Morocco is an inspiring country that provides a perfect heady mix of warm climates, delicious North African cuisine, bustling medinas and beautiful beaches. In addition to this are the majestic Atlas Mountains, rolling hillsides and fragrant olive groves. All of this is within four or five hours reach of the UK, an exciting prospect. 

There are so many different areas of the country to explore and uncover, below we have detailed areas of Morocco that we can help you to discover. A little inspiration to choose from for your next holiday to Morocco. If you would like a specialist to draw up a tailor-made itinerary around your preference do get in touch and call us on 020 8050 2681.

Agadir:

Agadir is a city quite unlike any other in Morocco, a devastating earthquake in 1960 saw the original city collapse almost entirely and this beachside resort rose from the rubble of its past. The new city of Agadir located slightly south of its original location sitting in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. 

Agadir is a popular beach resort year round, thanks to its warm and pleasant climates, many find a fix of winter sun here. Many travel here looking for winter sun, where temperatures normally sit at around 20 degrees celsius and the beaches surrounding the area are some of Morocco’s finest. 

The internal city of Agadir could be accused of being slightly sterile, however as you wander towards the beachfront and shoreline of the Atlantic, this modern and active city with its white-wash buildings and wide flower-lined boulevards is charming and somehow captivates timeless class despite its relative youth. This area is best enjoyed as you sip on a coffee and people watch from one of the European style cafés. 

Souk El Had is the largest and most vibrant market in Agadir with thousands of shops and stalls selling everything imaginable. Well organised it makes for a slightly more relaxed shopping experience than that of the souks of Marrakech and many cities of Morocco and by its very architecture is distinctly different and individual. 

A visit to La Médina is a must when staying in Agadir, built sympathetically with techniques of traditional Berber construction employed, it is home to an exotic garden, artisan shops and a museum. Agadir is very impressive, despite being only just over half a century old now it packs a punch and offers charm to all who chose to explore its streets.

The Atlas Mountains: 

The Atlas mountain range sit within close proximity of Morocco’s capital Marrakech. Stretching through Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, it forms a barrier between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts in the north and the Sahara in the south, stretching for 2,500 kilometres. 

The Atlas mountain range is home to the highest mountains of North Africa with the Toubkal mountain situated in southwest Morocco standing at an impressive 4,167 metres. It’s this significant altitude that results in what might surprise some; snowfall and the ability to ski in the Atlas in the winter! Home to the Berber people, the Atlas mountains are full of dramatic scenery, friendly inhabitants, and an interesting array of flora and fauna. 

Taroudant, affectionately nicknamed by some as the Little Marrakech is the perfect base for hiking into and exploring the Atlas Mountains. Its dramatic scenery is magical with the snow-capped mountains of the Atlas as its backdrop, it’s an authentic experience, with less compromise as a result of the mass tourism that some parts of Morocco have been subjected to, lose track of the time muddling your way through the souks and immerse yourself in local life.

Casablanca and Rabat:

Casablanca is a port city on the central-west coast of Morocco, just south of the coastal city of Rabat another coastal town, both fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Casablanca has a French colonial style and is the largest city in Morocco. A financial and economic centre of the country, the port is one of the largest artificial ports in the world, home to the Royal Moroccan Navy. Casablanca came from Casa branca meaning white house in Portuguese. Before the French conquest in the 19th century, Casablanca had a strong Portuguese and Spanish influence. 

Casablanca is one of the most luxurious towns in Morocco with 5* hotels lining the beachfront. The Corniche oceanfront is a long strip along the coast with many restaurants and bars on the edge of a beautiful beach. It feels worlds apart from the Old Medina, and many of the souks you find throughout the rest of Morocco. 

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, an atmospheric city that was rebuilt in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The name came from Ribat meaning monastery. The city was once home to the Romans and stories say it was also a pirate town. Rabat has a very interesting history and is considered one of Morocco’s imperial cities. With the medina in Rabat being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The royal family spend most of their time in Rabat, the royal palace is incredibly detailed and beautiful. The city is full of culture, museums, the Andalusian gardens, the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas, there is plenty to visit.

