Morocco

Toubkal National Park was Morocco’s very first and it was founded in 1942. Named after Mt Toubkal (see our section on the Atlas Mountains below for more details) the park spans 380 sq km. It features eight mountain peaks including Mt Toubkal, however, it also boasts many more unmissable sights. 5,000 year old rock carvings and petroglyphs can be viewed near the ski resort of Oukaimeden and the park has a range of environments including mountain slopes, grasslands, and rich forests.

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife including Barbary sheep known for their iconic horns, coats and beards. It is also home to two endangered species, the bearded vulture and the golden eagle.

A variety of hiking routes can be undertaken in the park, making it perfect for a healthy and sustainable escape from the rush and bustle of Morocco’s big cities.

Taghazout Bay doesn’t just boast a fantastic coastline, it’s also one of the leading sites of eco-tourism in Morocco. Taghazout Bay is just 15 miles away from bustling Agadir, but on arrival, you’ll be able to embrace a much slower and calmer pace of life. This beach resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and is also situated close to the Atlas Mountains allowing easy access to hiking routes.

This beautiful bay is managed in line with the three principles of environmental protection, social responsibility and meeting the wider development needs of the region. Taghazout Bay has taken initiatives to reduce energy consumption and work cooperatively with local and regional communities to further sustainable development.

Hassan Tower and the accompanying Hassan II Mosque are perhaps Casablanca’s most spectacular attractions. Across the square is the Mohammed V Mausoleum, containing the tombs of King Mohammad V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Step inside, be peaceful and marvel at the beautiful gilded interiors, ornate furnishings, and the Alaouite Dynasty’s architectural style. Guided tours of the mosque are available outside of prayer times in French, English, German and Spanish.

Rabat, the capital city of Morocco is a true gem, offering a stunning blend of ancient history and modern charm. The entire city has been designated with a UNESCO World Heritage status since 2021, due to its diversity of historic and cultural attractions.

The city boasts breathtaking architecture, from the intricate details of the Hassan Tower to the traditional Moroccan design of the Andalusian Gardens. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of the city, exploring historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries. The Oudayas Kasbah offers a glimpse into the city’s past, while the bustling street markets and vibrant cultural life showcase the energy and warm hospitality of the country. Take the time to explore and savour authentic local experiences to truly immerse yourself in the cities vibrant culture.

The archaeological site of Volubilis was originally built in Roman times as a frontier of their empire to maintain their territory. The site has since survived and has been well preserved due to its location, and has witnessed several empires and time periods from the Dark Ages and the more recent Islamic period. The site has produced a range of fantastic artefacts including beautifully preserved mosaics. It is easily accessible with rail connections from Meknes or Fez with a transfer in a taxi. You can also choose to walk from nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoun which takes around an hour.

The site includes a museum but you can also choose to explore the ruins at your leisure once you have paid the entry fee. Official guides can also be hired to take you around the site.

The Atlas Mountains stretch across Morocco for over 1000km and are ideal for those looking for an active adventure break. The best place to begin your exploration of this stunning mountain range is Marrakech, where the mountain range is accessible with a two-hour drive to Imlil – an ideal starting point for your expedition. Fez and Meknes are also excellent options, along with Agadir. If you’re seeking to conquer the range you have a variety of options, from Africa’s highest mountain Mt Toubkal to a variety of smaller peaks.

On your travels, you’ll discover impressive peaks, gorgeous valleys, and remote Amazigh mountain villages keen to accept visitors.

Aït Benhaddou has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 and is well worth a visit for the culturally minded traveller. Originally, the city was used as a transit point for caravans between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, which would have centred around salt, gold and the ivory trade.

Today, the settlement can be explored and features some of the best preserved Kasbahs (fortified areas of a city) in Morocco. The ruins and surrounding landscape have featured in a variety of Hollywood films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. The ruins can be visited on a day trip from Marrakech, and film studios can also be explored nearby.

Moroccan cuisine has been shaped by a number of influences including Amazigh, Arab and Mediterranean tastes along with some influences from France and Spain – making the country’s cuisine a unique blend of flavours. Tastes can vary across the nation’s regions so make sure to eat out sustainably during your travels including frequenting the traditional bazaars, souks, cafes and restaurants.

Traditional Moroccan recipes include Tajine, Harira, and a variety of Couscous dishes.

Chefchaouen is rightly known for its distinctive blue architecture in the city’s Old Town, which has transformed this tranquil community into a major tourism hub. The city presents a unique opportunity to experience truly authentic Morocco, from the winding alleys of its Medina with local cuisine and shops, to its magnificent Kasbah in the heart of the Old Quarter.

The city boasts a fantastic museum featuring artefacts including old weapons, photos capturing its past, and beautiful textiles. The city is also the perfect base for walkers as it has easy access to winding paths up the nearby Rif mountain range.

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are a stunning natural feature of Northern Morocco and are the second-highest waterfalls on the African continent. They can be visited on a day trip from Marrakesh by car. On arrival, the trails up to the top and surrounding the falls are well signposted, providing easy access for non-Arabic speakers.

The waterfalls perfectly highlight the diverse natural beauty of Morocco and with plenty of shops and cafes lining the hiking routes, you can support the locals with your purchases.