The tanneries have been in operation since medieval times and haven't changed much since. dunes of 25 kms long and about 5kms wide,red sand. It is also surprisingly large, with dramatically varying road standards. There are many beautiful mosques in Morocco, but Casablanca's Hassan II mosque is one of the most impressive. There are simple accommodations along the route, and the best time to attempt the summit is in April or May when the weather is pleasant and rains are at a minimum. The best ones take you into the market to purchase fresh ingredients, then show you the traditional ways to prepare them. Make sure to visit the medina, youâll find it a much more relaxing and calm experience compared to the souks of Marrakech. The Kasbah Museum brings together a huge number of exhibits tracing Morocco's history. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets. Most Jebel Toubkal treks start from Imlil, a mountain village located an hour's drive from Marrakesh. Those with an interest in the incredible history of Morocco's sultans should make sure to visit the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh. The structure contains over 300 rooms, and is the process of restoration. The hammam â public bath house â is a Moroccan institution and youâll find one in every neighbourhood in Marrakech. Moroccoâs main port and the largest city in the Maghreb, Casablanca is a multicultural financial centre known more for its modern construction than its history. No visit to Morocco would be complete without at least one foray into the chaotic world of the urban souks. A hammam, or public steam bath, is a Moroccan rite of passage. The exhibition presented photographic insight into the origins of the people of Marrakech. Erg Chebbi, near to Merzouga, is a dramatic 50-kilometre-long series of sand dunes. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought Jardin Majorelle ⦠Fez is the oldest of Moroccoâs imperial cities and has served as the countryâs capital no fewer than three times throughout its history. Long modern and wide walkway running from near sand dunes and new King's palace to the marina and harbour approx 2 - 3…, The current (as of Nov/2019) 5-year drought in The High Atlas has made the scenery unusually pitched in neutral hues…. Inland Morocco has many things to do and see, but most of the luxury lies on the coast. It begins its journey from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and 1100 km. Crocoparc houses over 325 crocodiles from baby ones to fully grown. A list of the top tourist attractions and points of interest in Morocco â What to see, where to go and when to visit. The mosque took seven years to build and required the input of 10,000 artisan craftsmen. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations. A curious fact about the gorgeous city of Agadir is that it was completely destroyed following a massive earthquake in 1960. Find what to do today, this weekend or in February. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The pass is 7410 feet above sea level and lies above the great Marrakesh Plains and is gateway to the Sahara Desert. Agadirâs central market is on a jaw-dropping scale, covering more than 13 hectares and employing 10,000 people, which makes it one of the largest in Morocco. Hassan II Mosque. Within these walls is a living breathing moorish city where people live. Keep an eye out for nocturnal desert creatures, including the jerboa and the fennec fox. The Kasbah illustrates this interesting history, featuring some of its highlights and outstanding leaders. Protected by the old city walls, the Medina of Marrakech was declared a UNESCO heritage site. Everywhere you look in Marrakeshâs main square (pronounced 'jema' â the 'd' is silent), youâll discover... Jardin Majorelle. Wherever you go, try to time your trip for the September to April winter season, when swells are at their best. Things to Do in Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat: See Tripadvisor's 113,011 traveller reviews and photos of Casablanca tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Commissioned in the 16th century by the founder of the Saadi Dynasty, Ahmad al Mansour, the tombs showcase the finest Arabic craftsmanship of the time. Travelers can see old mosques, markets, and buildings with unique and stunning architecture, including beautiful courtyards. Pack a picnic or a good book and spend a few hours relaxing in the garden's blissful shaded areas, or step out into the sunshine to appreciate the full splendor of its colorful blooms. If you don't feel like climbing the peak, there are many more sedate hikes in the surrounding area. It is in these ancient marketplaces where you will find the business end of Marrakech. There are also hotels and gardens and a maze of tiny streets to explore. There are few countries more colourful than Morocco, or more ripe for adventure and boasting amazing things to do. Wine tourism is starting to become popular in Morocco. Wander through the lush tunnels of foliage and discover whimsical and fun art installations of all variety throughout…. By Morocco specialist Clair. It is an amalgamation of many different influences - including the native cuisine of the Berbers, the Arabs, the Andalusians and the French. In the past, when few people had the luxury of private bathrooms, hammams were social meeting places where people could come to bathe and gossip. When in Morocco you must visit a Hammam for a true cultural experience. We wouldnât have seen half of the things... 