Chefchaouen and Northern Morocco:

Chefchaouen is known as Morocco’s blue city, one of the most eye-catching and charming cities in Morocco. The beautiful blue wash buildings sit lining the hillside with excellent cuisine, a peaceful ambience and excellent accommodation, Chefchaouen is a fantastic place to visit. 

The history behind the blue wash that covers many of the buildings in Chefchaouen has been theorised for years, from Jewish refugees seeking refuge in Morocco at the turn of World War II, to the anti-mosquito colouring, with no definitive answer it makes for a charming and distinctive city. 

Chefchaouen sits in the north-west of Morocco surrounded by the Rif mountain range, approximately an hour from the coast. Further north you can find the cities of Tetouan and Tangier. With a history dating back over 500 years, Chefchaouen’s medina and main square is a popular attraction with its many stalls and winding streets, the blue and white buildings mean a lighter, brighter feel than many medinas found elsewhere.

Essaouira:

Essaouira is a relaxed and enchanting town on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco. Essaouira meaning ‘little picture’ in Arabic, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco. Also known as the windy city, Essaouira has beautiful white and blue buildings and a picturesque medina. The medina is a walled city within Essaouira which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The feel in Essaouira is very laid back with an African and Arabian feel to it. You can spend a day cycling around or wandering through the backstreets or coastline. For visitors it is ideal as it has a much more relaxed feel than the likes of Marrakech. 

Until the end of the 19th Century Essaouira was the main port of Morocco and a popular place for trade. The port is still a busy harbour with fish markets, here you can buy fresh fish and lobster then go to one of the surrounding tents and the locals will cook it for you on a charcoal bbq. 

The city is home to the goats in the trees, many goats live around the city and climb the trees to eat fruit from the Argan tree. Once a year in June, a popular time to visit, Essaouira hosts the Gnaoua Festival of World Music which is a major attraction.

Fes: 

The cultural heartland of Morocco, Fes is located inland and is a crossroads to many of Morocco’s major cities. A city of huge cultural significance it has a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere.

Fes el-Bali is the oldest walled part of the city and falls under UNSECO World Heritage Site protection. This area leads to The Medina of Fes, the largest car-free urban area in the world. The muddled busy streets can feel easy to get lost within, however with each turn something different presents itself. The sprawling heart of the city is dense, as you shuffle past donkey carts transporting goods. Suddenly with another turn the closeness can abate and you can round a narrow corner to find it opens up to a beautiful courtyard, or large open space, with aromatic sizzling dishes and street vendors coming out of the unexpected. 

Whilst Fes charms and easily captures the imagination, if a break from the city and rejuvenation is needed, the Merenid Tombs are a fascinating place to discover. Situated on the hillside above Fes dating back to the 13th – 15th centuries the tombs in themselves are excellent to study with detailed carvings, however many proclaim their favourite aspect of the Merenid Tombs to be the sweeping views of the city of Fes and surrounding lush hillside and peace found here.

Marrakech:

A bustling city, full of sights and smells, bustling bazaars, relaxing riads and culinary delights, Marrakech is a well-established tourist hotspot that is well worth spending a few days at. This busy, slightly hectic city really does reward those who are happy to explore the culture and hidden backstreets. 

Hone your haggling skills, refine your understanding of spice and experience the melting pot of Arabian, French and Mediterranean cultures and cuisine that are found at every turn through the narrow streets of the markets and bazaars. Head inside The Medina, the UNESCO protected old interior of the fortified city where more narrow streets await with beautiful rich Moroccan dishes to sample and a glimpse back to the ancient past of the city. 

Many beautiful gardens and peaceful settings can be found within easy reach of the hustle and bustle of the centre of Marrakech. The Agdal Gardens whose origin can be traced to the 12th century are stunning royal orchards home to olive, citrus and pomegranate trees to name a few. The Majorelle Garden features a monument to Yves Saint Lauren who bought and restored the gardens.

