Things to do & Places to See in Morocco

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: When it comes to visiting Morocco, most people think of Marrakech, or one of the country’s other imperial cities, such as Meknes, Fez or Rabat. Still others will be more attracted to the country’s Atlantic coast, with its seaside resorts such as Essaouira and Casablanca, where surfing and fresh sea air are the order of the day. Not forgetting places like Chefchaouan, which have become a must for souvenir photos, or Merzouga, where you can take a camel ride.

And yet, Morocco still boasts many little-known or little-regarded regions: hidden palm groves, verdant valleys and varied cultural treasures. I was lucky enough to travel around Morocco for a month. Here are my best finds!

The Akchour waterfalls

Not far from the splendid town of Chefchaouen, the Akchour waterfalls are a veritable natural Eden where you can recharge your batteries while hiking in the Rif.

Take a dip in the turquoise-blue water and enjoy the lush green surroundings, before enjoying a picnic by the waterfalls.

The Fint oasis

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: Located around 15 kilometers south of the desert gateway Ouarzazate, the Fint oasis means “hidden” in Berber. Keep it a secret, then. This little paradise is inhabited by just a few dozen families living mainly from agriculture and a tiny bit of tourism, but only marginally. Wedged between the desert and the immense ochre mountains typical of the Moroccan Atlas, the wadi gently winds its way through a lush palm grove, filled with date palms, apricot trees and ground crops. Once you’ve arrived, I recommend you go down to the river, take off your shoes and walk with your feet in the water. It’s super refreshing and tranquil. The oasis has been used as a film location for many cult movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Asterix Mission Cleopatra.

The Skoura palm grove

East of Ouarzazate, the main asphalt road leads through the Moroccan desert to Merzouga, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Although the Moroccan Atlas is famous by name, very few tourists actually visit it. The region is often neglected in favor of more easily accessible cities such as Marrakech or Fez. The Skoura palm grove is one of the first on the road past Ouarzazate. Apart from a few ksars and kasbahs to accommodate some tourists seeking peace and quiet, the area is extremely wild! If you’re looking for an ultra-quiet place to rest in a kasbah, eat local food, stroll through the life of the palm grove, visit a few local hamlets and Berber houses and observe rural life at close quarters with the people of the desert, this is the place.

The Dades Valley

Morocco’s southern route along the Moroccan Atlas is punctuated by several valleys, of which the Roses and Todra valleys, with their famous vertiginous gorges and winding roads, are among the most famous. In between are the Dades valleys, often less traveled by tourists in a hurry to get to Merzouga after visiting a rose distillation plant at Kalat M’Gouna. This valley is still very wild if you drive a little. From the town of Boulmane-Dadès, head north towards the Atlas Mountains. The road here is dotted with sublime ruined ksars emerging from the palm grove. The Monkey’s Fingers canyon is well worth a stop, with its otherworldly geological forms. And don’t forget the breathtaking view of the Dades Gorge beyond, as the road winds past hillside villages and the arid valley below as far as the eye can see!

Erg Chegaga

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: Who hasn’t heard of Merzouga and its desert? Its luminous dunes are the stuff of dreams for tourists wishing to experience the famous desert camel expedition, with one or more nights spent in a Berber tent. Well, where Merzouga is overrun with hotels and guides who will literally rush to you to offer you various excursions, you could very well do the same thing, without anyone, in the erg Chegaga. This desert, much larger than Merzouga, lies south of Zagora, some 4 hours’ drive from Ouarzazate. There’s much less tourist infrastructure here, but the local Berbers will be delighted to show you their very own desert!

Volubilis

Volubilis is one of the few remains in superb condition that bears witness to Morocco’s rich history. This ancient Neolithic city, probably first inhabited by Moors, gave way to a large Roman city in the 1st centuries after the birth of Jesus Christ. Abandoned at the time of the Arab invasions, the city has preserved some magnificent ruins that are still in good condition. These include ancient mansions, the ruins of a great arch, beautiful mosaics, ancient ovens and oil presses. The best thing about this town is that it’s rarely visited. It’s about 30 kilometers from Meknès and 70 kilometers from Fès. Very few tourists make the effort to go there, so the visit becomes a beautiful stroll through a city where nature reclaims its rights – it’s superb!

Tighmert oasis

For an authentic, traditional getaway at the gateway to the desert, head for the heart of the Tighmert oasis, surrounded by tall palm trees.

Follow the daily life of the inhabitants and their ancestral rituals, and take a trip to the Kasbah Caranvanserail to discover the history of the local nomads. A change of scenery is guaranteed!

