The narrow streets, always crowded, with the vivid colours of the markets of Fes, the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, that unmistakable scent of tagine in the air of Marrakech, the history hidden behind the minarets and the ancient fortified structures of the Imperial Cities: these are just some of the wonders of Morocco, which will surprise you with places and emotions you do not expect.

In a single country you can go from the sea to the desert and admire the charm of the mountains that run across the land; many and varied are the landscapes that unfold before those who decide to visit these places.

Marrakech

The most cosmopolitan and colourful city in Morocco, Marrakech is known as one of the most ancient imperial cities: it was indeed founded as a fortified city of the Berber Empire.

As you stroll through the narrow streets of Marrakech, it is impossible not to stop and lose yourself in the maze of the local souk, the beating heart of the city.

A place full of fragrances, where the mix of scents is heady and unique, with spices and bright colours that will leave you open-mouthed. A true feast for the eyes and more besides: here you will find the best tagine stalls in Morocco.

Jewellery and velvet furnishings, Arabesque tables and carpets of every shape and colour, unique lamps and kaftans are just some of the wonders a place like the souk can offer; but remember, here the watchword is haggling.

The main square too, the famous Jemaa el-Fna, is dotted with kiosks and stalls where you can buy food and be entertained by storytellers, snake charmers and merchants of every kind.

And if you want a rest from all this wandering, do not miss a stop at a hammam, the traditional bathhouses where you can relax, enjoy massages and treatments and mingle with the other people there, these being highly sociable places.

Rabat

Rabat is the capital of Morocco and one of the country’s Imperial Cities, famous for its historic monuments and the beauty of its luxurious, richly embroidered carpets.

Not to be missed is a visit to the medina of Rabat, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

Then make your way through the streets of Rabat until you reach the Hassan complex, a place born of a project by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour that was halted after his death.

The original project involved building a tower 80 metres high, which would have been the tallest in the Arab world. This unfinished tower, 44 metres high, is now a stunning open-air mosque.

Fes

Fes is the city that encapsulates the essence of Morocco, a true journey of discovery through the ancient souks, where you can watch the artisans creating beautiful handcrafted objects.

Home to the most prestigious and ancient University of culture and art in Muslim North Africa, Fes is considered one of the most fascinating centres of the Islamic world thanks to the majesty of its monuments, souks and mosques and to its famous Medina.

The latter is in fact considered the largest in the entire Arab world, and it is here that all of Fes’s trade is concentrated.

Forget the map and lose yourself in this fantastic labyrinth of alleys: there are more than 9,400 of them, and each will leave you speechless with its beauty and character.

Desert, sea and mountains

Morocco is not only made up of splendid cities to visit: it is a country blessed with spectacular landscapes of great variety. The warm, soft light that characterises these lands makes some places that deserve a visit even more captivating.

For sea lovers there is no shortage of very long beaches, differing in appearance and form, where tourists and locals can relax in the sun. The Mediterranean coast is famous for its beaches of very fine sand and crystal-clear waters: the resorts of Saidia, Nador and Al Hoceima are particularly popular.

High waves, deep waters and milder temperatures characterise the Atlantic coast, which every year attracts lovers of windsurfing and kitesurfing. The allure of the ocean makes resorts such as El Jadida and Agadir unforgettable.

Then there are places where sea and desert meet, creating a unique landscape: Dragon Island, for example, is one of the most incredible beaches in Morocco; its sandy dunes are lapped by crystal-clear water in an unspoilt setting.

Think of Morocco and the Sahara Desert, the largest arid zone in the world, is sure to come to mind; the Erg Chebbi desert in particular (“erg” means a group of wind-blown sand dunes) is especially scenic and easy to reach.

You certainly do not go to Morocco to ski but, if you wish, you can… this country in fact has a series of mountain ranges that reach considerable altitudes. Far from the beaches and the cities, there are many valleys to explore where you can go trekking, mountain biking and rafting; the Ait Bouguemez valley, for example, is the perfect place for walking immersed in nature.

Far more demanding is the ascent of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, from where you can admire a unique landscape.

Choose the Guiness Travel Tours

With Guiness Travel you can set off to discover this country of rare beauty, enjoying every single moment of a holiday in which you will be pampered by every kind of comfort.

All Guiness itineraries are 100% independently planned and carefully designed and tested, allowing the product to evolve constantly and reach a high, wide-ranging cultural standard.

The Guiness Exclusive Tour is a unique travel experience, mindful of sustainability, which will give you considerable advantages:

  • organisation;
  • attention to detail;
  • the search for excellent services on site (designed to give you maximum comfort, leaving you free to think of nothing but enjoying the moment).

Discover the Guiness Travel tour of Morocco

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