Morocco is a land of picturesque authentic nature, ancient traditions, inspired by the spirit of ancient legends. You will not have to look for what to see in Morocco – African and Arab exotics will lure you on an exciting journey, and guides in Morocco will take the most intricate route through endless deserts, wild mountains, beautiful beaches and other interesting places. The sights of Morocco are waiting for you at every turn, regardless of whether you are traveling through the desert or making city trips to Morocco. Despite the fact that the country is located in Africa, hotels in Morocco belong to the European hotel system and provide a full range of services, reviews of which are only positive. The rating, which provides an overview of the best sights of the country, will help you make the right choice and make an exciting trip route.
What to see in Morocco first of all
The sights of Morocco are so numerous that choosing from the variety presented can be difficult. Recommendations on what to visit in Morocco will help to simplify this task significantly.
1. The city of Fez
Panorama of the old town of Fez
When choosing what to see in Morocco in 1 day, it is worth paying attention to the city of Fez, once the former capital of the state. The city of craftsmen, potters and tanners is the center of the Moroccan world, where the most famous sights of Morocco are concentrated. For example, the world’s oldest university, Al-Karaouin, founded in the 9th century and produced a galaxy of talented theologians and philosophers, or the tomb of Idris II, the sultan who founded the city. Fez is also known for the two medinas, as it arose in the process of merging two more ancient cities.
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2. Hassan II Mosque
A magnificent building on the Atlantic Ocean
In 1993, the monumental Hassan II Mosque was erected in Casablanca, which became the main attraction of the country. The sanctuary rises above the oceanic waters on a small artificial peninsula, its design combines ancient and modern architectural techniques. A distinctive feature is that even people who do not profess Islam are allowed to enter the mosque. The vast halls and courtyard of the complex can accommodate up to 100 thousand worshippers at the same time.
3. The city of Meknes
The Sultan’s former stables are huge and majestic
The “City of a Hundred Minarets” is one of the imperial cities of Morocco, which houses an unprecedented number of historical monuments – for example, Bab Mansour – the largest gate in North Africa, the Royal Granary, the large Dar Jamai Museum, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Prison of Christian Slaves and other important sights of Morocco. The city has an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity, beautiful gardens are laid out everywhere, and jugglers, fortune tellers, snake charmers and fakirs demonstrate their talents on the main square.
4. Archaeological sites of Volubilis
The Arc de Triomphe in honor of the Edict of Caracalla
There is something to see in Morocco and among the archaeological sites. For example, Volubilis is one of the ancient cities of the Roman Empire. Archaeological excavations have revealed that a settlement on the site of the city existed since the Neolithic era, and later a major earthquake destroyed the ancient city. In 788, it was the residence of Idris ibn Abdallah, one of the descendants of Muhammad. As a result of the excavations, today you can see the clear outlines of the layout of the Roman city, the remains of the fortress wall, the arch of Caracala, multiple pedestals, porticos and arches.
5. Menard Gardens
A pavilion with a pyramidal roof by an artificial lake in the Menard Gardens
Where to go in Morocco for a relaxing outdoor holiday? The first thing to recommend is the Menard Gardens, a famous park in Marrakech. The gardens, spread out at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, are an olive grove of 30 thousand olive trees framing an artificial lake. Cozy gardens were laid out in the distant 13th century in such a way that from all their corners there is a dizzyingly beautiful view of the mountains, and it is not surprising that Menard gardens often become a favorite object in tourist photos.
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6. Erg-Shabby
Magnificent sand dunes of Erg Chebbi
The huge sandy massif of Erg Chebbi, 40 kilometers from Erfoud, is one of the recognizable sights of Morocco. Sand dunes with a total area of more than 100 square kilometers, being in constant motion, create a unique changeable landscape. The height of some dunes exceeds 150 meters. The most popular type of tourist trip along Erg Chebbi is camel riding, during which tourists have a unique opportunity to spend several nights in real Berber tents and taste their national dishes.
7. Grottos of Hercules
The exit from the grotto to the sea looks like a mirror image of the map of Africa
Not far from the city of Tangier, nature has carved interesting depressions in the rocks through seawater. The outline of the outlet to the sea in one of the caves of Hercules resembles the outline of the African continent. Stone has been mined in these parts for many years. The grottoes got their name thanks to an ancient legend, according to which Hercules spent the night in one of them before his next of 12 exploits – stealing golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides.
