Below is a list of the top 12 things I highly recommend you try to do while on holiday in Morocco. Activities include: a relaxing scrub a local hammam, a cooking class, skiing, surfing, and getting lost trying to find the Fes tanneries. Eat a kebab alongside snake charmers in Marrakech medina and stroll the streets of Chefchaouen Blue. Read on to discover many other things that I recommend you try to do during your holiday in Morocco.
Outside the eurozone, and very affordable, this stable kingdom on the north-west coast of Africa is one of the year's most desirable short-haul destinations.
Gareth Huw Davies reveals how Morocco offers a choice of ancient cities with modern twists, the grandeur of the Atlas mountains, an eclectic mix of music and culture and some intriguing dishes to try...
Nice and breezy: Fishing boats at Essaouira on the fresh Atlantic coast
1. AL FRESCO MOVIES
Tangier is entry-level Africa, a short hop across the Straits of Gibraltar on a day trip from Spain, and is resurgent. A single plan - part of a larger project to save Tangier's historic buildings - sums up the new mood. In 2006, the run-down Art Deco Rif cinema reopened as the Cinématèque de Tanger (www.cinemathequedetanger.com), showing arthouse films.
On summer nights, the projectors switch the films on to the square outside, the Grand Socco. After the film, take a spot on the terrace at Cafe Hafa for an epic view across the Straits or head for Nord Pinus (www.nord-pinus-tanger.com), a smart new inn in an 18th- Century pasha's palace on the sea wall.
2. MARRAKECH EXCESS
Marrakech, a sea of terracotta roofs under the setting sun, is a strong contender for the chicest stop in North Africa. There is a catalogue of swish places to stay, and many high-end restaurants.
On summer nights, the projectors switch the films on to the square outside, the Grand Socco. After the film, take a spot on the terrace at Cafe Hafa for an epic view across the Straits or head for Nord Pinus (www.nord-pinus-tanger.com), a smart new inn in an 18th- Century pasha's palace on the sea wall.
2. MARRAKECH EXCESS
Marrakech, a sea of terracotta roofs under the setting sun, is a strong contender for the chicest stop in North Africa. There is a catalogue of swish places to stay, and many high-end restaurants.
But inside its sophisticated wrapping the old city - the Medina - retains its maze of tight streets winding into the souks.
Browse 1,000 years of history, from the 11th Century Koutoubia Mosque and the thronging market of Jemaa el-Fna Square to the fragrant, tiled walkways of Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
3. RHYTHMS OF AFRICA
Essaouira comes with city-wide air-conditioning - the Atlantic Ocean. This resort of blueshuttered, whitewashed houses built around an 18th Century Portuguese port is Morocco's big summer escape as the interior heats up.
The old inner city slumbers on behind the sandy walls until three days in June (25-28) when it wakes for the annual Gnawa Music Festival (www.festival-gnaoua.net). There are often free performances of this African roots music, as well as rock, reggae, Brazilian and Afro- Cuban styles.
4. ANCIENT LABYRINTHS
4. ANCIENT LABYRINTHS
The dignified old walled city of Fez comes closest to undiluted, original Morocco, with the world's largest medieval Islamic settlement and the world's oldest university.
Architectural masterpieces include palaces, mosques and fountains adorned with mosaics, marble and carved wood. The old city has changed little in two centuries.I defy any GPS system to make sense of the labyrinth of thousands of narrow alleys.
Fez feast: Pastilla, or sweet pigeon pie
5. A PLATTER OF PIGEONS
Pastilla - sweet pigeon pie - is the signature dish of Fez. And don't be put off by the key ingredient: it doesn't come from the local market square.
The meat is cooked with onions, parsley, spices and beaten eggs, under a layer of crushed almonds and pistachios, covered in pastry sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
Another Moroccan speciality, apart from couscous, is tagine, ideally cooked in the namesake clay dish. Dar Moha in Marrakech (www.darmoha.ma) serves a fine beef tagine with figs, walnuts, cinnamon and argan oil.
6. PEAK EXPERIENCE
6. PEAK EXPERIENCE
The Atlas mountains, 40 miles from Marrakech, are an easy day trip from much of Morocco.
