Planning a Trip to Morocco: For First Timers
Bargain in the souk, get lost in the medina, taste a mint tea, go camel trekking through the desert, visit the blue town… The list of things to do and see in Morocco is endless and, for this reason, we decided to give you a series of tips and advice on organizing a trip to Morocco. We want your experience in this country to be unforgettable.
Visit the most emblematic places:
There are many essential places to visit in Morocco, a country with a culture and traditions that differ significantly from the European. That is why we advise you to start your trip by visiting the historical places of your choice. These are some of the main interest:
- Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a wonderful village of clay and adobe with houses crowd together inside the defensive walls that were designed to sustain the harvest and the palm groves that grew in rivers. This city was designated a Patrimony of the Humanity by the UNESCO in 1987 and has provided the setting for numerous films like Alexander the Great, Gladiator, Jesus of Nazareth or The Mummy.
- Asilah: a small village on the Atlantic coast between Tangier and Rabat with Portuguese influences. Here we can find one of the most beautiful medinas of the north of Morocco. The village’s layout and size mean that the best way to discover it is on foot. The Caraquia viewpoint can be found in the medina, where you can rest and enjoy the magnificent sunset.
- Ifrane: a small town located 80 km from Fes, where you can visit a Royal Palace, University Al Akhawayn, a military school and many luxury villas. It is a city of leisure for summer holidays and mountain sports.
Visit the natural areas:
Morocco is a country with great nature habitats and wildlife, and other virgin areas with abundant vegetation, unspoiled landscapes and rich biodiversity. Whatever city you choose, enjoy the Moroccan natural scenery, take advantage of outdoor activities in the middle of a breathtaking natural scenery that nature generously offers you.
- The Todra and Dades gorges: one of the most spectacular landscapes of Morocco. The first one offers a greater variety of landscapes and is composed of rocks from reddish sandstone which erosion has created very peculiar shapes, frequently called “the monkey fingers”.
- Ouzoud waterfalls: the most impressive waterfalls in North Africa of 110 meters high, located in the Tanaghmeilt province. To get there we recommend booking an organized excursion or hiring a taxi.
- Sahara Desert: spending a night in a tent in the middle of the Sahara desert is one of the most memorable excursions you can have. The best option would be to visit Merzouga, one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. The most daring can explore the dunes in a 4×4 car.
Try traditional food:
The country’s diversity extends into its cuisine, spices and cooking methods that vary from region to region. You can try Moroccan cuisine famous dishes like tajine and couscous or another regional food. There are many delicious and nutritious foods you must try in Morocco:
- Harira: tomato soup with lentils, chickpeas and lamb
- Makouda: fry potato balls, usually sold by street vendors
- Bissara: bean soup accompanied with bread
And remember, Moroccans usually finish their meal with a glass of sweet mint tea!
Shopping:
If you are traveling to Morocco, remember that it is a paradise to go shopping. Morocco is also a great place for anyone wanting to purchase local works of art. Here you’ll find local craft specialties with unique or exceptional artworks. The best thing you can do is to get lost in a numerous souks for a while, jam-packed with antiques and trinkets, whose timelessness will charm you.
