Morocco, officially designated as the Kingdom of Morocco, is a coastal nation in North-western Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It provides travellers with loads of sightseeing and enjoyment opportunities. The country is highly influenced by the ancient Arabian, Berber and European cultures, which you can perceive and experience if you just pay a visit. Whether it is entertainment or shopping or sunbathing or eating or relaxing you seek, make no mistake, Morocco is a perfect destination and indeed, a complete package. Now, let’s have a look at the top places to visit in Morocco.

Sidi Ifni, Capital of Morocco

Sidi Ifni is a fishing town in southwest Morocco, with a population of around 20,000. Most of these inhabitants belong to the Ait Baamrane tribe, one of the most distinguished Berber tribes across the country. Since the city was under the influence of Spain until 1969, Spanish culture is visible in this day and age. The temperature of Sidi Ifni is moderate, averaging 22°C or 71°F all year round, which is pretty ideal for surfing. Therefore, it is a favourite destination for surfers. Furthermore, the region is a perfect escape from Europe’s chilly weather. There are a few beaches, such as Legzira Beach, Plage de Lagzira and Plage Sidi Ifni, and a bustling fish market in the city, which you should not avoid visiting.

Rabat, Capital of Morocco

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is located on the coasts of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country, packed with memorable buildings, diverse culture, parks and boulevards. Often nicknamed the ‘Royal City’, it is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco. The medina, the old portion of the city with its fortified walls, attracts more sightseers than the new portion of the capital does with broad boulevards and informal cafes. Rich in history, the city contains several Islamic and French-colonial landmarks like the Kasbah of the Udayas. This ancient riverside citadel houses a museum and gardens. Like this attraction, the incomplete Hassan Tower, the scenic Chellah, the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V are among the top sites to be visited in Rabat.

Meknes, City in Morocco

Meknes is a historic city in northern Morocco, fairly near to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the ancient city of Moulay Idriss. It is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and is often noted for its imperial constructions. The name of Sultan Moulay Ismail is interconnected with the city as he was the ruler who made Meknes his capital in the 17th century and decorated it with great walls and gates in Spanish-Moorish style. The city has an architectural mausoleum dedicated to him, which is known as the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Recognised as his final resting place, it is one of the busiest tourist attractions in the city. Additionally, Bab Mansour Laleuj, the iconic gateway featuring geometric gilding, devotional inscriptions and marble columns is a must-see landmark in Meknes.

Chefchaouen, City in Morocco

Chefchaouen is a magical city in northwest Morocco. It is called the blue city because everywhere you go, you will see buildings painted in the tint of blue. Apart from the spectacular blue-washed houses, the city is also known for its traditional handicrafts, which cannot be easily found in any other corner of Morocco. The steep cobbled lanes of the city are taken by leather and weaving workshops. Kief, a byproduct of marijuana, is a very popular product here and is getable in shops or markets without much difficulty. Make your trip to Chefchaouen worthwhile by visiting the red-walled Kasbah, Chefchouen Ethnographic Museum and Rad el Maa Waterfall.

Asilah, Town in Morocco

Asilah is a glorious town located on the northwest end of the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It has a long history that goes back to 1500 BC when it was recognised as a trade hub for the Phoenicians. It also served the pirates as an operating base in the 19th and 20th centuries. The medina or old town is encircled by several centuries-old constructions including Tour Al Qamar and Krikia. Every year, the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah is arranged on the whitewashed houses in the medina and to witness it, thousands of people from all over the world come to the city. On the south of Asilah, located the famous Paradise beach, which is worth a tour. As a summer holiday spot, Moroccans love to choose Asilah. Therefore, for outsiders, it is wise not to visit it during summer but at any other time of the year. The city offers a range of budget-friendly hotels and restaurants for dining and relaxing.

Essaouira, City in Morocco

Essaouira, a port city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Its strong breeze excites tourists for various seaside ventures such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The medina of the old town of Essaouira is surrounded by the Skala de la Kasbah, seafront ramparts dating back to the 18th-century. Essaouira Citadel, the historic fort with an active fishing port is a must-see. If you are an art lover, you might fancy stopping at the Gallery Kasbah. The city is also a handicraft paradise, with many local shops where artists sell their crafts. Notably, thuya wood crafts are very popular in this city.

Fes, City in Morocco

Fes, sometimes composed as Fes, is a city in the north of Morocco. It has long been considered to be the spiritual and cultural capital of the country. It is an ancient city and in fact, the oldest of the four imperial cities in Morocco. The city is commonly noted for its Fes El Bali medina, an ancient walled medina with well-decorated medieval constructions like Bab Guissa and Bab Boujeloud gate or the Blue Gate. There are no cars in the streets of the medina, but there are donkeys and handcarts for shipping goods from one place to another. Two of the country’s greatest religious schools, namely Bou Inania Madrasa with its remarkable Marinid and Moroccan architecture and Al-Attarine Madrasa with its gorgeous tiling and stunning architecture, are located in the city. Fes is also a fine place to find special kinds of perfumes, spices, lamps, leather items and food.

High Atlas (Atlas Mountains), Central Morocco

High Atlas (also known as the Atlas Mountains), otherwise referred to as the Grand Atlas, is a spectacular mountain range in Morocco. It is the highest part of North Africa’s Atlas Mountains containing the Toubkal National Park, which features Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in the country with a height estimated at 4,167 metres. The High Atlas provides visitors with loads of recreational activities throughout the year, ranging from snow sports in the wintertime to hiking in the summertime. If mountain climbing excites you, consider climbing the Toubkal. The Berber village Imlil is a solid point to start your journey. The climbing grants panoramic views all the way from the bottom to the top. In the eastern side of the High Atlas and close to the town of Tinerhir is the Todra Gorges, a range of limestone river canyons, which are regarded as one of the country’s most exceptional spots to visit. Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Moroccan earthen clay architecture, is also a must-visit city resting on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains.

Merzouga, Sahara Desert, Morocco

Merzouga is a small desert town in the southeastern region of Morocco. It is situated near the Algerian border, in the Sahara Desert. The town is a gateway to Erg Chebbi, a scenic, colourful area of desert sand dunes formed by wind-blown sand. Popular tourist activities in this region include camel and all-terrain vehicle rides through the picturesque field of deep reddish-orange sand dunes. You can also enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset scenes. For a more distinctive experience, consider going on group tours, camping at the foot of some very high dunes and cooking in the open air.

Marrakech, City in Morocco

Marrakesh is a major city and a leading economic centre in western Morocco, with a number of historic mosques, palaces and gardens. Due to its sandstone constructions, it is often nicknamed the Red City. In the 1960s, the city used to be known as a “hippie mecca” and was dear to several well-known names of the time including The Beatles, Yves Saint Laurent and the Rolling Stones. It is still a favourite place with the Moroccans and tourists alike, offering a multitude of attractions. Strolling through the magical, mazelike alleys of Marrakesh’s medina is one of many ways to sample the beauties of Marrakesh. The Jemaa el-Fnaa Market in the medina quarter is exceptional for shopping traditional textiles, pottery, jewellery and fresh produce. Also, you can try some local delicacies on offer. Make the most of your trip by making enough time to walk through the Jardin Majorelle botanical garden, which features a Cubist villa, exotic plants and fountains.

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