For now, Morocco remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, however, there are some spots on the tourist map that are particularly well served for visitors.
Agadir: Morocco’s Number 1 Tourist Area
Situated towards the south of Morocco on the Atlantic coast, Agadir boasts 9 Km of superb white sandy beach and all the amenities of a modern seaside resort.
Agadir boasts 300 days of hot sunshine, which is also especially prominent in winter months. Here you can find many five-star hotels and a huge supply of hotel beds, reputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco.
Initially, there seems little sign of the rich history and tradition to be found in other Moroccan cities, although if you search it out, you will find it within the depths of the town. This is largely due to an unprecedented earthquake that shook Agadir in 1961. It has now been re-modelled as a popular package holiday destination, as well as a major fishing port.
Once dubbed the Miami of Morocco, Agadir offers a wide range of activities – along the beach, camel rides, parascending, scooters, and speed boats, as well as horse riding, tennis, and an 18-hole golf course.
Nightlife in Agadir is typically European in style, being the number one tourist resort in Morocco. Moroccans see this as fantastic, compared to the lack of night clubs in most Moroccan towns. Most discos and clubs form part of hotels, but normally welcome outside guests. Unfortunately, Moroccan girls do not usually frequent night clubs unless they are out working.
Agadir offers the latest laser light show technology in many of its clubs. Casinos at Club Valtur and the Sheraton Starwoods Hotel are very popular. Cafés abound with live music, cabarets and international and local entertainment.
Agadir is one of the best resorts to enjoy Moroccan and international cuisine; Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese as well as of course, the famous Mc Donalds and Pizza Hut.
Agadir allows you to discover the region. Places on the tourist trail are Taghazout, Tafraout, Taroudant, Tiznit, Essaouira, Inezgane, Marrakech Ouarzazate, Zagora, Erfoud, Tinerhir and the Imperial Cities Fes, Meknes and Rabat.
Other Main Cities
Marrakech
Despite its great number of European visitors, Marrakech makes you feel like you have been transported back in time to the “Arabian Nights”. It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities.
The Medina buzzes with noise, hustle and bustle while tradesmen and craftsmen go about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating, sewing or leatherworking.
Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze. The ski resort within the mountains is at Oukaimeden, about an hour’s drive from Marrakech.
Nearby Asni is an excellent base for visiting Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain, set amidst spectacular scenery.
Essaouira
This popular resort dates from the 18th century, and is easily reached by bus from Marrakech.
Surrounded by a fortified wall and facing a stunning beach, the town consists of whitewashed houses, boat-builders’ workshops, and art galleries. Visitors come for the laid-back atmosphere and the high wind that makes it a very popular center for wind- and kite-surfing.
Essaouira is also famous for its wood carving tradition, mainly using local, fragrant Thuya wood. The harbor is a hive of activity at all times, particularly during the daily fish auction, attracting as many onlookers as buyers and sellers.
Fes
Fes is the bustling cultural and spiritual center of Morocco.
The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the colorful old city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying and selling, veiled women going about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.
Chefchaouen
Located in the Rif mountains about an hour’s drive from Tangier, Chefchaouen was first settled by Spanish Muslim refugees in the middle-ages. It has retained a distinctive Spanish character with its beautiful white washed houses and mountain setting.
Asilah
Located south of Tangier on the Atlantic coast, Asilah is a very popular seaside resort, famous for its nearby Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is a short taxi or a fun horse and cart ride from the village and is famous for its enormous expanse of unspoiled white, sandy beach.
Despite growing numbers of visitors, Asilah has retained a relaxing atmosphere. Asilah is known as the Artists’ Village and each year hosts a famous arts festival. Here you can find many locally painted canvases adorning the souks of its 15th century medina.
Last but not least, the town is also renowned for its great seafood restaurants
If Morocco is on your bucket list, join us Saturday, March 27th (11 AM ET) as we take a virtual vacation to Morocco and participate in a Tagine cooking class! Register even if you can’t make it live…we’ll send you the replay. Or, contact us for additional information.