The best trekking experiences in Morocco

Morocco is an incredibly diverse hiking country with a range of stunning landscapes, from the Sahara desert to the Atlas peaks to the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. Here’s a list of the 10 best trekking experiences to be had in Morocco.

Toubkal

Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa and a popular ascent for hikers. The climb usually takes two days and offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains.

Jebel Siroua

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: Djebel Siroua is a mountain range in the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views over the Draa Valley. The three-day trek is relatively easy and an excellent alternative to climbing Toubkal.

The Rif

The Rif is a mountain range in northern Morocco, close to the Mediterranean coast. Hikes here offer breathtaking views of the region’s coastal landscapes and traditional villages.

Dades Valley

The Dades Valley is a steep-sided valley in the central Atlas Mountains, offering a spectacular landscape of reddish mountains. Hikers can expect bumpy tracks and steep hiking trails as they explore the region.

The Tafraoute

Tafraoute is a small town in southern Morocco and a popular starting point for hikes in the surrounding mountains. The pink granite landscapes and rock formations are particularly striking.

The Sahara

The Sahara is one of Morocco’s most exotic places for hiking. Sand dunes and oases provide a striking contrast to the Atlas Mountains.

The Middle Atlas

The Middle Atlas is a mountain range in central Morocco. Hikers can expect landscapes of cedar forests, waterfalls and mountain lakes.

The Atlantic Coast

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: The Atlantic coast offers spectacular hikes along sandy beaches and steep cliffs, with breathtaking ocean views.

The M’goun

The M’goun is the second-highest peak in the Central Atlas and offers incredible hikes for lovers of mountain scenery. Hikers can expect views of rolling landscapes, peaks and gorges.

Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is a popular destination for hikers looking to escape the heat of Marrakech. Hikers can expect rugged mountain scenery, waterfalls and traditional Berber villages.

In conclusion, Morocco offers an incredible variety of landscapes for hikers of all levels and interests. From the snow-capped mountains of the Atlas to the sand dunes of the Sahara, hikers can discover a wide diversity of fauna, flora, cultures and lifestyles. Travelers can also get closer to local communities by visiting traditional Berber villages and staying in local accommodation.

It’s important to note that some hikes may require guides and permits, so it’s best to find out in advance. It’s also advisable to plan your trip in advance and equip yourself with the appropriate hiking clothing and equipment, especially if you’re planning a multi-day trek.

All in all, the 10 trekking experiences we’ve presented here are just a few of the many possibilities Morocco has to offer. If you’re a lover of nature and hiking, Morocco is a destination not to be missed. So pack your rucksack, put on your hiking boots and set off to explore this magnificent country!

The most Instagrammable places in Morocco

Morocco is a fascinating and culturally rich country, with diverse landscapes ranging from the Atlas Mountains to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as historic cities and breathtaking deserts. If you’re looking to capture some Instagram-worthy moments, here are the 10 most Instagrammable places in Morocco you should visit.

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most popular cities, with its Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow streets and red stone buildings provide a spectacular backdrop for Instagram photos. The city’s colorful souks, lush gardens and historic palaces also offer plenty of places to take unforgettable photos.

Majorelle Garden

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco;: The Majorelle Garden, located in Marrakech, is a perfect place to take Instagram photos. The electric blue walls and exotic plants bring out the garden’s natural beauty. What’s more, the garden’s history is linked to French fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent, making it a must-see for fashion enthusiasts.

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is one of the largest mosques in the world. With its spectacular architecture, it is one of Morocco’s most photogenic sites. Visitors can stroll along the terraces and take photos with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a small town in the Rif mountains, famous for its blue and white houses. The narrow streets and colorful walls make Chefchaouen one of the most Instagrammable places in Morocco.

The dunes of Merzouga

Located in the Sahara desert, the Merzouga dunes offer stunning scenery for Instagram photos. Orange sand dunes, sunsets and camels create a unique atmosphere for photos that will always remind you of your trip to Morocco.

The kasbah of Ait Benhaddou

The kasbah of Ait Benhaddou is a historic fortress in the Ounila valley, near Ouarzazate. With its mud walls, watchtowers and ancient architecture, it’s a popular location for films and TV series. It’s also a must-see for history and photography buffs.

Essaouira beach

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: Essaouira is a port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, essaouira beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean and colorful fishing boats. It’s the perfect place to take Instagram photos by the sea.

