Five Best Places To Visit and Three Must-Eat Dishes in Morocco
Located in Northern Africa with borders on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco offers you an ideal location for an exotic holiday. You can explore the markets, where merchants sell ceramics, linens, jewelry, metal lanterns and so much more. You can explore the Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas, a royal fort that dates back to the 12th century, in Morocco’s capital city. With so much to see and do, you want to make sure to see the best places. Here’s a look at the best places to visit and foods to try in this unique locale.
Five Must-See Places in Morocco
Your trip to Morocco will include many great places to visit and towns to explore. However, there are a few hotspots that should top your list of must-see locations.
Hassan II Mosque
Located in Casablanca, this Muslim temple is the largest mosque in Africa and features the tallest minaret, a tower, in the world. The minaret soars 210 meters into the air and has a laser light that points towards Mecca. You will gasp in awe at the soaring walls and arches as you walk on the marble floors toward the edge of the mosque that sits along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors of all faiths can visit the Hasan II Mosque but non-Muslim visitors must stay with a tour guide. Please, remember men must cover their shoulders and legs, while women must cover their hair, legs, and arms.
Chefchaouen
Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco, this city is famous for the blue-washed walls and steep streets in the Old Town area. You’ll feel like you’re walking in the blue sky as you make your way through the streets. As you walk along the cobblestone lanes, you can stop to peer at the leather and weaving workshops before making a purchase in the town’s market. Take a tour of the Place Outa el Hammam, a 15th-century red-walled fortress that includes a dungeon. After a tour, relax in the small square under the shade of trees.
Fes el Bali
Located in the city of Fez, Fes el Bali is the oldest walled section of the city. The area was once the capital city of the Idrisid dynasty back to between 789 and 808 AD. The streets are too narrow for cars, so you explore the 9,400 winding alleyways on foot. As you navigate the streets, you can stop in the shops or buy a trinket from one of the stalls. You’ll catch glimpses of leather tanneries, mosques, and madrasas, an Islamic school. In the markets, pick up some local spices in a variety of fragrances, scents, and colors.
Sahara Desert
While visiting Morocco, you must visit the world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara. The best way to explore is on a camel that navigates the sand easily or have an exciting time in a four-wheel drive vehicle. You can keep a lookout for some local desert foxes. If you have the chance to stay past sunset, the Sahara Desert is one of the best places for stargazing. Without the light pollution of a major city, the desert offers stunning views of the night sky. In Merzouga, a small city in the desert, you can indulge in a “sand bath.” The sand bath is said to have restorative properties.
Marrakech
Located in the western part of the country and a former imperial city, Marrakech offers a variety of activities, including its stunning market with food, handmade goods, spices, trinkets, clothing and so much more. You can see exotic plants and gorgeous fountains at the Majorelle Gardens. Take a tour of the Bahia Palace to learn more about the former rulers of the area, or visit the Saadian Tombs to see the final resting place of the sultans. You can gaze at the skyline to catch sight of the Moorish minaret of 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque in the distance.
Three Moroccan Foods You Must Try in Morocco
While traveling, one of the best things to do is to try the local dishes. Of course, not all meals are the same and some are better than others. Here’s a look at the three Moroccan foods that you shouldn’t miss while traveling in Morocco.
Tajine
This dish gained its name from the type of earthenware pottery that it cooks in. You can expect to find it prepared with a variety of meats, vegetables, fruits, and spices. Some of the most common spices used include:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Saffron
- Chili
- Paprika
- And many others.
This dish is served in pottery. It is similar to a stew and can be a sweet and sour dish or simply a savory dish.
Couscous
This is a dish that’s similar to rice, and it’s actually steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina. You don’t normally eat the dish by itself. You’ll find that many restaurants serve a bowl of soup or stew over the couscous. This is considered one of the staple foods in this area.
Pastilla
Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish that’s similar to a meat pie. A traditional pastilla features pigeon meat and apricots. For a touch of sweetness, the preparation includes a dusting of sugar on the crust.
Best Time of Year to Visit Morocco
Located so close to the Sahara Desert, Morocco can be hot in the summer months. The best time of year to visit the area is between March and June in the first half of the year and between September and November in the second half. You’ll find fewer crowds and more pleasant weather.
You can take an 11-day tour of Morocco and get the chance to see all the best sites. A local tour guide provides you with all the information you need and narrates the sites that you see. This tour includes stargazing in the Sahara Desert, folk music and dance, a tour of the major city, and so much more.
Europa Holiday Tours offer amazing packages to help their clients explore the best location around the world. Located in San Gabriel Valley, we arrange everything for you, including hotels, restaurants, tours of the best local sightseeing, and a knowledgeable guide. Contact us today to learn more.
