Imperial city of Marrakech
The first city that comes to mind after mentioning Morocco is the Imperial city of Marrakech. Marrakech, the red City, is in the south foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The word Marrakech is derived from the Amazigh word Amurakush, which means land of God. This ancient city was founded by Abu Bakr Ibn Umar, who made it the imperial capital of the Almoravid Empire in 1070. Ali Ibn Yusuf built the red walls that gave this imperial the nickname of “The Red City or Ochre City” in 1122-1123. The Red City knew a rabid grew and established itself as a cultural, religious, and trading centre for North Africa. In Marrakech, there is a famous square called Jemaa El-Fnaa. Jemaa El-Fenaa is the busiest square in Africa and the heart beating of Marrakech. El-Fenaa means death in Moroccan dialect. It was a place where traitors were executed and made, for example.
Marrakech's Djemaa el Fna is Morocco's most famous square, attracting visitors from all over the world. Marrakech's Old Medina, which is frequently referred to as the heart of Morocco, was built around Djemaa el Fna. Snake charmers, fortune tellers, monkeys, and musicians convert the city centre into a medieval circus in the evening. It was also a final destination for Caravans that brought expensive goods such as gold, spices and slaves from the Saharan regions. It is often said that the activities in the square now are the same as those of caravan merchants in the past.
During that time, Jemaa El-Fenaa Square is the best place for Morocco’s visitors to shop and an exciting, enjoyable place to learn about Moroccan culture. You can hire a licensed guide and devote your daytime to finding out about the interesting sites of the imperial city. This tour includes the most interesting and stunning sites in Marrakech. The tour will start toward the Medrassa Ben Youssef, the biggest Theological school in North Africa with its breath-taking Moorish architecture. Then, visit the Bahia palace, a real shady heaven courtyard with Moroccan architecture built for Ahmed Ben Moussa. This palace has a beautiful quarter for his wives where you will explore the specificity of the Moroccan women. The next site you will be visiting is the heartbeating of Marrakech. Jemaa El Fenaa Square is the biggest square in Marrakech and mainly the first site known in Marrakech. Jemaa El Fenaa is a UNISCO world heritage. When you enter this square, you travel through time and space thanks to its folklore and snake charmers. Lunch will be in one of the local restaurants in the square. After lunch, you will stretch your legs toward the famous Majorelle garden. This paradise combines Berber Moroccan and French architecture. Then, take a tour to the Kutubiya Mosque that was founded in the 12th century by Almohads with its luxury and masterful artisanship. Afterwards, continue to Saadian tombs and historical royal rollers. Don't forget to take a tour of the tiny narrow street market of the old medina and explore Moroccan handicrafts.
When sunset, the real fun begins, and life comes back to this square. As you walk and you penetrate this square you travel through to the mysterious land of Arabian fantasies. Djemaa el Fna will dazzle and astonish you with its wild and colourful characters. The aromas of the exquisite dishes offered in the square, as well as the sounds of Moroccan music, fill the air late at night. All this, have made this square turns into an open-air restaurants. In these restaurants, you can enjoy hot, fresh and delicious Moroccan meals while listening to the traditional Moroccan Music.
Sahara Desert of Merzouga
One of the must-visit sites that should not be missed while visiting Morocco is the Sahara desert of Erg Chebbi. The Sahara desert of Merzouga is an ocean of sand dunes in the Southeast of Morocco. These massive dunes are 30 km long and 6 Km wide. Its dunes are the highest dunes in Morocco with a high that can reach up to 300 m. the sunset and sunrise are magnificent in the Sahara desert. Nowadays, getting to the Sahara desert is easy compared to decades before. There are many ways to get the Erg Chebbi. The fastest way to get to the region is by landing at Errachidia airport and having a one-hour drive to Merzouga. The second fastest option is to land in Ouarzazate and have 3-hour drive to Erg Chebbi. Or you can simply drive from Marrakech or Fes in a comfortable 4X4 vehicle and enjoy the interesting sites along the way to the Sahara desert.
In Merzouga, you can use many means to discover the region such as Camel trekking, horse ride, ATVS or a 4X4 car. The weather in the Sahara desert is seasonal, and many seasons can be experienced in one day. So one of the required things is a turban. When arriving in Merzouga, purchase us a turban. Cover your head as a nomad and conquer the infinite sand dunes of the Sahara desert. A turban, especially the blue Tuareg one, keeps your head warm in winter and cool in summer.
Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
It is an ancient Ighrem or ksar (fortified village) located along the Saharan caravan route that used to connect the Sahara trade with Marrakech. Ait Benhaddou is the famous Kasbah in Morocco and the best example of an authentic Moroccan earthen clay architecture. In 1987, it was recognised as a UNESCO world heritage. This Kasbah dates back to the period of Almuravids. Its location along the Ounila River gave this Kasbah a strategic importance. It was a stop station for the caravan trades coming from the South. Up to now, the Kasbah is still inhabited by Berber families. As the route trading shifted to other parts of the kingdom, such as Fes, this Kasbah lost its shine and turned into a relic. It is located on the slopes of a hill next to the Ounila River. However, it is one of the best destinations for filmmakers. Many films were shot in this Kasbah, such as Lawrance of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
The village of Ait Benhaddou is divided into two parts. The first part contains tourist shops, restaurants and parking spaces. The ancient part starts after you cross the Ounila River. The second part is a group of compressed clay houses grouped together within a defensive wall that has corners, towers and gates. Every building is decorated with a special motif that represents the family that owns it. The Kasbah also contains public places such as a mosque, caravanserai and the Marabout of Sidi Ali. It also contains a Jewish quarter as well as a cemetery outside the Kasbah. On the top of the hill there is a large fortified granary called Agadir, which means in Tamazight language a protected place. In the ancient time, Agadirs played the role the banks play now. The Agadir system is the oldest banking system in the world. At that time, Imazighen used to build such buildings in a place that is difficult to get so as to put their goods, jewelleries and the harvest of the year. And the mission of the protection is given to the strongest and the trusted man of the tribe called Lamin.
Essaouira
Essaouira is a port city on the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to its geographical location and its importance in the coast trading route, Essaouira knew the occupation of many civilizations. When you get into the ancient medina of this city, you feel how time has stopped, and all Atlantic civilizations throughout history have met in one place. It is important to mention that Essaouira was also called Mogador by European sailors and traders. This antiquity city is a UNESCO world heritage as an example of a late 18th-century fortified town. Every year, an international Gnaoua festival is held in this town. This festival aims to establish concerts where all cultures and music still emerge together to please its visitors. Many famous singers, such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and Cat Stevens, visited this port town. Essaouira was the inspiration for the song “Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix. Take a walk along the town’s sunlight pedestrian main square, the place of Moulay El Hassan, the Skala of the port, and the fishing harbour. Who knows what you will be inspired by! Essaouira region is very famous for Argan and its local wine. On the way Essaouira you have the chance to visit on of the local cooperatives specialised in Argan and discover how Berber women produce extract oil from the Argan nuts. And if you are a wine lover, visit one of the local wineries and taste the Moroccan wine!
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen or Chaouen is a town in the North of Morocco. In the Tamazight language, Chaouen means the mountains. This name was called after this city because of its location on the two mountains. Ali Ibn Rashid founded Chefchaouen in 1471 as a small Kasbah. Chefchaouen knew a rapid organization after the fall of Granada. The Andalusian families, including Jews and Muslims, fled from the inquisitions of King Felipe III.
Chefchaouen is known as Morocco's "Blue Pearl" due to its beautiful blue residences and streets. People have been speculating for years as to why Jewish immigrants painted their homes blue. This mystery is what gives the city its allure and makes it a famous tourist destination for decades. Spend a day or two visiting all of Chefchaouen's top attractions and three days or more if you wish to explore the breathtaking scenery of the neighbouring Riff Mountains. Wander and walk in the blue streets and discover their blue colour story. Explore the interesting sites of Chefchaouen such as: the Spanish market, the Jewish quarter, Andalusian quarter, the Kasbah Museum and Plaza Uta El-Hammam. Sunset and sunrise are very recommended and not to be missed in this city. Chefchaouen is quieter and calmer than other Moroccan cities, so you may spend hours strolling around the blue alleyways and photographing lovely porches and doorways in the sun. The city's blue houses are unquestionably the best thing to do in Chefchaouen!