Hidden Gems
Authentic, stylish, diverse, and just around 7 hours from the USA, Morocco offers an exciting array of flavors, landscapes, architecture, and activities to engage every traveler. From the fashionable riads of Marrakech, the historic city of Fez, and the turquoise blue Mediterranean coast to the golden Atlantic sands and the epic Sahara Desert to the towering Atlas Mountain ranges, there is an incredible amount on offer to explore. There are a multitude of hidden gems in Morocco - the Kingdom of Light – putting Africa on the map as a fully mainstream destination. More tourists are choosing to travel to beautiful Morocco, no matter their purpose.
Whether they are solo travelers, couples, families, or attending a business event – there is a city suitable for anyone to explore. The weather in Morocco is warm, and the welcome even warmer. It is the land of the sun and has a long tradition of hospitality that exists to this day. In Morocco, you will find a diverse range of cities to explore, all with a multitude of hidden gems. For more details on the best places to visit, see the www.visitmorocco.com website here.
Famous Faces:
Morocco has long been a popular destination for the rich and the famous. Winston Churchill once declared Marrakech the “most lovely spot in the whole world,” while the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Andy Warhol were all visitors to the Kingdom of Light in their day. Modern-day celebs are no more immune to Morocco’s charms. A-listers including David Beckham, John Legend, Chris Hemsworth, Cristiano Ronaldo, Katy Perry, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez have all spent time in the country in recent years. More recently, the list of first-rate celebrities who embraced Morocco as their 2022 destination of choice include film stars and footballers such as Paris Saint Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, Hollywood’s Australian actor, Liam Hemsworth, American actress Lucy Hale, famous for the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars, Ivanka Trump, and American comedian Ellen DeGeneres.
Cultural Experience:
Morocco is like no other destination where you can truly immerse yourself in a wonder of cultural activities. From wandering the medinas, browsing the souks, and exploring the rich historic buildings to tasting traditional cuisine, visiting stunning gardens, or listening to live music, there is so much to inspire when visiting the Kingdom of Light. Whether taking in the palatial architecture, bustling Kasbahs, or famous art splendors, cultural experiences are diverse and made more special with the locals' warm welcome. A short-haul flight for a long-haul destination, with its warm hospitality and stunning landscapes, Morocco is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in immersing themselves in the beauty and culture of North Africa.
For more details on Morocco’s culture, see the Visit Morocco website here www.visitmorocco.com
History and Heritage:
From Roman ruins, Amazigh stone and earth architecture to Islamic edifices, Morocco’s unique blend of Amazigh (Berber), Arab, African, and European influences creates a colorful and diverse cultural background that is sure to enchant visitors. Inhabited for more than 300,000 years (by Homo sapiens of the lower Paleolithic), Morocco has borne witness to some of the greatest civilizations in history, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Amazighs, and Arabs, all of whom have left behind spectacular architectural creations and a diverse cultural heritage. Its rich pre-Islamic history can be seen in many UNESCO World Heritage protected sites throughout the country, from the ancient city of Volubilis, believed to have been the capital of the legendary Kingdom of Mauretania (more precisely the western province of Mauretania Tingitana), to the city of Lixus, home to some of the most well-known Hercules myths. The Amazighs, indigenous to North Africa, have inhabited Morocco for thousands of years, preserving their own language called Tamazight and a rich cultural heritage that includes music, dance, and storytelling still celebrated today. In the seventh century, Morocco became an important center of learning and culture, when the Idrisid, Almoravid, and Almohad dynasties built impressive mosques and other structures, many of which still stand today. As one of the most important centers of trade, thanks to its strategic location on the Atlantic coast, Morocco established itself as the gateway to Africa, with its ports attracting traders from around the world. In the first half of the 20th century, Moroccan history underwent significant changes under French and Spanish protectorates. This period profoundly impacted its economy, politics, culture, and society, with many aspects of this legacy still visible in modern-day Morocco. The country gained independence in 1956, since then becoming a stable and prosperous nation. Today, Morocco is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality.
Beach and Watersports:
With its own ocean drive spanning thousands of miles, Morocco is one of the best destinations in the world for board sports and relaxing beach holidays. Many water sports professionals travel from near and far to ride the Atlantic Ocean waves at mythical spots like Taghazout, Essaouira, and Dakhla, putting Morocco on the map for water sports enthusiasts. Whether dipping your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the bay of Dakhla, riding the waves at Taghazout, tasting fresh fish at a beachfront restaurant in Agadir, or relaxing on the white golden sands of seaside resorts like Saidia, beach life is paradise in the Kingdom of Light. Dive right in and discover why Morocco’s beach and sport options are unparalleled.
For more details on Morocco’s culture, visit the Visit Morocco website at www.visitmorocco.com/beach. Board sports are big in Morocco. With 3,500 km of coastline, it's no wonder water sports enthusiasts have been visiting the country for centuries to ride the waves along both the Atlantic Ocean (3,000 km of coastline) and the Mediterranean Sea (500 km of coastline). Whether surfing, paddleboarding, or windsurfing, there is a plethora of choices for water sports. Surfing, kite surfing, and wind surfing are some of the most popular activities across the west coast, with many destinations suitable for beginners or pros, offering water sport schools along the beaches. Surfers have been visiting Morocco since the 1960s, escaping to its warmer climate instead of Europe’s more renowned destinations. From September through March, surfers can find the best swells and perfect weather. Whether seeking rocky bottoms or sandy ones, reef breaks or beach breaks, there is a beach and surf school for every visitor, regardless of expertise. The most famous surf spots lie north of Agadir and around the fishing village of Taghazout. For a more tranquil experience in calmer waters, try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing in Dakhla and Essaouira. Morocco offers a range of windsurfing conditions from flatwater lagoons to world-class wave spots for the braver windsurfer. The wind in Morocco is strongest from July until August, yet even from April to November, conditions are reliable. In addition to high-energy water sports, there are also numerous spots for snorkeling, sea fishing, and diving. Many seaside resorts and beachside villages offer excursions where you can explore underwater reefs, mystical caves, and varied sea life.
Nature and Adventure:
Mountains, beaches, palm groves, lakes, and parks - there is an abundance of landscapes and nature to explore in the Kingdom of Light, offering a perfect excuse to get outside. Hike the Ourika Valley, at the foothills of the impressive High Atlas, while witnessing the magnificent waterfalls and taking a dip in the Ourika River. Alternatively, trek the Imlil hinterland and scale Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco and North Africa, offering stunning views across the country.
As one of the leading countries in sustainable tourism, Morocco preserves its diverse breadth of nature. From biodiversity to desert landscapes, there are numerous adventures for an authentic getaway. From camel rides in Agafay to a night under the stars in the Sahara, nature and adventure converge in Morocco. For more details on Morocco’s nature and adventure activities, visit the Visit Morocco website here: www.visitmorocco.com/nature.
From Mountains to Marine Life:
Nature lovers will find plenty of natural discoveries in Morocco, including vast deserts, high mountains, beautiful natural parks, and Blue Flag status beaches where responsible tourism ensures beaches are kept clean and marine life is protected from pollution. Between the sea and mountains, desert sands, green plains, and eye-popping panoramas, there is an abundance of wildlife and fauna, including tree-climbing goats! Tourists will be in awe of the tranquility of the landscape and its raw, natural beauty.
Adventure seekers will also have the opportunity to explore vast terrain and participate in a variety of sports, including skiing, mountain climbing, biking, tree climbing, quad biking, camel riding in the desert, and hot air ballooning above colorful cities, along with plenty of water sports.