Rabat – Morocco, a land of vibrant colors, rich history, and diverse landscapes, has become a favorite destination for Asian travelers. Let’s explore the seven unforgettable experiences that make Morocco so appealing to visitors from across the Mediterranean.
1. Visiting modern Morocco and the Marrakech markets
The souks of Morocco are a sensory experience of extraordinary shopping bazaars. Over 13 million tourists visited Morocco in 2019 and shopping is one of the activities that attracted tourists to these markets.
Marrakech’s main square Jemaa el-Fnaa is a trading square of street performers, fortune tellers, snake charmers and food sellers in stalls serving delicious Moroccan cuisine.
The souks around include everything that a shopper would want from intricately designed lamps to spices. Negotiating is amazingly enjoyable, so do not hesitate to negotiate over certain prices with the sellers.
In Marrakech’s souk there are numerous stalls in tight and winding narrow passages, while in Fez’s medina, which is cited as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the markets’ authenticity shines in an even older medina. Fez has narrow alleys that house medieval-aged leather tanneries, professional craftsmen who produce elaborate engravings on metals and carpet sellers. It is thus recommended that one hires the services of a local guide to help in the wandering and discovery of small, difficult-to-access places.
Exploring why Asian travelers love Morocco reveals a captivating blend of vibrant markets, rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. This journey into Morocco’s unique experiences is not only engaging but can also be seamlessly explored in terms of connection for travelers through E-sim technology. E-sims allows foreigners to keep internet connection effortlessly, enabling real-time navigation, instant access to information, and the ability to share picturesque views with friends and family.
2. Pursuing Moroccan historical and cultural sites
Moroccan culture has a distinct Arab-Berber (Amazigh) and French fusion because of the country’s history of colonial rule. Currently, the country has 9 World Heritage listed sites that reveal its architectural and historical rich past. Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is one of the largest mosques in the world with stunning, complicated patterns and an ocean view.
Volubilis is the Roman Empire city that gives travelers a preview of the great historical treasures that the North African country holds. Fez and Marrakech’s medinas are vibrant, living museums of Morocco, where daily life continues within their ancient, historic structures.
Travelers can also immerse themselves in Moroccan culture by participating in local festivals. The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music offers visitors an international music festival of religious and spiritual music, whereas the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival is a Moroccan traditional music and dance event where traditional musical instruments and handmade crafts are also displayed. All of these performances are cultural events and more give visitors a direct understanding of the cultures practiced in the country.
3. Experiencing stunning Moroccan landscapes
Morocco is one of those countries that hosts various kinds of geographical features, and so it has something to offer for every lover of nature. Currently, hiking and trekking activities taken by international tourists have increased as compared to before. The High Atlas is North Africa’s highest mountain region and has demanding treks for serious hikers, magnificent views of snowy summits and the chance to experience genuine Amazigh villages.
In terms of diverse experiences, there is no way one can visit Morocco and not consider going for a desert tour. The Sahara tours present camel riding among pink and yellow sand dunes, nights in amazing luxury tented camps, and watching the stars in the night sky.
As Morocco is a coastal North African country, it is great for those who’d like to dip their toes in the sand and visit Taghazout for surfing, Essaouira for a laid-back experience or Agadir for water sports and resort relaxation.
4. Savoring authentic Moroccan cuisine
Cuisine in Morocco is one of the best in the world and can be easily explained why. The specialties include tagine which is a slow-cooked stew named after the conical pots they are cooked in; couscous; and pastilla, which is a sweet and savory pie that was originally made with pigeon meat, however is more commonly filled with chicken or fish today.
Morocco’s food vendors are not to be mistaken for your ordinary street side eateries. The smell of freshly baked bread or pastries is always in the air, meat, especially in the form of kebabs is not hard to come by, nor is Moroccan mint tea. If you wish to eat in a style relevant to the Moroccan region, then consider dining in a riad. Meals in these traditional converted houses are served in stunning courtyards or on their roof terraces which enhances the appeal of the place and the dining experience as well.