And now there is a great new place to stay in the mountain area. The Kasbah du Toubkal (www.kasbahdutoubkal.com) is an impressive mountain retreat at 5,400ft, in the shadow of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
And now there is a great new place to stay in the mountain area. The Kasbah du Toubkal (www.kasbahdutoubkal.com) is an impressive mountain retreat at 5,400ft, in the shadow of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
This is a hostel for all-comers, from school walking parties to celebrities. (If you don't want to stay with a boisterous group, they will tell you the quiet times to book.)
The air is pure, the views are majestic and you can take a gentle day's hike up to Kasbah's trekking lodge, with its en suite bedrooms,solar powered underfloor heating and a terrace looking up to snow-capped 12,000ft peaks. More information at www.visitmorocco.com. See www.balesworldwide.com for nine-day packages from £1,395.
Visit Tanneries in Fes
Fes is famous for its leather products and most of them come from the leather bazaar (souq) in old Fes. Tanneries have been in operation since medieval times and some things have changed, which makes it absolutely fascinating to visit.
To see the tanneries, you have to head in a leather shop filled to the brim with handbags, jackets and slippers. This is not just an excuse for your guide to make a commission off of your visit, the best views are from these stores. Sprigs of fresh mint are essential when you visit the tanneries from animal skins are stinky, and pigeon shit they are treated in does not help.
Stroll through the Streets of Chefchaouen Blue
Chefchaouen is situated in the heart of the Rif mountains of Morocco. Chefchaouen (sometimes called Chefchaouen) is relaxed, with a very affordable accommodation, and above all, quite amazing to watch. The streets and most of the buildings in the old part of town (medina) are painted a bright blue sky most. The mountains that you can see at the end of every cobbled street are rugged and majestic. Clear mountain light adds just a touch of magic to the place. This is my favorite place to stroll, shop and sip mint tea in Morocco, the key thing is to avoid Spanish tourists who have discovered its charms. Read more ...
Learn To Cook Traditional Moroccan Food
The cuisine of Morocco has been influenced by native Berber cuisine, the Arabic Andalusian cuisine, Turkish cuisine and cuisine of the Middle East brought by the Arabs. The French influence came later and the merger between traditional Moroccan and French cuisine is at the heart of many experiments fine-dining in Morocco today. Many riads offer cooking classes in Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira. Typically, a cooking workshop half-day will offer you the chance to buy fresh ingredients from the market and then make a traditional tagine and couscous dish. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Morocco. Click here for recommendations on cooking classes in Morocco.
Steam in a steam Traditonal
The hammam is a public steam bath in Morocco. Steam used to be the only place people could come to bathe and rub from a private bathroom in a house or apartment was a luxury few could afford. There is less steam Now, since modern plumbing means that people can swim in their own homes. Get a good scrub at a local hammam is a wonderful cultural experience, eye-opening. It offers travelers especially women a good chance to meet and chat with local women. There are high-end steam in riads and hotels luxury of that offer massages and scrubs more Western style, while still using local products. I like the variety of the working class, usually found near mosques ... Read more
Having Dinner at the Djemaa el Fna
The Djemaa el Fna is really the heart of Marrakech. There is a large central square in the old town (Medina). At the end of the afternoon the Djemaa el Fna turns into a paradise for entertainers - if you're in to snake charming, juggling, music and that sort of thing. Snack stalls are replaced with stalls offering more substantial fare and square comes alive with entertainment that has not changed much since medieval times.
The Djemaa el Fna is surrounded by cafe overlooking the square so you can just relax and watch the world go by if you're tired of jostling crowds below. Be prepared to be asked for money when you take pictures of the performers and stop to watch the entertainment.
Overnight in the Sahara Desert
Sahara Desert Morocco is a magical place to spend a few nights. The most popular area to explore is the sandscape Saharan breathtaking in a small place called Merzouga, just south of Erfoud. The Erg Chebbi dunes may look familiar if you've seen SATC2, The Mummy, or Sahara. The Erg Chebbi is about 450 miles from Marrakech. There is a small airport about 80 miles from Erfoud, with twice weekly flights from Casablanca. The best way to get around and explore is by camel, 4x4'S that are popular if you yourself want a rally driver.
