Why You Should Visit Morocco

Why visit Morocco? A destination for all seasons, the Kingdom of Light offers a diverse and rich cultural heritage ripe for exploration and enjoyment. From its vibrant and colorful cities such as Fez and Chefchaouen, to the natural beauty of the coast at Essaouira or the Atlas Mountains, Morocco tempts travelers of all types to wander its many landscapes.For all those who enter, a magical experience awaits!

Dive into Morocco’s Rich History & Culture

 One of the key reasons why Morocco deserves a visit is its unique culture and rich history, existing at a cultural crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Africa and Europe. Morocco’s diverse culture takes influence from the indigenous Amazigh or Berber peoples, Arabic customs that arrived centuries ago, plus a notable French colonial legacy that remains palpable. 

When visiting Morocco, be sure to indulge in local cuisine, typically accompanied by traditional Moroccan mint tea and often with music and dance, as well! But beyond the country’s hedonistic pleasures, be sure to experience the historic sites of Morocco, including but certainly not limited to the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the Fez Medina, and the Hassan II Mosque.

Enjoy Morocco’s Diverse Landscapes

Many who travel to Morocco do so to experience the country’s unique landscapes, from the Sahara Desert to the stunning coastlines. Full-day or even overnight excursions into the desert are very popular, with many tourists choosing to ride camels, dine in traditional Bedouin tents, and enjoy tales on the history of the region.

Alternatively, check out the Atlas Mountains, a rugged chain that stretches across the entire country and hosts multiple unique climates and ecosystems. The Atlas’ highest peak, Toubkal, is located in the central Moroccan highlands. Visitors of all fitness levels can participate in hiking and trekking in order to appreciate these impressive landscapes in-person!

Another bedrock of the Moroccan vacation is their long, dramatic coastline. Visit seaside port cities like Tangier or tranquil beach towns like Oualidia or Al Hoceima, depending on your preference. In the summer months, the winds along Morocco’s Atlantic coast can be quite strong, so most people enjoy the beach in the morning and then relax in town for the afternoon.

Explore Morocco’s Bustling Cities

Morocco has no shortage of interesting and vibrant cities to explore. Each Moroccan city has unique attributes and attractions, so be sure to do your research before choosing a destination!

Marrakech may not be the biggest city in Morocco, but its rich history and cultural offering make it a top tourist destination. Many visit Marrakech for its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as its many imperial palaces. Djemaa el-Fna square, located right in the city center, is widely considered to be the busiest square in Africa and hosts not only a souk with stalls for shopping, but a unique tradition of oral storytelling as a form of nightly entertainment.

Tourism in Fez centers around shopping, and Morocco is a true retail paradise. The city’s historic Medina is among the oldest in the country, and its winding streets host multiple shops and souks to buy fabric, carpets, spices, and more. Moroccan markets are known for their colorful and lively atmosphere, as well as for great deals on hand-crafted objects. One reason why people visit Fez is for its ancient tanneries, granting access to premium-quality leather goods at accessible prices. 

Last but not least, well-known Casablanca is a key Moroccan city to explore. Boasting a beautiful Atlantic coastline, this city is a more modern counterpart to Marrakech and Fez’ ancient history. Admire 20th-century architecture that coexists alongside older monuments, just one of many unique experiences in Morocco to enjoy.

Savor Morocco’s Culinary Delights

Moroccan cuisine has spread far beyond its home country to achieve popularity around the world. But you won’t find more delicious Moroccan food anywhere else! It’s a major reason why many visit Morocco.

Perhaps the most iconic dish in Moroccan cuisine is tagine, named for the distinctive earthenware pot in which it is cooked. The pot’s conical lid is designed to return all condensation back to the bottom, resulting in a perfectly moist and flavorful end result. In Morocco, tagines are usually a stew cooked with sliced meat or fish, vegetables, and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin. Moroccan tagine can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the country, it’s very commonly found!

Another delicious Moroccan dish is couscous. Made from semolina flour, these small granules of grain are a staple food throughout North Africa and can be prepared in many different ways. Moroccan couscous can be steamed or stewed, prepared to be spicy or mild, and may contain meat or just vegetables. In 2020, couscous was put on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. 

One tasty Moroccan food that may be less well-known is pastilla. This meat pie, traditionally wrapped in a layered pastry similar to phyllo dough, often packs a sweet flavor though it has many different regional variations! In Morocco, pastilla is generally considered an appetizer, and is served at the beginning of the meal.

Beyond the food itself, the experience of dining in Morocco can itself be special. Bustling Moroccan markets offer the greatest diversity of street foods, where you can try multiple different dishes, potentially from different regions, in one place. Don’t miss such a unique Moroccan experience!

The Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Morocco

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities in Morocco, including hiking, swimming, and more! The country’s varied landscapes make it the perfect place to challenge yourself physically, no matter your age or fitness level! 

For those seeking an adventure in Morocco, why not try something new? Thanks to its crashing waves, surfing in Essaouira has become more popular and now even beginners can take classes with expert instructors. 

For a more uniquely Moroccan experience, try riding a camel through the Sahara Desert, which remains steadfastly popular among tourists. While you’re in the desert, you can also try riding a 4×4 through the dunes, jumping, dipping and diving along with the landscape’s natural curves. 

Finally, hiking in the Atlas Mountains can be a rewarding challenge with stunning views and rarely-seen remote stopping points. Don’t miss the famous Three Valleys Trek, passing through lush rural areas and tiny Berber villages with a wealth of outdoor activities on offer. Expect to see many of the same activities you might see in a European ski resort!