5. Staying in picturesque Moroccan riads
Riads are for individuals who wish to experience a more personal, traditional type of accommodation. These are houses most of which have features such as inner gardens or patios that allow a serene feel away from busy streets. Riads are unique with beautiful tile work and true Moroccan architecture. They are decorative with calm fountains and gardens which positively influence the atmosphere. Typically, riads are located in the central part of the old medinas; thus, guests have no problems getting around.
Marrakech boasts many new and fashionable riads, while Fez has many traditional and original riads. For all of these reasons, many visitors preferably choose riads to experience Moroccan hospitality and, at the same time, to spend one more on a fun and marvelous day in Morocco.
6. Engaging in outdoor activities
Morocco is blessed with many terrains that give adventure lovers a good hunting ground. The level of activity ranges from trekking and off-road cycling through splendid mountain tracks to rock climbing for adventure freaks in the Atlas mountain range. Many of these activities are physically demanding but at the same time include additional spontaneous interactions with the Amazigh people and their culture.
Coastal activities are just as exciting. Taghazout is the best spot in the world for surfing whereas Essaouira is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Due to the several hundreds of kilometers of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, there are many opportunities for a quiet holiday and water and beach activities. Additionally in the desert, tourists can have their try at sandboarding, quad biking, trekking in the Sahara dunes, and more. Stargazing at the night desert sky is a must to experience.
7. Discovering Moroccan handicrafts
Morocco has very unique arts and crafts, which are gems of the country’s culture. Friends from Asia who visit Morocco leave with fashion accessories that they consider keepsakes of their Moroccan experience. Morocco’s crafts specialties include colorful ceramics, hand woven cloths, leather products from real tanneries, and beautiful jewelry from silversmiths.
Fez is famous for its exquisite leather products, along with pottery, and Marrakesh is world famous for its numerous glossier souks, where everything can be purchased. Woodcarving and music are other specialties of Essaouira and the souk is a great place to shop for them. The traditional technology involved in the production of these fine pieces can be experienced only by visiting the local workshops and talking to the makers. Buying Moroccan hand-made products for souvenirs is a great way of bringing home a souvenir as well as assisting the native talent to remain relevant.
Morocco: a place for every type of traveler
It is, therefore, possible for Moroccan tourism to present tourists with several experiences that are quite rare. Colorful souks, ancient history, beautiful views of nature and awesome food are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Morocco. If you are an adrenaline junky who wants to explore the famous Atlas Mountains, a relaxation seeker who is interested in mansions of traditional motifs, riads or a traveler wishing to experience the African magic in the Sahara desert, Morocco is fit for all.
FAQs
What is the best month to go to Morocco?
The favorable seasons for traveling to Morocco are spring and autumn, that is from March through May and from September through November. These seasons are designed to have good weather which is suitable for both exploring cities and landscapes. Summer is generally very hot; however, the summer heat can be moderate depending on the region, especially inland regions of the countries. Winter, on the other hand, can be cold, especially in the mountainous regions of the countries.
Do you have any recommendations for traveling alone in Morocco?
Single travelers should be vigilant with their environment, particularly in sections crowded with people. One should dress conservatively, be sensitive to the surrounding culture, and travel with trusted transportation. Even a few words in Moroccan Arabic or French would also be useful.
What measures can be taken to let the travelers have the real Moroccan flavor?
To get more of a taste of Moroccan culture, you should consider using the service of a riad accommodation and participating in a cooking class that teaches Moroccan food, visiting local markets and interacting with local people. Familiarizing with still unknown Moroccan towns and participating in cultural celebrations also contribute to the understanding of local people and their customs.
How does Morocco use money and is credit card usage popular in the country?
The official money used in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham which has the international code MAD. Credit cards are not widely used despite being accepted in most hotels and some bigger businesses and, therefore, one may need to carry physical money for some places such as the markets, small stores, and in the rural regions. The use of ATMs is rather popular and one can find an ATM in any city and large town.