The Skoura palm grove

The Skoura palm grove, located in the Dades valley, is a verdant oasis in the middle of the Moroccan desert. Palm trees and orchards create a unique landscape for Instagram photos. The historic kasbahs, once used as houses and forts, also add a touch of ancient charm.

Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud waterfall, located in the Atlas Mountains, is the highest waterfall in Morocco. The cascading water creates a spectacular spectacle for Instagram photos. Visitors can also bathe in the natural pools at the foot of the waterfall.

Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech

Place Jemaa el-Fna is one of Morocco’s liveliest squares. Food stalls, musicians and street performers create a vibrant atmosphere for Instagram photos. At night, the lights and colors of the square create a stunning backdrop for nocturnal photos.

In conclusion, Morocco is brimming with beautiful landscapes and fascinating historic sites, making it a prime destination for travelers eager for Instagram photography. Whether you’re passionate about nature, history or culture, you’ll find plenty of places to immortalize in photos during your Morocco tours.

the best riads for a memorable stay

Fez is a historic Moroccan city known for its fortified medina and magnificent palaces and mosques. Riads, traditional Moroccan houses renovated as tourist accommodations, are an excellent option for travelers looking to experience the authenticity of the city. Here is a selection of the best riads in Fez.

Riad Laaroussa

Riad Laaroussa is a luxury riad located in the medina of Fès, close to many tourist attractions. It has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional architecture, while offering modern comforts. The riad has 8 spacious rooms, all tastefully decorated and en suite. It also boasts a large inner courtyard with a swimming pool, garden and terrace offering breathtaking views over the medina. The staff are friendly and attentive to guests’ needs, offering a personalized and memorable stay.

Riad Fes

Riad Fes is a charming riad in the heart of the Fes medina. It is housed in a former palace that has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional architecture. The riad has 30 luxurious rooms and suites, each individually decorated with traditional Moroccan fabrics and furniture. It also boasts a spa, heated indoor pool and restaurant serving traditional Moroccan and international cuisine. The staff are extremely welcoming and attentive to guests’ needs, offering an unforgettable stay experience.

Riad Maison Bleue

Riad Maison Bleue is a charming riad located in the medina of Fez, close to the famous Al Quaraouiyine mosque. It has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional architecture, while offering modern comforts. The riad has 18 spacious rooms and suites, all tastefully decorated and equipped with en suite bathrooms. It also boasts a large inner courtyard with a swimming pool, garden and terrace offering breathtaking views over the medina. The staff are friendly and attentive, offering a personalized and relaxing stay.

Dar Roumana

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: Dar Roumana is a charming riad located in the medina of Fez, close to the famous Place Nejjarine. It has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional architecture, while offering modern comforts. The riad has 6 spacious rooms, all tastefully decorated and en suite. It also boasts a large terrace with breathtaking views over the medina. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. The staff are very welcoming and attentive to guests’ needs, offering a warm and personalized stay experience.

Riad Dar Bensouda

Riad Dar Bensouda is a charming Riad located in the medina of Fez, close to many tourist attractions. It has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional architecture, while offering modern comforts. The riad has 18 spacious rooms, all tastefully decorated and en suite. It also boasts a large inner courtyard with a swimming pool, garden and terrace offering breathtaking views over the medina. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. The staff are very welcoming and attentive to guests’ needs, offering a personalized and friendly stay experience.

Riad Braya

Riad Braya is a charming riad located in the medina of Fès, close to the famous Bab Boujloud gate. It has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional architecture, while offering modern comforts. The riad has 7 spacious rooms, all tastefully decorated and en suite. It also boasts a large terrace with breathtaking views over the medina. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. The staff is very welcoming and attentive to guests’ needs, offering a personalized and pleasant stay experience.

Palais Amani

Things to do & Places to See in Morocco: Palais Amani is a luxury riad located in the medina of Fez, close to the famous Al Quaraouiyine mosque. It has been carefully restored to preserve its traditional architecture, while offering modern comforts. The riad features 15 spacious rooms and suites, all tastefully decorated and equipped with en-suite bathrooms. It also boasts a spa, a heated indoor pool and a restaurant serving traditional Moroccan and international cuisine. The staff are very welcoming and attentive, offering a luxurious and relaxing stay experience.

In conclusion, Fez is a city rich in history and culture, and riads are an excellent way to discover the authenticity of this city. The riads selected above offer a unique and memorable stay experience, with welcoming staff attentive to guests’ needs. Whether you’re looking for a charming or luxury riad, there’s something for everyone in Fez.