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Celebrated American novelist (and first female Pulitzer prize winner) Edith Wharton once wrote: ‘to visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript, all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines’.
Morocco certainly offers a dazzling and exotic travel experience. Exploring medieval kasbahs (fortresses) and bustling medinas (old city centres), shopping in ancient souks (markets) and staying in traditional riads (courtyard homes) are all part of the appeal of this north African kingdom.
With its close proximity to Europe and unique cultural identity, Morocco was a magnet for classic literary types like William Burroughs and Tennessee Williams, along with artists, musicians, and film stars. The diversity of dramatic landscapes across the country is another part of the allure, with mountains, desert, snow and sea all within a few hours of each other.
Here’s a checklist of our top things to do in Morocco on a first visit.
1. Do a desert sleepover
Mount your trusty camel and venture into the Moroccan Sahara, where you can spend the night in a desert camp. Each hotel in the access town of Merzouga has its own camp, ranging from basic to luxe (so you can play Goldilocks and pick the one that is ‘just right’ for you). For an otherworldly experience, watch the sun set and rise without another soul in sight or explore the sand dunes with only moonlight to guide you.
2. Explore the Dades Valley
The Dades Valley makes for a good pitstop on the journey between the Moroccan Sahara and bustling Marrakesh. At times the valley seems to be a wall of red, only broken here and there by an unexpected patch of greenery. The presence of these lush oases in the middle of such an arid landscape at first seems incomprehensible, but the Moroccans have cleverly set up an irrigation system to ensure there is at least some fertile territory in the Dades.
3. Enjoy the magic of Marrakesh
Marrakesh is undoubtedly the biggest highlight of any visit to Morocco; it’s the country’s fourth largest city and its cultural hub. The mighty red walls that surround the medina were constructed around the 12th century and harbour myriad historical highlights inside. The medina is made up of a sprawling web of souks that radiate out from the main square of Djemaa El Fna. You’ll find it an enthralling place, and yes, it is relatively easy to get lost! Keep your wits about you.
At night the square comes alive with temporary food stalls, and billowing smoke and exotic aromas fill the air. If you’re in search of places to eat beyond the street vendors, try the ultra cool Cafe Clock (which serves a renowned camel burger!) and Henna Cafe. It offers tasty fare and henna art at fixed prices.
4. Admire the Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is a commanding structure, set right on Casablanca’s spectacular oceanfront. The attention to detail and the sheer size of this modern religious monument make it worthy of a visit. Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
5. Get lost in the Fes medina
Even if you’ve navigated the sprawling medina of Marrakesh, you’ll quickly realise that the Fes version is an entirely different prospect! Here you’ll enter a maze of narrow alleyways and winding paths so perplexing that most visitors enlist the services of a local guide. Don’t miss seeing the tanneries (you’ll smell them long before you lay eyes on them). They produce an amazing array of leather products in every colour of the rainbow.
6. Feel anything but blue in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is known as the blue city, and its buildings have a remarkably uniform colour scheme. While some locals may find the architectural and design regulations a little oppressive, the traveller will discover mesmerising photo opportunities at every turn.
7. Step back in time at Volubilis
The size of the historical site at Volubilis is extraordinary (42 hectares or thereabouts). The partially excavated ruins of the Berber and Roman city date back to the 3rd century BC. You’ll marvel at a time when things were certainly built to last. The archeological dig is ongoing and there are always new wonders being recovered. Access the site from the regional hub of Meknes.
8. Put pen to paper in Tangier
Further north, the port city of Tangier is less well known than Marrakesh or Fes, but nonetheless it should be included on your Moroccan itinerary — if only for its incredible literary credentials. Situated on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier acted as a conduit for trade between Europe and North Africa for hundreds of years — and its bohemian reputation attracted writers from across the globe. Walk in the footsteps of everyone from Samuel Pepys and Mark Twain to Tennessee Williams, Jack Kerouac, Joe Orton, and Truman Capote. Again, if you find navigating the network of small streets in the old city intimidating, there are plenty of Morocco private tours that include guided walks.
Many 20th century writers gathered at Cafe Hafa — arguably the most famous coffee and teahouse in Morocco. Take a seat on the cliffside overlooking the Strait and let the inspiration to pen a bestseller wash over you!
9. Rock the kasbah
Kasbahs became a household name in the West thanks to the Clash song, but to Moroccans they have traditionally meant fortresses or citadels. The Ait-Benhaddou Kasbah is one of the best known and features an impressive collection of clay brick fortifications.
10. Stay in a riad
Riads are the quintessential accommodation experience for travellers to Morocco and you should definitely stay in one on your trip. From the outside they don’t look anything special, but inside you’ll find a world of intricate mosaics, luxuriant fabrics and natural light illuminating the central courtyard.
You can expect attentive service and an extravagant breakfast, before you depart your riad’s protective walls to be swept up in the frenzied energy outside.
This post was published thanks to Morocco Tours.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.visitmorocco.com.
Browse our range of Morocco tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the top things to do in Morocco on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Depositphotos and Bigstock
About the writer
Samantha Wasson is a Sydney-based freelance writer and former educator. She lived in Vietnam for three years and has travelled extensively in Asia, Europe, and the United States, with a brief sojourn in Africa. Travel highlights to date have included studying German in Freiburg, volunteering at an elephant rehabilitation project outside Chiang Mai, and travelling by motorbike through the Mekong Delta. A lover of literature and travel, Samantha subscribes to Augustine of Hippo’s observation that ‘the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page’.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
