As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, Morocco transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues and enchanting experiences.
Marrakech – Travel journalist Anne Claire Delorme explored the captivating essence of Moroccan autumn in a recent article for Le Figaro, highlighting five enchanting getaways that showcase the country’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
With a focus on seasonal experiences, Delorme invites readers to embrace the unique charm of this vibrant period, where every destination unfolds a new adventure waiting to be discovered.
What if this autumn, we veered off the beaten path to uncover Morocco’s hidden treasures?
Here are Delorne’s five travel ideas that encapsulate the essence of Morocco this autumn.
Savor the local delights of Fez
Nestled between the Middle Atlas and the foothills of the Rif, this region reveals local products and age-old know-how, showcasing a viticulture tradition that dates back to ancient Phoenician and Roman times.
How about indulging in foie gras at a duck farm, tasting exceptional wines in a vineyard’s cellar, and savoring fresh cheeses just steps away from the meadows where playful goats roam?
Around Fez, the hills, mountains, and valleys are dotted with delightful stops perfect for a gourmet itinerary.
Just an hour’s drive from Fez, Domaine de La Zouina/Volubilia symbolizes this epicurean Morocco.
In addition to its renowned wines from 85 hectares of vineyards, like Volubilia and Epicuria, and its extra virgin olive oil, this charming estate is a showcase of local delicacies, featuring truffles, goat cheese, and a variety of mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and porcini.
All these can be enjoyed during a sumptuous lunch beneath the shade of an old fig tree.
Embrace the off-season bliss on the Moroccan Riviera
Want to experience the charms of the Moroccan Riviera in the off-season? Set sail for Tamuda Bay, where 35 kilometers of fine sand stretch between Fnideq and Martil, just 1.5 hours from Tangier, framed by the stunning foothills of the Rif Mountains.
On the Mediterranean side, indulge in maritime delights, from swimming in crystal-clear waters to feasting freshly grilled sardines.
On land, explore a rich catalog of cultural and nature walks: hike through the rugged mountains of the hinterland, visit Tetouan, the most Andalusian of Moroccan medinas and a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take a trip to Chefchaouen, the charming blue-hued town in the Rif, where every winding alley radiates an irresistible allure.
Immerse yourself in the culture of Tangier
At the crossroads of seas and influences, Tangier is emerging as a vibrant hub of contemporary creativity.
The recent “Etre Ici” (Being Here) event showcased this cultural evolution, featuring a biannual artistic journey in normally closed venues and exciting programming around the Art Explora museum ship, which docked in the city.
Just steps away from the Terrasse des Paresseux, Khalid Ibn Ben Oualid Street has transformed into an artistic haven.
Here, you’ll find everything from readings and book signings at the popular Les Insolites bookstore to exhibitions and performances at Factory and Zawia, two creative spaces established by artist Najoua El Hitmi.
Additionally, Kiosk, a new third space envisioned by Think Tanger, offers markets, discussions, and exhibitions.
Between gallery openings and temporary exhibitions at the Photography Foundation, art enthusiasts can revel in the dedicated contemporary art spaces of Villa Harris Museum, an exquisite early 20th-century Hispano-Moorish residence, and La Kasbah, a former prison now transformed into a contemporary art venue.
Tracing the roots of ancient Morocco from Lixus to Volubilis
The oldest ancient site in Morocco is located near Larache on the Atlantic coast, just an hour’s drive from Tangier.
Founded in the 12th century BC, Lixus began as a Phoenician trading post and later thrived as a Roman colony.
Visitors can explore the industrial quarter, where over 150 salting basins were once used for producing fish sauces and preserves.
A climb up the hill reveals noble quarters, including Africa’s only Roman theater/amphitheater, mosaic-paved baths depicting the god Ocean, a palace complex, an early Christian basilica, and patrician villas with stunning views of the Loukos estuary.
From its 85-meter elevation, the site offers breathtaking panoramas of the river below.
Equally impressive is the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Volubilis, located 1.5 hours from Fez.
As a major witness to Roman civilization in North Africa, it features impressive columns, arches, and a triumphal arch.
Visitors are captivated by the lavish mosaics, some echoing Berber decorative art motifs, highlighting the rich cultural blend that has defined the region since antiquity.
Hiking through the valleys around Taroudant
Stunning canyons with ochre cliffs against a brilliant blue sky, twisted argan trees reaching for the heavens, and lush oases crisscrossed by traditional irrigation canals make the surroundings of Taroudant a hiker’s paradise.
Within an hour’s drive, this region offers a unique collection of landscapes perfect for autumn trekking.
From the hidden Cedrat Valley, known for its sacred variety cherished by the Jewish community for the festival of Sukkot, to the Tioute Oasis, a vibrant tapestry of greens filled with wild palms, citrus trees, and aromatic herb fields, every step unveils the region’s natural beauty.
Are you packing already?
As autumn paints Morocco in vibrant hues, there’s no better time to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.
Embrace the magic of the season and discover the lesser-known treasures of Morocco, where every journey promises to be a feast for the soul.
Whether you’re savoring local delicacies, hiking through picturesque landscapes, or immersing yourself in the arts, autumn in Morocco invites you to create unforgettable memories in a truly enchanting setting.
