Morocco: Top Attractions
Morocco is one of Africa's most popular destinations and with good reason. Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier, Fes, the Atlas Mountains, the list is long on romance, culture, and history. Bazaars, medinas, riads, bubbly pipes and yes, excellent beaches make Morocco a wonderful starting point for an African adventure.
Best Places to Visit in Morocco
Morocco's top destinations for tourists. The best places to visit in Morocco include the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes and Meknes. Morocco is also famous for its beaches and some the best seaside towns are represented by Essaouira, Tangier and Asilah. Natural wonders of Morocco include the Atlas Mountains the Sahara desert and the Dades Valley.
Best Things To Do in Morocco - Top 12 Things to do in Morocco's
What are the best things to do when you visit Morocco? Below is a list of the top 12 things I highly recommend you try to do when you visit Morocco. Enjoy a relaxing scrub at a local hammam, enroll in a cooking class, ski, surf, and get lost at the Fes tanneries. Eat a kebab alongside snake charmers in the Marrakech medina and stroll the blue...
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen, Morocco -- a travel guide in pictures. Discover Chefchaouen, one of Morocco's most beautiful and laid back towns in the heart of the Rif Mountains. Enjoy these images of Chefchaouen and find out how to get there, where to stay, where to relax, shop, sip mint tea and enjoy the fresh air in this sleepy little town.
Casablanca, Morocco
Facts and travel information about Casablanca, Morocco's commercial capital, largest city and main port. Find out where to eat, sleep, shop and play from my guide to Casablanca.
Sex and the City 2 in Morocco
Sex and the City in Morocco. Find out where the Sex and the City 2 girls rode camels, strolled through the markets (souks), shopped, sipped cocktails, and spent their nights. Get recommendations on where you could stay in Morocco at these SATC2 locations, and create your own fashionably exotic vacation.
Morocco's Atlas Mountains
Morocco's Atlas Mountains - Trekking in Morocco's Atlas Mountains
Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech, Morocco
Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech, Morocco
Images of Marrakech, Morocco
Images of Marrakech one of Morocco's oldest and beautiful cities. Photos include the famous souqs (bazaars), the old city walls, the central square Djemma el Fna, the tanneries and more.
Do You Need an Official Guide when Visiting Marrakech?
Do you need a to get an official guide when you visit Marrakech? Is it necessary to take a tour of Marrakech or is it possible to get around on your own? Find out what I recommend when you visit Marrakech. Getting lost is sometimes an advantage, but if it's your first time in Morocco, the medina may be a bit overwhelming.
Fes (Fez) Photo Gallery
Fes (Fez) Photo Gallery showing images of old Fes, the people, the streets, the tanneries, the mosques, the souqs and every aspect of daily life.
Do You Need A Guide to Visit Fes (Fez), Morocco?
Do You Need A Guide to Visit Fes (Fez), Morocco? The main attraction in Fes is the old walled city which is a maze of hundreds of little streets that are easy to get lost in. But if you don't mind asking for directions and enjoy a little adventure, then a guide is not strictly necessary.
Rabat, Morocco's Capital
Rabat, Morocco's capital city. Find out what to see in Rabat, where to stay and a brief history.
Casablanca
If you are looking for romance then perhaps you should skip Casablanca. While welcoming if you have been "roughing it" in other parts of Morocco, it is a modern city with modern conveniences and problems. This site offers you information on where to stay, what to see and do, where to eat and more. Casablanca is probably the most expensive city in Morocco.
The Dakar Rally
Information and fun facts about the Dakar Rally, the world's most gruelling off-road race. Motorcycles, cars and trucks race over 7000 miles from Europe through Africa. Originally the race went from Paris to Dakar but the route changes annually.
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Heading to Morocco? The tourism outlook for 2011.
Heading to Morocco? The tourism outlook for 2011.
When it comes to tourist hotspots, Morocco is one of the big hitters. Just a few hours’ flight away from Europe’s major cities, it plays a strong hand to city-breakers, and adventure- and sun-seekers alike. At nine million foreign visitors a year, it’s second only to Egypt as a North African holiday destination.
