Exploring Morocco: 10 must-do experiences

Nestled within the northwestern nook of Africa, Morocco is a fascinating nation that provides an array of distinctive experiences for travellers. From the majestic Atlas Mountains to the bustling medinas, Morocco is a treasure trove of journey, delicacies, artwork, and a vibrant life-style. On this article, we’ll take you on a journey via ten exceptional issues to do in Morocco that may depart you spellbound and craving for extra.

1. Wander via the colourful Medinas

The Medina of Meknes- Zaouia gate. (Image by Pool RUIZ/TREAL/Gamma-Rapho through Getty Pictures)

Start your Moroccan journey by immersing your self within the bustling medinas of cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen. Lose your self within the maze-like alleyways, the place vibrant colors, unique scents, and bustling marketplaces converge. Uncover hidden treasures, haggle for handicrafts, and expertise the colourful environment of those historical cities.

A medina refers back to the historic district present in Moroccan cities and cities. All through centuries, unbiased distributors and expert artisans have established their companies throughout the medina, providing a wide selection of products and companies. From our perspective, the medina stands as the highest attraction in Marrakech. Whereas some distributors could make use of playful gross sales ways, it provides to the general expertise, permitting guests to discern the real from the much less genuine.

In your preliminary go to, we strongly advocate hiring a well-regarded information as a result of intricate structure of the medina, which might simply result in confusion and getting misplaced inside its labyrinthine streets.

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2. Trek the majestic Atlas Mountains

TIZI N’TICHKA PASS, MARRAKESH-SAFI, MOROCCO – 2023/03/08: Portrait of a memento vendor by his roadside stall. (Image by Jorge Fernández/LightRocket through Getty Pictures)

Embark on an exhilarating trek via the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. Traverse rugged terrains, picturesque valleys, and conventional Berber villages. Discover the beautiful landscapes and be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas at each flip. Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, affords a difficult but rewarding expertise for journey lovers.

3. Bask in conventional Moroccan delicacies

Desk set for dinner for 2 lodge balcony overlooking Atlantic Ocean, Mirleft, Morocco, north Africa. (Image by: Geography Images/Common Pictures Group through Getty Pictures)

Deal with your style buds to the wealthy flavours of Moroccan delicacies. Pattern fragrant tagines, aromatic couscous, and mouthwatering pastries like pastilla. Savour conventional Moroccan mint tea and luxuriate in freshly squeezed orange juice within the vibrant road markets. Don’t miss the chance to strive Harira, a hearty Moroccan soup, and discover the various culinary delights every area has to supply.

We now have chosen 5 dishes to strive in Morocco.

4. Discover the Sahara Desert

ERG CHEGAGA, ZAGORA, MOROCCO – 2023/02/28: Portrait of a Berber man sitting on high of a dune checking his cell phone. (Image by Jorge Fernández/LightRocket through Getty Pictures)

Embark on an unforgettable desert journey by venturing into the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. Journey a camel via golden dunes and witness breathtaking sunsets over the huge expanse of sand. Spend an evening in a conventional desert camp, marvel on the starry night time sky, and expertise the heat and hospitality of the desert’s nomadic individuals.

5. Uncover the traditional ruins of Volubilis

Decumanus maximus and Arch of Caracalla, archaeological website of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage Website, 1997), close to Meknes, Morocco. Roman civilization, 1st-Third century AD.

Step again in time and discover the traditional Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage website. Wander via the remarkably preserved mosaic-adorned streets, marvel on the grandeur of the Arch of Caracalla, and immerse your self within the wealthy historical past of this once-thriving Roman metropolis.

In the course of the Roman rule, political tensions weren’t absent within the metropolis. In 40 AD, a revolt erupted among the many residents; nonetheless, it was quelled by providing Roman citizenship and tax exemptions for a decade. However, when the native Amazigh individuals began to exert strain on the Roman Empire, the Romans finally withdrew in 285 AD. Regardless of this, the native populations of Syrians, Jews, Berbers, and Greeks continued to converse within the native Latin language.

Within the eighth century, with the arrival of Islam within the area, the church buildings have been demolished, however the metropolis remained inhabited till the eleventh century. Though Volubilis sustained its place as a capital metropolis lengthy after the autumn of the Roman Empire, it misplaced its administrative centre standing when the close by metropolis of Fez was established. Subsequently, residents have been relocated to the mountainous village of Moulay Idriss.

Within the 18th century, the area was struck by the devastating Lisbon earthquake, resulting in the destruction of many buildings. Even earlier than the French Protectorate period, within the 1830s, the French military initiated excavations on the website.

6. Dive into Moroccan artwork and structure

JEMAA EL-FNAA, MARRAKESH, MARRAKESH-SAFI, MOROCCO – 2023/02/17: Muslim girl adorning the foot of a shopper with henna within the Jemaa el-Fnaa sq. in Marrakesh. (Image by Jorge Fernández/LightRocket through Getty Pictures)

Marvel on the intricate structure and beautiful craftsmanship present in Morocco’s palaces, mosques, and madrasas. Go to the long-lasting Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, discover the fantastically tiled Medersa Bou Inania in Fez, and admire the breathtaking fantastic thing about the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Discover artwork galleries and museums to understand the various inventive expressions of Moroccan artisans.

7. Expertise a Hammam ritual

Hammam Ziani, Marrakech, Morocco. (Image by Giovanni Mereghetti/Training Pictures/Common Pictures Group through Getty Pictures)

Pamper your self with a conventional Moroccan hammam expertise. Bask in a steam tub, exfoliating scrub, and a soothing therapeutic massage. This centuries-old ritual not solely rejuvenates the physique but additionally affords a glimpse into Moroccan tradition and wellness traditions.

8. Take a street journey alongside the Atlantic coast

ASILAH, TANGER-TETOUAN-AL HOCEIMA, MOROCCO – 2023/03/15: Blue fishing boats anchored within the port of Asilah. (Image by Jorge Fernández/LightRocket through Getty Pictures)

Embark on a scenic street journey alongside Morocco’s enchanting Atlantic coast. Drive from Casablanca to Essaouira, stopping at charming coastal cities like El Jadida and Safi alongside the way in which. Take pleasure in contemporary seafood, take in the solar on pristine seashores, and witness the dramatic fantastic thing about the Atlantic Ocean.

9. Attend a conventional Moroccan pageant

SMIMMOU, MOROCCO: Gnawa individuals dance within the streets of Essaouira, 20 June 2007 earlier than the opening of the tenth version of the Gnaoua World Music Competition of Essaouira (“Gnaoua and Musics of the World”). The Gnaoua World Music Competition is held yearly in Essaouira and gives a platform for exchanges and a gathering level of music and dialogue between international artists and the magical Gnaoua (additionally Gnawa) musicians. (Image by  ABDELHAK SENNA/AFP through Getty Pictures)

Immerse your self within the vibrant spirit of Morocco by attending a conventional pageant. From the colorful Moussems (native spiritual festivals) to the full of life Gnawa World Music Competition in Essaouira, these celebrations supply a glimpse into Moroccan tradition, music, and dance. Be a part of the locals of their joyful festivities and create lasting reminiscences.