For many travelers, it’s not a question of if you’re going to travel or when you’re going to travel. It’s where you’re going. Where will you go on your dream holiday? Where will you go to relax on the beach after a hectic month at the office? Where will you take that once-in-a-lifetime family holiday? If you’re reading this, you probably already know where you’re going: Morocco!
Too many destinations and not enough time! Now that we’ve finally escaped winter and our summer holiday plans are taking shape, many of us are looking ahead to the coming autumn, winter, and even 2018 to find that next breathtaking holiday. However, many of us travel with families, friends, and partners who don’t necessarily share our idea of the ‘perfect holiday’.
To make your life a little easier, here is a breakdown of how Morocco can be a trip for every type of traveler.
Destination Morocco: beaches, mountains and desert
In Morocco, there is no need to choose between a beach holiday or a mountain holiday. You can wake up to the sound of the waves in the intimate seaside resort of Essaouira, spend the afternoon exploring the medieval souks of Marrakech, and end the day with a sunset over the rural Atlas mountains.
Destination Morocco: For food lovers
From the moment you set foot in Morocco, you will be able to smell the country’s traditional spices and herbs from miles away. They waft from the countless markets and food stalls. For many of us, food is perhaps the most important aspect of Moroccan culture. Luckily for us, Moroccans are also known to be some of the biggest foodies in Africa! Nibble on warm homemade bread straight from the oven. Try mouth-watering tagines, which mix savory and sweet in a dance of flavors on your tongue. Lovingly hand-rolled as it has been for centuries, share a huge bowl of the national dish, couscous. Dig into the local salads. Remember to leave room to overindulge in the mouth-watering almond biscuits and cookies that always seem to be on the plate. Street food junkies in particular will be in for a treat. Meanwhile, in one of the fun cooking classes on offer, the chefs in the crowd will want to try their hand at Moroccan cuisine.
Destination Morocco: For shopaholics
We dare you to visit Morocco and leave without at least one bag full of aromatic spices, a hand-woven rug or two, and a few pieces of hand-spun and hand-painted pottery! Every major city has its own souk – a maze of winding alleyways lined with shops selling everything from ceramics to leather goods and jewelry. Bargaining with shopkeepers for the best price is expected and accepted in Morocco. So brush up on your bargaining skills before you go! Shop till you drop… and then consider indulging in a Moroccan spa treatment for a little pampering.
Destination Morocco: For families
Morocco may be the best destination on the planet for children. The souks are a wonder for children and they are likely to leave with bags full of sweets and gifts. Morocco is unbelievably family-friendly. It’s not a bad destination for parents either. Moroccans, on the whole, love children. Grumpy old men will turn into patient clowns to entertain your little one while frowning matrons will beam with pride for you and your clan. Amazingly, you’ll even witness the rare occasion when a teenager breaks away from their mobile phone to help you up the stairs with your pram. Even better, parents can easily find a reliable babysitter or nanny while they’re visiting, making that much-needed date night a real possibility.
Destination Morocco: For surfers
Morocco has been a haven for surfers for the past 40 years, and several schools and organisations have already opened along Moroccan beaches for travelers interested in surfing in Morocco. If you’re an experienced surfer looking for new challenges or a change of scenery, Agadir is the place to be. It’s close to some of the country’s best surfing spots, namely Taghazout, Imsouane, and Anchor Point (known as Almadraba by the locals).
Destination Morocco: For music lovers
When visiting Morocco, you will naturally want to discover some of the local musical gems, such as Gnaoua Music or Aissaoua (see Essaouira Gnaoua Festival). However, Morocco is also home to a number of music festivals that combine contemporary styles such as jazz, Arabic hip-hop, and electronic music with more traditional Moroccan music. The Mawazine festival, perhaps one of the most important in Africa, is held once a year in the capital, Rabat, and has featured some of the world’s biggest artists. Other festivals to look out for include the Fez festival of sacred and spiritual music, Jazz au Chellah in Rabat, Jazzablanca and L’Boulevard in Casablanca, Tanjazz in Tangier and the Oasis festival near Marrakech!
Destination Morocco: For LGBTQ+ travel
Morocco is essentially a Muslim country, but don’t be fooled into thinking there is no gay culture. Same-sex activity is outlawed (though the laws are rarely enforced) and some areas have a thriving LGBTQ+ subculture. Places such as Marrakech and Tangier have long been, and still are, prime destinations for gay travelers. From Paul and Jane Bowles to Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, who saved Marrakech’s Majorelle Gardens from destruction, many gay celebrities have chosen to spend time or live in Morocco, and thankfully you can now visit!
To have as safe and enjoyable a trip as possible, it is still best to keep a low profile in public and avoid public displays of affection, just like everyone else. PDAs simply aren’t allowed in Morocco.
Destination Morocco: For festival-goers
There are more festivals in Morocco than you can count, seemingly one for every season and every week. Some of the best-known are the Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute in February, the Rose Festival in Kelaat M’Gouna, the Marriage Festival in Imilchil, and the Saffron Festival in Taliouine. See our festival calendar overview for a more complete list. Who doesn’t love a good festival?
Destination Morocco: For the adventurous
While surfing and other water sports are all the rage on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, you’ll find incredible trekking all over the country, especially in the mountains. Meanwhile, a night in the vast expanses of the Sahara is something almost every traveler should try, while the truly adventurous can try their hand at sand surfing. Spelunking, hot air ballooning, rock climbing, 4×4 rallies, the world’s toughest off-road race, and many, many more activities can be found throughout the country.
Destination Morocco: For armchair historians
Morocco is an ancient country, much older than many in Europe, not to mention the USA or Australia. The world’s oldest known human remains, over 300,000 years old, were discovered in Morocco. History buffs will be thrilled to walk through the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and Lixus, and will easily be enchanted by the ornate splendour of the centuries-old Koranic schools in the old medinas. For many, simply walking the pedestrianized streets of the medieval city of Fez (the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!) is an incredible experience.
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