the ultimate travel guide toMorocco

Whether you prefer to spend your time admiring the intricate tiles that coat the minaret of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque or catching a show at the Jemaa el Fna theatre in Marrakech, there is no shortage of cultural things to see in Morocco.

Get off the beaten track in Chefchaouen, also known as the blue city, which crouches like a sapphire among the high peaks of the Rif Mountains. Whet your appetite with our quick guide to its greatest treasures here.

One of the top 10 things to see in Morocco has to be Fez’s medina, where romantically crumbling Moorish buildings jostle for space with working tanneries and carts drawn by donkeys.

Equally entrancing, and far less hectic, is sipping a sweet mint tea prepared by a Berber guide as you watch the sunrise over the golden peaks of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

From chaotic towns to rolling farms and mountain villages, warm hospitality is the golden thread that binds Morocco’s culture together. At tea time, there are always more glasses on the table than people in the house and a store owner will often produce a plate of pistachio biscuits to make the haggling process a little sweeter.

Whether you choose to bed down in a hilltop kasbah (walled fortress), splash out on a luxury hotel such as the Palais Namaskar or rent a room from a local family, a warm welcome is guaranteed. Take a closer look at your accommodation options here.

Traditional Guesthouses

One of the most interesting things about Morocco is its riads.

These medieval mansions that once belonged to wealthy Arabic locals are always found in the heart of the old town, and are built around a courtyard garden that’s typically shaded by an orange tree and cooled with a decorative fountain. Rent them by the room, or live your Arabian dream and take the entire house.

Riad Kniza is one of the most enchanting in Marrakech, while Essaouria’s Dar Maya boasts a rooftop hot tub and traditional hamam.

Desert Camps

What better way to feel connected to Morocco’s past than by spending a few nights in a desert camp, as the Ait Atta people have been doing for literally thousands of years?

To immerse yourself in the culture of Morocco and be sure you’re sharing your experience with no one but the animals, opt for a mobile private camp such as those offered by offered by Natural High.

If you prefer your camping trips to involve en suite bathrooms and beds draped in handwoven fabrics, try the Desert Luxury Camp which enjoys a prime location amongst the apricot-coloured peaks of the Erg Chebbi desert.

Seaside Accommodation

It boasts both an Atlantic and Mediterranean coast and miles of golden beaches, so it’s no surprise that some of the best places to stay in Morocco are on the sea.

We love the sleepy resort town of Oualidia, which is famed for its flavoursome oysters and stylish hotels such as La Sultana.

To combine culture with plenty of towel time, opt for the six-mile stretch of sand in Agadir. The ultra-luxe Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay ResortSofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort has plenty of local character as it’s built in the style of a traditional kasbah.

Morocco’s culture is as rich and colourful as the handwoven rugs in Rabat’s market. Expect strict etiquette, carefully preserved traditions and festivals that have been celebrated since ancient times.

Religion plays a major role in daily life, and the sound of the imam calling the people to prayer still echoes hauntingly five times a day through the old town of most cities. Get a sense of religion’s role in shaping the country with a guided tour of Ben Youssef Medersa, a staggeringly beautiful 16th century Koran school.

The pink-hued village of Tafraoute nestles in an oasis of almond trees among the barren granite of Tiznit province. Visit during February to experience the almond blossom festival, without doubt one of the most beautiful things to see in Morocco.