Morocco travel guide

Morocco's largest mosque was commemorated for former King Hassan's 60th birthday, but delays meant that the construction first finished in 1993 – four years too late. Holding 105,000 worshipers within its grounds, Hassan II Mosque is the thirteenth largest mosque in the world, though the minaret, which rises 210 metres into the air, is the world's tallest. The architecture mixes traditional Islamic features with Moroccan designs inspired by Moorish influence. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque marks the beginning of Casablanca's Corniche, which might well be the most exciting part of a city that too often is compared to the movie of the same name. Any expectations of the film's romantic wipe being present in the city will lead to a disappointing visit.

Jemaa El-Fnaa Square in Marrakesh takes on two contrasting, yet equally captivating personas. During the day, you’ll find endless orange juice and date vendors vying for your business, along with snake charmers and monkey handlers hoping for photo opportunities with tourists. Hopefully, by the time you make it to the square you have experienced enough of Morocco to know better than to expect anything for free, because there are definitely no complimentary services in this square! By night, the square becomes crowded with food stalls offering a good range of Moroccan cuisines. Once you've had your fill of harira and grilled sausages, grab a ginseng tea with cinnamon and ginger and explore the mind-boggling array of entertainment. From public storytelling, magicians, political speeches and musical performances there's plenty on offer. Do not miss the opportunity to watch the square come to life as night falls. Secure a spot in one of the rooftop cafes surrounding the square and watch as the transformation happens before your eyes.

If you have seen Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator or Game of Thrones, then you will already be familiar with Aït Ben-Haddou – though you probably don't realise. The UNESCO World Heritage Site have featured numerous films and tv productions. Arriving at Aït Ben-Haddou, you quickly understand why. The fortified city, which used to be an important caravan stop between Marrakesh and the Sahara, consists of no less than six castles, with many of the houses grouped together behind more defensive walls. This creates a system of fortifications within fortifications. The granary on the hill's top offers good views of the surrounding area. Four families still live in the ancient city, while most others have moved to the modern village across the river bed. Located in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas the drive to/from Marrakesh beautifully snakes through Morocco's highest mountains.

The oasis town of M'hamid is literally at the end of the road. However, you can continue along sandy tracks into the Sahara, which will pass the famous sand dunes of Erg Chigaga, and eventually lead to Foum Zguid. The town itself has plenty of tourist camps, touts and desert adventures on offer.

Tired of the chaos in Marrakesh? Fed up with the hassle in Fez? Morocco’s third imperial city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, got none of that. It is more pleasant, relaxed and slow-moving than its two sister cities. Hence, it also sees more local visitors than foreign tourists giving it a distinctly local feel. This charm is accompanied by a number of sights: the beautiful Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes Morocco’s capital in the late 17th century; a vast underground prison; the Bou Inania Medersa (Quranic school); the Heri es-Souani granaries; and, of course, an old medina. Or you could just enjoy some mint tea on the bustling Place Hedim in front of the grandeur Bab Mansour. The square resembles Marrakesh’s more famous Jemaa el-Fnaa, though this is smaller and easier to take in. Should you want to get out is the Roman Ruins of Volubilis just an hour’s drive north of Meknes, a UNESCO site in its own right.

Moroccans are Muslims, so they do not drink alcohol - and alcohol is generally hard to come by. Instead, you are offered everywhere their special mint tea. You can find it at restaurants, if you buy something in the souk, with the Berber people in the mountains and on the market where mint tea dominates. The tea consists of green tea supplemented with a big bunch of fresh mint and sometimes sage. There is a special ritual surrounding the drinking and the way the locals make the tea, and it suddenly becomes quite solemn to drink tea. The Moroccans, however, are very fond of sugar, so be sure to ask for sugar free, if you do not share their sweet tooth.

In 1984 the Belgian artist Jean Verame painted with the help of the local fire department (and 18 tonnes of paint) the rocks in various colors. They create a psychedelic piece of art, which you can marvel at from both the distance or up close. You can even climb it.
The rocks have since been repainted.
No are no entrance fee and you can just roam freely around.

Paradise Valley is a beautiful oasis valley with many natural rock pools and small waterfalls. The brave can cliff dive into the natural pools, when there is enough water (during winter months). Other areas have cafes in the shallow water, where you can cool off with refreshment. You have to hike in from the mountain road, where visitors have to park where there is space. Wear sturdy footwear, as it can get very slippery.
The road from Agadir is spectacular with sections lined with palm trees, while other sections offer magnificent views over the valley and the Atlas mountains.

Morocco's capital city is often overlooked and bypassed by visitor's, who quickly to head to better-known destinations. That's a shame as the city offers visitors a cultural mix unique to Morocco. Rabat is at once both the past and the present, both in Africa and in Europe; UNESCO has recognised this by letting the "Modern Capital and the Historic City" share its World Heritage status. Nothing illustrates this better than riding the city's tram – it's virtually a time machine. Hop on at the Medina's medieval city walls below the castle, drive through the wide boulevards of the colonial neighbourhood, Nouvelle Ville, and disembark in Agdal, where European cafés and designer brands dominate the streets. Exploring Rabat is at the same time exploring all of Morocco's history – from the idyllic Roman ruin just outside the city's centre – to the modern Morocco in Agdal. Both will be a breath of fresh air for anyone who wants a break from the country's more hectic destinations.

Lovely situated below the walls of the Kasbah, Rabat Beach, is a favoured location for locals who want to relax and enjoy themselves. The water is probably too dirty for most visitors to find a swim comfortable. The beach is instead an excellent place for novice surfers to get to know how to control the board and the waves. Non-surfers can enjoy the sun, either on the beach itself or the moles surrounding the beach. It is also one of Rabat's prime spots for people-watching. Kids playing in the sand, teenage couples secretly holding hands or families picnicking are all plentiful. A few makeshift cafés offer mint tea and good views over the beach just below the kasbah.