In Morocco, you can discover the superb Sahara desert on camels, camp under the stars with Berber tribes, chase after good deals in the overheated atmosphere of the souks or enjoy some of Africa’s most beautiful wild beaches.
Discover below the 6 most beautiful cities to discover during your tour in Morocco.
Chefchaouen
Located in the heart of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has a particularly calm atmosphere. All the buildings in the center are painted in a beautiful and relaxing blue tint, which gives a very Zen and a bit surrealist atmosphere to the city… Because of that, it has become one of the most “instagramed” places on the planet.
Chefchaouen is also known for the production of leather, which explains why many shops offer very beautiful leather bags, shoes, and sandals at an affordable price.
Don’t forget to visit the small abandoned church at the top of the hill and from there admire the breathtaking view of the city.
Marrakech
The city of Marrakech will bring all your senses to life, especially if you stay in a hotel in the central square of Jemaa el Fna. Not to be missed in this city, the magnificent minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the El Badi Palace (built in the 16th century and which today is gradually turning into a ruin, but still extremely beautiful and impressive) or the Medersa Ben Youssef, a Koranic school with sumptuous architecture that was also built in the 16th century. Also, you can’t leave Marrakech without going to one of its famous souks but be aware that you will have to negotiate (or buy everything at a high price, that’s the rule!). The very popular night markets are often made up of stalls of different Moroccan foods: the ideal place for a local feast!
Good to know: Around Jemaa el Fna Square, you will find many buildings with restaurants, bars, and cafés with panoramic terraces. Sit back, enjoy a glass of tea while admiring the Atlas Mountains and watch the crowds, snake charmers and acrobats downstairs who offer an exotic and entertaining show.
Here is a video below made by Antoine Janssens to give you a glimpse of Marrakech’s beauty:
Questions about Marrakech? We’ve got the answers
Essaouira
Essaouira is a pretty little port town bordered by beaches. The atmosphere has always been quite “hippie-bohemian”, relaxed and very popular with backpackers, and some rockstars such as Jimi Hendrix and well know bands who used to visit it in the past in the 60s. It is also one of the Moroccan cities where the famous series Game of Thrones took the occasion to film in Morocco.
Most tourists come from Marrakech, which is 3 hours by bus, and then go to Agadir, which is even further south of the coast, after Essaouira. Between Agadir and Essaouira, you will find some of the most beautiful surf beaches in the whole country: Sidi Kaouki and Safi.
For those who love music, every year in June there is the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which attracts thousands of people from all over the world.
On the main beach, it is possible to ride horses or camels, and also to drive quads. All along the way there are many small bars and restaurants that serve fresh fish and seafood, caught the same day. Know that the food served in Essaouira has a reputation for being the best in the country (especially tajines, yummy!).
Agadir
You read it just before, Agadir is not far from Essaouira, further south on the coast. The atmosphere is totally different: Agadir is more “touristic” and less “authentic”, but is still worth the detour, especially for those who love the beach (do not recommend it to those who avoid places that are too touristic…)!
Once in Agadir, the main “attraction” is the superb beach and of course surfing. If you stay in a hotel by the sea, most of them have private beaches reserved for their guests.
The city is modern and airy since it was completely rebuilt in 1960, after an earthquake. Many shops and restaurants are located near the beach. The Kasbah which is located on a pretty hill is the only historical monument in the city, and it is also possible to visit the port, especially if you want to eat delicious fish and seafood at a low price. Here are some places to visit in Agadir that you shouldn’t miss.
Rabat
The capital of Morocco and the city where lives the royal family is an airy and very clean city. This is the ideal place if you want to walk along the large tree-lined avenues, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The Royal Palace and the mosque are the main sites not to be missed in Rabat, built in the most beautiful tradition of Islamic architecture.
Another interesting site is the Hassan Tower, a superb finely carved minaret built in 1195, surrounded by towers that rise to a height of 44 meters (the site houses the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons).
For those seeking peace and quiet, go to the almost secret and hidden Andalusian Garden, located at the entrance to the Kasbah of the Udayas (do not listen to the “guides” who will tell you that some access doors are closed that day, continue your journey…). Moroccan women take refuge there to escape the heat and enjoy these green gardens on several levels, a real little paradise.
Finally, for a somewhat surrealist experience, explore and walk through the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia and the Merinid necropolis of Chellah. The Moroccans say that it is the most romantic site of flap… Notice to lovers!
Here is a video below made by Liakoth to give you a glimpse of Rabat’s beauty:
Fes
Fes was for a long time the capital of Morocco, before Rabat took its place, and is also one of the 4 former imperial cities of Morocco with Marrakech, Rabat, and Meknes.
You can visit the Chouara Tannery, which is very famous in Morocco and really impressive. The Medina of Fes is the biggest and oldest of the country: its small alleys, its street vendors and the effervescence of the place represent a unique experience! Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially if you go out of season (with fewer tourists, so sellers are more willing to negotiate), it is possible to do really good deals. And as in any souk, the less you seem interested in an item, the more likely you are to get a discount…
For more information on how to negotiate click here.
