Africa’s gateway, Morocco, literally means the ‘Kingdom of the West,’ the place where the sun sets. However, this historically rich country seems to be having a new sunrise with improved infrastructure and refurbished monuments attracting visitors by the thousands. Soon to be crowned Africa’s first Capital of Culture in 2020, there is no denying the rich heritage that Morocco carries forward. Its cities like Fez, Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca, and Marrakesh are a perfect blend of the old with the new. One can easily get lost in the maze of streets that make up the ancient medinas of these cities or as easily lose oneself in the shopping experience of its glitzy new malls or busy souks. The diversity and contrasts of Morocco are what make it even more special.
While Casablanca may be the shiny new example of modernist Morocco, Fez takes visitors back to the Morocco of the past. Its ancient tanneries, old mosques and the oldest existing operational university in the world are reflective of the past glory of this land. Pampering oneself in an ancient ‘Hammam’ (steam bath) is as favored to indulging in a spa at a five star in this land of contrasts. The cities of Asilah and Essaouira on the other hand, are more laid-back as compared to the four imperial cities. Another popular destination is the blue town of Chefchaouen which is generally a great starting point for those wanting to explore the country’s natural scenery.
Morocco’s landscape too is as diverse as its cities, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to North Africa’s highest peak Jebel Toubkal, on the Atlas Mountains. Gazing up at the starry night sky from the rolling sand dunes of the Sahara at Erg Chebbi is as recommended as the water sports along the golden sands of its beaches, which stretch for miles. Morocco has everything a traveler seeks, from the modern to the wild and exotic; a place that will definitely satiate the wanderlust.
Marrakech is one of the biggest and busiest cities in Morocco. With so many historical and interesting sites, it’s no wonder that Marrakech is a tourist go-to vacation destination. And since you’ve stumbled upon this article, you’re probably one of the people who would love to visit Marrakech. Before you plan your Marrakech itinerary, why…
Marrakech bewitches travelers with vibrant colors and alluring smells. Set up at the foothill of the Atlas Mountains, the city greets you with a fairytale scenery. Time after time, you’ll find yourself lost in the maze of dusty lanes of the historic medina. Here buzzing local bazaars hide in the shadows of the grand Moorish…
Marrakech, the beating heart of Morroco, mesmerizes travelers with sights and sounds. Set at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the city boasts an exciting mixture of traditional and contemporary. Expect to find yourself lost in the maze of show-stopping streets of the historic medina. The crowded bazaars will whisk you into another world with…
For many people, to date, the name Casablanca stirs up memories of Michael Curtiz’s 1942 classic. In reality, the city’s a lot more than the movie. A vibrant city that grew over the decades, Casablanca sits on Chawiya plain of Northwestern Morocco. Unlike its imperial neighbors, Fez and Marrakesh, Casablanca is contemporary and cosmopolitan. In…
In northwestern Morocco, lies the city of Fez – tucked between the Rif and the Middle Atlas Mountains, carrying tales from 789 CE. Originally created as two rival cities along the banks of River Fes, the cities saw immigrants, expansion, colonialism, and accompanying diverse cultures. Dubbed as the Athens of Africa and the Mecca of…
Nestled on the slopes of chalky limestone hills sits Tangier in Morocco, one of the ancient cities of North Africa. Being an important port and trade center, the city has good road and rail connections with Fèz, Meknès, Rabat, and Casablanca. It also has an international airport. Tangier today is an interesting and thriving city,…
Far away from the madding crowd of most other Moroccan cities lies the calm, peaceful city of Rabat tracing its origins back to the 12th century. Steeped in history and romance, this beautiful city with its wonderful scenic beauty and architectural marvels is still a comparatively unexplored destination. With the idyllic Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop,…
Founded in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al Mu’min, Morocco’s capital city Rabat comes as a breath of fresh air after the tourist-ridden Moroccan cities of Fez and Casablanca. The clean palm-lined boulevards and the clear roads are a pleasant surprise from the bustle of most tourist cities in this part of…
The historic city of Tangier in northwestern Morocco has had a rich and varied past. From being a strategic Berber town and Phoenician trading center to the rather seedy repute it had garnered in the 20th century, Tangier has probably seen the best and worst of humanity. During its time as a semi-independent international zone,…
The city of Casablanca is the economic capital and the largest city situated at the central-western part of Morocco along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Invaded by Portuguese, Spanish, British and French colonialists, the city has been the prime attraction for its demography, especially to establish the naval base in the Europe-Asia sea trade…
The city of Fez or Fes in northern inland Morocco is the second-largest city and the spiritual capital of the country, having many prominent madrasas (Islamic schools of learning). Fez once attracted many scholars, theologians, mathematicians, and lawyers whose influence on the city is still visible. Due to the number of ancient monuments that still…
Chefchaouen, a small town in northern Morocco, has a rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and wonderful architecture. But what it’s most famous for are the vivid blue walls of many of the buildings. Founded in 1471, Chefchaouen began as a small Moorish fortress for exiles from Spain, gradually welcoming Jews and Christian converts as well.…
Marrakech is not Morocco’s capital city (that’s Rabat), It’s not the country’s largest metropolis (that’s Casablanca), It’s not even the African nation’s oldest city (that’s Fes). But Marrakech triumphs over other Moroccan cities as the unofficial cultural center. For nearly a thousand years, Marrakech has been a melting pot of civilizations – a vibrant mixture of Sufi,…
I lived my childhood under the impression that my family came from France. My French speaking grandmother Philomène would always pronounce our last name “Bytton” with a special flair and most people with our same last name lived in France so we just assumed it. The moment I discovered my family was Moroccan my life…