Top 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco

Perhaps it has been in your mind ever since you watched the movie ‘Casablanca’, or you’ve fallen in love with Moroccan design. Or maybe you’re entranced with how the country’s warm and colorful marketplaces lean up against soaring snowcapped mountains and endless Saharan landscapes. There are countless reasons to visit Morocco, but published travel author Thomas Hollowell, who works for Journey Beyond Travel, gives us his favourite best and most beautiful places to visit in Morocco…

1. Tangier – a stunning and exotic city to explore in Morroco

Long a haven for Western intellectuals and artists, Tangier has a bohemian cache and the pandemonium expected of a port city. Alighting from a ferry from Spain, visitors immediately encounter a different world. Travelers who feed off of excitement will feel the energy rooted in what, at first, seems to be chaos. Away from the entry point, Tangier sprawls into a raucous, cosmopolitan city with heavy Spanish influences. Mediterranean beach towns nearby give a break from the high-octane energy, or, for surfers and windsurfers, an extension of it.

2. Marrakesh – one of the famously most beautiful places to visit in Morocco

In some ways, Marrakesh is the quintessential Moroccan city. It fulfills most visitors’ visions of what they expect to see in the country. The city’s medina features twisting alleys and hidden stores; souks are full of bright rugs and colorful lamps, and palace gardens are enriched with the scent of orange blossoms. At Marrakech’s heart is the Djeema el Fna, a massive square lined with cafes and brimming with a carnival-like atmosphere. Working institutions such as medersas (Koranic schools) and the city’s tannery show off traditional culture mixed with the everyday lives of modern Moroccans.

3. Mosques and Monuments – the best places to explore in Morocco

Casablanca is more sprawling economic center than Rick’s Cafe, but the city serves as a good base for exploring various monuments along the coast, especially in Rabat with the Oudayas Kasbah and Chellah Gardens. French colonial architecture mixes with Muslim structures most notably at the enormous Hassan II Mosque, one of the only two Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims. The second mosque is located along the Nfiss Valley south of Marrakesh in Tin Mil. Even in its slightly decrepit state, a visit here ensures great photo ops and a journey back in time.

4. Fez and Meknes

Smaller than Marrakesh, Fez and Meknes are two imperial cities that have preserved their historic hearts remarkably well. Their medieval centers bristle with hundreds of years of history, their nearly 10,000 narrow passages and alleyways give way to craftsmen working away the day beside shops selling their wares.

5. Oasis Valleys

Follow the trail of ancient caravans through Morocco’s valleys and gorges. Centuries ago, traders took these routes between Marrakesh and faraway cities like Timbuktu. Oasis towns such as Erfoud and Merzouga may be easy to reach by car, but the scenery along the way – expanses of nothingness alternating with mountains spotted here and there with palms is still stunning. Ouarzazate is Morocco’s version of Hollywood – the base camp for many blockbuster movies filmed in the desert – while places like Nkob and Skoura have earned names such as the‚ Valley of Kasbahs. Meanwhile, the Todra and Dades Gorges are dramatic canyon areas with serpentine roads cut into the rock. These areas are known for walking, rock climbing, and just north, for rafting.

6. The Sahara Desert

Romantic Lawrence of Arabia vistas do exist, and trips to Morocco wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of (or even an overnight in) the Sahara Desert. Golden dunes against a blue sky are stunning no matter the vantage point. Many tour operators combine a camel caravan experience with camping in a Bedouin tent under the stars. A real-life planetarium beats to the nomadic lifestyle below.

7. High Atlas Range

Easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Morroco, the High Atlas Mountains divide the country’s population centers from the desert and traversing the snow-capped mountains by car provides plenty of sweeping vistas. For the full experience, trekkers navigate trails ranging from easy to challenging, taking in the dramatic scenery, and visiting friendly Berber villages. Endless routes are available, and active travelers can further investigate the area with mountain bikes, horses, skis or on extended treks. The mountains aren’t just adrenaline and clean air; exploring the towns turns up plenty of historical tidbits and cultural sights. Check out Ourigane for an especially nice base in the winter months.

8. The Anti-Atlas Mountains

Unlike the popular outdoor playgrounds of the High Atlas range, the rural Anti-Atlas Mountains reward intrepid travelers with wild and deserted scenery. The out-of-the-way southwest of Morocco is not the easiest location to reach, but those wanting to trek and beach without seeing another tourist will want to make the special journey to this section of the country which includes towns such as Tafrout and beach getaways such as Sidi Ifni.

9. Essaouira

Though getting ever closer to a package resort town, somehow coastal Essaouira has kept its artsy, hippie vibe. The surrounding beaches draw surfers and kayakers, while the medina is full of cool artist hangouts. With its relaxed vibe and clean ocean air, Essaouira is the ideal place for independent travelers to unwind after a busy trip.

10. A beautiful riad anywhere in Morocco

Some experiences are universally treasured across the country. Ubiquitous glasses of mint tea appear in front of any visitor, and even tiny villages have amazing rugs and other handicrafts for sale. In the cities, stay in a stunning riad if you can; the traditional courtyard houses turned boutique hotels range from the modest to drop-dead luxurious, often with swimming pools in the center. After adventures active or cultural, finish off any day with a hammam, or traditional Moroccan sauna/steam.

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