Attractions of Morocco

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most evocative names in travel and this medieval North African city remains very popular with travellers. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, Marrakech has numerous historical structures of interest and retains a medieval atmosphere reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. The Medina, or old city, is centred around Djemaa el Fna Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world, which comes alive at nights with travelling musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, storytellers, jugglers and hundreds of small restaurants and food stalls. Marrakech's other highlights include the beautiful 19th century Bahia Palace, the 16th century Saadian tombs and the Dar Si Said palace which houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech, and its spectacular and graceful minaret dominates the skyline and is a symbol of the city. The labyrinth of souks off Djemaa el Fna Square are world famous and the perfect place to haggle for Moroccan souvenirs.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Marrakesh

The port town of Essaouira lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast. It dates back to the 15th century but was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century with a significant European architectural influence. Essaouira is a relaxed and picturesque town from the narrow streets and white-washed buildings of its medina to the ramparts and fortifications along the sea wall. The former pirate's lair is now a substantial fishing port and it's interesting to observe the daily catch and auction. The coast provides a scenic and fascinating stroll, along the ramparts and beaches to the crumbling castle. Elsewhere, the shops and artisans' workshops in the medina offer opportunities to buy rustic leather belts, gold and silver jewellery or elaborately decorated wooden boxes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)

High Atlas Mountain Trekking

Morocco provides some of the most accessible and popular trekking opportunities in Africa. The most popular region is the High Atlas Mountains just south of Marrakech. Mount Toukbal (known locally as Jebel Toukbal) is North Africa's highest peak at 4,167 metres and is the main trekking challenge in the area. It is a tough but non-technical climb, rewarded by stunning views over the granite peaks of the Atlas Mountains, to Marrakech in the north and the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Sahara in the south. The base camp at Neltner is at 3,200 metres from which the ascent is attempted. Other peaks of note include Jebel Ouanakirm at 4,088 metres and Jebel Adrar n'Dern at 4,001 metres. For less strenuous but equally picturesque trekking, the fertile valleys and hills of the area (such as Ouirgane Valley east of Toukbal or Tijhza Valley near Telouet) offer circuits with beautiful scenery and the chance to meet locals in remote Berber villages.

The ksar at Ait-Ben-Haddou in Ouarzazate province is the most famous and best preserved example of this traditional type of pre-Saharan habitat. A ksar comprises a densely packed group of red earthen buildings enclosed by a high defensive wall reinforced by towers. Ait-Ben-Haddou dates to the 15th century and if it looks familiar, it's because it has been used as the location for the Hollywood epics Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth and Gladiator.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

The Dades and Mgoun Valleys in the Atlas Mountains east of Marrakech are areas of pristine natural beauty which also offer superb trekking opportunities. The circuits in this area offer beautiful mountain scenery, the famous Rose Valley (site of the Festival of the Roses every May) and the chance to explore Berber villages and meet the local people.

The Todra Gorge is a spectacular canyon of the Todra River in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in eastern Morocco. The cliffs rise vertically up to 300 metres leaving a narrow pass for the river and a track to walk through the chasm. Trekking through the canyon in the morning you can follow the local Berber women taking their goat herds to higher ground for grazing. Following them to the Abdelali viewpoint will give you spectacular vistas down into the gorge and across to the Jebel Sahro mountain range and the Dades Valley. Keep an eye out for the rare Bonelli’s Eagle that nest in the cliffs.

The Merzouga Sand Sea lies on the edge of the Sahara Desert in eastern Morocco, near the small Berber village of Merzouga. This vast area of sand dunes makes for a breathtaking landscape, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The best way to experience this region is to take a camel ride to a camp in the desert and sleep under the stars enjoying traditional Moroccan food and hospitality.

