Morocco

Mosques, History, Desert & Adveture

One of the most liberal countries in North Africa, Morocco’s biggest drawing card is Marrakech, a giddying and grandiose city. Morocco is a heady mix of cultures, religions, ancient traditions, and modern sensibilities. It conjures up images of mint tea and tagine, date plantations and minarets, labyrinthine medinas and pungent spice stalls.

Each city has a distinctive and different character. Tangier, in the north, is the gateway to Africa and is characterised by its white-washed buildings, sandy beaches and burgeoning cultural scene. Further down the coast lies cosmopolitan Casablanca, the faded coastal town of Essaouira and the lively beach resort of Agadir, favoured by sun-seekers and surfers. Inland  Fez captivates travellers with its dusty souks, high-sided streets, and a maze of stunning riads (traditional houses built around a central courtyard).

The blend of ancient and colonial architecture that characterises Morocco’s main cities makes them attractive propositions: Marrakech, Essaouira, Fez, and Tetouan are all on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and are home to a growing collection of cultural attractions. And when sightseeing begins to pall, visitors can retreat to a traditional hammam, sample the country’s delectable cuisine or barter for bargains in the souks.

Beyond the cities, remarkable landscapes await. Carving Morocco in two are the Atlas Mountains, home to the monumental gorges of Todra and Dades, the palmeries of Tinerhir, and the beautiful Berber city of Ouarzazate, where active travellers will find skiing aplenty. Then there’s Merzouga, famous for camel-trekking and birdwatching, and Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain.