Top Morocco travel attractions and Marrakech excursions today? For first time visitors to Marrakech, a great way of getting to grips with this magical city is on a half day guided highlights walking tour of its World Heritage listed medina. The rich history of Marrakech is reflected in its numerous attractions and the wealth of monuments, mosques, museums and palaces this city offers. The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark and emblem of the city and a good start point for a day of sightseeing. Other important quarters within the old city ramparts include Kasbah and Mellah (the Jewish quarter), both in the south and close to the Royal Palaces. Popular attractions include the Saadien Tombs, Palais Badia, the 16th century ruins of the Badi Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum (Museum of Moroccan Arts). Just north of the souks are the Musee de Marrakech, the impressive Ben Youssef Medersa and the Koubba Ba’ Adyin – the remains of an Almoravid mosque built in 1106. Dinner is included today. See even more info on Marrakech desert tours.
This huge garden, once a royal retreat, is a bubble of serenity hidden right in the heart of Marrakesh. It’s a favorite spot for locals who want to escape the hustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. The majority of the area is taken up with olive groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to come here is the large reflective pool with its fine pavilion. Built in the late 19th century, the pool and pavilion are a favored spot for many local Marrakesh families, who come here to picnic and stroll. There are excellent photo opportunities here of the pool with the Atlas Mountain Range reflected in its water, on a clear day.
One of the most well-maintained beaches in Essaouria, the windy stretch of yellow sand along the Atlantic is a haven for surfers and kite surfers. Mogador Island juts up from the waters, camels and donkeys trot across the sands, the squawking of seagulls rings through the skies, the salty sea air combines with the smells of seafood, and the old citadel overlooks the waves. A remote canyon, the Todra Gorge is a terrific place for hiking and camel trekking. Towering multi-coloured rocks in shades of browns and reds rise impressively either side of where the now-dry river used to flow. The local population is mainly Berber.
Tangier is among the most beautiful Morocco tourist places out of all the European-looking Moroccan cities. This fascinating city had played a major role in the literary history of Morocco in the 20th-century and is very much responsible for shaping this country as we know it today. It’s this very history and culture that attracts tourists here from far and wide. In fact, Tangier is what had inspired famous works like Paul Bowles’ The Sheltering Sky as well as William Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. Other than the historical vibes, you’ll also find some remaining bohemian cafes and louche bars here to chill here located in the midst of the famous places to see in Morocco.
Djemaa El-Fna is the highlight of any visit to Marrakech and one of the top tourist attractions in Morocco. By day this square at the heart of the medina is largely filled with snake charmers and people with monkeys, as well as some of the more common stalls. As the day progresses the entertainments on offer change: the snake charmers depart, and in the afternoon and evening the square becomes more crowded, with story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As dark descends Djemaa El-Fna fills with dozens of food-stalls, and the crowds are at their height.
Top rated Marrakech excursions : While much of Morocco’s mountain scenery is craggy peaks surrounded by palm groves and arid plains, the Rif Mountains provide some lush green relief. For hikers, bikers, and day walkers, this is a good opportunity to head out into nature with plenty of trails for both advanced trekkers and those just wanting a short easy walk. Both Tetouan and Chefchaouen are the main bases from which to launch yourself out on a Rif Mountains adventure. Check out the trekking trails of Talassemtane National Park for its cedar and fir forest-covered mountain slopes and spectacular gorges and valleys to make the most of this region’s natural beauty.