MOROCCO reflects the beauty of the African continent with its mountains, valleys and deserts. What makes it more interesting for the tourist is the fact that the vision of Morocco is in different hues it presents with modernity sitting well with its heritage.
A trip around Morocco can be done in stages or just particular areas as the mood warrants, for the African nation has a wealth of treasure for the connoisseur to choose from. A leisurely trip around the country is what we did and we returned richer from the vacation.
Ouarzazate, an African Hollywood, could be a good start of a wonderful tour of Morocco. It enjoys gorgeous views with exotic landscapes and crystalline skies. You can see the famous crenellated towers come from the clusters of cling-together houses to hug the sky and occupy a prominent place under the sun.
Just in front of the Taourirt Kasbah, which was once the residence of the ruler of Marrakech, you can see a modern building including a number of workshops for different handicrafts such as sculpturing, stonework and copper work. At the exit of the building you will find a coffee shop on the right side. It is an enjoyable place to have a drink, especially at night when the lights of Kasbah are on.
You will also enjoy the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, located 30 km away from Ouarzazate. Could you imagine a palace made of sand designed by a magician and put inside a field of almond trees? It is incredibly charming. This palace was used in shooting a number of international movies such as “Lawrence of Arabia” and others. UNESCO has categorized it as an international and cultural inheritance.
Ouarzazate is considered to be the road leading to the oases and the place where you can find Moroccan cultural handicrafts. On Sunday morning, you can find everything sold in the market such as flowers, henna, aromatic herbs, cumin, sculptured stones, and little handmade wares such as embroidered covers, fabrics and handmade carpets.
This wonderful city is very generous and hospitable. It is an ideal place for relaxation and spending a good time. It also has a number of luxurious and charming hotels.
Marrakech, the Pearl of the South, is also known as the “Pink City” for the ochre color of its walls. It is one of life’s greatest magical and splendid joys Marrakech has awakened every day for 800 years with the voice of the muezzin calling from the 70m high minaret of Koutoubia. The streets then begin to get crowded with people gathering in front of Ibn Yousuff Mosque, which is one of the most historical structures of the Qur’an School established by Sultan Merinid Abu Al-Hassan, who ruled from 1331 to 1349.
During your visit, don’t forget to visit Dar Is Said Museum, which includes finely worked silver Berber jewelry, embroidered leather, pottery, marble, elegant furniture and many other things that make you think you are dreaming.
The location of the market hasn’t changed for decades; beside the leathers exhibited in the sun are workers, who offer different kinds of natural dyes such as saffron that gives a yellow color, anemone that gives red and anile that gives blue.
Essaouira is a white city characterized by tall white houses and narrow streets. It is full of fragrant flowers. It is a charming place with distinguished features like the very famous rampart. The temperature there is usually around 25 C which makes it a resort where many Moroccans go in order to escape the heat. The city is well protected with its castles, which are made of rose-colored earth. The city design goes back to the 17th century and is one of the world’s few cities which were designed before it was built. We advise you to visit the harbor while you are in Essaouira. It is crowded and full of movement especially when the fishing ships come in. It is the place where fish are sold and the sights and views are unforgettable. In addition, you should visit Al-Marina Gate, which was built in 1984 to connect the city with the harbor. It has a special glamor with stairs that lead to the top of the Al-Sakala rampart at the harbor. From there you can see a wonderful view of the rocky islands and the beach.
Agadir is located along the North African Atlantic coastline. It is naturally decorated with lush greens, pine trees, roses and jasmine. The pure blue sea with the golden sun rays extend along its charming beach. You are invited to spend an unforgettable time in this hospitable city. In Agadir, everything is available. It has good entertainment, a variety of sports facilities and luxurious hotels and restaurants, which offer fresh fish dishes and the most specialized Moroccan food. It also has fascinating markets.
During your visit to Agadir you should go to Goulimine Camel Market, which is held every Saturday at sunset. It is the gathering place for the exotic “Blue Men”, so named because of their blue robes and the indigo dye, which rubs off on their skin. Beyond Goulimine lies the vastness of the Sahara. Don’t forget to visit the natural reserve of Sous Massa. It is divinely calm and magical.
Tangier’s strategic location has made it a desirable place. It merges Europe and Africa and has elements of both. It is admired by many American and European artists, authors, painters, and musicians who chose it to as their residence.
You can enter the city from the main gate or Al-Raha Gate and you will see an amazing panorama of the city and the sea. Don’t forget to visit the city’s big market, Sidy Abdu Adib mosque, and the Forbes museum, which has a collection of 115 thousand lead soldiers representing the Battle of Waterloo.
Rabat is the historical blue and white city and the capital of Morocco. There, you can see Kasbah of Yacoub Al-Mansour and the Hassan Tower. They overlook the Mausoleum of Muhammad V, who gained independence for Morocco in 1953. It is considered one of the biggest mosques in the Arab world. The Muhammad V Mausoleum is an attraction in Rabat that is worth the visit. It is not only a perfectly preserved example of the Alaouite Dynasty’s architectural style, but it is the final resting place of three important members of the royal family. There, visitors and locals are able to pay their respect to these leaders and marvel at the detailed and beautifully designed mausoleum.
