Magical Morocco
The magic of Morocco comes alive in its busy souks, ancient medinas, and fortified kasbahs, stretching to its rugged mountains, rolling deserts, and secluded beaches. It’s a land of spectacular diversity.
Morocco’s rich history is shaped by a blend of cultural influences. Its closeness to Spain, former French rule, and the impact of North Africa and the Middle East are evident in its architecture, cuisine, clothing, and even language. Your time in Morocco can be just as varied: one day trekking the Atlas Mountains, the next wandering the labyrinthine alleys of Marrakesh, or enjoying street food in Fez’s medieval medina. With so much to see, it’s best to accept you can’t experience everything in a single trip.
Here are some top picks when visiting:
Fabulous Food in Fez
Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, feels frozen in time. Its high-walled medina, dating to the 8th century, is the world’s most complete medieval city. Its over 9,500 narrow alleyways house a mix of souks, riads, artisan workshops, leather tanneries, ancient mosques, and palaces, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moroccan cuisine is a delightful fusion of influences from the Amazigh (Berbers), Arabs, Moors, Ottoman Turks, and the French. Exploring Fez through its food is a must-do. On a food tour, you can taste local bread, tagines, dates, olives, and more adventurous items like snail soup or boiled sheep’s head. Finish with sweet chebakia, fried dough coated in sesame seeds and wild honey.
After touring the medina, rest at Palais de Fes Dar Tazi, a 14th-century hotel overlooking the medina. Its rooftop restaurant honors Moroccan culinary heritage with delicious tagines and pastilla, a savory pie filled with pigeon meat, spices, eggs, and topped with sugar and cinnamon.
Marvel at the Medina of Marrakesh
Marrakesh, probably Morocco’s best-known city, sits just north of the Atlas Mountains. It’s a feast for the senses with its lively streets, and the famed Djemaa El Fna square at its heart. By day, the square is sparsely populated with snake charmers and performers, but come late afternoon, it transforms into a bustling hub of storytellers, acrobats, musicians, and food vendors.
Avoid dubious animal attractions and instead, enjoy the square from a rooftop terrace. Places like Chez L’Amine Hadj Mustapha serve traditional foods so tasty, even chef Gordon Ramsay has praised their Mechoui and Tangia Marrakechia.
Marrakesh is perfect for shopaholics. Its souks brim with spices, leather goods, and handwoven items. Venturing beyond the main paths often reveals the best finds. For a break from shopping, visit a hammam for traditional exfoliation and bathing, an unforgettable Moroccan experience.
Stay in a traditional riad, a mansion with a lush courtyard. Many have been turned into luxury hotels. Le Farnatchi, a collection of nine houses, offers opulent suites, a rooftop terrace, an award-winning hammam, and exquisite dining at Le Trou au Mur.
Step Back in Time in Skoura
Skoura, located five hours from Marrakesh, sits on the southern side of the High Atlas Mountains. Famous ksar (fortified villages) and mud-brick kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site, and Kasbah Amridil are scattered across the region.
Skoura also serves as a base for exploring the Dades Valley, the Valley of the Roses, and the Draa Valley. Its 4,500-hectare palmeraie, protected by UNESCO, is called the ‘Oasis of 1000 Palms’ and home to over 100 bird species and 20 types of dates. Stay at Dar Ahlam, a luxurious 19th-century kasbah known as the ‘House of Dreams,’ offering no-check-in-times, local cuisine, and tailored experiences in a serene desert setting.
Hike the High Atlas Mountains
A hiker’s haven, the High Atlas Mountains stretch 1,000km across Morocco. Imlil, south of Marrakesh, is the launchpad for treks including Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. Alternatively, explore remote Amazigh villages on ancient trails to experience local traditions.
Accommodation options like Kasbah du Toubkal in Imlil offer traditional hospitality. After some rugged days in the mountains, unwind at Olinto, a luxury retreat in the Ouirgane Valley, with its serene olive groves and private guest pavilions focused on tranquility and luxury.
Tantalizing Tangier
Tangier, Morocco’s third-largest city, is a cultural melting pot with a 700-year-old souk. Given its proximity to Europe, it often serves as the gateway to Morocco. The city’s rich history includes influences from Jews, Muslims, Christians, and a myriad of Mediterranean traders and rulers.
Notable sites include the whitewashed medina, Grand Socco and Petit Socco markets, 9 April 1947 Square, and the Great Mosque. Tangier’s beaches offer a perfect escape after a day of exploring. Stay at Villa Augustine, a stylish guest house with a plunge pool, rooftop terrace, and interiors of classic Moroccan decor mixed with modern comforts.
The Agafay Desert
If the Sahara seems too far, the Agafay Desert is just 30km from Marrakesh. It may lack golden dunes, but it offers a unique desert experience with a backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. Activities include camel rides, e-biking, and quad-biking across its barren, rocky landscape. Enjoy stargazing and dining under the desert sky at Inara Camp, where luxurious tents offer all comforts, and meals showcase the best of local cuisine.
Exploring Morocco
Morocco’s geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity means there’s always something new to discover. Given its vast offerings, planning a trip can be overwhelming. That’s where WIX Squared comes in. Specializing in bespoke luxury travel, founder Alex Wix is considered a top travel specialist, offering insider advice to curate the perfect Moroccan itinerary.
By Sarah Kingdom