Things to Do in Morocco

Morocco has a lot to offer tourists. From a wide array of outdoor pursuits, distinct culture, history and food to some of the best beaches and most luxurious hotels money can buy, it really has something for everyone. For the more adventurous traveler, there are ample opportunities to immerse yourself in local tradition with welcoming local communities that can provide an unforgettable experience. Below are some examples to get you started.

Djemaa el Fna, Marrakesh: A world heritage site, this open air market place is the largest of it's kind and every day it is filled with Moroccan performers and entertainers (snake charmers, stalls, craftsman, musicians, fortune tellers, water bearers, dancers etc). At night, all of the food stalls open and the air is filled with exotic smells. A fabulous spectacle.

 

Essaouira Music Festival: Every year Essaouira hosts a traditional and world music festival called Gnaoua which brings together artists from all over the world to celebrate and perform. A must see date for the calendar, the Gnaoua is usually held in June and lasts for a week.

 

Skiing, Ouka'meden: Yes, you can ski in Morocco! Hard to believe maybe but true. The facilities are not European standard but are charming because of this and well worth a trip for the experience. The season is from February to April in the Atlas Mountains and Ouka'meden even has a ski lift! Fly to Marrakech and plan at least a day or two here, the memory will last a lifetime.

 

Windsurfing, Agadir and Essaouira: These cities are located on the Atlantic coast and are famous for the excellent conditions available to all water sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a surfer, sailor, wind surfer, kite surfer or just want to explore these popular and beautiful destinations, visit Agadir and Essaouira. 2 to 3 hours from Marrakech, they both also have direct connections from Europe.

 

Souks, Particularly Marrakech: Whenever you visit Morocco it is always worth while visiting a souk to see the colour and variety on offer and to barter with the local tradesman, an unforgettable experience and you can find some true bargains available. The souk in Marrakech is the largest and most famous but remember to take a map, it's easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets.

 

International Arts Festival, Asilah: For travellers who enjoy arts and crafts you must make a note to be in Asilah for August when they host an international arts festival. The town comes to life in an explosion of colour so take a camera!

 

Rock Carvings, Near Ouka'meden: Are you interested in history and the lives of our ancient ancestors? If yes, make sure you visit Ouka'meden to see the pre-historic rock carvings and cave dwellings.

 

Walking and Climbing In The Atlas Mountains: Even if this does not interest you, a visit to the Atlas Mountains, 30 minutes from Marrakech is well worth the trouble for the breath taking views on offer. The Atlas is one of the most rewarding mountain ranges in the world and one of the least spoilt. Strongly recommended.

 

Cascades d'Ouzoud, Middle Atlas: An inspiring place the Cascades d'Ouzoud water falls are set in stunning countryside in the middle of the Atlas Mountains. The area remains unspoilt despite interest from adventurous tourists but there is a camp site and Moroccan community close by.

 

Bou Attarin Medersa, Fez: Hidden away in the narrow winding streets of this area in Fez you can find some wonderful historical places of interest and beautiful landmarks.

 

Kasbah Glaoui, Telouet: A relic of the distant past which depicts horse-riding Berber and Arab warriors riding through plains of Telouet. It is truly inspiring and well worth a visit.

 

Chefchaouen, Tangier: This wonderful town in north Morocco is peaceful, picturesque and nearly every wall is painted blue.

 

Camel Riding, Zagora: Not for the faint hearted, camel riding is an amazing experience but can also be difficult and hard work. If you do not have riding experience, probably best to keep the riding experience brief (no more than a day) but still well worth trying it out.

 

Football: Football is very important in Morocco as the national team is improving, has reached the World Cup several times and is making an impression in the Africans nations tournament. Locals enjoy the game everywhere from the beach and wasteland to official pitches and clubs.

 

Golf: An important sport in Morocco. The country has several international-level courses at Marrakech, Rabat, Agadir, Saidia and Tangier amongst others.

 

Fishing: Morocco features an immense stretch of Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline and excellent sea fishing trips can be organized in many locations. Inland, the Middle Atlas shelters beautiful lakes and rivers, many of them well stocked with trout.

 

Eating out: There is a distinct exotic flavour to Moroccan cuisine. Dining traditionally consists of numerous speciality dishes and meat mixed with sweet ingredients is often served. Meals can last for hours, typically beginning with a vegetable salad or b'stilla followed by Tagine. Tagine is a speciality dish made popular by workers who would stew meat or fish mixed with sweet fruits in specially shaped Terracotta dishes buried in hot ashes. These should be served communally with chunks of warm 'kesra' bread to mop up the sauce.

Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are widely available. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral waters are excellent and good value.

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Ten Essential Things to Do When You Visit Morocco

This northwestern African kingdom is known for its culture, language, cuisine, and storied attractions. A former French protectorate, Morroco is the fifth most economically active country in Africa. There is much to see, hear, taste, and do in Morocco, and none of it is confined to the kasbahs.

1.) Ait Benhaddou

This kasbah, or desert fortress, is located in the Draa Valley. Kasbahs were originally built to protect the people from the marauders and the invaders that wanted to take the area. If Ait Benhaddou should seem familiar to you, that is probably because it has been featured as the backdrop to several Hollywood movies.

2.) Hiking

Morocco's varied terrain offers plenty of opportunities to trekkers who wish to see the country's natural wonders on foot. Different types of tours are available, from go-it-alone hikes to trips arranged with the Moroccan National Tourist Office, to horseback rides through the Atlas Mountains. Overnight camping treks are also to be had, complete with guide and mules, so prepare for your camping gears if this is in your itinerary.