You can opt for a bedouin tent in the dunes, or a luxury tent at the Auberge Kasbah Tombouctou. Time your trip for spring and you can even see flamingos in a great seasonal lake near Merzouga.
Surf in Morocco
Morocco has long attracted surfers his breakers of the Atlantic. A popular time for surfing is during the winter months when swells are consistently good and the temperatures of water and air are still quite mild. Taghazout is the city's most popular surfing, just north of Agadir. There are many spots to serve near the city and several surf shops and hotels to choose from. Check out: Surf Berbere Surf Adventures and Moroccan. The city appears to be getting rundown, to verify reports of current trip.
Surfers and kite surfers are also heading to the beaches around the pretty town of Essaouira, but the waves are not as consistent. This may be the place to check out if you just want to try it out. Dakhla is also popular with kite surfers.
Find Peace in the Majorelle Gardens
The Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech are filled with rare plants, bright colors and peace. The botanical gardens are located north-west of the Medina of Marrakech, about a 30 minute walk. (Stop by the wholesale market on the way to see the mountains of dates, nuts and grains to be bought and sold).
The Majorelle Gardens were designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle settled in Marrakech in 1919. In 1980, Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent gardens and redeemed them faithfully restored. The workshop Majorelle is now a small museum dedicated to Islamic Art. Yves Saint Laurent died in June 2008, and had his ashes scattered in the Majorelle Gardens.
Trek the High Atlas
The Atlas Mountains stretch more than 1,500 miles from the west coast of Morocco to Tunisia. The High Atlas in Morocco is home to the highest peak in North, Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m) Africa. Most treks begin from Imlil, an hour's drive from Marrakech. You can trek year round, but the best time to go is April-May. There are simple slots available and you do not have to go with a guide, but it is recommended.
The Ourika Valley tour offers a perfect day trip from Marrakesh. The Ourika valley slopes gently alongside the Ourika river, resulting in beautiful views from small Berber villages. The Ourika Valley ends in Setti Fatma, home of the Seven Waterfalls. It is also possible to combine this trek with a visit to the beautiful Ksar Ait Ben Haddou.
Stay in a Riad
Riad Argan, Marrakech, Morocco
Riads are traditional houses converted into hotels, and I would never stay anywhere else when visiting Morocco. Most are located in the fortified cities of Fez and Marrakech, so you are right in the heart of the bustle. Inside, Riad'S are simply beautiful, tiled architecture masterpieces. Most will have a fountain in the center of a courtyard, with rooms built on two levels or so above. Check in the option of a roof terrace for breakfast, a nice way to start the day, overlooking the alleys and minarets. If you are visiting Morocco in the summer, opt for a Riad with pool or plunge pool to cool off in the heat of the mid-afternoon. Here are some recommendations for riads in Fes and Marrakech, or check out riads Morocco web site.
Skiing in Morocco
I'm not suggesting you should travel to Morocco specifically to ski, but skiing in Africa is just a cool idea in my books. Oukaimeden lies just south of Marrakech (46 miles) in the High Atlas Mountains and is usually covered in snow in January and February. There are ski lifts (you can also use a donkey) and skis to rent but do not expect high quality. There are a few places to eat snacks and two hotels to overnight at. Oukaimeden is an easy trip from Marrakech and day will cost you about $ 40 to get to by taxi.
Mischliffen is a ski area near the town of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas mountains (near Fes and Meknes). There are ski lifts but they do not always work. The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi from Ifrane (6 miles away).
Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Casablanca is often just a quick one nighter for most people visiting Morocco. But it should be just enough to nip in a small taxi and head to the Hassan II Mosque. It took 6,000 traditional Moroccan craftsmen five years to build this magnificent mosque with its intricate mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings, ceilings, carved and painted wood. It is the largest mosque in the world, with room for more than 100,000 worshipers.
It's really quite something to spend an hour or so walking around. Non-muslims are not allowed inside, but there is plenty to marvel at on the outside. Unfortunately, there is the sea air is not Being kind and it is very expensive to maintain. Hope that its beauty will continue to hold up.
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