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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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» Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral
All too often overshadowed by the magnificence of the Hassan II Mosque, the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral is an important center of worship for Morocco's Roman Catholic population and serves as a striking example of Casablanca's modern architecture. Built in 1954 by architect Achille Dangleterre, the cathedral's imposing white concrete facade looks more like a warehouse than a church and a simple white cross is the only hint to its purpose …
» Old Medina of Casablanca
Found in the north of the city between the port and the majestic seafront Hassan II Mosque, the Old Medina of Casablanca contains the last vestige of pre-20th century Casablanca. Up until the French took over in 1907, the coastal city was defined by this small area, encircled by defense walls and presided over by the Portuguese-built Borj Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah fort. Today, the modern city has grown out in all directions but the historic quarter remains, still surrounded by the remnants of its city walls and 18th century fort …
» Ouarzazate
With its strategic location at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains and on the brim of the vast Saharan sands, Ouarzazate has become one of Morocco's most important holiday destinations, popular among both locals and tourists. Long known as the 'Door of the Desert', Ouarzazate makes a common launch pad for camel trekking and camping trips into the Draa Valley and the surrounding Sahara desert, as well as tours of the famous UNESCO-World Heritage listed city of Ait Benhaddou …
» Ourika Valley
Nestled in the foothills of the mighty High Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley makes a popular day trip from Marrakech at just 30km from the city center. A lush expanse of terraced fields and forested hillsides, the valley provides a picturesque backdrop for hiking expeditions, with its verdant hills set against the stark red rock of the mountains. At the heart of the valley are the dramatic Setti Fatma falls, a series of 7 cascading waterfalls that flow into the Ourika River …
» Ouzoud Falls
Located by the village of Tanaghmeilt in the High Atlas Mountains, the Ouzoud Falls are Morocco's highest waterfalls, tumbling 110 meters through a dramatic red-rock gorge of the El Abid River. Taking their name from the olive groves that blanket the valley ('Ouzoud' is Berber for 'Olive'), the summit of the falls is still dotted a number of historic water mills, some of which are still in use, extracting olive oil from the surrounding crops …
» Quartier Habous (Habous Quarter)
In the southeastern part of the city, Casablanca's New Medina or Habous Quarter (Quartier Habous) was laid out in the 1920s by the French and remains one of the most atmospheric districts. Characterized by its small tree-lined squares, neat alleyways and elegant arcades, strolling around the Habous unveils a curious mix of French colonial buildings and traditional Maghrebi architecture, dotted with small souks selling Moroccan handicrafts and leather goods …
» Rabat
The laid-back Moroccan capital of Rabat is all too often overlooked in favor of its more vibrant neighbors, but the coastal city is more than just a political and administrative center and makes a worthwhile day trip from nearby Casablanca or Fez. Without the frantic traffic jams and frenzied souks that characterize many of Morocco's big cities, Rabat feels more like a provincial town than a bustling city, but this polite and self-effacing nature is all part of its charm …
» Royal Palace of Casablanca
A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, surrounded by picturesque orange groves and elaborate water features, the Royal Palace of Casablanca is a suitably grand royal abode. Located in the Habous district of the city's New Medina, this is the King's principal Casablancan residence and host to a number of important events and royal receptions. The palace grounds, as with most Moroccan royal residences, are closed to the public …
» Saadian Tombs
The Saadi dynasty, which dominated much of Morocco in the 16th and 17th centuries, is closely identified with Marrakech, and some 60 members of the ruling family are now permanent residents. Assuming your reverence for long-dead Moroccan sultans is limited, the main reason for visiting the Saadian Tombs is the outstanding decorative work on the buildings which house them. Stunning geometric mosaics, minutely detailed stonework …
» Sahara Desert
From trekking across the dunes on a camel, following ancient Sahara trade routes, to sleeping out under the stars in a traditional Bedouin encampment, then rising at the break of dawn to watch the sun rise over the desert plains; visiting the Sahara desert will likely check a few things off your bucket list. Multi-day tours from Marrakech are the most popular way to experience the desert and most trips pass through the gateway town of Merzouga …
» Tangier
A cultural melting pot and one of Morocco's most unique cities, Tangier's cosmopolitan roots date back to the post-WWII years, when the city was designated as an 'International Zone' co-governed by France, Spain, Britain, and six other countries. Today, the European influence remains, from the elegant French architecture of the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) to the French and Spanish that are spoken alongside the native Arabic, and its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar draws a constant stream of cruise visitors and expatriates …
» Volubilis
Stretching along the high Jebel Zerhoun plateau in northern Morocco and blooming with wildflowers throughout the summer months, the Roman ruins of Volubilis are a striking sight. Renowned as the best-preserved ruins in Northern Africa, the archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into ancient Morocco and makes a popular day trip from nearby Meknes or Fez. Initially founded as a Carthaginian settlement in the 3rd century B.C., Volubilis became an important Roman town from around 25 BC …
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