Experience Moroccan Hospitality

Moroccan hospitality is famous, and its people are legendary for their warmth and welcoming nature. As a guest in the country, you can expect to be offered Moroccan mint tea and sweet treats almost everywhere you go as a sign of respect, and its presentation can take on an almost ceremonial air. 

When choosing where to stay in Morocco, try to bear in mind that there are various options depending on your preferred experience. There are many famous Moroccan luxury hotels known for catering to international celebrities and royalty to the highest standards of service. Perhaps those seeking a more traditional experience might choose to stay in a riad, a type of townhouse centered around a courtyard and typically located in the city center. With beautifully-restored common areas, these Moroccan riads can be great for those seeking a more social travel experience. Finally, travelers who want the most immersive and authentic Moroccan experience should consider staying in a rural guesthouse. This will afford the most contact with locals, and you will surely get to experience that exceptional Moroccan hospitality for yourself.

Discover Ideal Morocco Travel Packages

Some travelers may find that a tour package to Morocco best serves their needs. Whether you’re traveling from near or far, booking a vacation package in Morocco will certainly save time, effort, and possibly even money. In just one booking, a traveler can reserve their flights, accommodations, guided tours, and meals so that everything is taken care of well in advance and with a minimum of effort. 

Exoticca offers several different Morocco vacation packages catered to different interests, travel styles, and landmarks. Travelers seeking a classic route through Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca can check out Medinas, Souks, and Imperial Cities, a 10-day journey that hits Morocco’s most quintessential experiences. Curious adventurers could also go on Jewels of Morocco: The 360 Experience for an even more comprehensive tour that goes from the sand dunes to the sea.

Seasonal Travel Guide: Visiting Morocco in Summer vs. Winter

Though Morocco is a year-round destination, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t major differences between seasons. Keep on reading to find out which time of year would be right for your perfect vacation in Morocco!

Why Visit Morocco in the Summer

Summertime in Morocco is simply magical, and a great time to discover all that the Kingdom of Light has to offer. As in many other parts of the world, the best place to travel in Morocco in the summer is the coast! Head to the beach in Agadir, a coastal city known for its close connection to the Amazigh people. You can also try surfing in ever-popular Essaouira, where daily winds can help keep you cool. More and more small coastal towns are gaining popularity with visitors, with examples like Asilah becoming more well-known as summer destinations in Morocco.

Compared with the coast, Moroccan desert excursions in the summer can be more complicated. But with the proper information and planning, summertime travelers to the Sahara can still have a blast! The best strategy to avoid the heat involves planning for an early morning or evening outing, so that the hottest mid-day hours with full sun are avoided. That way, you can still enjoy the desert with much cooler temperatures!

Moroccan summer is also known for its festivals, which attract art and music lovers from around the world. The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira and the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival are two of the most popular events in Morocco that you could attend.

In general, those wishing to visit Morocco in the summer should be sure to pack light, breathable clothing. Be advised that natural fibers like cotton help keep you much cooler than polyester! And once you’re in-destination, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Keeping a reusable bottle on-hand should help.

Why Visit Morocco in the Winter

Winter travel to Morocco remains severely underrated! But Morocco has more winter activities on offer than you might think, and the season offers a welcome respite for those seeking to avoid North Africa’s famous heat. High in the Atlas Mountains, you can even go skiing in Oukaïmeden, one of the continent’s only ski resorts.

Many will find city tours of Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen to be far more pleasant in the winter months, as well. With narrow streets and swelling crowds, cooler temperatures can make the whole experience less overwhelming and produce a more relaxed trip. In a similar vein, the Sahara desert is also far more tolerable in the winter months, making it the perfect time to go for a camel ride or even spend a night camping under the stars.

As in the summer, festivals are a major reason why people visit Morocco in the winter. Perhaps the best-known is the Marrakech International Film Festival, which takes place every December. 

Overall, those traveling to Morocco in the winter should be advised to dress in layers, with warmer clothing available as temperatures can drop significantly in the evening or at higher altitudes!

Comparing Morocco in Summer vs. Winter

Let’s start with the obvious difference: the temperature! The weather in Morocco follows certain predictable patterns, and one certainty is that the summer months are quite hot. However, the difference between the coast and highlands versus the country’s desert interior is quite striking. A coastal trip is ideal for summer, while those wishing to visit the Sahara desert may wish to wait for the cooler months.

Crowds are another element worth considering. Despite high temperatures, summer is considered to be the “high season” in Morocco and crowds do tend to swell especially in major cities and tourist destinations. With less traffic, winter months can also be more affordable for budget-conscious travelers in Morocco.

In short, the best time to visit Morocco really depends on what you’d like to see and accomplish. Beach lovers should visit in the summer months to take full advantage of Morocco’s coastline. Additionally, the summer is ideal for 

Plan Your Unforgettable Trip to Morocco

The reasons to visit Morocco are endless, and everyone answers the question “Why Morocco?” in a different way. But whether it’s the contrast between old and new, the fascinating history or the hospitality of its people that originally attracted you, Morocco always leaves room for more discovery.

Hit the beach in one of Morocco’s coastal surf towns, spending summertime in the sun while sampling delicious Maghrebi foods. Embark on a desert adventure, taking advantage of winter’s cooler temperatures to spend more time in the Sahara. Or visit Morocco’s splendid cities any time of year, walking through monuments of the past in Fez, shopping in Marrakech’s souks, or admiring Chefchaouen’s signature blue hue.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to plan a trip to Morocco! Check out Exoticca’s travel packages to Morocco today and start your own adventure in this magical and vibrant kingdom!