In Morocco, cultures, cuisines, and traditions of different countries are intertwined. Oysters and couscous are served here, casinos are next to mosques, and the Atlantic Ocean’s magical beaches are next to a lifeless desert. To get to know Morocco, you need to travel around the country, stopping at fabulous riads, taking a break for a refreshing Moroccan tea and a portion of a hearty tagine. Traveling through ancient cities, strolling through colorful bazaars, and picturesque embankments of resorts, you will feel as if you were in an oriental fairytale!
Although Google keeps reminding that travel is restricted to this destination, it is not illegal to start planning your future trip and mark some goals! Going to Morocco only for a weekend won’t let you experience all of what this country has to offer. But there are some must-see places you should consider anyway, so let’s dig in!
Mount Toubkal
Toubkal (4167 m) is the highest peak in North Africa, the Atlas mountains range, and Morocco at the same time. Mount Toubkal is notable because for summer climbing, you will need only trekking poles and dress warmly! You will not find much snow here during the season, but there is plenty of thin mountain air.
In good weather, you can even see the Sahara desert from Toubkal, not to mention the Central Atlas’ peaks that open up to trekkers. However, summer views, rocky and lifeless, lose to winter’s snowy and harsh. Explore Mount Toubkal in 2021 to meet the new year with a fresh icy start!
Medina Marrakesh
By walking through Marrakesh’s streets (or Marrakech), you can experience the real exotic spirit of the country. On your way, you will meet merchants and snake charmers, luxurious places and slums, mosques, and shady parks. You need to walk in Medina, throwing away the guidebook, because the best tip here is to get lost.
Essaouira
The fortress of Essaouira began to be built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It is perfectly preserved to our time, and strong winds from the Atlantic coast only gave its walls a unique charm. Almost all the buildings in the city are painted white, and the windows are blue.
Erg Chebbi
Chebbi is the most famous erg (a sea of sand dunes) in Morocco. It owes its popularity to the location near the Moroccan village of Merzouga. It is a perfect place for the first date with Sahara because of its broad sand dunes, which color shimmers with reddish hues in the midday sun, and the sand that is pleasant to the touch.
Tourists overflow it, so maybe the word deserted is not the most suitable here, but on the other hand, it is what makes this erg the most comfortable to visit on your day trip. Ever thought about what Frank Herbert’s world of Dune looks like in real life? Chebbi and the rest of Moroccan ergs will be your answer then.
Legzira Beach
Legzira gained its popularity thanks to Martian landscapes, wild ocean, deserted beaches, and natural arches in terracotta rocks. Sounds, echoes from the waves under the arches, paragliders that circle overhead, mighty waves, and a fantastic 360-degree panorama. The best time to visit Legzira would be before sunset. These places cannot be described by photos or with countless epithets.
Fez
Fes al-Bali (Old Fez) is one of the oldest surviving cities globally. It is called the heart of Morocco, and is considered to be its religious and cultural capital. As you wander through the streets, mint and spice scents waft through the air, patches of sunlight dance on the whitewashed walls of the old city, and you can touch the mystery of the country’s oldest city.
Hassan II Mosque
This phenomenal building was the realized idea and the most outstanding achievement of king Hassan II of Morocco. The third-largest mosque in the world situated in Casablanca became the most important attraction of the Muslim country.
It is also one of the very few Muslim religious institutions that are open not only to supporters of Islam. You will need to book a guided tour to see the interiors of the majestic structure. Visitors must comply with the appropriate dress code, and you will also be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance.
Jemaa el-Fna
Another colorful and flamboyant place in the city of Marrakesh is Jamaa el-Fna square. Anything you can think of is here: booths, a zoo, an orchestra pit, and a circus. Here you can find local medicinal herbs, quench your thirst with fresh juices, and see the performance of fakirs and monkey trainers. Musical instruments sound from all sides and numerous fortune tellers are vying to offer their services spreading Tarot cards.
Menara Gardens
It is the most famous park in Marrakesh. The gardens are located at the bottom of Atlas mountains and were created at the beginning of the 12th century. It must be the most calming and serene place in Morocco: with growing palm and fruit trees, an olive grove, a fish pool, and a gazebo for recreation.
Casablanca
“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” You simply cannot come to Morocco and do not get a drink at one of the bars in Casablanca in the name of the greatest movie script ever written in film history.
Besides, Casablanca is the largest port, business, and industrial capital of Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast near the Roman ruins of the ancient city of Anfa.
To Sum Up
Morocco is a fascinating destination, and coming here for a weekend will ensure you keep coming back again and again. There are too many places to see here: from Rif mountains to Marrakech’s old town, from ancient ruins to great mosques. The one thing is clear: wherever you point the finger at the map of Morocco, any place will leave you speechless.
There are some places on Earth that you can only visit to understand, where the overall atmosphere speaks for itself, and none of the existing words can fully convey their beauty and the impression you get. Morocco is definitely on top of this list, and the upcoming year is an excellent opportunity to fall in love with this unique country.