But Morocco isn’t immune to international events, and as North Africa and the Middle East experience the turmoil of the Arab Spring, many would-be visitors to Morocco are giving pause to wonder whether a holiday is still safe, feasible or appropriate. Admittedly, Morocco hasn’t seen the same upheavals that Tunisia or Egypt have experienced, let alone the violence in Libya, but confidence in tourism did take a knock with a bombing in a Marrakesh café in May, which was ascribed to Islamist militants, the first such attack in the country since 2003.
Tourism accounts for around 10% of Morocco’s GDP, but taken together, the bombing and headlines from the wider region look like making 2011 a quiet year for the Moroccan tourist industry. That said, none of this should necessarily have you reaching for your guidebooks to France or Italy instead. Morocco remains a safe holiday destination, and no governmental travel warnings currently advise against travel. The flipside of dropping visitor numbers means those heading to Morocco can find themselves some great guesthouse and hotel deals.
Let’s go!
Well-served by both budget and scheduled airlines, the main entry points to Morocco are Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fès and Tangier – the latter also being an important ferry point for visitors from Spain. In the summer, head for the cooling sea breezes of Essaouira and Asilah. The latter holds a three-week art festival in July, overlapping with Marrakesh’s Festival of Popular Arts.
Best time to go
If you’re free with your travel dates, you might want to consider avoiding visiting Morocco in August. Not only is this the hottest time of the year (Marrakesh is particularly scorching), but this year it coincides with Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Restaurants catering to tourists aren’t affected, but it’s hot work on the tourist trail when you can’t just pop into the first café you see for a refreshing drink.
With autumn, Morocco is once again prime travelling territory. Accommodation prices rise, but everyone’s in high spirits after Ramadan. The beaches empty and even the desert benefits from gentle breezes. Now is the time to dive into the winding streets of the Fès medina (which celebrates its founder in a huge moussem or religious festival in September) or even snag yourself a wife at Imilchil’s Berber Marriage festival.
What to see
The warm days and cool nights of autumn are also ideal for seeing the best of natural Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains are the most popular destination for trekking – most notably for those wanting to tackle Jebel Toubkal, north Africa’s highest mountain, but there are plenty of lesser known areas, such as the gorgeous Ameln Valley in the Anti-Atlas. The more heavily wooded Rif Mountains in the north also offer good hiking opportunities, and an excuse to base yourself in the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
Tourism in Morocco might be taking a slight knock at the current moment, but there’s still plenty on offer for those ready to make the trip.
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When it comes to tourist hotspots, Morocco is one of the big hitters. Just a few hours’ flight away from Europe’s major cities, it plays a strong hand to city-breakers, and adventure- and sun-seekers alike. At nine million foreign visitors a year, it’s second only to Egypt as a North African holiday destination.
But Morocco isn’t immune to international events, and as North Africa and the Middle East experience the turmoil of the Arab Spring, many would-be visitors to Morocco are giving pause to wonder whether a holiday is still safe, feasible or appropriate. Admittedly, Morocco hasn’t seen the same upheavals that Tunisia or Egypt have experienced, let alone the violence in Libya, but confidence in tourism did take a knock with a bombing in a Marrakesh café in May, which was ascribed to Islamist militants, the first such attack in the country since 2003.
Tourism accounts for around 10% of Morocco’s GDP, but taken together, the bombing and headlines from the wider region look like making 2011 a quiet year for the Moroccan tourist industry. That said, none of this should necessarily have you reaching for your guidebooks to France or Italy instead. Morocco remains a safe holiday destination, and no governmental travel warnings currently advise against travel. The flipside of dropping visitor numbers means those heading to Morocco can find themselves some great guesthouse and hotel deals.
Let’s go!
Well-served by both budget and scheduled airlines, the main entry points to Morocco are Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fès and Tangier – the latter also being an important ferry point for visitors from Spain. In the summer, head for the cooling sea breezes of Essaouira and Asilah. The latter holds a three-week art festival in July, overlapping with Marrakesh’s Festival of Popular Arts.
Best time to go
If you’re free with your travel dates, you might want to consider avoiding visiting Morocco in August. Not only is this the hottest time of the year (Marrakesh is particularly scorching), but this year it coincides with Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Restaurants catering to tourists aren’t affected, but it’s hot work on the tourist trail when you can’t just pop into the first café you see for a refreshing drink.
