6 Reasons Why we fell in love with Morocco

Although barely an hour away on a ferry from Spain, Morocco still appears to be a mysterious faraway land with just one word to describe every aspect this North African country—exotic. The fascinating land of Arabs and Berbers along with various other ethnic groups, Morocco is perhaps Africa’s most diverse country with far-reaching desert, soaring mountains, jagged coastline and twisted alleys of old medinas and bazaars. And then there are cities like Marrakesh and Casablanca, an exciting blend of medieval with modern making your trip to Morocco a rewarding experience. When you witness the exquisiteness of this country, falling in love is as natural as breathing. However, here are the top 6 reasons why we fell in love with Morocco.

1. Chefchaouen

A picturesque blue-washed mountain village set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen or the Blue Pearl is arguably Morocco’s prettiest town. Located in the Northwest, this beautiful city was founded in 1471. Today the old Medina is Morocco’s most powerful tourist magnet offering an authentic old world feel through the traditional buildings, narrow alleys and restored Kasbah. An ideal destination to break away from the usual city life and relax, Chefchaouen offers great accommodation options, lip-smacking food, and overall a hassle-free experience.

2. Fez

The medieval capital of Morocco, Fez is Arab world’s best-preserved old city with ancient monuments and souks in the labyrinthine medina of Fès el-Bali or Old Fez. A sensory overload with tapered lanes, aroma wafting through the food stands, mosques, and vibrant bazaars bustling with people this Moroccan city is also home to the world’s oldest university—the Qarawiyyin university. The city has been going up and down in the popularity list of travelers due to various reasons, however, if you wish to get really deep into the traditional Arab living or have a glimpse of the medieval Islamic culture, Fez is your destination. For most of the travelers, the imperial city of Morocco is love at first sight.

3. Asilah

An absolute favorite with the travelers following the North Atlantic coast trail, Asilah is a gorgeous relaxed fortified town by the seaside located about 31 km south of Tangier. Almost Greek in its look and feel due to lovely whitewashed abodes, Asilah’s Spanish connect (the town was a Spanish territory for long) is visible through wrong iron windows, menus at the restaurants which are full of Spanish delicacies and many other such quintessential Spanish things. Home to some of the best beaches in Morocco this historic city comes to full swing during summers. Laidback and picture-perfect, Asilah can make even the most seasoned of travelers fall in love with its easy, resort-town appearance.

4. Sidi Ifni

Spaniards might have abandoned their colonial ambition and returned Sidi Ifni to Morocco in 1969, this blue and white town still possesses a Spanish soul. An amazing destination located in the southwest of Morocco is home to some decaying yet striking Art Deco buildings. Colonial relics or the brand new urban sprawl, cheery cafes or dilapidated streets (Calles), buoyant locals or intellectuals from across the globe, something or the other about this city is going to capture your heart for sure. This enigmatic small town which was once slave-trading base but is a popular tourist destination today is one of the reasons why we fell in love with Morocco.

5. Marrakech (Marrakesh)

Get ready to lose your sense of direction the moment you step into Morocco’s fourth largest city—Marrakesh or Marrakech in French. A perfect amalgamation of old with new, Marrakech is the town where Berbers once traded ivory, gold, leather, and slaves. Wander about the alluring souks and old medinas, enjoy the maddening crowd of performers, tourists and vendors at the spellbinding city square called Jemaa el Fna, explore private palaces and restored Riad mansions and bargain hard for the richly colored and patterned rugs and carpets. A trip to Morocco is incomplete without getting lost in the myriad of old and new edifices of Marrakech. This city will give you more than one reason to fall in love with Morocco.

6. The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs

Between the peaks of the mighty High Atlas and the mountain range of Jbel Sarhro lies the Dades Valley, more famously known as ‘The Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs’. Dotted with mud house villages and old dilapidating kasbahs in the southern oases of Morocco the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs is more enthralling than its name. A fascinating sight, it is a must-explore trail if you ever visit Morocco.

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