery. The atmosphere is dynamic, with haggling, laughter, and the fragrant aroma of street food. Each souk is an explosion of Moroccan culture, where tradition meets commerce in a captivating blend of chaos and charm.
Visit the Atlas Mountains:
Visiting the Atlas Mountains offers breathtaking landscapes of rugged peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Berber villages. The panoramic views are invigorating with opportunities for hiking, discovering hidden waterfalls, and exploring ancient medinas. The serene environment provides a peaceful escape, with the mountains leaving a lasting impression.
Visit the Royal Palace of Casablanca:
The Royal Palace in Casablanca is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, surrounded by lush gardens and towering palm trees, the palace features ornate gates, intricate tilework, and majestic courtyards. Although not open to the public, its impressive exterior reflects the country’s rich royal heritage and craftsmanship.
Explore Fes:
Exploring Fes is like stepping back in time. The ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with bustling souks, historic madrasas, and centuries-old mosques. The scent of leather tanneries mingled with spices, while every turn reveals stunning examples of Islamic architecture and vibrant street life.
Explore the Medina of Rabat:
Exploring the medina of Rabat offers a blend of history and modernity. Its winding streets are lined with white-washed houses, colourful shops, and artisanal workshops. Unlike other Moroccan medinas, Rabat’s feels more tranquil, with quiet corners, traditional souks, and historic sites, offering a much more relaxing atmosphere.
Visit Chefchaouen:
Chefchaouen, often called the “Blue Pearl,” is a captivating town nestled in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. Renowned for its striking blue-washed buildings, the town exudes a tranquil and almost mystical atmosphere. Its narrow, winding streets are adorned with vibrant plants and artisan shops, offering handmade crafts and local textiles. Surrounded by rugged mountains, Chefchaouen is a picturesque escape where every corner invites exploration and every shade of blue enchants the soul.
Take a Cooking Class:
Cooking classes in Morocco offer an immersive culinary experience, allowing you to learn the secrets of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Typically set in charming riads or family kitchens, these classes guide you through preparing iconic dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla. You’ll start with a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, then return to cook under the guidance of skilled chefs or home cooks. Along the way, you’ll learn about the unique spices and techniques that define Moroccan cooking. The experience usually ends with a shared meal, enjoying the delicious end results.
Take a Tour of a Traditional Berber Village:
Berber villages in Morocco are nestled within the rugged landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The architecture is simple yet functional, often centered around a communal space. Life in a Berber village is deeply connected to nature, with agriculture, livestock, and traditional crafts playing vital roles.
Visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls:
Visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls is a breathtaking experience. Located in the Atlas Mountains, these majestic falls cascade over 110 meters, creating a stunning display of natural beauty. You can hike through lush olive groves to reach the falls, enjoy panoramic views from various viewpoints, and take a boat ride to get close to the thundering waters.
Take a Hammam Bath:
Taking a hammam bath is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Traditional Moroccan hammams offer a soothing ritual that begins with a warm, steam-filled room to relax and open pores. You’ll be scrubbed with a rough glove to exfoliate dead skin, followed by a cleansing massage with black soap and fragrant oils. The process often concludes with a refreshing rinse and a period of rest. The hammam not only cleanses the body but also promotes relaxation, offering a serene escape into Moroccan wellness traditions.
Visit Essaouira:
Visiting Essaouira offers a charming blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. This UNESCO-listed town is renowned for its well-preserved medina, vibrant blue-and-white architecture, and bustling port. Wander through narrow streets lined with artisan shops, enjoy fresh seafood at the lively fish market, and explore the historic ramparts with stunning ocean views. Essaouira’s relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches, and cool Atlantic breeze make it a perfect destination for both exploration and relaxation.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride:
A hot air balloon ride in Morocco offers an exhilarating and serene experience, drifting over diverse landscapes like the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of rolling dunes, lush oases, and traditional Berber villages. The early morning sky, painted with vibrant colours, provides a stunning backdrop as the sun rises. The gentle glide and quiet atmosphere create a sense of tranquility, allowing you to appreciate Morocco’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.
Experience Moroccan Tea Culture:
Experiencing Moroccan tea culture is a warm and inviting ritual. Traditional Moroccan tea, or “thé à la menthe,” is a fragrant blend of green tea, fresh mint leaves, and plenty of sugar. The preparation involves a meticulous process: boiling water, steeping the tea, and adding mint and sugar in multiple stages. The tea is poured from a height to create a frothy top and is served in ornate glasses, often accompanied by sweet pastries or nuts. This ceremony is more than just drinking tea; it’s a gesture of hospitality and a cherished social tradition, offering a moment of relaxation and connection.
Visit the Hassan II Mosque:
This architectural marvel, perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, features a stunning minaret that reaches 210 meters, making it one of the tallest in the world. The mosque’s intricate design showcases elaborate tilework, grand arches, and beautifully crafted wood and marble details. Visitors can explore the vast prayer hall, which accommodates thousands of worshippers, and admire the stunning ocean views from the expansive courtyard. The mosque’s blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture, combined with its serene location, makes it a must-see landmark.
What has been your favourite things to see or do in Morocco?
Let me know in the comments.