Morocco is Africa’s gateway to Europe, and it is the only African nation to share its coastline with both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its culture is a characteristic blend of Arab and Berber, which, along with its colonial past, make Morocco what it is today. Soak up the atmosphere in the streets of Marrakech, where you can try out your haggling skills at Djemaa El-fna market. Don’t forget to explore the magnificent Atlas mountain range that slices its way across the country from east to west – fit for both hikers and bikers. Visit an Amazigh village and get to know the traditional Berber way of life. Take a trip along the coast, stopping at the old port of Essaouira, the resort city of Agadir and the classic Casablanca. Or venture out into the Sahara Desert where you are sure to make friends with some very unique hoofed mammals. Morocco is a diverse land of many languages, cultures and identities, which welcomes visitors with its characteristic hospitality.
Casablanca
Casablanca is a hefty mix of architectural treasures that glisten with gold in the sunshine and near-decrepit old buildings. A sprawling city that brims with a cosmopolitan flair, Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and most hectic port. Sitting on the country’s Atlantic coast, it blends a frenetic lifestyle with stylish restaurants and vibrant shopping opportunities, opening up in a destination that slowly starts living up to its Western counterparts.
Marrakesh
A medieval city of drama, myth and mystery, Marrakesh will captivate all who venture inside its ochre-coloured walls. Step in and you will be transported back to a place and time that has been consigned to the annals of history. The winding alleys of the Medina and the sights, sounds and smells of the souks, the human drama that is Djemaa el-Fna square and the Atlas Mountains rearing up in the background all make Marrakesh Morocco’s crown jewel.
Agadir
With approximately 340 days of sunshine a year and six kilometres of soft white-sand beaches, Agadir is Morocco’s premiere beach resort. Nestled among the verdant valleys of the Great Souss and with the majestic range of the Anti-Atlas rearing up behind it, this modern, cosmopolitan city has all the attendant pleasures, thrills and luxuries you could ask for.
Rabat
Morocco’s capital city of Rabat is more than its magnificent medina (old town), which has been named a World Heritage Site: situated by the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean, the city has been an important commercial, cultural and military centre throughout history. Stroll through its tiny alleys, witness sites of French colonial heritage and enjoy Rabat’s open-minded atmosphere.
Fes
Known as one of the imperial cities of Morocco, the opulent city of Fès is the country’s oldest city, and it is split into two areas – Fès-el-Bali (Old Fes) and Fès-el-Djedid (New Fes) – as some mystical fusion of an ancient Islamic past and the French-influenced present. The endless Medina, which contains 9,500 streets, sells everything from jewellery to furniture, crafts, carpets, leather goods and spices.
