Credit: giphy
Intrigued by what Morocco has to offer? Read on to find out the top 5 things you must do when travelling to this gorgeous gem of a country ?
1. Take Instagram-worthy shots that'll won't leave you feeling blue
No trip to Morocco is complete without visiting the vibrant blue city of Chefchaouen! The blue-washed buildings of its olden city is a stark contrast from the surrounding brown, dull mountains.
Tourists all over the world flock to this blue hued city in the hopes of capturing the perfect Instagram shot. With quaint decorations and potted plants scattered at every corner, you'll never get tired of documenting every single thing you stumble upon.
Credit: Kristal Dale on Flickr
2. Explore scenic, breathtaking landscapes
When in Morocco, you can't help but marvel at just how different the landscapes are throughout the country-there is always something new to see and travellers can’t stop going back! The country is surrounded by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas so beaches are a-plenty. The Atlas Mountains, especially, make for a great trek as well as a few other well-known spots, and the greenery in the country is fresh and lush with the Ourikka Valleys and the city of Ifrane being great examples.
Credit: jbdodane on Flickr
The brilliant green hills of the Rif Mountains are perfect for relaxed hikes during the day! Wander through small whitewashed towns and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery that is bound to make you feel refreshed and calm.
Credit: jbdodane on Flickr
3. Bargain your way through the city of Fez
What is a visit to Morocco without spiralling through the endless narrow alleyways and streets of Fez? You could spend countless days walking through the souks and still not have seen it all. Fez is also a shopping haven; you can get leather goods, carpets, Moroccan lamps, natural cosmetics and more!
Credit: Mike Prince on Flickr
It goes without saying that you have to bargain your way through the city to get the best deals. You'll probably need an extra suitcase just to store your loots for the day ?
Credit: Sander Spolspoel on Flickr
4. Indulge in scrumptious Moroccan cuisine
Moroccans are a hospitable people and they pride themselves on the food they cook which can only be described as tender, mouth-watering and full of flavour! There is nothing like delving into a communal plate (per family) of cous-cous on a Friday post-Duhr-prayers, eating freshly baked bread and dipping it into organic argan oil and trying all the varieties of side salads and tagine dishes.
Credit: Rakbo Team on Flickr
Drinking copious amounts of mint tea –‘Atay’ is also a must, you just can’t get enough of the sweet stuff. There is an art form of pouring the tea too, namely the higher the point it is poured from, the frothier the drink. Orange juice is also delicious and found across the country but a top tip is to ensure the vendor makes you a fresh glass there and then.
Credit: Katie Bordner on Flickr
5. Marvel at the ancient architecture
The architecture in Morocco is rich, vibrant and has a strong mix of African, Andalucian and Islamic influences. Zellij tilework, courtyards, geometric designs, minarets and domes are all hallmarks of Moroccan architecture and you will notice this immediately, not just from the mosques and building structures but also from people’s homes. [caption id="attachment_25801" align="alignnone" width="900"] Doors to the palace of Fez[/caption]
Credit: Josh on Flickr A visit to Morocco is also not complete without a trip or stay in a traditional riad- you could very easily spend an afternoon lounging through the interior rooms and forget the hustle and bustle of the souks just outside.
Credit: Stu on Flickr
6. Travel back in time and visit the country's UNESCO sites
Morocco has 9 UNESCO sites to its name, and it is not hard to understand why, given its age-old history and cultural symbolism! Here's a list of all the sites you have to visit when in Morocco:- The historic City of Meknes (1996) which was founded initially as a military settlement in the 11th century and as a result, is surrounded by fortified high gates and walls.
- The Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (1987) which is a fortress in the region of Ouerzazate and is made up of many small villages. The clay architecture is truly a wonder and you may be able to recognise the site from famous films like Gladiator!
Aït Benhaddou[/caption]
Credit: Vince Millett on Flickr
- The Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) (2001) which is a very small coastal town that boasts great seafood and a strong Portuguese history.
- The Medina of Fez (1981) which is culturally seen as the spiritual capital of the country and a labyrinth of streets to fill your days.
- The Medina of Marrakesh (1985) or ‘the city of red’ with a bustling djmaa el fnaa square and a dream garden (Jardin Majorelle) loved by Yves Saint Laurent himself.
- The archaeological site of Volubilis (1997) which holds well preserved ruins of an old Roman trading centre.
Bab Mansour in Meknes[/caption]
Credit: eatswords on Flickr
- The Medina of Tétouan (1997) which has a rich element of cultural diversity and Spanish links.
- The Portuguese City of El Jadida (Mazagan) (2004) which was initially built as a fortified colony in the 16th century and still holds Portuguese buildings like the Church of the Assumption.
- Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage (2012) which is the capital city of Morocco with strong contrasts of old and new, tradition and modernity.
Tags:moroccotravel-guide
