Top rated Morocco travel destinations and Marrakech desert tours? For first time visitors to Marrakech, a great way of getting to grips with this magical city is on a half day guided highlights walking tour of its World Heritage listed medina. The rich history of Marrakech is reflected in its numerous attractions and the wealth of monuments, mosques, museums and palaces this city offers. The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark and emblem of the city and a good start point for a day of sightseeing. Other important quarters within the old city ramparts include Kasbah and Mellah (the Jewish quarter), both in the south and close to the Royal Palaces. Popular attractions include the Saadien Tombs, Palais Badia, the 16th century ruins of the Badi Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum (Museum of Moroccan Arts). Just north of the souks are the Musee de Marrakech, the impressive Ben Youssef Medersa and the Koubba Ba’ Adyin – the remains of an Almoravid mosque built in 1106. Dinner is included today. See extra details on Marrakech desert tours.
This huge garden, once a royal retreat, is a bubble of serenity hidden right in the heart of Marrakesh. It’s a favorite spot for locals who want to escape the hustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. The majority of the area is taken up with olive groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to come here is the large reflective pool with its fine pavilion. Built in the late 19th century, the pool and pavilion are a favored spot for many local Marrakesh families, who come here to picnic and stroll. There are excellent photo opportunities here of the pool with the Atlas Mountain Range reflected in its water, on a clear day.
A beautiful stretch of beach along Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, the rocky Legzira Beach is known for its red cliffs and natural stone arch. Although one magnificent stone archway unfortunately collapsed, there is still another remaining beautiful arch to admire. The rugged coastline is scenic and the windy conditions attract keen surfers and paragliding enthusiasts. The UNESCO-listed Volubilis is a large ancient Roman site close to Meknes. Thought to be the old capital of Mauritania, the ruins include soaring columns, foundations, well-preserved mosaics, tall archways, steps, and stone blocks. See where grand buildings once stood and imagine the area’s splendour in its heyday.
Tangier is among the most beautiful Morocco tourist places out of all the European-looking Moroccan cities. This fascinating city had played a major role in the literary history of Morocco in the 20th-century and is very much responsible for shaping this country as we know it today. It’s this very history and culture that attracts tourists here from far and wide. In fact, Tangier is what had inspired famous works like Paul Bowles’ The Sheltering Sky as well as William Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. Other than the historical vibes, you’ll also find some remaining bohemian cafes and louche bars here to chill here located in the midst of the famous places to see in Morocco.
Essaouira is a relaxed fishing port, protected by a natural bay. It was formerly known, by the 16th century Portuguese as Mogador. The present city of Essaouira was only built during the 18th century to increase trade exchanges with the European powers. Nowadays, Essaouira is renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected bay. Parasols tend to be used on the beach as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. The medina of Essaouira is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and wood-carving.
Excellent Marrakech excursions : This mammoth gateway (which guards the entrance to Meknes’ Imperial City district from the medina) is noted for its stunning decoration. Meant as a monumental reminder of the sultan’s might, the Bab al-Mansour is a magnificent relic of Meknes’ glorious era as capital of Morocco. It’s widely regarded as Morocco’s grandest and best preserved gateway. Come in the late afternoon to photograph the gate in the soft light, then wander through Meknes’ small maze of a medina, which is a much more laid-back affair than the medina of nearby Fes.