Morocco: from desert to Atlantic

If as a child your favorite cartoon was “Aladdin” and you always wondered where Agroba was, then you can be sure that a trip to Morocco will allow you to fulfill your childhood dream and see the “Arabian nights, like Arabian dreams, this mystical land of magic and sand, is more than it seems" with your own eyes. If, having matured a little, you ran with your grandmother in the evenings to the TV to watch Zhadi and Lucas from the TV series “Clone,” then we seriously recommend choosing this kingdom as your next travel destination. Today we offer you not just a list of Moroccan attractions, but a whole route that will run from the ocean to the desert, including the most interesting and memorable cities.

Casablanca

Let's start our trip to Morocco from the city of Casablanca, which is the largest and most developed in the country. Here is the international airport that receives the most tourists in Morocco. The city has both industrial areas and an authentic historical center with beautiful buildings from the French colonial era and good markets.

One of the main attractions of Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, which was built over five years by 6,000 Moroccan artisans. This majestic building features detailed mosaics, marble columns and floors, stucco and carved ceilings. Although only Muslims are allowed inside the mosque, from the outside it looks like a real work of art. In the evening, it is recommended to visit the central square of the city, named after Mohammed V. Around it there are beautiful old buildings built by the French at the beginning of the last century, and in the center of the square there is a fountain with colorful night lighting.

Tangier

After a few days in Casablanca, head north along the coast to the city of Tangier. This port city is the northernmost point of Morocco and is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Tangier has many well-maintained urban beaches, but the most impressive ones are located outside the city, such as the famous Pillars of Hercules caves, washed out of seawater into the rocks.

The old part of a city in Morocco is called the medina, and in Tangier the medina grew up around an 18th-century fortress built by the Portuguese. The fort's site offers panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar, and in clear weather you can see the coast of Spain. The medina in Tangier is truly impressive and as you walk through the narrow streets you can see majestic mosques, palaces and ancient houses. The brightest and busiest place is the Grand Bazaar, where merchants, in the best traditions of Arab countries, noisily invite visitors, and at the crossroads you can see snake charmers, fakirs and dancers entertaining crowds of onlookers.

Chefchaouen

It's time to leave the coast and head towards the Rif Mountains. Your next destination will be Chefchaouen, a sky-colored city located on the slopes of the Rif ridge. This city was founded by an emir at the end of the 15th century, who came to Morocco from Andalusia. Subsequently, many Spanish Muslims and Jews moved here, who built the city in the style of their home provinces. The city of Chefchaouen was a sacred place for many centuries, and non-believers who wanted to visit it faced the death penalty. That is why the unique medieval architecture has survived to this day.

One of the peculiarities of this city is that most of the buildings are painted deep blue. They say that this is done to remind believers about heaven and God. However, a more plausible version is that in this part of Morocco the sun shines brightly all year round, and its reflection from the white walls blinds the townspeople. That's why the walls are painted blue. This shade is easily obtained from the woad plant, which grows in abundance in North Africa. Even the ancient Egyptians used it, and adding it to plaster gives buildings a heavenly touch. The best thing to do in Chefchaouen is to walk through its streets from dusk to dawn, not forgetting to take photos, and be sure to try the famous local goat cheese.

Fez

The next stop on our journey to the desert is the city of Fez, Morocco's oldest imperial city. The old part of the city, called Fes El Bali, consists of 9,400 narrow streets in which it is easy to get lost. This part of the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the cultural and spiritual center of the country, while the new part, built by the French, will impress you with wide boulevards lined with fashionable shops and modern cafes.

Fes El Bali resembles a huge anthill, where life is in full swing - while walking through it, you are sure to see local artisans, colorful traders in authentic carpet shops, gardens, minarets and squares with beautiful mosaic fountains. Even the gate to the old town will impress you! Don't forget to visit the Palace Square and the Art Museum located in Dar Batha Palace. To relax after long walks, visit the hammam steam bath, and if you want to buy something memorable, you can find quality leather goods in Fez.

Merzouga

Now we will approach the Sahara Desert and the last stop on our way will be the small city of Merzouga. This dusty town may not have ancient architecture or modern infrastructure, but it does a great job of showing tourists what real life on the edge of the desert looks like. If you have the opportunity to travel around Morocco in late winter, it is recommended to visit Lake Dayet Srji, which is located to the west of the city. After heavy rainfall, it fills with water and turns into a real oasis, where you can see flocks of pink flamingos and storks.

Sahara!

One of the most exciting moments of traveling to Morocco will be a camel ride through the endless dunes of the Sahara, spending the night in a tent under the starry sky. Small caravans of tourists depart from Merzouga every day, traveling with them will allow you to immerse yourself in the authentic desert culture. During the trip, you will be able to enjoy traditional dishes of the locals, hear authentic Berber music and songs, and get to know their way of life and culture. If that's not enough for you, you can also get a bird's eye view of the desert on a hot air balloon ride, and then go quad biking, skiing or snowboarding across the huge dunes!

Marrakesh

To complete your trip, don't forget to visit Marrakesh - the red city of Morocco, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. This city attracts with its adobe houses with a reddish tint, which gives it a special atmosphere. The main attraction of Marrakech is Jemaa al-Fna Square, which is always lively and noisy. Here you can watch the trade, enjoy street performers and try a variety of dishes at the huge open-air restaurant. The city is also famous for its lush gardens, parks, olive groves and majestic palaces. Don't forget to visit the Koutoubia Mosque, which is one of the tallest in the country. In the last days of your trip, it is recommended to relax, enjoy Moroccan tea in cozy cafes, wander through the markets and buy souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. This will be a great way to recuperate and prepare to return to share your impressions of an unforgettable trip.

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