With autumn, Morocco is once again prime travelling territory. Accommodation prices rise, but everyone’s in high spirits after Ramadan. The beaches empty and even the desert benefits from gentle breezes. Now is the time to dive into the winding streets of the Fès medina (which celebrates its founder in a huge moussem or religious festival in September) or even snag yourself a wife at Imilchil’s Berber Marriage festival.
What to see
The warm days and cool nights of autumn are also ideal for seeing the best of natural Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains are the most popular destination for trekking – most notably for those wanting to tackle Jebel Toubkal, north Africa’s highest mountain, but there are plenty of lesser known areas, such as the gorgeous Ameln Valley in the Anti-Atlas. The more heavily wooded Rif Mountains in the north also offer good hiking opportunities, and an excuse to base yourself in the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
Tourism in Morocco might be taking a slight knock at the current moment, but there’s still plenty on offer for those ready to make the trip.
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Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
The lively and energetic streets of Marrakech, Morocco, become even livelier during the annual Marrakech Popular Arts Festival. This multi-day festival features artists, dancers, singers, theatre troupes, fortune tellers and snake charmers from all over Morocco as well as Europe, Asia and beyond. Held annually in July, the Arts Festival is one of the most celebrated and popular events in Morocco.
Festival performances take place in venues scattered throughout Marrakech. Most of the major events take place around the grounds of El Badi Palace. The grounds of El Badi provide a historic backdrop for the festival and visitors will be offered a glimpse of its former grandeur. Red walls and an expansive courtyard are all that remains from the once great palace that took over 25 years to construct. Sadly Moulay Ismaï destroyed the palace in the late 1600s to decorate his own palace in Meknes and most of what is left of El Badi is in ruins.
Many of the events also take place in Marrakech’s main square, Place Djemaa el Fna. The square is home to a dizzying array of cafes, food stalls, shops and vendors, and it can take days to get your bearings and see it all. The Djemaa el Fna is also home to a cast of entertainers and you can expect to see storytellers, magicians and snake charmers on any given day, not just during the festival.
Music and dance are vital parts of the Moroccan life and you will surely enjoy the unique mix of modern entertainment and traditional arts characteristic of the festival. The festival brings together all parts of Morocco so you will see performances from ancient folk dancers and traditional Berber musicians as well as belly dancers, fusion bands and pop musicians. You won’t want to miss the “Fantasia” held nightly just outside the city walls. This traditional choreographed horse performance involves groups of charging horseman dressed in traditional clothing.
Visiting Marrakech during the Popular Arts Festival will enhance your experience by giving you the opportunity to visit with the locals and see Morocco at its cultural finest. If you need a break from the festivities, seek solace in the peaceful Majorelle Gardens or relax under an orchard of palms and olive trees in the Menara Gardens before returning to this vibrant celebration of Moroccan culture.
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The Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
The annual Marrakech Popular Arts Festival starts this weekend, it's celebrating its 45th year. For a whole week, this already lively city will be filled with folk singers, dancers, fortune-tellers, acting troupes, snake charmers, fire-swallowers and more, from all over Morocco. Since 2000 the festival has also attracted many artists and entertainers from Europe and Asia. The main events take place in the ruins of the 16 century Badi Palace and the Djemma el-Fna (main town square). Not to be missed, outside the city walls at night, is the Fantasia. A horse-riding spectacle that includes hundreds of charging horsemen (and women) wearing traditional clothing.
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Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival: a guide to Morocco’s festival of street performers
Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival: a guide to Morocco’s festival of street performers
Level of participation: 2 – sip a mint tea and take in the Maghrebi culture
With snake-charmers and marketers cawing ‘lovely jubbly’ at passing English tourists on Djemaa el-Fna square, bustling Marrakesh is rather like a year-round festival. The colour and pace intensify during the Popular Arts Festival, when performers from across the North African nation use the city as an al fresco venue.
Sauntering across Djemaa el-Fna in search of the dreamy orange juice stands, you come across even more fire-swallowers, fortune-tellers and folk singers than usual. Look out for Berber musicians and dancers from the High Atlas, Andalucían-style songsters from the Spanish-influenced north, and the hypnotic Gnaouas drummers from the south.
