Morocco’s Hidden Gems: From Medinas to Dunes

Marrakech is the most lively city in the kingdom. It attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to discover its medina and its souks. The stalls brimming with carpets, lamps and spices mingle with the aroma of mint tea and the constant noise of artisans working leather or metal. On the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, storytellers, musicians and snake charmers can be found all day long. Travelers can also visit the Majorelle Gardens, with their intense blue and exotic vegetation, or the Palmeraie and the new districts of Gueliz and Hivernage and spend pleasant moments in the luxury hotels or restaurants of the ochre city.

In addition to Marrakech, Fez is worth a visit, especially its medina, one of the oldest in the Islamic world and listed as a World Heritage Site, as well as the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, considered the oldest university in the world. Fez is also a paradise for craft enthusiasts: ceramics, leather, mosaics and fabrics are made using techniques passed down from generation to generation. As for Chefchaouen, nicknamed the blue city because of the blue-painted facades of the houses, it fascinates with its steep alleys and wooden doors.

Another place to visit during a trip to Morocco is the dunes of the Erg Chebbi in Merzouga in the desert. Travelers can set up their tents and gaze at the starry sky or explore the desert on the back of a dromedary or in a 4x4, crossing the Draa Valley filled with palm groves. Tourists should also visit Casablanca, the economic capital of the kingdom, especially its Hassan II Mosque. In Rabat, they will be amazed by the tree-lined boulevards, its gardens and its medina, not to mention the Kasbah of the Udayas, the mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th century minaret that stands majestically facing the Bourgreg River.

Travelers can also discover Moroccan cuisine in all its diversity. Starting with the tagine and couscous, the national dish par excellence. In the souks, they can also taste skewers, olives, honey and almond confections, all washed down with the essential mint tea. Beyond gastronomy, Morocco seduces with its legendary hospitality. From luxurious riads to family homes in the Atlas, the traveler is always welcomed with a smile. In total, traveling to Morocco is a unique experience. Visitors will have the chance to discover a calm and hospitable country.