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.
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.
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!
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.
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"]
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!
- 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.
- 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.
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