Visiting Morocco - Moroccoinaustralia

Tourism Morocco:

Morocco's rich geography in terms of landscapes, mountains, desert and coastline and each site has its own charm and unique natural wealth. It makes the country a must-see destination, as it is located at a mere two and a half hour flight from Europe's major cities.

The Middle Atlas, rich in fauna and flora, presents a vast variety of lakes, forests and deserted volcanic plateaus. The Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea border Morocco to the North and West, providing Morocco with gorgeous beaches and costal landscapes. The Saharan Desert provides Morocco with more landscapes that can be enjoyed by tourists coming to the country. The city of Dakhla especially is a place meant for anyone to enjoy the beauty of the sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Many Moroccan tourist spots share deep historical and cultural background. The richness of Moroccan culture has firmly reinforced the principles of social cohesion, dialogue, tolerance, justice and peace, and has made Morocco a country deeply involved in the dialogue between religions and civilizations.

The history of architecture in the Kingdom's different cities continues to influence the country to this day, making Morocco a country deeply rooted in exotic and colorful culture.Tourists coming to Morocco would have a taste of the unique Moroccan hospitality. According to the World Economic Forum investigation measuring the quality of hospitality to strangers, Morocco is the 3rd most welcoming country in the World. In Morocco, it is very common to get invited over for a meal, even if they are complete strangers, Moroccan hosts would serve their guests traditional Moroccan tea, great meals, interesting conversations and overall a good and comfortable time. Nothing feels better than a warm welcoming accompanied by some unique Moroccan delicacies.

Places to Visit:

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat
It is the final resting place of the Sultan Mohammed V, his two sons, the late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. It was commissioned by the late King Hassan II in 1962 and was completed in 1971. The Mausoleum is decorated by traditional artwork and was designed by the Vietnamese architect Cong Vo Toan with the goal to evoke a sense of Moroccan identity and to pay tribute to the sophisticated craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. The design of the building was made using traditional Moroccan techniques of building, Moorish arches, white marble and the sekba motif, found all over Morocco. The rectangular open-sided pavilion to the west was designed as a museum for the Alouite dynasty, and the mosque in between the two buildings is low enough to not obstruct the view of any of the surrounding structures.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat

It is the final resting place of the Sultan Mohammed V, his two sons, the late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. It was commissioned by the late King Hassan II in 1962 and was completed in 1971. The Mausoleum is decorated by traditional artwork and was designed by the Vietnamese architect Cong Vo Toan with the goal to evoke a sense of Moroccan identity and to pay tribute to the sophisticated craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. The design of the building was made using traditional Moroccan techniques of building, Moorish arches, white marble and the sekba motif, found all over Morocco. The rectangular open-sided pavilion to the west was designed as a museum for the Alouite dynasty, and the mosque in between the two buildings is low enough to not obstruct the view of any of the surrounding structures.

Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. It is located in Casablanca, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Completed in 1993, it was designed under the guidance of His Majesty King Hassan II. The mosque also features a museum that showcases pieces from various traditional Moroccan arts. It is one of the only mosques in Morocco that is open to the public.

Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. It is located in Casablanca, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Completed in 1993, it was designed under the guidance of His Majesty King Hassan II. The mosque also features a museum that showcases pieces from various traditional Moroccan arts. It is one of the only mosques in Morocco that is open to the public.

Saadian Tombs
Located in the Kasbah area of Marrakesh, the Saadian tombs laid forgotten for centuries until they were uncovered in 1917. The Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi built this tomb complex, importing Italian Carrara marble and gilding honeycomb muqarnas with pure gold. The tomb was boarded up a few decades after 1603, after which it was exposed in 1917. Al Mansour and his sons were buried in the Chamber of the 12 Pillars, which is the most luxurious part of the tomb. It has been decorated by zellige (geometric tilework) as well as gilded honeycomb muqarnas and was named after the three groups of four pillars of marble that support the ceiling. There are three other areas of exploration possible including: the Chamber of Three Niches and Prayer Room, Lalla Massouda's Tomb and the Garden Tombs.

Saadian Tombs

Located in the Kasbah area of Marrakesh, the Saadian tombs laid forgotten for centuries until they were uncovered in 1917. The Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi built this tomb complex, importing Italian Carrara marble and gilding honeycomb muqarnas with pure gold. The tomb was boarded up a few decades after 1603, after which it was exposed in 1917. Al Mansour and his sons were buried in the Chamber of the 12 Pillars, which is the most luxurious part of the tomb. It has been decorated by zellige (geometric tilework) as well as gilded honeycomb muqarnas and was named after the three groups of four pillars of marble that support the ceiling. There are three other areas of exploration possible including: the Chamber of Three Niches and Prayer Room, Lalla Massouda's Tomb and the Garden Tombs.

