Morocco

The North African country of Morocco has a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant modernity, and offers a diversity of experiences for travelers. Nature lovers can explore the country’s range of landscapes, from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. Those interested in culture won’t want to miss the bustling souks in Marrakech, history-filled streets of Fes, or coastal cities like Casablanca and Essaouira. And of course, there’s the food: spice filled tajines, fresh juices, olives, and so much more.

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Peter Bohler

Overview

Planning your trip

Whether it’s your first time to Morocco or you’ve been many times, use these resources and guides to plan your next trip to Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, and beyond.

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  1. Fes
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Resources to help plan your trip
Wander the streets of the medina, stopping in spice shops and honey souks, and visiting the quarters where artisans make copper pots or intricately scrolled window screens, or puzzle together the local tile work. The local markets and shops can convert the biggest skeptic into a diehard shopper.
Marrakech may not be the largest city in the world--it’s not even the largest city in Morocco. But Marrakech offers so much to see, do, eat, and shop that it feels as though it’s a country all its own. Focus, mostly, on the medina quarter. Power your day on the mint tea you can find pretty much everywhere. Within the medina, find traditional Moroccan food, 14th century buildings, the Koutoubia mosque, and, yes, some snake charmers too. Leave the medina for the Yves Saint Laurent museum and house. But be back around dusk to eat your way through the food stalls at Jemaa El Fna.
Fez is known for it’s craftsman, from colorful pottery, to hammered copper, to leather goods in all hides and shapes. Spend most of your time in the old Medina in Fez to maximize your experience. Visiting on a guided tour with Intrepid Travel or G Adventures ensures you won’t miss a thing.
Everyone may be familiar with couscous, and maybe even tagines, but the pastilla (also called b’stilla), the bessara soup, and the spit-roasted lamb brochettes—and, oh dear, the lavish breakfasts—may convince you to take a cooking course so you can bring the flavors of Fes home.
From traditional Moroccan dishes like pigeon pastilla to a chateaubriand steak accompanied by one of the area’s sturdy-yet-subtle red wines, dining in Marrakech means an intoxicating mélange of North African flavors and European-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re on a day tour of tastes around the Red City or you’re spending a weekend in town, you’ll eat in central courtyards, high-end hotels, on balconies, and, if it’s a burger you’re after, the converted schoolhouse of Cafe Clock. One of the flavor threads through all of it: Morocco’s mint tea.
For a truly memorable meal, you’ll have to look outside traditional food establishments.
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The former fishing village of Taghazout, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, has long been loved by surfers for its great waves and relaxing pace of life. But although it’s mostly remained under the radar, word is getting out on this idyllic spot.
When a group of photography enthusiasts joined AFAR and Nikon on an epic adventure to Morocco, they experienced the country through a variety of NIKKOR lenses coupled with the Nikon D7500 and D850 cameras.
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On a trip to Morocco, photographer Tanveer Badal spent a night in the Sahara’s vast, undulating sands. His breathtaking photographs will make you want to experience it, too.
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