Top 15 exciting places to visit in Morocco, or: why should one go to Morocco?
When one doesn’t know much about a country, there’s always a question: why should I go there? What amazing things wait for me in Morocco? Let’s start with 15 unforgettable Moroccan sights. This list is 100% real – any additional information about sights you will get, if you follow links in the end of each sight’s description.
And if you want to see all these places, you are free to use 16-day Morocco trip route for independent travelers that I’ve published for you.
Hassan II mosque, Casablanca
The only mosque of Morocco, where Non-Muslims are allowed. It’s the masterpiece of modern architecture and the highest religious building of the world. More information about Hassan II mosque.
Andalusian garden, Rabat
The brilliant idea of creating Moorish-style garden surrounded by already existing fortress walls belongs to French, when they took Morocco under protectorate. Tiny curvy streets of fortress will lead you from the garden to viewpoint. Here you can enjoy view to Rabat’s satellite-city Salé and the estuary of Bou Regreg river that long time ago used to be home to ruthless Berber pirates. More about Andalusian garden.
Al-Attarine madrasa, Fez
Or any other madrasa built during the reign of Marinid dynasty (13-15 centuries AD) will capture your mind with amazing patterns of wood and stone carving that have so many little details that it’s clear that such work requires big talent and years to be done. More about Al-Attarine madrasa.
Chouara tannery, Fez
One should rather take a look to tanneries from terraces located on upper floors, in order not to smell the stinky leather industry. But it’s definitely worth a visit due to unusual industrial landscape, right? More information about Chouara tannery.
Chellah, Rabat
3 in 1: traces of ancient Roman settlement, picturesque ruins of 12-15 centuries AD decorated with nice garden and… storks building nests right on top of ruins, as if they could say: “But the life still goes on”. About Chellah necropolis.
Erg Chebbi, Merzouga
There are not so many sands in Sahara desert’s part that belongs to Morocco as most of people do think. I would say – they are quite a few. The most beautiful landscapes you will find in Merzouga. If you switch on satellite mode on your map, you will see that Erg Chebbi looks like a giant sandbox in a rocky desert. About Erg Chebbi read here.
The hugest human maze of the planet, Fez
This maze is Fes el-Bali medina, the biggest pedestrian zone in the world. It’s so easy to get lost here – narrow streets make any GPS useless. While a compass can help you to find the way. More information about the maze.
Fortifications of Essaouira
Seaside town of Essaouira always finds its way to anyone’s heart. It’s just impossible to avoid memories, if you have visited this town. Even Essaouira’s untidiness and numerous seagulls that try to do their best to poop on you don’t spoil the impression.
Fortifications surround (and protect) medina – the old city that welcomes to stroll gazing at old doors and wondering how narrow the streets can be. Medina of Essaouira is small, so it will be very hard to get lost here. Also the town has nice beach ending with sandy dunes that can be reached even on foot. Essaouira guide book.
Jnane Sbile garden, Fez
Well-maintained free sight – what can be better for a visitor? Let the other travelers see pricey Marrakesh’s Majorelle garden for 12 Euro, while we will enjoy much older garden that is at least of the same beauty. More pictures of Jnane Sbile garden (also it’s known as Boujeloud garden).
Habbous quarter, Casablanca
Uninformed traveler will never guess that this attractive neighborhood was designed by famous French architects only about 100 years ago. Because Habbous looks perfectly Moroccan. One can easily spend here a half of day, don’t forget to taste delicious Moroccan pastry in local bakery and visit the olive market (they have delicious things too). About Habbous quarter.
Natural arches at Legzira beach
Everybody who has ever visited Legzira beach calls its landscapes Martian – the thing is in deep dark red color of soil. Step by step Atlantic Ocean washes soil away building arches on the beach. Unfortunately erosion goes further and the thin arch that attracted so many tourists had collapsed (don’t let unscrupulous people to misinform you, it happened long time ago, in 2016). While the wide arch is still present. Everything about Legzira beach + more pictures.
Mohammed V mausoleum, Rabat
Another one masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture perfectly supplements Rabat’s cityscape next to Hassan tower (of 13th century AD). About the King and mausoleum.
Invisible lake, Merzouga
Dayet Srij lake on the edge of Sahara desert dries out annually. It performs this trick in the end of spring and comes back to Merzouga in winter. The same thing do at least 50% of Moroccan rivers (they bear the name “oued”).
Dayet Srij, when present, creates unusual landscape – water, stony desert and peach sandy dunes. Also the lake is an important place for migrating birds, if you are lucky enough, you may see flamingoes. Where to find invisible lake.
Ski resort, Ifrane
It’s hard to associate Morocco with snow and skiing, isn’t it? Well, the town of Ifrane is difficult to associate with Morocco also – just take a look at these European-style houses with tiled roofs, it’s hard to believe that it’s in Africa. Last snow can be seen here even in the beginning of April, but if you want to ski, you’d rather go to Morocco in January. Ifrane is not the only ski resort in Morocco. About Ifrane.
Goats that climb trees, surroundings of Agadir and Essaouira
Goats that can’t stand their passion for tasty leaves of argan trees became one of the most famous attractions of Morocco. Unfortunately it’s impossible to give the exact location – everything depends on shepherds and amount of leaves. But be attentive and you will see climbing goats out of the window of Agadir-Essaouira bus. Well, I’m not sure which one link I could give you – let it be Agadir guide book. Or check the contents!