The main gathering point for performers from acting troupes to acrobats is Palais el-Badi. Built by Ahmed al-Mansour between 1578 and 1602, the now-ruined palace was reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world and well deserved its name, the Incomparable. Every evening, a fantasia (choreographed military display on Arabian horses) takes place in a field near the palace.
Local attractions: a pavilion in Palais el-Badi houses a 12th-century treasure, the beautifully restored minbar (pulpit) from the Koutoubia that inspired so many Arab and Andalucían poets.
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Level of participation: 2 – sip a mint tea and take in the Maghrebi culture
With snake-charmers and marketers cawing ‘lovely jubbly’ at passing English tourists on Djemaa el-Fna square, bustling Marrakesh is rather like a year-round festival. The colour and pace intensify during the Popular Arts Festival, when performers from across the North African nation use the city as an al fresco venue.
Sauntering across Djemaa el-Fna in search of the dreamy orange juice stands, you come across even more fire-swallowers, fortune-tellers and folk singers than usual. Look out for Berber musicians and dancers from the High Atlas, Andalucían-style songsters from the Spanish-influenced north, and the hypnotic Gnaouas drummers from the south.
The main gathering point for performers from acting troupes to acrobats is Palais el-Badi. Built by Ahmed al-Mansour between 1578 and 1602, the now-ruined palace was reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world and well deserved its name, the Incomparable. Every evening, a fantasia (choreographed military display on Arabian horses) takes place in a field near the palace.
Local attractions: a pavilion in Palais el-Badi houses a 12th-century treasure, the beautifully restored minbar (pulpit) from the Koutoubia that inspired so many Arab and Andalucían poets.
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Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
Marrakech popular arts festival is an annual fair that takes several days featuring artists from diverse corners of Morocco, Africa, Asia, Europe and other parts of the world. It is normally held in the month of July, attracting artists, dancers, fortune tellers, theatre groups, snake charmers and other artists; placing it on the world map as one of the world’s most celebrated art events and among the most popular galas in Morocco.
Marrakech -Folklore group
The major events of the festival are performed at the historical El Badi Palace ruins, which hold rich historical significance to Moroccans; having been constructed for a whopping 25 years, only to be destroyed in 1600s by Moulay Ismai who built another palace in Meknes. Place Djemaa El Fna, Marrakech’s main square also plays host to a number of events. At the square, there are so many things to see and do; loads of cafes and food stalls, elegant shops and sellers, ideal for those who love shopping. Furthermore, Djemaa El Fna has always been home to scores of traditional entertainers; magicians, snake charmers and storytellers.
Moroccan festivals are synonymous with music, dance and art. Attendees of the Marrakech popular arts festival should expect ancient folk dancers, belly dancers, pop and fusion musicians and traditional Berber musician, not forgetting Fantasia that is held outside the city walls.
Attending the Marrakech popular arts festival would be incomplete without a relaxing and peaceful walk in the attractive Majorelle Gardens. The palm and olive trees in Menara gardens are also perfect spots to relax in the evening while on a break from the festival.
Accommodation is in plenty; you can opt to stay in one of the well managed hostels or hotels in Marrakech available, the rates are affordable, although they might be slightly higher during the festivals. Marrakech is definitely the place to learn the Moroccan culture, sing and dance to their music and generally, get entertained for a perfect respite and amusement.
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Marrakech popular arts festival is an annual fair that takes several days featuring artists from diverse corners of Morocco, Africa, Asia, Europe and other parts of the world. It is normally held in the month of July, attracting artists, dancers, fortune tellers, theatre groups, snake charmers and other artists; placing it on the world map as one of the world’s most celebrated art events and among the most popular galas in Morocco.Marrakech -Folklore group
The major events of the festival are performed at the historical El Badi Palace ruins, which hold rich historical significance to Moroccans; having been constructed for a whopping 25 years, only to be destroyed in 1600s by Moulay Ismai who built another palace in Meknes. Place Djemaa El Fna, Marrakech’s main square also plays host to a number of events. At the square, there are so many things to see and do; loads of cafes and food stalls, elegant shops and sellers, ideal for those who love shopping. Furthermore, Djemaa El Fna has always been home to scores of traditional entertainers; magicians, snake charmers and storytellers.