Caves of Hercules
The Caves of Hercules are located approximately 14 kilometers away from Tangier. The caves are open to the public, with two openings, one facing the Mediterranean Sea and the other facing the land. The opening to the sea is said to resemble the shape of Africa. This granite mass is pierced by light and overlooks the African coast. According to legends this cave is where Hercules rested before performing the 11th of the 12th Labours given to him by King Eurystheus of Tiryns. The caves are a close distance to the Cape Spartel Lighthouse where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet at the Strait of Gibraltar. The beaches close to the site are almost deserted, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscapes and serenity of the Moroccan coast. The surrounding areas of the caves depict a small view into what Tangier has to offer, with its lime-coated houses, known for the Spanish influence on its culture. Visitors can also go diving in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, where nature creates spectacular scenery of algae and underwater rocks with fish circling between them.

Caves of Hercules

The Caves of Hercules are located approximately 14 kilometers away from Tangier. The caves are open to the public, with two openings, one facing the Mediterranean Sea and the other facing the land. The opening to the sea is said to resemble the shape of Africa. This granite mass is pierced by light and overlooks the African coast. According to legends this cave is where Hercules rested before performing the 11th of the 12th Labours given to him by King Eurystheus of Tiryns. The caves are a close distance to the Cape Spartel Lighthouse where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet at the Strait of Gibraltar. The beaches close to the site are almost deserted, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscapes and serenity of the Moroccan coast. The surrounding areas of the caves depict a small view into what Tangier has to offer, with its lime-coated houses, known for the Spanish influence on its culture. Visitors can also go diving in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, where nature creates spectacular scenery of algae and underwater rocks with fish circling between them.

Skiing in Oukaimeden
Oukaimeden is a ski resort in the Atlas Mountains, which hosts the highest ski lift in Africa reaching almost 11,000 feet. For beginners or experts, the ski area offers amenities to allow you to ski during the day, and to join the gentler atmosphere of Marrakech in the evening.

Jemaa El-Fna Square
The Jemaa el-Fna square is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech. It represents a unique concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious and artistic expressions. Tourists can stroll through the square surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings and immerse themselves with the sounds, smells and sights that Morocco has to offer.

Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden, created over the course of forty years is enclosed by outer walls and consists of an array of alleyways on different levels with boldly-colored buildings. The French painter Jacques Majorelle began planting exotic plants in 1922 from all corners of the world. In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge purchased the Garden to save it from destruction. It is said to have provided Yves Saint Laurent with “an endless source of inspiration…” Approximately 300 species of plants from 5 continents are in the Garden surrounding the dark blue architecture, providing an oasis in the middle of Marrakech.

Majorelle Garden

The Majorelle Garden, created over the course of forty years is enclosed by outer walls and consists of an array of alleyways on different levels with boldly-colored buildings. The French painter Jacques Majorelle began planting exotic plants in 1922 from all corners of the world. In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge purchased the Garden to save it from destruction. It is said to have provided Yves Saint Laurent with “an endless source of inspiration…” Approximately 300 species of plants from 5 continents are in the Garden surrounding the dark blue architecture, providing an oasis in the middle of Marrakech.

Chellah Necropolis
The necropolis of Chellah is an ancient Roman, medieval and necropolis complex located on the ancient city of Salé. It is located 2 kiolmeters from the city center of Rabat. The world heritage site dates as far back as the 3^rd century BC, where a small trading post was in operation. This site contains ruins from the Roman population that used to inhabit the Rabat area. The vestiges of the Roman city include a main road, a fountain and triumphal arch. The site was abandoned for centuries until the time of the Marinid Sultanate of the mid-13^th to the 15^th century. The complex is home to the tombs of several generations of Marinid royals. It is the perfect location to learn about the very long history of Morocco.

Chellah Necropolis

The necropolis of Chellah is an ancient Roman, medieval and necropolis complex located on the ancient city of Salé. It is located 2 kiolmeters from the city center of Rabat. The world heritage site dates as far back as the 3^rd century BC, where a small trading post was in operation. This site contains ruins from the Roman population that used to inhabit the Rabat area. The vestiges of the Roman city include a main road, a fountain and triumphal arch. The site was abandoned for centuries until the time of the Marinid Sultanate of the mid-13^th to the 15^th century. The complex is home to the tombs of several generations of Marinid royals. It is the perfect location to learn about the very long history of Morocco.

Royal Mogador Castle Forteresse
Crenellated walls, strong winds, houses with white and blue facades, this site is known as “Bride of the Atlantic.” Located in the coastal city of Essaouira, visitors can walk along the ramparts, the filming location of Astapor in the popular TV show “Game of Thrones.” Along the parapet it is also possible to see the Purpuraires Islands, which has an abundance of falcons and seagulls hovering above the nature reserve. The windy beach allows for an array of water activities such as surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing. Mogador is the seaside eco-resort, which hosts record-breaking building, equipped with all the conveniences related to sustainable development. After visiting the Forteresse, Essaouira is only a short distance away. The city hosts the Gnawa festival which celebrates Afro-Maghrebin rhythms. A thirty minute drive will also lead to Sidi Kouaki, which is the perfect beach for a walk on foot, horse or camel, making for unforgettable memories.

