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Discover Magical Morocco
In Morocco, most people live west of the Atlas Mountains, a range that insulates the country from the Sahara Desert. Casablanca is the center of commerce and industry and the leading port; Rabat is the seat of government; Tangier is the gateway to Morocco from Spain and also a major port; Fez is the cultural and religious center; and the dominantly "Berber" Marrakech is a major tourist center.
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» Ain Diab Corniche
With its scenic promenade bordering the western seafront of Casablanca and a cluster of stylish hotels and beach resorts, the Ain Diab Corniche is one of the city's most fashionable districts. The coastal suburb is traversed by the 3km-long Corniche Boulevard, which stretches from the magnificent Hassan II mosque in the east to the landmark El-Hank Lighthouse in the west, offering expansive views along the Atlantic …
» Ait Benhaddou
Home to some of Morocco's best preserved Kasbahs, the UNESCO-World Heritage listed city of Ait Benhaddou once occupied a prominent position on the trans-Saharan trade route and is now one of the country's most famous attractions. Sculpted from traditional mud bricks, the town is a striking sight, perched on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains and fortified by walls of dark red pise. The highlight of the city is the Telouet Kasbah …
» Atlas Mountains
Sprawling along the frontier of the Sahara, Morocco's mighty Atlas Mountains run all the way from the Atlantic coast to the northern Rif Mountains, separating the cities from the desert. Capped with snow throughout the winter months and cloaked with wildflowers through the summer, the rocky plateaus and lush valleys of the Atlas Mountains provide a striking backdrop for hiking and mountain biking treks from cities like Marrakech, Fez and Agadir …
» Bahia Palace
The crowning glory of Marrakech's numerous palaces, even the name of the exquisite Bahia Palace nods to its greatness - 'Bahia' translates as 'Brilliance'. Located by the medina, on the northern edge of the Mellah, or Jewish quarter, the Bahia Palace was once the 19th-century residence of Si Ahmed ben Musa (or Bou-Ahmed), the Grand Vizier of Marrakech, who famously lived here with his four wives, 24 concubines and numerous children …
» Chefchaouen
A sea of startling blue buildings set against a backdrop of the rugged Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (pronounced 'shef-sha-wen') is one of the real gems of Morocco's north, effortlessly retaining its authenticity amidst the influx of tourists. There's no mistaking where the 'Blue City' gets its nickname and with its bright blue-painted walls, doors and stairways, punctuated by red-tiled roofs, it's a city begging to be photographed …
» Djemaa el Fna (Place of the Dead)
Djemaa el Fna, or Place of the Dead, a huge open expanse at the core of the medina (old town) of Marrakech, is one of the great meeting places of the world. Traders meet merchants, merchants meet travelers, travelers meet snake handlers. And the past meets the present, with storytellers carrying on a centuries-old oral tradition, keeping their listeners spellbound with tall tales. The square functions as an outdoor market, music hall, restaurant and theatre …
» Essaouira
Earning its place in the guidebooks back in the 1960s, when iconic musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, Frank Zappa and Cat Stevens descended on its shores, the tranquil beach town of Essaouira might be over its hippie heyday, but its laid-back vibe still entices a steady stream of backpackers and curious tourists. Perched on the Atlantic coast between Casablanca and Agadir, the fishing port and beach town retains a distinctly European feel …
» Fez
One of Morocco's four imperial cities and an UNESCO World Heritage site, vibrant Fez is a worthy rival to Marrakech - a city as charmingly eccentric as it is traditional. Long upheld as the spiritual and intellectual heart of Morocco, Fez is not only home to one of the world's oldest universities (Kairaouine university), but a vast collection of historic sites, mosques and palaces, and each tour of the city unveils something new …
» Hassan II Mosque
As one of the world's largest mosques, the magnificent Hassan II Mosque not only boasts a capacity for over 100,000 worshippers, but is also one of Casablanca's top tourist attractions. Built to commemorate the 60th birthday of former Moroccan King Hassan II, the elaborate mosque was the brainchild of French architect Michel Pinseau and opened its doors in 1993. From its regal cliff-top perch overlooking the ocean to its soaring 210-meter high minaret …
» Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret
Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia Mosque is not only the largest in Marrakech, it is also one of the most influential buildings in the Muslim world. Throughout Spain and beyond you'll see echoes of its intricate geometric stone work, graceful arches and imposing square minaret. This last feature, flood-lit at night, is a much-needed point of reference when exploring the low-lying tangle of streets and alleyways which comprise the medina …
» Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle)
The Majorelle Garden is one of the most magical places in a city with no shortage of enchantment. Its founder, French painter Jacques Majorelle, fell in love with Marrakech in the early 20th century and after developing this charming oasis, opened it to the public in 1947. Apart from the huge range of exotic plants, including rare succulents and towering palms, the most distinctive feature is the intense, almost psychedelic shade of blue used in the garden's walls and buildings …
» Marche Central de Casablanca
A short stroll or tram ride from United Nations Place, in the heart of Casablanca city center, the Marche Central de Casablanca is the city's main market, located along the busy shopping street of Muhammad V Boulevard. Crammed with locals, the daily market is fascinating place for tourists to get a taste of local culture, as well as pick up bargains, with everything from food to fresh flowers and traditional clothing on sale. The vibrant stalls serve up a myriad of fresh produce …
» Marrakech Souks
The souks (covered markets) of Marrakech form the teeming, bewildering sub-conscious of the city, a vast network of alleyways pierced periodically by shafts of sunlight. Each souk has a different specialty, be it rugs, leather goods, spices, metalwork or clothing. Haggling is compulsory; the first price the merchant mentions is usually a fanciful multiple of what they actually expect. French is handy but money talks and the traders know it often speaks English …
» Medina of Marrakesh
Marrakesh, once the most powerful commercial and political center in the Arab world, was founded in 1062 by Berber chieftain Abu Bakr ibn Umar as the capital of the orthodox-Muslim Almoravid Empire. Full of ornate monuments built mostly between the 12th and 16th centuries, a visit to its medina, or old town, is like a walk through a heavily fortified open-air museum. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985. Surrounded by ancient walls and enormous gates …
» Meknes
The youngest of Morocco's four imperial cities, Meknes makes a less-crowded alternative to nearby Fez or Rabat, and the comparative lack of tourists means you'll be able to explore free from the chaotic pace and over-zealous vendors of its neighbors. Don't let its lesser fame stop you from visiting though - Meknes' striking landscape of palaces, gardens and mosques is well deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status …
» Menara Gardens
One of the great distinguishing landmarks of Marrakech, the Menara Gardens are grouped around a reservoir which once formed part of an irrigation system. They date back to the 12th century, with the green-roofed pavilion added four centuries later and occasionally used as a royal summer residence in the years since. This modest yet perfectly-proportioned structure is best viewed from the opposite end of the reservoir, reflected in the still waters with the majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains …
» Mohammed V Square
Along with the neighboring United Nations Square to the north, the Mohammed V Square forms the central hub of Casablanca's new town and is home to some of the city's most striking architecture. Laid out in the early 20th century and named in honor of the former Sultan, the large square centers around a monumental fountain, dramatically lit up in the evening hours, and is buzzing with activity day and night. Many of Casablanca's most important administrative buildings …
» Moulay Idriss
A mound of whitewashed buildings framed by lush mountains and olive groves, the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss is a striking proposition, and it's a suitably picturesque setting for one of Morocco's most important pilgrimage sites. The town takes its name from one of Morocco's most revered saints, Moulay Idriss I, famous for bringing Islam to Morocco and founding the country's first dynasty. Today, the grand Mausoleum of Idriss I is the focal point of pilgrim's visits and plays an important role in celebrating the annual Festival of Moulay Idriss …
» Museum of Marrakech (Musee de Marrakech)
Marrakech's foremost museum is housed in a 19th century palace which draws on earlier architectural glories for inspiration, all centered on an Andalusian-style courtyard. The current form of the museum is largely due to patron Omar Benjelloun, who did much to reanimate interest in Morocco's cultural heritage. Exhibits include ceramics, jewels, arms, costumes, calligraphy and a collection of Judaica, reflecting the diverse cultural history of the city …
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