8. Todra Gorge
Amazing cliffs of Todra Gorge
In the east of the Atlas Mountains massif, the Dades and Todra Rivers washed out a narrow canyon with their waters. The Todra Gorge extends over the last 40 kilometers of the riverbed. An exciting sight opens up on one of the sections of the gorge – the gap between the walls of the canyon narrows to 10 meters, and the smooth walls of the gorge rise to 160 meters. At the base of the gorge flows an icy river, which was once a full-flowing river, but later turned into a small stream.
9. The Majorelle Garden
Pond and lush vegetation of the Majorelle Viault Garden
Against the background of the southern color of Marrakech, in the realm of heat, noise and variegated colors, an oasis of coolness and peace stands out in a special way – the Majorelle Garden. This landmark of Morocco was once created according to the idea of the French artist Jacques Majorelle, who, impressed by the brightness and originality of Marrakech, built a villa in the Moorish style, and laid out a magnificent garden nearby. He enlivened the garden with a variety of rare plant species such as Asian bamboo, palm trees, cacti and other plants from India, Mesopotamia, California, and the Mediterranean.
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10. Essaouira
Essaouira Fortress with a powerful fortress wall on the Atlantic coast
What to see in Morocco among the seaside resorts? You should start with Essaouira, a famous resort city on the Atlantic Ocean coast. This place has a mild climate and light warm winds. The port of Essaouira was once a center of fishing, sardines caught here were especially appreciated. And although the role of the port is no longer so great, to this day fishing boats can be seen in the coastal waters, and fried sardines can be tasted in the city.
11. Bahia Palace
The courtyard of the Bahia Palace
Bahia, built in 1900, is a true masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, created by order of the Vizier of Marrakech Si Ahmed ben Moussa for one of his wives. The palace was built over the course of 20 years, and during the construction process, more and more new plots of land were acquired, premises were completed, and the plan of the palace was constantly supplemented. As a result, the building inside began to resemble a huge maze. The Bahia, designed in the Arab-Andalusian architectural style, is surrounded by a beautiful garden of cypresses, orange and banana trees.
Official website: https://www.happykech.com
12. Ait Ben Haddu
Ksars (fortified dwellings) in Ait Ben Haddu on the left bank of the Varzazat River
We are talking about a fortified city in southern Morocco, located on the slope of the left bank of the Varzarat River. The design of this ksar is a typical example of the adobe architecture of Morocco: all the buildings of the town are built of brown clay, have a straight roof, and the streets on the slope are located horizontally, i.e. parallel to the base of the slope. The city, built approximately in the 11th century to protect the caravan route, has been restored in recent years and has been repeatedly used as a filming location for oriental films.
13. Draa River Valley
Lush vegetation of the Draa River Valley
The Draa is the longest river in Morocco, which begins in the Atlas Mountains and, after traveling about 1,000 kilometers, flows into the Atlantic Ocean. But this happens only during the melting of glaciers, and the rest of the time the river flows only about 200 kilometers, never reaching the ocean. But the Draa River valley has the most fertile lands, so villages are located here, orchards and palm groves grow. And in the Azlag gorge, the valley narrows greatly, and from here the tourist route begins, which is recognized as the most beautiful road in Morocco.
14. Jemaa Al-Fna Square
Jemaa Al-Fna Square at night
The largest square in Marrakech, Jemaa al-Fna, is one of the most important attractions in Morocco. Here, like nowhere else, the mystical trail of the Ancient East is felt: performances of various street artists take place here and there all day long, mobile eateries work, the sounds of the oriental bazaar and national music intertwine, merging into a single noise. There are different versions of the square’s origin, but they all boil down to the fact that there was once a slave trade and an execution.
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15. El Badi Palace
A cozy courtyard with an orange garden in the El Badi Palace
The majestic El Badi Palace in Marrakech was built by the Saadis for 25 years at the junction of the 16th and 17th centuries. The most valuable materials were used for its construction — for example, Italian marble and Sudanese gold. Especially surprising is the fact that a centralized heating system was already organized here at that time, which for that era can be considered a real miracle. To this day, the palace has retained its grandeur, it has 360 rooms, and its courtyard is of unprecedented size. Since the middle of the last century, the palace has become the venue for the Moroccan National Festival.
Official website: https://www.happykech.com
16. The Kasbah of Agadir
View from the fortress to the whole of Agadir and the ports adjacent to it
The Kasbah of Agadir is one of those attractions that people tend to see in Morocco, even though almost nothing has been preserved from the original building here. The Kasbah is a fortress built in 1540 on a hill in order to protect against enemy raids. At one time, about 300 armed fighters lived here, but a strong earthquake in 1960 caused irreparable damage to the structure, and today only a battlement remains of it.