Royal Mogador Castle Forteresse

Crenellated walls, strong winds, houses with white and blue facades, this site is known as “Bride of the Atlantic.” Located in the coastal city of Essaouira, visitors can walk along the ramparts, the filming location of Astapor in the popular TV show “Game of Thrones.” Along the parapet it is also possible to see the Purpuraires Islands, which has an abundance of falcons and seagulls hovering above the nature reserve. The windy beach allows for an array of water activities such as surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing. Mogador is the seaside eco-resort, which hosts record-breaking building, equipped with all the conveniences related to sustainable development. After visiting the Forteresse, Essaouira is only a short distance away. The city hosts the Gnawa festival which celebrates Afro-Maghrebin rhythms. A thirty minute drive will also lead to Sidi Kouaki, which is the perfect beach for a walk on foot, horse or camel, making for unforgettable memories.

Dakhla
Located in the south of Morocco, Dakhla offers a change of scenery. A vast beach with kilometers of sand allows tourists to indulge in a variety of water activities. The steady 25-degree temperature makes it the perfect location to visit all year round. For a quieter, relaxing stay visit the calm and crystalline waters of the PK25 lagoon. However, when looking for more adventure Foum El Bouir is a much more lively option. It is the perfect site for surfers, kite-surfers and windsurfers of all skill levels. For surfers looking for bigger waves, Pointe de Dragon is a more internationally renowned spot where most famous surfers have come to ride the spectacular tubes that run for hundreds of meters. From the southern end of the peninsula, at Punta Sarga, take in the sights of migratory birds, pink flamingos, turtles, monk seals, rays and humpback dolphins. Even further south, visitors have the opportunity to sleep in tents beneath the stars on the white sand beach of Puertito.

Dakhla

Located in the south of Morocco, Dakhla offers a change of scenery. A vast beach with kilometers of sand allows tourists to indulge in a variety of water activities. The steady 25-degree temperature makes it the perfect location to visit all year round. For a quieter, relaxing stay visit the calm and crystalline waters of the PK25 lagoon. However, when looking for more adventure Foum El Bouir is a much more lively option. It is the perfect site for surfers, kite-surfers and windsurfers of all skill levels. For surfers looking for bigger waves, Pointe de Dragon is a more internationally renowned spot where most famous surfers have come to ride the spectacular tubes that run for hundreds of meters. From the southern end of the peninsula, at Punta Sarga, take in the sights of migratory birds, pink flamingos, turtles, monk seals, rays and humpback dolphins. Even further south, visitors have the opportunity to sleep in tents beneath the stars on the white sand beach of Puertito.

Dune of the Golden Sand
Merzouga and its nearby cities lead the east side of Morocco. It is one of the gates of the Sahara which is a small, captivating village located in the middle of the sands. Located on the site is the Erg Chebbi, or “Sea of Dunes”, where dunes, palm groves, tracks and hikes allow for an escape from the city. The village is surrounded by the highest dunes in Morocco and a shimmering sunrise. The dunes also allow the most adventurous of people to practice quad biking and 4x4. A walk through the sand will led to Dayet Srij, a lake where flying doves, wagtails, and storks hover.

Dune of the Golden Sand

Merzouga and its nearby cities lead the east side of Morocco. It is one of the gates of the Sahara which is a small, captivating village located in the middle of the sands. Located on the site is the Erg Chebbi, or “Sea of Dunes”, where dunes, palm groves, tracks and hikes allow for an escape from the city. The village is surrounded by the highest dunes in Morocco and a shimmering sunrise. The dunes also allow the most adventurous of people to practice quad biking and 4x4. A walk through the sand will led to Dayet Srij, a lake where flying doves, wagtails, and storks hover.

Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a city built on a mountainside, with a unique charm. The whole city is bathed in azure, which makes the whole city feel like walking around in a dream. The city has famous winding alleyways and is a perfect place to smell and taste local delights such as freshly baked bread and tagines. In the middle of the old quarter is the Kasbah with lush gardens. There is a museum which holds a collection of old weapons, photos of the city and textiles, making it a vital must-see part of the blue-city. It is also the perfect location for avid hikers. The paths surrounding the mountains offer several hiking activities. The Kelaa and Meggou mountains surrounding the city provide beautiful landscapes with the opportunity to hike either on foot, bike, or donkey. The mountains are also home to numerous caves that are open to be explored. Other places to be discovered by visitors include the Akchour waterfalls located 25 meters near the famous Dieu Bridge, a natural bridge or the Cherafat waterfalls which surround a mosque where the sounds of water fill the air.

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a city built on a mountainside, with a unique charm. The whole city is bathed in azure, which makes the whole city feel like walking around in a dream. The city has famous winding alleyways and is a perfect place to smell and taste local delights such as freshly baked bread and tagines. In the middle of the old quarter is the Kasbah with lush gardens. There is a museum which holds a collection of old weapons, photos of the city and textiles, making it a vital must-see part of the blue-city. It is also the perfect location for avid hikers. The paths surrounding the mountains offer several hiking activities. The Kelaa and Meggou mountains surrounding the city provide beautiful landscapes with the opportunity to hike either on foot, bike, or donkey. The mountains are also home to numerous caves that are open to be explored. Other places to be discovered by visitors include the Akchour waterfalls located 25 meters near the famous Dieu Bridge, a natural bridge or the Cherafat waterfalls which surround a mosque where the sounds of water fill the air.