The Five Essential Sights of Morocco

Morocco is one of the most fascinating destinations to visit on a holiday to North Africa. Culturally, it is a heady mixture of Arabic, North African, Berber and French Colonial influences, and haggling in souks, enjoying fine French cuisine, wandering through medieval medinas, camel trips to the desert, and trekking through the High Atlas Mountains are just some of the experiences on offer. There's so much to see and do in the cities and the countryside that it can be hard to narrow down the choices for your trip, but if you are after the very essential sights to see on a holiday to Morocco, look no further than these five...

The Fez Medina

The medina, or "Old Town", of Fez is perhaps the best preserved medieval city in the world. It was built in the 14th century, and aside from the introduction of electric lighting, little seems to have changed in the six hundred years. Traditional craftsmen still make and ply their wares in one room workshops, and overburdened donkeys are still the only form of transport that can be used in the Medina. The narrow winding streets are a maze for the unwary, and taking a half or full day guided tour may be the best way to see all the sights the Fez medina has to offer on your holiday in Morocco.

Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou is a series of old Kasbahs located near Ouarzazate, and this fort town is in a stunning position amidst rocky hills and palm trees. Ait Benhaddou has been the backdrop for numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, and the nearby film studio in Ouarzazate is now one of the largest studios in the world. It is one of the most popular sights to see while on holiday in Morocco, and it is definitely worth making the time and taking a day trip here.

The Djemma el Fna in Marrakech

Translated variously as "The Mosque of Nothing" and "The Assembly of the Dead", the central square in Marrakech is perhaps the most unforgettable sight to see while on holiday in Morocco. By day it is a market, with fruit sellers, fortune tellers, henna painters and snake charmers, but it is by night that it really comes to life. Crowds of Moroccans surge around the storytellers and musicians on the south side of the square, while the traditional medicine men and dentists who populate the north side continue to serve the needs of the locals; it is one of the most remarkable sights in the country.

The Town of Chefchaouen

This delightful blue-walled town is one of the most beautiful small towns in North Africa. A holiday here offers perfect relaxation - hiking in the Rif Mountains that surround the city, haggling in the little market at the centre of town, sipping mint tea in the many little cafes, or simply wandering through the streets and enjoying the unusual sky blue buildings.

Ramparts of Essaouira

The port city of Essaouira, located a few hours from Marrakech, is fast becoming one of the holiday highlights of Morocco. The relaxed coastal atmosphere, beautiful old medina and dramatic coastline are all attractions of the city, but the real highlight is the set of old ramparts that run along the seafront. Walking the old fortifications, complete with 17th century cannons, is like talking a walk in time through the city's colonial history - the architecture is a beguiling mixture of Portuguese, French and Berber styles, and the views are simply spectacular.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

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].

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.