With its mix of Arab and Berber culture and Sub-Saharan African and European history, Morocco remains a unique and popular destination for tourists from all areas of the world. The country has a constitutional monarchy with over 30 million citizens that are currently being ruled by King Mohammed VI who took over in 1999 after his father King Hassan II died. The current king is seen as being a bit of a reformer on economic and social matters.
Whilst the kingdom has had previous issues of upheaval in Western Sahara in the 1980s and bombings in the past 10 years, travelling around the realm is easy and the local citizens friendly. Not surprisingly, Morocco attracted more than 13.1 million tourists in 2019. Tourism is the second largest industry and money maker in Morocco after the phosphate export industry.
In 2010 the government initiated its Vision 2020 plans to make Morocco one of the top tourist destinations in the world and to increase the annual number of international visitors to 20 million by 2020. Due to the pandemic, Morocco’s tourist arrivals are now projected to be around 10.5 million in 2023 and 12 million in 2024. The Foreign and Commonwealth office reports that almost 400,000 British citizens visit Morocco every year and their journeys are mostly free of any trouble.
Casablanca
Casablanca country’s largest city with a population of about 3.71 million in the urban area, and over 4.27 million in the Greater Casablanca area. The city is known for its financial, industry and port facilities. Its first inhabitants and founders were Berber tribesmen in the 7th century. For centuries the city has grown and has been influenced by French commercial interests. Not surprisingly, Casablanca is often known more for its cinematic backdrop of the 1943 film classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
Hassan II Grand Mosque Morocco
One of the main attractions to visit is the Hassan II Grand Mosque. The mosque which can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers is available for visiting by tourists. More than half of the property lies over the water at its location on the Atlantic coastline. Not only is it one of the largest mosques in the world, but its minaret is the world’s tallest religious structure. The inside is vast and the exterior is covered in beautiful tile work. Visitors are given plastic bags to carry their shoes in as they must be removed before entering.
Casablanca Hyatt Hotel
So what about accommodation? The hotel Hyatt Regency in Casablanca offers fantastic views of the city, shopping areas and the Grand Mosque in the distance. The property is modern, offers executive club-level amenities and has a great bar and pool area to enjoy the afternoons. It’s located in a shopping and business district that is great for walking and exploring.
Rabat
Up the road from Casablanca is the capital, Rabat. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean with a population of about 1.8 million, known for its textile, agriculture and construction industries. As well as home to foreign embassies and consular services that help make the city a very diverse one.
One of the main attractions to visit is the 12th-century Hassan Tower which is also the location of the mausoleum for Mohammed V who is considered to be the founder of what is today modern Morocco. Also worth visiting is the Oudayah Kasbah with its classic Moorish gardens, gate and walls. The Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur was responsible for the construction of the Kasbah which would have been the world’s largest mosque upon completion. After Yaqub died, the construction stopped. What is now present are the unfinished mosque and the Hassan Tower.
Fez
Three hours from Rabat is the cultural heart of Morocco, Fez. You could spend days venturing around Old Fez with its thousands of alleyways, homes and souks. Getting around can be a little tricky as the alleyways can be narrow, uneven, and sometimes crowded but is well worth the time to explore. Moulay Idriss I founded the old quarter in the 8th Century AD and it is still home to Karaouine, one of the oldest universities in the world with the adjacent Attrine Madrasa Koranic School that was founded in the 14th Century.
One other area to visit is the Jewish Quarter known as Mellah of Fez located in Fes el-Jdid. Built in the 13th Century, all of which has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fez is also a popular place to find and send home locally made carpets and rugs from shops that can be easily found throughout the medina.
A great place to stay in Fez is at the Sofitel Fez Palais Jamal (www.sofitel.com) which at one time was the palace of the Prime Minister. This comfortable property sits inside the walls of the city with excellent views of the local area, it also has a large pool area and outdoor terrace for food and drinks in the evening. The two restaurants have both European and Moroccan cuisine.
Meknes
Another great place to visit is the 17th Century city of Meknes, another UNESCO site. While it is a three-hour journey from Fez, it is very much worth visiting. This is a good addition if your plans call for going to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. The city has a number of monuments with the Bab Monsour with its granaries and royal stables designed to accommodate 12,000 horses.
Volubilis Mosaic
Visitors to Volubilis will certainly enjoy the Arches, Capitals, mosaics and other sights at these Roman ruins. The mosaics in particular are very well preserved inside this well-maintained archaeological park. Morocco was part of the North African empire that was administered by Carthage around the 1st Century BC. The site is large and care must be taken when walking in some of the areas of the ruins which consist of natural pathways and uneven ground.
Erfoud
Whilst it is indeed a long journey to get to Erfoud it is worth the time to see the villages, Atlas Mountains and the sand dunes. The dunes are not only popular to visit by four-wheel drive but also by camel as well. Desert tent camping can be arranged by travel operators especially if you are touring with a group. The sunsets can be stunning and very picturesque.
Ouarzazate
Founded in the 1920s as a base for French soldiers, this small city has become popular for its village of Ait Benhaddou with its hilltop Kasbahs and homes. The walk is winding and hilly but one of the attractions is its location for use in major films such as “Gladiator”, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Jesus of Nazareth”. The cave used as a prison for Russell Crowe in “Gladiator” can be visited.
Another visit should be to the Glaoui Kasbah of Taourirt considered to be one of the best Kasbahs in Morocco with its luxury homes and clay houses.
Marrakech
Known as the ‘Red City’ for its terracotta colour buildings, Marrakech is as beautiful as it is vibrant. One popular way to see the city is by horse-drawn carriage. These tours can be arranged with your hotel and are a good way to see the many side streets for markets and neighbourhoods. One stop should be to visit the Jardin Majorelle which was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924. All types of flora can be seen along including bougainvillaea, and various types of cacti. Streams and pools with fish are also present and are great places to relax.
But the main attraction is visiting the old walled district of the city with its 12th Century minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. A great example of Islamic architecture can be found nearby at Dar Si Said as well as The Bahia Palace. The main square, Dejemaa el-Fna has become popular for all kinds of events from artists and musicians and is a great starting point for visiting Marrakech’s well-known souks.
Marrakech has become popular for E.U. retirees and others who want a second home. Construction of condominiums, townhomes and upscale shopping malls can be seen in many locations.
A perfect place to stay in Marrakech is the Four Seasons Hotel which provides not only a beautiful property to enjoy with its sprawling grounds, pools and bar areas, but is a great location to easily get to the city’s main attractions. The other convenience of this hotel is its close proximity to the International airport which is just minutes away.
Getting to Morocco
Morocco has three main international airports: Casablanca, Tangier and Agadir. You can also fly direct to Fes, Marrakech and Oujda from Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and other European cities. Most long-distance flights arrive in Casablanca.
From Britain and the E.U. to Morocco, service is available from British Airways, Easyjet (London-Gatwick), Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Alitalia, Royal Air Maroc, Sabena and Swissair.
From The United States on Royal Air Maroc through JFK Airport-New York City.
By ferry from Spain: Algeciras to Tangier is one of the most popular routes to Morocco. High-speed ferries travel almost every hour and take about 30 minutes to make the journey.
Article by: Kevin Murphy
Image Credits: All rights and credits reserved to the respective owner(s)