Rabat

The historic city of Rabat became capital of the French Protectorate in 1912 and Morocco's capital after independence. The earliest settlement was in the Chellah area in the 1st century BC where the remains of the citadel are now found. The city's historic areas have many important attractions, including the Hassan Mosque minaret, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Royal Palace and the walled Kasbah des Oudaias.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rabat, modern capital and historic city: a shared heritage

Meknes

Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes reached its peak during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail from 1672-1727, who made it his capital city and developed an imperial city within Meknes. Built in Hispano-Moorish style, the medina is surrounded by high walls and monumental gates, within which are palaces, mosques and numerous souks, as well as the tomb of Moulay Ismail.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Meknes

Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Founded in the 3rd century BC, Volubilis became an outpost at the edges of the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD, as capital of its province of Mauritania Tingitana. Housing the best Roman ruins in Morocco, Volubilis is best known for its numerous and detailed floor mosaics. Some of the notable structures remaining are the ruins of the basilica, capitol, the great houses of Orpheus and Ephebus and the triumphal arch of Caracalla which spans the decumanus maximus.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Site of Volubilis

Fez

Though it lost its status as political capital of Morocco to Rabat in 1912, Fez remains the spiritual and cultural capital of the country and one of the finest examples of a medieval Islamic city in the world. Home to the world's first university, Fez was one of the great centres of education and learning in the medieval world, especially at its peak under the Marinids in the 13th and 14th centuries. Walking through the medina of the old city of Fez (there are no cars), Fez el Bali, is an almost overwhelming assault on the senses. Its narrow streets are packed with mosques, madrassas, fondouks (or shops), artisan workshops, khans and palaces, little changed since medieval times. Buildings of note include Karouine University, Attarine madrassa and the Royal Palace. Outside the medina are the other parts of Fez - Fez el Jedid is the new city founded by the Marinids, a planned city with broad streets and many gardens, Nouveau Ville has a distinctive European character while the Mellah is the Jewish quarter.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Fez

Tétouan is located on Morocco's northern coast and was the main link between Morocco and Andalusia in the Islamic period. After the Reconquest, Andalusian refugees settled in the town and its medina reveals these influences in its art and architecture. It is the smallest but most complete medina in Morocco.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)

Mazagan was built as a fortified coastal colony by the Portuguese in the early 16th century as part of their explorations of West Africa. It was taken over by the Moroccans in 1769 and today is part of the city of El Jadida. The fortification with its ramparts and four surviving bastions is an early example of Renaissance military design. Inside are some surviving Portuguese buildings - the Gothic Church of the Assumption and the cistern, in addition to the 19th century mosque.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)

The old imperial city of Taroudant, located south of Marrakech at the top of the Souss Valley, was briefly capital in the 16th century and nearly destroyed in rebellion in the 17th century. Taroudant is renowned for its well-preserved towering red ochre defensive walls, within which you'll find a medina of narrow alleyways and fascinating souks and markets.

The Draa Valley is a fertile stretch of land along the Draa River as it flows from the High Atlas Mountains to the Sahara between the Anti Atlas and Jebel Sarhro mountain ranges. The valley is lined with palm groves, kasbahs and ksars (fortified villages) with a number of interesting destinations on the way. The ksar at Tamnougalt is one of the most impressive in the valley. The oasis at Zagora is known as 'The Gate of the Desert', lying at the edge of the Sahara - it claims to be 42 camel days to Timbuktu. The village of Tinfou lies on the edge of the vast Saharan sand dunes, where a camel trek will give you a taste of the desert life.

The Anti-Atlas Mountains lie to the south of the High Atlas Mountains and the Sous River. The region provides the rugged mountain scenery, lush valleys and oases and traditional villages also seen in the High Atlas but it is a region much less visited by tourists making for a more isolated and authentic setting. The area offers excellent trekking opportunities, with various grades of circuits including climbing the peaks of Jebel Aklim at 2,531 metres and Jebel Lekst at 2,359 metres. There are numerous traditional Berber villages in the mountains which can be visited on foot or by vehicle and offer insights into rural Berber life.