17. Thalassemtane National Park
Talambo River in Thalassemtane National Park Jodal rachid
Initially, Thalassemtane was created to preserve the spruce forest growing in this area. The park is located in the mountains of the Reef, in the vicinity of the town of Chefchaouen. Today it is a great place for hiking and horseback riding, from here you can observe magnificent views of nature from many points, travelers are provided with places in hostels. Walking through the park, you can see the majestic outlines of mountain peaks, cliffs, gorges, dense forests of pine and cedar. Macaques, leopards, otters, lynxes and cheetahs have found shelter in the park.
18. The Mahkama du Pasha Palace
Inside the Palace of Mahkama du Pasha Fidex2020
The Mahkama du Pasha Palace in Casablanca, as if it had flown from the pages of oriental fairy tales, is rightfully considered the most beautiful in Morocco. Its 64 halls are decorated with multiple elements of wooden and stone carvings, forging and mosaics, the design traces the features of Moroccan and Moorish styles. Luxurious gardens and fountains have been built on the territory of the palace. However, this building is by no means an ancient palace — it was built in 1952. Today, the city municipality is located here.
Sights of Morocco: what else to visit in Morocco
In addition to the main significant attractions that are worth visiting in Morocco in the first place, there are other equally interesting and inspiring ones. The rating below contains a description of other attractions in Morocco that are worthy of attention.
19. Arab League Park
The territory of the Ulayiti Arab League Park
This 1918 park is the largest park in Casablanca. You can walk around its vast space all day, admiring all kinds of strange plants, relax in the gazebo, enjoying the coolness of the fountain. A variety of Oriental and European plants, rare varieties of flowers are planted here. The main attraction is a picturesque pond with flowering water lilies, a palm alley stretching from one end of the park to the other. There are also several restaurants serving the national cuisine of Morocco on the territory.
20. Shaven (Shefshauen)
Sky-colored street in the Moroccan city of Chaven Shifshaun
At the foot of the mountains of Er-Rif there is a town, as if drowning in sky-blue colors. The fact is that all the buildings here are painted in piercing shades of blue, azure and blue colors. This color reflects the observance by the inhabitants of the biblical covenants, according to which the blue and blue shades symbolize the blue prayer veil of thales, reminiscent of God. The fact is that Shaven was once a refuge for Jewish Jews who were expelled from Spain. Today, the percentage of the Jewish population in Shaven has decreased significantly, but the tradition of painting houses has remained.
21. Uzud Waterfall
The powerful cascade of the Uzud waterfall among the green rocks
Uzud is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa: its jets cascade down from a height of 1800 meters, breaking into three main streams. A whole recreation center is organized next to the waterfall, where you can admire the surrounding nature or observe the habits of yellow macaques, which are attracted to the fruits of horn and figs in this area. The natural pond formed by the waters of the waterfall is a great place for swimming. And you can swim up to the base of the stormy waterfall by boat.
Official website: https://www.ouzoud.com
22. Qutubiya Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the symbols of Marrakech
The Koutoubia Mosque is Morocco’s most recognizable landmark in the city of Marrakech. The high 77-meter minaret of the mosque with an 8-meter spire can be seen from many corners of the city, and the night illumination makes this tall structure even more aesthetic and visible. The shrine was built back in the 12th century. It is Koutoubia that today houses the most important prayer hall in Morocco: it has a length of 90 meters, a width of 60 meters and accommodates up to 20 thousand worshippers at the same time. There is a beautiful garden with orange trees around the mosque.
23. Kasbah Udaya
Kasbah Udaya – the ancient city fortress of Rabat
This structure was built in the early 12th century in order to protect the capital of Morocco, Rabat, from the raids of nomads. According to the traditions existing at that time, the fortress was a city within a city, when in a large city, other structures were located separately inside the ring of the outer walls — residential buildings, public institutions, gardens, mosques and much more. All the buildings are surrounded by numerous trees and flowers, and it seems that the whole Kasbah is surrounded by greenery. The oldest mosque in the country also operates on the territory of the Kasbah and there is an observation deck overlooking the sea.
The magical Moroccan land will leave its guests with vivid memories and a beautiful Mediterranean tan. And this review will help you decide what to see in Morocco, so that your vacation in this colorful country, in addition to a serene vacation on the coast, will be remembered for amazing, ancient, unique, impressive sights.
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