things not to miss
It’s not possible to see everything that Morocco has to offer in one trip – and we don’t suggest you try. What follows is a selective and subjective taste of the country’s highlights, in no particular order: fascinating cities, Roman ruins, mountain hikes and stunning buildings. All entries have a page reference to take you straight into the Guide, where you can find out more. Coloured numbers refer to chapters in the Guide section.
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Simply the most beautiful small town in Morocco, its blue-washed walls enclosed by mountains.
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The symbol of Marrakesh, the Koutoubia’s twelfth-century minaret is visible for miles around the city.
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Venture into the Sahara on a camel trek from Zagora, M’Hamid or Merzouga.
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The nerve-shredding Tizi n’Test and the higher Tizi n’Tichka wend up over the Atlas mountains, providing breathtaking views along the way.
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The most dramatic of the country’s waterfalls, with overhanging cafés, and a thunderous sheet of water that plunges into the pools below.
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6 Fez
The most complete medieval city in the Arab world, Fez’s labyrinthine streets conceal ancient souks and iconic monuments, none more so than the exquisitely decorated Medersa Bou Inania.
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This great Almohad building stands isolated in an Atlas river valley.
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8 Crafts
From carpets and carpentry to leatherwork and ceramics, Morocco’s craft tradition is extraordinarily vibrant, and on magnificent show in its souks.
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The most beautiful gate of the medieval Moorish world.
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10 Tea
“Whisky Marocain” (mint tea) is the accompaniment to any discussion or transaction.
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11 Telouet
An evocative relic of the time when the infamous Glaoui clan ruled over the Atlas and Marrakesh.
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Musicians, acrobats and storytellers converge each night on this spellbinding city square.
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13 Todra Gorge
Take a walk (or a climb) in the majestic Todra Gorge, with its towering 300m canyon walls.
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Troupes of these endangered “apes” inhabit the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
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15 Sidi Ifni
This old Spanish colonial town retains a seductive array of Art Deco buildings.
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16 Casablanca
Casa’s colonial architecture blends traditional Moroccan designs with French Art Deco into a distinctive style known as Mauresque.
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17 Essaouira
Relax by the Atlantic at Morocco’s most popular resort, home to a growing windsurfing scene.
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Visit the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis and stay at the holy Islamic town of Moulay Idriss.
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19 Tangier
The old “International Zone”, sometime-home of Bowles and Burroughs, has a uniquely edgy charm.
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20 Asilah
This relaxed seaside town – setting for a first-class cultural festival in August – is home to one of the best beaches on the northwest coast.
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Morocco’s southern oases are dotted with crumbling kasbahs and traditional Berber villages.
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The Moroccan cultural calendar is packed with festivals but few can match the largesse of Imilchil’s three-day “Marriage Festival”.
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23 Majorelle Garden & YSL Museum, Marrakesh
A lovely, mature botanical garden, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, with a museum dedicated to his work next door.
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24 Riads
These renovated old mansions, centred on a courtyard and often full of stylish designer touches, provide a tranquil retreat from the outside world.
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The High Atlas offer fantastic trekking opportunities, from day walks in the Toubkal Massif to expeditions through isolated valleys.