The Kingdom of Morocco is one of many dream destinations for travelers. Spice trails intersect with imperial cities, desert and beach, and places where craftsmanship continues to be a part of everyday life. There's a mystique that's hard to explain, and the best thing to do is truly experience it, so the best thing to do is pack your bags and go. To prepare, we share 10 REASONS TO VISIT MOROCCO.
10 REASONS TO VISIT MOROCCO:
1 – Gastronomy
Morocco knows how to win us over with its flavors and its stomach. A blend of Middle Eastern and African influences is laden with spices, creating unparalleled flavors. Some dishes are the hallmark of Moroccan cuisine, such as tagine (traditionally made from ceramic), which can be made with meat, fish, or vegetables; couscous; brochettes (skewers) of anything and everything; and Moroccan salad, a staple at every meal, year-round; as well as the traditional harira soup. This is one of the 10 reasons to visit Morocco.
2 – Moroccan Tea
Among our culinary tips, don't forget traditional Moroccan tea, which is served everywhere and at all times. As a welcome drink, to close deals, at parties and meetings, or simply to quench your thirst. Moroccan tea is made with green tea, fresh mint sprigs, and plenty of sugar!
3 – Best time to visit Morocco
We believe any time is a good time to visit Morocco, as each season has its own unique beauty. The city of Marrakesh, for example, maintains mild temperatures even in winter. And while the desert can be very hot in summer, the seaside offers a refreshing refreshing experience. Because the climate can vary from region to region, spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, with milder temperatures.
4 – The two faces of Marrakesh
The city of Marrakesh is as if it were divided into two completely different poles: the ancient Medina (within the walls) and the very modern new part (outside the walls).
Meanwhile, the “new” city is full of resorts and sophisticated hotels, shopping centers and international brand stores, bars and nightclubs… the old part seems to have stopped in time.
Inside the Medina, along narrow streets where cars are not allowed, businesses are old-fashioned, with crafts for sale on every corner; and traditional accommodations are the riads, where the welcome is very personalized. These are two distinct worlds in what is nicknamed the Red City, for the color of its buildings. The heart of the Medina is undoubtedly Djemaa El Fna Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where traditions are maintained: like the henna-painting ladies; the snake charmers; the storytellers; and musicians from various regions of Morocco, who gather here. In this square, every evening, restaurants open up in the late afternoon, serving local cuisine. This is one of the 10 reasons to visit Morocco.
5 – Haggle
This is the watchword if you're going shopping in Morocco: haggle. First, if you're not interested in what they're offering, get used to smiling and saying no. Imagine... hundreds of neighboring stores selling exactly the same thing, side by side.
Their marketing is strong and aggressive, so to capture our attention, they strive to secure our attention. If you want to buy, (almost) everything is negotiable, but remember: negotiate fairly. Fair prices for artisanal work that's being sold at prices much lower than we're used to—remember, 1 euro may not make much of a difference to us, but it does to many of them. If you don't want to… friends anyway and continue your visit. Food isn't negotiable!
6 – What to buy in Morocco?
First rule of thumb for shopping in Morocco? Did you read the previous point? Haggle, haggle, haggle! And have some patience.
In the souks, which are markets filled with hundreds (or thousands) of shops, there is a bit of everything in terms of crafts: from carpets, to babouches, ceramic pieces, basketry, copper (where lamps stand out, as well as mirrors and lanterns), textiles (blankets, cushions), jewelry, tea sets and glass cups and, of course, leather, where you can find everything from bags, suitcases, trunks and coats.
And don't forget spices, dates (and other nuts), and herbal products like argan oil or clays. We recommend purchasing from stores, cooperatives, or herbalists to ensure the products are of high quality.
7 – The clothes of Morocco
Besides all the handicrafts, traditional Moroccan clothing is also a source of much curiosity. It's part of the local culture, and often the full-body covering is associated with places where there was (and still is) a lot of dust and sand in the air.
The Djellaba is a curious piece, as it's a long tunic with a pointed hood. It's worn by both men and women. The Gandora is similar, but without a hood and may have short sleeves.
They are certainly among the most coveted outfits among tourists, as are the beautiful kaftans that come in all price ranges: a simple everyday dress or one with rich hand embroidery for parties and weddings. Also about clothing: an abaya is a fabric draped over the clothing, a kind of cloak.
And among the different regions of Morocco, you'll encounter a variety of clothing styles: for example, in the north, colorful pompoms and hats may be worn; and in the Dades Valley, cloaks may be transparent.
A piece that will come in very handy on your trip: the scarves that desert dwellers use for both sun protection and sand protection.
8 – Cinema in Morocco
Filmmakers from all over the world come to Morocco to produce films and series. More and more locations are being chosen for filming, and major productions see this as a perfect location: political and social stability for filming; good weather that facilitates consecutive days of filming; and a wide variety of natural settings, from the desert to the sea, from historic cities to the mountains.
Ouarzazate is the city that has grown the most due to this increased demand for filming, and at the Film Studios you can learn more about the productions that have been made here. "Gladiator," "Prison Break," and "Game of Thrones" are just a few of the hundreds of films that have chosen this destination to film iconic scenes. This is one of the 10 reasons to visit Morocco.
9 – 5 Places to visit in Morocco
Sleeping in the Sahara Desert is one of the most incredible experiences for travelers to Morocco. The Erg Chebbi dunes are one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and every day is different—you can also explore Merzouga nearby.
Besides Marrakesh, which is one of the country's most visited cities, Ait Ben Haddou is also worth a visit, with its Ksar (fortification) being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a trip to Morocco, you'll pass through the Atlas Mountains—on the way between Marrakesh and Merzouga, for example—and also the stunning Draa Valley—with its millions of palm trees! Did you know that Morocco is one of the world's largest exporters of dates? Don't forget the impressive Todra Gorge, where the spring water refreshes us as we admire one of the world's highest gorges.
10 – Try a Hammam
Finally, don't forget to try a Hammam in Morocco. This type of Turkish bath has several unique features: it's traditionally done on the floor or on benches, but spas have recently improved the conditions to make it more comfortable.
Either way, the hammam involves a good scrubbing session that promises to renew your skin! Someone bathes and scrubs you, pouring pots of water over your body in a slow ritual. A black soap with a eucalyptus scent and an exfoliating glove are used to leave your skin soft and smooth. Treatments are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and after the hammam, you can enjoy an argan oil massage. Perfect skin! This is one of the 10 reasons to visit Morocco.
Convinced? Then join one of our organized group trips through Morocco. We've already taken over 1,000 travelers to explore this incredible country. Learn more and book your spot. clicking here!
