Morocco, the name itself, invokes the imagery of a distant land filled with mysteries and wonders that is an escapade to a world waiting to be explored. Fusing the alchemy of varied cultures that conjoin to form a country ebbed on the border of Africa has the backing of the Maghrebi and Islamic history and a European and Berber blueprint. This all-encompassing country flows with art, music, architecture and history in its every nook and corner and here are some glorious avenues that will surely enchant you.
Rabat
Offset the trip with a rendezvous at the capital city, which has some of the most buzzing Meridian quarters and souks. It’s not as popular as Casablanca and Marrakesh, but Rabat is equally fascinating and perhaps a tad less crowded. It has an array of well-preserved gardens, including the Andalusian Gardens and Botanical Gardens. In a more historical setting, you can visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V or walk along the Medina, which is the original walled city. This area also has the Old Market, which leads to Rue des Consuls and the Rue Souiqas. You can see the imprints of the French rule on the county at the Ville Nouvelle, which is the city centre.
Marrakesh
A confluence of modernity and history, Marrakesh stands on the world map as one of the most extraordinary cities to visit. You can take an endless stroll in the market, which is bustling with street performers, market stalls, and delicious local food. Besides this is the Koutoubia Mosque, which towers over the city, and as you walk forward, you will see the Bahia Palace, ruins of the El Badi Palace, and Saadian Tombs, to name a few. The awe-inspiring Majorelle Gardens is a perfect afternoon gateway as you soak in the Moroccon sun. This city also has Ville Nouvelle, which is reminiscent of European architecture and is a shopper’s heaven.
Casablanca
A historically important city that played a prominent role in World War 2 and the setting of the movie of the same name, Casablanca, has an air about it that is hard to describe in words. Since it has marinated in world culture while retaining its own heritage, you will find the French-styled Art Deco Rialto cinema, Notre Dame church and Sacre Couer cathedral. On the other hand, you will also find the Arab League Park’s sprawling garden space, Boulevard Mohammed V and Hassan II Mosque. A mixture of the neo-Moorish buildings and Art Nouveau style gives the city an extraordinary flair.
Tangier and Chefchaouen
The port city of Tangier is at the northern tip, which overlooks Gibraltar, Spain and has a long-standing history of welcoming people like Henri Matisse and Jimi Hendrix, amongst a few. Clad in a white building, which feels like a Riviera and has the Medina and Kasbah, which feels like stepping into the pages of the past. You will also find the Art Deco facade of the Rif Cinema and the Grand Socco, the main boulevard.
Known as the ‘Blue Pearl of Morocco’, Chefchaouen is just a drive away from Tangier and is very popular amongst tourists for its brightly coloured blue buildings sitting atop the mountainside. You will find cultural buildings like the Grand Mosque, the Spanish Mosque, and the Kasbah Museum, along with streets painted blue from the ground to the ceiling, serving as perfect spots for a picture.
Atlas Mountains
These mountain ranges run across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, with several towns and villages. You can even scale the highest peak in North America, Mount Toubkal, at a mighty 4,167m height. There is also the Toubkal National Park, which has many beautiful trails, giving stellar views of the mountains and the surrounding areas. The towns, which are of clay colour with the contrasting green paddy, give it a very alluring view.