3.) Swimming

Swimming, diving, and bathing activities are available at several towns. These include El Jadida, Agadir, Safi, and Essaouira. To the north, the Mediterranean coast offers resorts like the one at Cabonegro where swimming and diving facilities are being developed extensively there, cashing in on the yearly influx of tourists and visitors.

4.) Atlas Mountains

Morocco's mountain ranges are extensive and present opportunities to engage in several kinds of recreational activities. These activities include biking, nature tripping and bird-watching. White-water rafters are also served by the mountain rivers and is a fun way to spend a day with your loved one.

5.) Sahara

A large part of Morocco is in the Sahara, the world largest sandy desert. As such, tourists are offered two-fold opportunities when they visit the Sahara Desert. They can both experience riding on a camel and explore the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert at the same time, surely a wonderful opportunity.

6.) Jebel Toubkal

Ascents of this 4,000-meter-tall peak, the tallest in northern Africa, are popular with tourists. Trips usually start from the village of Imlil at the base of the mountain. Guides are essential if you want to go on this trip, and there are resting places available along the way for some needed breaks.

7.) Skiing

Even though it has the Sahara within its borders, Morocco also offers skiing activities in the Atlas Mountains. Skiing is available at Ouikaiden, Mischliffen, Mount Tidiquin, and at Ifrane. Ski in the morning and sleep in the desert at night, now, isn't it a grand vacation?

8.) 4x4 tours

Visitors can also opt to explore the countryside with tours conducted on all-terrain vehicles. These usually incorporate Moroccan events such as feasts and have as destinations landmarks like gorges and dunes. You also get to pretend you are participating in the Paris-Dakar rally that passes yearly through the country, and this is surely something that any visitor would want to do.

9.) Shopping

No trip to Morocco is complete without at least one visit to a souk or marketplace. Souks abound in the cities, and the largest is located in Marrakech. You can purchase everything from basketry to musical instruments in one, but do not expect a quick transaction as every purchase is a slow, sociable affair.

10.) Djemaa el Fna

This piece of real estate in Marrakech is always alive. There's always something of interest happening here, whether it's acrobats performing, food sellers hawking their wares, or musicians playing. It's a sight not to be missed and a chance that should be experienced.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv] Visit [http://www.destinationguide.tv/morocco] to view or share Morocco travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv/morocco].

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Five Things You Should Look for in Morocco Villas

I believe that traveling is more than just a recreational activity. It gives me the chance to learn interesting things and experience various traveling escapades. Among the countries that I frequently visit that provides me enthralling travel adventures is the exotic Kingdom of Morocco. Every time I visit this one-of-a-kind country, I never fail to discover amazing things about it. Apart from its usual attractions, Morocco has other captivating tourism features like its treasured traditions, strong spiritual beliefs and practices, irresistible cuisines, and hospitable citizens. But one thing that I really admire about Moroccans is their ability to make their visitors feel welcome and special. They do this by providing travelers unlimited accommodation options.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Morocco, you will never ran out of choices. Apart from its chic hotels and luxurious Riads, the country is also a haven of countless Morocco villas where you can comfortably stay in during your entire vacation. Villas are different from inns or hotels because they are tip-top country houses that are being rented or sold for a grand sojourn in Morocco. Unlike other accommodation establishments, you and your friends can rent the whole place for your own. As a regular visitor of the country, I listed below some helpful tips that you can use as references once you decide to stay in one of the gorgeous villas of Morocco.

1. Check out the amenities of the villas in Morocco

Since you are after comfort and enjoyment in your stay in a villa, make sure that the place you are going to choose features top-notch facilities that can cater all your accommodation needs. Check and scrutinize the bedrooms, the kitchen, the dining area, the bathroom, and the den to see if they have the amenities you need. A villa should make you feel at home, hence, it is only sensible that it has the things that you frequently use.

2. Identify the services available at the Morocco villa of your choice

There are villas that offer various services to give you all the comfort and pleasure that you can have on your trip. Some establishments even provide a competent staff to assists you in preparing your food, maintaining the place, and securing your safety. It is important that you know the benefits that you can avail of in renting or buying a villa to make the most out of your stay and have a maximum fun.

3. Know the facilities offered by the Moroccan villas in your list

You have probably created a long list of the potential villas that you want to rent and I am sure that you want to stay in a pad where you can have a blast. Well, to have a memorable vacation, determine the amenities that Morocco villas provide to their guests. Grand villas usually have swimming pools, huge patios, mini-bars, in-house restaurants, spa rooms, and gym facilities where you can unwind with your friends and family.

4. Ask if there are any event or affairs happening near your chosen villa

To add fun and excitement to your vacation, check out if there are interesting celebrations or gatherings scheduled to happen near the area where your villa is situated. You will surely learn new things and meet friends if there are special events that are held close to your flat. This will also help you to know more about Morocco, its people, and its culture.

5. Size up your expenses when staying in one of the villas in Morocco

Villa rates are more expensive compared to the prices offered by the typical Moroccan hotels and inns. Since top-class facilities, excellent amenities, and unparalleled services are included in a villa package, expect to receive a bigger bill if you decide to stay in such type of Moroccan accommodation. But if you want to cut your expenses, it is advisable to look for more affordable and convenient villas in the country. If you will do this right, you will definitely have a spectacular vacation in Morocco with your folks and pals.

Rcon Franchesca Pascua is an in-house writer for the online media company Intelligraph Corporation. She enjoys traveling and exploring exotic and historic locales like Morroco. For more information on Morocco villas, visit morocco-emotions.com

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