Let’s Unveil Morocco – Crossroad between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East

The territory of Morocco takes pride in is vibrant culture, varied landscape, and ancient history that offer a great number of attractions to its visitors. The cool azure water making its way through sandy beaches, the hot white sands forming the hot Sahara desert, the lush vegetation of fertile valleys, and the snow-whites of the famous Atlas Mountains – all these have something to attract new and frequent visitors all the year round.

Considered as the most famous tourist destination, the main cities to visit include Marrakech, Tangier, Essaouira, and Rabat presenting you a fusion of medinas and bazaars. Next, comes the trekking from the Rif into the Middle Atlas and on the High Atlas amidst Berber villages and flower fields. Augmenting your true exploration, the rocky gorges, mud-brick Kasbahs, and the setting sun scenes are a must to explore. However, my friends and I could explore only a few of these beauties due to lack of time and no proper planning. Due to an unlimited attraction pullers here even for an average visitor, it is advisable to some planning and homework so that you do not miss the worth visiting places at least in this vast country.

Morocco Tourist Attractions

• Marrakech:
  I would describe as a city of fascination in the central Morocco where in the early morning the call of the muezzin from the spiritual symbol of the high Koutoubia wakes us up. We visited the El Bahia Palace of the 19th century exhibiting eastern architecture. A home for Ahmed Ibn Moussa’s concubines, this palace has 160 different rooms, adorned private quarters, reception areas, and courtyards with fountains. Next, we headed for the Saadian Tombs of the 16th century located outside Marrakech where around 200 members of the Saadian dynasty are at rest. Further, we visted the famous Majorelle botanical garden and the Menara gardens of 12th century full of palm trees, fruit trees, olive trees, irrigation canals, and an artificial lake. The pavilion dominating the lake here is worth strolling for magnificent scenery of the gardens and the Atlas Mountains.
• Ouarzazate:
  Located at the junction of the roads between the Draa, Dades, and Ziz valleys; the two kasbahs are worth visiting. These are a set of towers appearing as a mass of closely connected houses trying to touch the blue sky similar to a sand castle. Here, Taourirt, the home of the Glaoui, is horrifyingly charming. The other Ait Benhaddou is at 30 km from the town introduced in the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
• Bab Rouah:
  This is one of the five entrance gates to the capital city of Rabat built in 1197 A.D. Huge in size and greatly adorned with elaborate patterns, crossing this gate took us to the discovery of numerous rooms along with the Bab Rouah gallery displaying the art works.
• Citadel of Chellah Gardens:
  Situated in Rabat, the garden’s entrance is a skilled door containing Arabesque calligraphy. In the Gardens, hundreds of flowers blooming in the spring offer a colorful rich ground around which we explored the Roman relics and gravestone.
• Mohamed V Mausoleum:
  Exhibiting both architectural and historical symbol, this is in the capital of Rabat that took nine years to complete with the help of 4000 men. It contains the tombs of three major Morocco’s royal members along with King Mohamed V.
• Mamora Forest:
  Situated in the periphery of Rabat, we hiked here spotting many cork trees, pine groves, wild pear trees, eucalyptus trees, and variety of bird and animal life.
• Boulaouane Kasbah:
  Situated south of the Casablanca city, this is a royal fortress dominating the Wadi Oum er-Rbia River. We climbed the long twisting stairway to be at the top of its high tower for viewing the surrounding area. Lastly, we were wondering at its interior adorned with fine mosaic patterns and other embellishments.
• Friouato Caves:
  Located close to the Taza town, this is the largest cave system in Northern Africa. As we opted for a guided tour, we were taken down through a tunnel for exploring its many big chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites.
• Agadir:
  This is a prime coastal resort whose beach offers castle making and wind surfing amidst the blue of the sea and sky. Apart from strolling and volleyball game played joyfully here, from here we opted to tour the Atlas Mountains for trekking. These mountains along with the Rif mountains offer ideal locations for walking and trekking from late March to mid-November.
• Meknes:
  Located in the core of the Moroccan countryside, this is the royal city dreamed and made by Moulay Ismaïl. On our tour due to lack of time, we just saw different palaces, mosques, fountains, terraces, gardens, stables, and shops from outside. The attraction that we visited here was the Bab al-Mansour, which is the main superb gate in Morocco that took us to the moving mausoleum of Moulay Ismail – a wonder in itself.
• Tetouan:
  We visited this at a day’s afternoon time that overlooks a green valley of the Martil river. There are seven marvelously sculpted gates to pass via the relics and reach the medina.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months to visit Morocco is from mid-March to May (spring time) or from September to November (the autumn time).

Accommodation

There are many beach resorts offering simple to deluxe rooms that you might choose as per your budget. In the main cities, you can try out a luxury hotel or a lodge of your choice.