Morocco has much more to offer than just the vast desert areas: Two very different coastlines on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, with the High Atlas an impressive high mountain range and hospitable people. The best way to immerse yourself in the country's long history is to visit the historic old towns of the lonely royal cities. Depending on whether you want to surf on the coast or travel through the desert areas, Morocco is a year-round destination due to the different climate zones.
Attractions in Morocco
Highlights
Die Saadier-Gräber sind historisch und architektonisch interessant und einen Besuch wert.
Obwohl heute nur noch die Ruinen des damals prunkvollen Palastes übrig sind, sollte man sich den ...
Die orientalische Bauweise des Bahia-Palastes ist beeindruckend und lockt viele Touristen an. ...
Der Djemaa el Fna ist das Zentrum der Medina. Er eignet sich gut als Ausgangspunkt für eine ...
Der Platz der Lampenmacher liegt zwischen den Palästen El Badi und Bahia. Früher stellte der Platz ...
Bei der Koutoubia Moschee handelt es sich um die größte Moschee Marrakeschs. Das Minarett der ...
„Lhabidia“ heißt die größte Düne am Nordrand des Erg Chigaga
Discover the region
What is the best time of year to visit Morocco?
Due to the enormous diversity of the country with coastal sections, desert regions and high mountains, Morocco is a worthwhile destination all year round. The time of year you should visit the country depends on which part of the country you want to visit.
The desert areas in the south of the country: You should avoid the dry desert climate during the summer months. The best time to travel is from October to May - when temperatures are most pleasant.
Coastal regions: The Mediterranean climate provides mild temperatures in winter. If you want to swim in the sea, you should switch to the summer months.
High Atlas: Hiking is possible from May to October when the mountains are free of snow. In winter you can go skiing.
The versatility of the Moroccan Sahara
The desert landscape of Morocco is one of the most beautiful in the world and should therefore be on the mandatory program of your trip to the African country. The Moroccan Sahra consists of two so-called Ergs (Arabic for sand dune). The Erg Chebbi is the largest sand dune of the country and is located between Erfoud and Merzouga. The smaller sand desert is the Erg Chegaga in the Draa Valley. The desert landscape is surprisingly diverse with a mix of wide sand seas, scree and gravel deserts (Hammada) and the well-known palm oases.
If you want to explore the unique desert landscape, there are numerous possibilities open to you:
- Camel trekking: You always wanted to explore the desert landscape on the back of a camel? Then camel trekking is the right thing for you.
- Desert camps: In a desert camp you can immerse yourself in the life and culture of Morocco's original inhabitants, the Berbers.
- Sandboarding: Just like snowboarding, you strap a board under your feet. Instead of snow, however, the sand dunes serve as a base.
The four legendary royal cities of Morocco
The four royal cities of Morocco were once the capital at the time of one of the country's earlier dynasties. The magnificent residences and palaces were built by the rulers at that time as symbols of power, today they are popular tourist destinations. We give you a brief overview of the special features of the four cities.
Marrakech
The oldest and most frequented of the royal cities. Red fortress walls and mud houses give the city the nickname "red city". Especially around the world-famous marketplace Djemaa el Fna, the city exudes the charm of 1001 nights - including snake charmers.
This city tour covers many of the cultural highlights of the Moroccan city of Marrakech, including the famous Djemaa el Fna marketplace, the Bahia ...
Fez
The origins of the oldest royal city date back to the 8th century. Fez has just over one million inhabitants and is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Rif Mountains. The city is characterized by the oriental old town with the impressive medina and the numerous Koranic schools.
Rabat
The city on the Atlantic coast impresses with the fairy-tale fortress Kasbah des Qudaia. The French colonial heritage is particularly noticeable in the planned city of Ville Nouvelle. Today Rabat is the capital and seat of government of the Moroccan king.
Mèknes
Located about 50 km west of Fez, it is the smallest of the royal cities. Here you will find the most beautiful "souks" in Morocco: they are more than just ordinary markets for buying and haggling, but meeting places for Moroccans from all walks of life.
Morocco's Atlantic Coast: Natural Beaches and Ancient Coastal Villages
The Atlantic coast in the west of the country is about 2,000 km long. While the northern part is more touristy, with well-known seaside resorts like Agadir and the metropolises of Rabat and Casablanca, the southern part of the coast is much more unspoiled. The unspoiled beaches attract windsurfers and kitesurfers. The further south you go, the more the proximity to the Sahara becomes noticeable and the vegetation decreases. The old Spanish garrison town of Sidi Ifni in the far south is also known as the "Gateway to the Sahara".
Essaouira is known for its mighty fortress walls, the medina and the old town with its winding alleys. The old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Once, the city was a place to go for dropouts and artists like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. Today, the beaches around Essaouira are a paradise for wind and kite surfers due to their trade winds and pleasant temperatures.
A different kind of tour for those who want to escape the tourist hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
Bathing and diving at the Mediterranean coast
At around 430 km, the Mediterranean coast is significantly shorter, but it also has its charms. Spain and Morocco are only 14 kilometers apart by the world-famous Strait of Gibraltar.
On the Mediterranean coast, fine, white sandy beaches await you. The clear water and the beautiful coral reefs invite divers and snorkelers to explore. You can reach the partly secluded bays by boat. In the evening, the restaurants in the fishing villages invite you to end the day relaxed and to taste the freshly caught fish.
Photo: RAW Digital Studio, Adobe Stock
The Atlas Mountains: Massive high mountains in the northwest of Africa
The contrast between the dry desert and the coastal sections is the Atlas Mountains. The majestic high mountains run through the whole of Morocco and the neighboring countries of Algeria and Tunisia. The Atlas in Morocco is divided into several sub-mountains: Directly bordering the Mediterranean coast is the wild and rugged Rif Mountains. In the center of the country is the Middle Atlas and south of it the most famous mountain range with the highest peaks - the High Atlas. Here is the Jebel Toubkal at 4167 meters, the highest elevation in the whole country. The mountain route to the summit is one of the most popular routee in the High Atlas. Also worth a visit is the Dades Gorge, which you can discover on a scenic hike with a view of the green oasis.
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Destinations in Morocco
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