Morocco is located in the northwest corner of the African continent. It is the intersection of Europe and Africa, the gateway from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. It faces the Atlantic Ocean to the west, is across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain to the north, and is the largest desert in the world - the Sahara Desert - to the south. The special geographical location and historical reasons have contributed to the fusion of cultures of various ethnic groups, creating today's unique Morocco and making it a diverse tourist destination.
Due to the Atlas Mountains that run diagonally across the country block the heat waves of the southern Sahara Desert, Morocco has a pleasant climate all year round and luxuriant flowers and trees. It has won the reputation of "a cool land under the scorching sun" and is also known as the "Garden of North Africa". With more than 1,700 kilometers of coastline, this seaside city has become an ideal place for surfing and diving enthusiasts. Ifrane, a small town located in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, has become a ski resort due to its high altitude and snowfall in winter.
Morocco boasts captivating landscapes all year round, offering you a unique experience that you will never tire of. If you are keen on niche travel experiences, please read on! We have compiled popular tourist cities and attractions in Morocco for you, as well as recommended itineraries!
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast. It is famous for its white buildings. The name of the city actually means "white house". The famous movie masterpiece "Casablanca" is set in this city. The ups and downs of love stories in the movie world have captured the hearts of many people, making the name "Casablanca" more than just a city. Or a movie, but a synonym for love. With the blessing of "The Spy" and the golden song "Casablanca", Casablanca has fascinated many people.
The most famous attraction in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque. This floating mosque started in 1987 is the third largest mosque in the world. It is close to the Atlantic Ocean. The minaret is 210 meters high and the interior decoration is exquisite and unique. It is recommended not to go there too early, because the sky is usually not the purest blue if you go too early. When the sky is pure blue, the beauty of the Hassan II Mosque will be shocking enough. Note: Tickets are required to enter the mosque, which can be purchased online in advance or on site.
Marrakech, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, is one of the four imperial cities in Moroccan history. It enjoys the reputation of the "Pearl of the South". Because it was built using local red clay, it is also known as the "Red City" Another name. Legend has it that the red color of Marrakech not only comes from the city walls that are dyed red by the setting sun at sunset, but there is also a saying that the city is painted red with the blood of its enemies, symbolizing strength and victory.
A must-visit place in Marrakech is Djima Square, which can be said to be the heart of Marrakech, with a variety of vendors, entertainers and street performances every day. When night falls, the square turns into a food paradise, with all kinds of local snacks making people salivate. Next to the square is the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. Its minaret is 70 meters high and was once the tallest building in Morocco. "Koutoubia" means "books" in Arabic, and the name comes from the book market that once existed next to it. The market is a place for scholars and students to exchange ideas and reflects Marrakech's historical status as an academic and spiritual center.
Ouarzazate is known as the "Gateway to the Desert" and is the only place to go to the Sahara region of Morocco. Ait Ben Haddou, the famous Berber fortress village in Ouarzazate, was named the most beautiful ancient village in the world by Lonely Planet and was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1987. It is also favored by many Hollywood directors. "Cleopatra", "Gladiator", "Mission: Impossible" and "Operation Red Sea" were all shot here. The famous American TV series "Game of Thrones" was also filmed here, making it a must-visit city for "power fans" when visiting Morocco.
Merzouga is a village in southeastern Morocco, the western gateway to the Sahara Desert, the world's largest sandy desert. After passing this village and entering the west gate, there are sand dunes of different shapes everywhere. No matter day or dusk, or starry night, they are all beautiful and otherworldly. "Sahara" is a transliteration of Arabic. In Arabic, "Sahara" means great desert. It comes from the language of the local nomadic Tuareg people, and its original meaning is "great desert". Here, you can ride a camel to experience the desert style, or you can lie on the sand dunes and watch the stars in the sky.
The small town of Ifrane is located north of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is known as Morocco's "Little Switzerland". If the word "Ifran" is translated in the language of the Berbers who first lived in this area, it means "cave". There is no trace of Moroccan culture in the entire town, but it is full of strong European style, with fountains, cafes and tall plane trees. The streets are lined with rows of European-style villas, with red spiers shining in the sun. , giving people a feeling of tranquility, warmth, leisure and comfort, which is very suitable for vacation. If you come here in winter, you can also experience the snow scene!
Fes is a famous historical and cultural city in Morocco. It is the first Islamic city in the history of North Africa. It has also been the center of religious culture and art in Morocco for more than a thousand years. It has been rated as one of the top 10 most romantic cities in the world by the famous American magazine Traveler. Fes means "golden ax" in Arabic and also means "fertile land".
The Old Medina of Fes was designated as a "World Cultural Heritage" protected area by UNESCO in 1981, and is an emergency rescue project for key cultural relics in the world. This ancient medina can be said to be the birthplace of the Arabian mythology "One Thousand and One Nights". More than 9,000 streets in the city are densely intertwined, like a huge maze. The narrow streets and curtained markets are filled with traditional handicrafts such as dyeing workshops, leather processing factories and copperware shops.
Meknes, one of the four imperial cities in Morocco, is one of the capitals of the Almohaved dynasty and is known as the "City of a Hundred Towers". The most distinctive feature of Meknes is the various Maghreb-style gates on the ancient city wall, also known as the "City of Thousand Gates". These unique doors have almost become synonymous with North African style.
Volubilis, not far from Meknes, is a famous ancient Roman city that flourished from the first to the third century AD and was an important outpost of the Roman Empire in North Africa. In the ruins, in addition to the Arc de Triomphe and the temple, we can also find architectural remains such as bathhouses, barracks, oil mills, and entertainment facilities. Although the city is nearly two thousand years old, the solid stone and dry climate have allowed the architectural ruins to be well preserved and look as if they were abandoned not long ago.
Chefchaouen is located in the center of the Rif Mountains in Morocco. It is a beautiful mountain city known as the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco. Chefchaouen's residents are mainly of Berber and Andalusian Jewish descent, giving the town a unique cultural mix. Every street and building in Chefchaouen is painted with different levels of blue, from sky blue to dark blue, giving people a dreamy feeling. Entering this small town is like entering a blue world, which immediately calms down the impetuous heart, as if you are in a paradise.
Tangier is located in the Horn of North Africa in Morocco and is a mythical and legendary place in the far west. When you come to Tangier, you must go to Cape Spartel to feel the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Mediterranean on your right, facing Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar! If you have a Schengen visa, you can also take a boat directly to Spain from here, which only costs 40 euros and can be reached in one hour.
Rabat is the capital of Morocco. As a seaside capital, there is no solemnity or busyness, only endless comfort. The Oudaya Castle on the seaside of Rabat is the filming location of Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible 5". Not only can you climb up and overlook the Atlantic Ocean, but there are also many exquisite shops in the castle.
If you want to know more information and tips about traveling to Morocco, please refer to our blog: Morocco Travel Guide.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries:
3-Day Morocco Sahara desert Tour: Departing from Marrakech
5-day Northern Morocco Tour: a blend of history and culture
7-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Marrakech
10-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
13-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
Want to customize your Morocco travel itinerary? Welcome to contact us:
Email: contact@chrtours.com
WhatsApp: (+212) 713053383
WeChat: MLGred2016
