DESTINATIONS
From the glistening waters of the Mediterranean to the sandy desert plains of the Sahara and every corner in between, Morocco is an incredibly diverse country that tells a unique story of the myriad of cultures that have traveled through and settled in it over the centuries – each one leaving an element of themselves behind.
Conjuring up images of mint tea and tajine, labyrinth medinas and colorful spice stalls, date plantations and soaring minarets, it is a heady mix of cultures, religions and ancient traditions and each city, town and village – whether cosmopolitan or traditional – has a distinctive character and charm of its own.
IMPERIAL CITIES
DESERT LANDSCAPES
MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES
COASTAL BEAUTIES
COASTAL BEAUTIES
Morocco might be synonymous with the desert dunes of the Sahara and bustling medinas of Fes and Marrakech, but it also boasts 1200 miles of coastline running along the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. From the former Spanish port city of Sidi Ifni with its art deco architecture, to cosmopolitan Tangier considered the gateway to Morocco, to Saidia with its pristine Mediterranean beaches, the coastline is dotted with charming harbors, busy fishing ports and picturesque beach towns which are just as diverse and lively as any of the big cities.
24 HOURS IN ESSAOUIRA
If you’re an early riser the best place to spend your morning is down at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, at one of its cosy cafés, enjoying a spicy omelette and a mint tea while watching the locals start their day. After breakfast head to the Souk – a delightful maze of treasure troves. Lose yourself wandering around the many alleyways with artisan, spice, and textile shops or discover some of the local galleries that house some incredible art and antique pieces from both local and international artists. Next head down to the fishing port where you’ll find traditional fishing boats crammed into the harbour, their nets filled with sardines, eels and other delights of the sea. Find yourself a seat at one of the wooden tables of these small open-air stalls and enjoy lunch of fresh grilled fish with traditional salads amongst the locals. Walk off lunch along the Skala de la Ville – a beautiful fortification overlooking the sea and boasting 19 copper canyons flanking each wall – and then climb the fortification and enjoy the best panoramic views in Essaouira. Finish the day off with a cocktail on one of the rooftop terraces in either the Kasbah or by the sea and watch the sun set over this bohemian haven by the sea.
MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES
Steeped in tradition and a slower way of life, the Atlas Mountains are a remarkable part of Morocco’s landscape with their stunning scenery, rural Berber villages, ancient Kasbahs and snow-capped peaks. Shifting from lush green valleys to dry red rock canyons, the sudden changes as you drive over the high passes of the Atlas Mountains are remarkable. Women tending to fields and handwashing rugs in waterholes, brightly dressed Berber men walking with their nomadic flocks, smiling children rushing to greet you and colorful markets stalls erected on the side of the road – scenes from another time and place based on centuries of tradition.
24 HOURS IN THE OURIKA VALLEY
Start the day off with a fresh breakfast and put on your most comfortable walking shoes as the best way to experience this stunning part of Morocco is on foot with a local mountaineer. Hiking through valleys of olive groves, saffron fields and salt flats – a must visit is the Arom Montagne for an insight into medicinal plants and their place in the Moroccan lifestyle and a great chance to shop for the best oils and aromatics. A swim in the waterfalls followed by a champagne picnic lunch under the walnut trees is a great way to refresh from the hike. Visit a Berber village and learn about the local way of life – before sitting down with a local family for afternoon mint tea and a sweet. Finish the day off with a sunset cocktail in the garden of a Kasbah with the Atlas Mountains as your backdrop.
DESERT LANDSCAPES
Whether it is the craggy rocky plains of the Agafay Desert or the sky-high apricot dunes of the Sahara, it is impossible to think of Morocco without conjuring up images of large sprawling desert landscapes. What was once a trade route between Africa, Europe, and the East is now one of the most visited attractions in the world – and with good reason.
There are few places on earth that can mesmerize you like the Sahara Desert. It is easy to feel insignificant when you’re standing on top of a giant sand dune, and in every direction there are an infinite number of giant sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Or when the sun has set over the horizon and the only light, other than from a few lanterns and the campfire, comes from the millions of stars studding the sky above you. The draw of the desert is intoxicating, mysterious, romantic and adventurous and everyone should experience it at least once in their life.
24 HOURS IN THE DESERT
Fly into Errachidia – the gateway to the Sahara Desert – and enjoy a thrilling 4WD safari through the dunes. The mystery of not knowing what is over each dune only adds to the excitement of when you do finally reach your luxury desert camp, a true Berber nomad experience but with all the luxuries of the most exclusive five-star lodge. Take a walk up to the highest vantage point on top of the dunes where your champagne picnic awaits, and watch the sun set over the horizon. Back at camp enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner served under the stars next to the campfire, entertained by Berber music. Wake up early to ride camels as the sun rises over the desert before returning to camp for freshly brewed coffee accompanied by an incredible Berber breakfast.
IMPERIAL CITIES
From Imperial cities like Fes and Meknes, which boast stunning architecture and some of the world’s oldest cobbled streets, to Tangier, the gateway city to Africa, characterized by its lively and colorful cultural scene, to cosmopolitan Casablanca, most known for its connection to one of the most famous movies of all time – none is more quintessentially Moroccan than Marrakech. With a medina that features twisting alleys and hidden stores, souks full of bright rugs and colorful lamps, ancient palaces with fairy-tale gardens and the scent of orange blossom lingering in the air, Marrakech engages all your senses and leaves you wanting more.
24 HOURS IN MARRAKECH
At Marrakech’s heart is the striking Koutoubia Mosque and the energetic Djeema el-Fna. A morning visit should always start off with a freshly squeezed orange juice from one of the lively and chatty stall owners, followed by hours of exploring and getting lost amongst the maze of alleys and street traders. A break for lunch at one of the many rooftop cafes blending traditional food with modern music and décor is a must. After lunch treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering and restore your body’s energy and flow with a traditional hammam. Sunset is the most magical time to take in the beauty of the Koutoubia, whilst the square comes to life once darkness sets in, and the carnival-like atmosphere takes over the old city.