2. From here, you can book a camel safari or a 4x4 tour, both of which offer the chance to spend the night under the stars or in a traditional Bedouin village. This is a long one floor display of how various tiles, mosaics, carvings and other architectural... 3. The souk is the best place to buy your souvenirs, but be prepared for aggressive sales tactics and to bargain enthusiastically for the lowest price. Morocco is home to many unique annual events and festivals, and timing your trip to coincide with one of them can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Most are situated within the old walled cities of Fez and Marrakesh, putting you at the heart of the action. 4. Jardin Majorelle 49,731 reviews See 193 Experiences Sights & Landmarks 2. Letâs explore the best things to do in Agadir: 1. Most riads are architectural masterpieces, boasting intricate mosaic-work, tiled floors, and graceful arches. The Imperial City of Fez is famous for its leather products, most of which come from the... Stroll Through the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen. No trip to Morokko is complete without visiting Marrakech, as there are... 2. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Founded as a refugee camp, now a popular tourist spot. Donât get stuck in Morocco without a way to charge all your electronics. Perhaps the most exciting event of all is the Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival, which sees entertainers and artists from all over the world gather for open-air performances in the Djemaa el Fna and 16th-century El Badi Palace. After the Jews were expelled from Spain, many Sephardic Jews fled to nearby Morocco by crossing the straight of Gibraltar, and subsequently, they became integrated into Moroccan society. From the vast deserts of the Sahara to the windy seaside towns on the coast, Moroccoâs landscape is one of the most diverse in the world. Afterward, you'll get to taste your creation, while the skills you learn are a souvenir that will last forever. Things to Do in Morocco, Africa: See Tripadvisor's 2 003 621 traveller reviews and photos of Morocco tourist attractions. Today, non-Muslims can take a tour of the building's breathtaking interior outside prayer times. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Agadir is a relatively new destination, the original Agadir being virtually wiped off the map by a severe earthquake in…, Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks. Many of the Saadian sultans were buried here until a rival dynasty seized power and the tombs were closed off and forgotten about. Medina of Fez. Use the eastern town of Merzouga as your gateway to the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes (recognizable as the backdrop for movies like The Mummy and Sahara). During the day, it's a popular meeting place full of snack stalls and street vendors; but at dusk, it transforms into an entertainer's paradise complete with jugglers, musicians, and snake charmers. Alternatively, admire the beauty of the building and its oceanfront setting from the outside. Jardin Majorelle. Marrakech is one of the most popular destinations for a holiday in Morocco. 1. A Moroccan souk is one of those âmust-see â in Morocco experiences and the souks of Marrakech certainly donât disappoint. Camel treks through the dunes and to local Berber villages are popular. The best ones have a pool and a rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy al fresco meals overlooking the minarets and rooftops of the city below. With energetic souks, historical attractions, art galleries aplenty, stunning gardens, and the more modern area of Gueliz with high-class bars, shops, and restaurants, it can be ⦠Located northwest of the medina, the gardens were designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1919. The Sahara Desert is a magical place to spend a few nights. Morocco's Atlantic coast is home to its fair share of surf breaks, some of them world-class. Founded in the 15th century, the town served as a place of refuge for Muslims and Jews during the Spanish Reconquista; and again for Jews fleeing from Nazi rule during WWII. A Moroccan getaway in the mountain range that plays the Himalayas' stunt double. A vast central square located at the heart of the medina, the Djemaa el Fna is Marrakesh's beating heart. The Top 15 Things to See and Do in Morocco Visit the Tanneries in Fez. Top Attractions in Morocco 1. Less than 3 hours west of Marrakech, the bleached-white coastal town of Essaouira is known for its fresh seafood, walled old city and, among board riders in particular, perfectly blowing winds. Grab a Garment in a Souk. Majorelle's workshop has been converted into a small museum about Islamic Art, while Yves Saint Laurent's ashes were scattered here in 2008. Haggle in the medina, explore the desert atop a camel, sip a French 75, and discover your favorite movie backdrops in Morocco. Unusual Attractions in Morocco Chefchaouen. The smell of the quicklime and pigeon feces mixture used to cure the hides can be overwhelming, but the sight of history in action more than makes up for it. From here, you can see the vats filled with colorful dyes; and the skins laid out to dry in the sunshine. Find what to do today, this weekend or in February. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. . Morocco has many old and historic palaces for exploration. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Reaching up to 150 metresâ height in places and with a width of five kilometres, the large dunes offer a spectacular experience in the Moroccan Sahara. Other facilities include a nursery slope and ski school; and intermediate slopes accessed via drag lifts (or more unusually, on the back of a donkey). Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival. While Moroccoâs population is 99% Muslim, the country has done an excellent job of protecting its Jewish citizens and Jewish history. We have reviews of the best places to see in Essaouira. We have reviews of the best places to see in Morocco. It was founded in 789 by the first sultan of the Idrisid dynasty, although many of its most famous landmarks date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, when the city reached the height of its influence during the rule of the Marinids. A honeycomb of connecting alleyways where all five senses are alive. Morocco is a beautiful and welcoming country, full of incredible colour and diversity. Off-the-beaten-track destinations like Chefchaouen encourage rest and relaxation, while the coastal towns of Taghazout and Essaouira promise beautiful beaches and rewarding surf spots. Around the edge of the Jamaa el-Fna, you will find the souk, the traditional African markets and café terraces. Things to do in Morocco - Essaouira. Since restored by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent, they now represent an idyllic oasis filled with slender palms, exotic botanical flowerbeds, and tinkling water features. A relatively modern structure, it was completed in 1993 at the orders of King Hassan II, who wished to create a Casablancan landmark that could be recognized worldwide. Step inside the riad's walls, however, and discover an oasis of peace and tranquility, complete with an open central courtyard (typically with a water feature), and rooms built into the surrounding galleries. The Atlas Mountains stretch over 1,500 miles, from the west coast of Morocco to Tunisia. Todra Gorge. Inside is the famed window to the ocean in shape of Africa. They are also a great way for female travelers, in particular, to meet and socialize with local women. Fez. Limiting a list of the top things to do and see in Morocco to just 15 entries is almost impossible - after all, the North African country is an eclectic destination with something for everyone. Hassan II Mosque This is a long one floor display of how various tiles, mosaics, carvings and other architectural finishes are achieved. The secret garden is effectively two restored riad gardens joined together, with a fascinating history of how…, Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks. Discover labyrinthine shops overflowing with Aladdin's lamps and swathes of richly colored fabric, or listen to the vendors as they advertise everything from hand-woven carpets to raw spices. Garrett fell in love with Jellabas and HAD to have one. Order grilled meats and fragrant tagines and eat with the locals at the vendors' communal tables; or watch the action from the relative peace of one of the elevated cafés that line the edge of the square. Morocco's rich mix of Arabic, ⦠Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular in the desert, transforming the dunes into dreamlike landscapes of ochre and red. 1 week in Morocco: things to do and see. Top things to do in Morocco Djemaa El Fna. Visitors will learn the history of these structures and will be able to see artistic works gathered from other parts of Morocco and from sub-Saharan Africa. Fes (See our Fez city guide) is an ancient relic of Morocco, and much of the cityâs architecture highlights this ⦠No, Morocco is not a dry country however this is a widely held belief by visitors. Although it's not compulsory to walk with a guide, it's definitely recommended. Many guesthouses or riads offer half or full-day culinary classes. The buildings are painted in a hundred shades of blue, and between them, one often catches a glimpse of the distant mountain peaks. Souk El Had Source: The Visual Explorer / shutterstock Souk El Had, Agadir. The medina is a historic UNESCO city that holds its status as as the country's center of culture. The remains of a magnificent medieval fortress that... Kasbah du Toubkal.