Oualidia: 

Oualidia is a tranquil oasis, a wonderful coastal village with a protected lagoon. It’s a beautiful escape and so sleepy you might miss the hustle and bustle of Marrakech after a few days, but for those looking to avoid the crowd and step away to enjoy this coastal town it is a true gem. 

Oualidia is perhaps the best kept secret of the locals, with many of Morocco’s beach resorts a hive of activity, Oualidia is quite the opposite. The aforementioned lagoon provides perfect scenery, a wonderfully picturesque area, the lagoon is the true focal point of the town. 

Time it right and you can marvel at the spectacle of migrating pink flamingos enjoying the shelter of Oualidia’s lagoon and experience the delightful seafood on offer here, especially the speciality of the region: oysters. 

Located just under four hours from Marrakech and approximately two hours from Casablanca, this could be the best place to stop off between these two cities. Just bear in mind that you might want to extend your trip for a bit longer than you had originally planned once you have experienced the charm of Oualidia.

Skoura and The Desert: 

Skoura is a town in the centre of Morocco, in the Ouarzazate province of Morocco. A flourishing oasis in the Sahara Desert surrounded with palm trees and palm groves. Skoura is much more than initially meets the eye with one of Morocco’s most beautiful and ancient kasbahs. The Amerhidl Kasbah, one of Skoura’s main attractions, was built in the 17th century and is well kept. This kasbah is on the old 50 dirham note. In Skoura there are many kasbahs including the Ben Amar and Ait Ben Abou Kasbah, all with sand coloured stone walls. The city is full of desert traders and an exciting place to visit.

An hour north of Skoura is Dades Valley, it is an excellent place to visit if you are looking to explore for a day trip. The Dades Valley is a route that links the desert and ancient trading oasis called Tafilalt. There is also a large gorge, Dades Gorge and to the left are the Atlas Mountains for anyone who is feeling more adventurous. 

The Sahara Desert covers 11 countries, one of which is Morocco. In the desert you can enjoy spectacular views as well as numerous activities. In Morocco they offer trips to explore the sand dunes via camel, quad bike or even sand boarding. You can watch the sun set over the mountains, camp out overnight and see the stars as well as visiting the local Berber people. The Berber people have generally abandoned their nomadic way of life and live in small villages. A popular excursion is to visit a Berber house, here you will be taken aback by the kindness of the Berber people as well as their generosity. It is likely you would be given an exceptional amount of food and tea.

Tétouan: 

Tétouan is on the north coast of Morocco in the Alboran Sea, the western-most area of the Mediterranean sea. Tétouan is 61 kilometres east of Tangier and 40 kilometres south of Ceuta, a Spanish enclave and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is set in the Martil Valley near the Rif Mountains. The Berber name meaning literally ‘the eyes’ and figuratively ‘the water springs’. It is one of the two major ports in Morocco that is on the Mediterranean sea. 

The medina, known as the White Dove, is an Andalusian old city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medinas in Morocco. With the inner city full of charisma and tall white buildings, you can find lots of little market stalls and riads. The city has a Spanish feel and it is a must to go in the medina if you are visiting Tétouan. There is an archaeological museum in the centre, and a royal palace to visit, the city is full of culture. 

Tétouan is only a 20 minute drive from the coast and Tamuda Bay is one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in Morocco. As a luxury resort it is perfect for pairing with Tétouan enabling you to experience the culture of Morocco. Tamuda Bay is full of wonderful seafood restaurants and you can also indulge in some water sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Near to Tamuda Bay is Smir Laguna, which is a resting place for many migratory birds and close to the Royal Golf Club.

If any of these destinations have inspired you to visit Morocco or you now would like to find out more and explore this diverse and inspiring country get in touch with one of our specialists. We can help you find the perfect weekend break to Marrakech, a week long beach retreat or a tailor-made holiday to suit you. From relaxing beach breaks, shopping in medinas and exploring the coastline, it is a country that has so much to offer and you will want to return to time and time again.