Moroccan festivals are synonymous with music, dance and art. Attendees of the Marrakech popular arts festival should expect ancient folk dancers, belly dancers, pop and fusion musicians and traditional Berber musician, not forgetting Fantasia that is held outside the city walls.
Attending the Marrakech popular arts festival would be incomplete without a relaxing and peaceful walk in the attractive Majorelle Gardens. The palm and olive trees in Menara gardens are also perfect spots to relax in the evening while on a break from the festival.
Accommodation is in plenty; you can opt to stay in one of the well managed hostels or hotels in Marrakech available, the rates are affordable, although they might be slightly higher during the festivals. Marrakech is definitely the place to learn the Moroccan culture, sing and dance to their music and generally, get entertained for a perfect respite and amusement.
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Top Ten Places to Visit in Morocco in 2013
Top Ten Places to Visit in Morocco in 2013
Morocco is a country with so much diversity in landscape and people. This diversity helps make Morocco a true fascinating place to explore and enjoy. If you are intending to plan your holidays in Morocco, then this article will help you discover beautiful places to visit. You can be sure to experience a perfect blend of modern and old Morocco, which conglomerates various cultures such as Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish, and African cultures, These cultures have paved the way for a positive and beautiful life in Morocco.
Chebbi Dunes
Are you fond of Sahara Desert? If so, then this village has to be your ultimate destination in Morocco. Located south of Morocco near the town of Merzouga, Chebbi Dunes offer the best tourist destination coupled with ample opportunities for fun and adventure. One of the most popular activities in this desert town is Camel Trekking, Camel trips can be taken from two hours to several days or even weeks, giving travelers an opportunity to experience the Sahara Desert in a unique and fascinating way that will be remembered for a lifetime.Chebbi Dunes - Merzouga Desert
Djemaa El-Fna Square, Marrakech
Located in the heart of Marrakech city, this place is best known for the amazing musicians, fortunetellers and the snake charmers, which can make your day a memorable one. Djemaa el-fna market is another aspect that attracts tourists to this part of the country. So, while you are there make sure to visit all the corners of this square so that you can maximize your enjoyment and exploration.Djemaa El-Fna Square - Marrakech
Majorelle Gardens
If you are fond of natural botanical gardens, then ensure you do not miss out on such a treat. The Marjorelle Gardens sits in the heart of the city of Marrakech, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities. So make sure to have your camera handy!Majorelle Garden - Marrakech
Cascades Ouzoud
Located near Azilal and Marrakech, this dramatic and amazing waterfall can make any tourist spell bounded. This waterfall serves as the primary water source in the adjoining areas.Cascades Ouzoud - Azilal
Todra Gorge
Todra Gorge is a canyon in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, with a close proximity to the town Tinerhir. The best part of this canyon is the the last 700 meters of it, Here the canyon become so narrow with high flat vertical mountain walls. For those who likes hiking, Todra valley is the place to be!Todra Gorge Valley
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
Koutoubia Mosque is an architectural masterpieces of Morocco. This beautiful monument was built in 1184 and was available to public on 1199. Make sure to have your camera ready to take pictures of this historical landmark!Koutoubia Mosque - Marrakech
Volubilis
Rich in historical artifacts, voubilis is a site offering the amazing ruins of the third century. The ruins of the Roman Empire make this place a must visit for everyone fond of history and culture.Volubilis - nearby Meknes city (credit to Lukas Vermeer)
Ouarzazate
Have you watched the films Lawrence of Arabia, Galdiator, and The Mummy?. Ouarzazate region was the place where those films were shot. It is home to the largest Hollywood studio in the world. So, have your camera handy to take pictures of the Ouarzazate movie studio and the places where those Hollywood films were shot!Atlas Studio - Ouarzazate
Rabat
Being the capital city of Morocco, Rabat has a distinctive place when it comes to tourism. The famous Hassan Tower has become the site to experience while on a visit to the capital city of Morocco. Other than the tower, Rabat is rich in culture and history, which makes it a treat for the tourist.Kasbah Ouadaya - Rabat
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen or Chaouen is a spectacular mountain town located in the north of Morocco. Despite its beautiful location with waterfalls and a national park nearby, Chaouen has retained its low-key charm; Thus, presenting an ideal opportunity for travelers to explore the town and enjoy the peace and the tranquility that this place has to offer.morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
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