TRAVELSCAPES 12.21

Exotic Morocco

Morocco is an enchanting North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea – and is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. Marrakesh’s medina, a mazelike medieval quarter, offers entertainment in its Djemaa el-Fna square and souks (marketplaces) selling ceramics, jewelry and artifacts that are unique. The capital Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th-century royal fort overlooking the water.

Casablanca

Casablanca, the economic lung of Morocco, is fringed by beautiful palm trees. Modern infrastructures are straddled by charming old districts. Take a stroll in the medina, roam through the center and its art-deco buildings, and take in the splendid architecture built on the water. Take advantage of the cornice, its clubs and festivals too, such as the Casablanca Festival, Jazzablanca or Tremplin L’Boulevard.

Chefchaouen

Built on a mountainside, Chefchaouen is a city with special vibes and a rich heritage. With its blue-rinsed houses, you walk around as if you were in a dream. The Medina with its famous narrow winding alleys is an opportunity to mingle with the local population, and to smell and taste the delights – from freshly baked bread to skillfully prepared tagines. There is also the Kasbah whose lush gardens stand in the middle of the old quarter. The paths of the surrounding Rif mountain range offer pleasant hiking activities.

Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga

Midelt, Errachidia and Merzouga are on the east side of Morocco. The first two cities are mountainous with the reliefs of the Middle Atlas Mountains. It is from there that the caravans used to leave, loaded with food, for Timbuktu. Merzouga is one of the gates to the Sahara Desert. It’s the territory of the Erg Chebbi, a world of dunes, palm groves, tracks and hikes.

Essaouira

Essaouira, the ancient Mogador is a coastal city that has crenellated walls and special wind houses with white and blue facades. Walk languidly in the shade of its ramparts, the very ones that draw the contours of Astapor, the red city of the ‘Game of Thrones’ series. Climb these walls and take the parapet walk, from where you can see the Purpuraires Islands. On the other side, surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers are taming the waves, taking advantage of the wind. A walk takes you to the fishing port where you can visit the fish market and savor fresh seafood caught during the night. In the center of the city, the medina invites you to wander its winding alley. Ranked as the most beautiful city in Morocco by Unesco, Essaouira hums to the beat of music every summer: the Gnaoua festival celebrates Afro-Maghrebin rhythms.

Al Hoceima

Al Hoceima is one of Morocco’s most beautiful bays where you can relax in a deckchair on one of many beaches. This is a great strolling place where you can watch the fishermen at work. A little further on, the Moro Viejo cornice offers a magnificent sight, and its bay gives a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

Marrakech

Marrakech’s sensorial charm is in its combination of tradition and modernity. Strolling the Jemaa El-Fna square and the souks with their shimmering colors and oriental smells, the red city offers you a complete change of scenery. Horse-drawn carriage rides, sunny terraces, traveling artists and other day and night activities make it a fascinating experience. There is the architectural richness of the Medina and the many riads – small oriental palaces overlooking a beautiful patio. You can also relax and recharge at the Menara, a vast garden with an emblematic basin. The districts of Gueliz and Hivernage offer the most modern infrastructures, luxury boutiques, trendy clubs and evenings that reflect the liveliness of the city.

Transportation

There are many ways to travel across the country. At the exit of the airport, you can either take shuttle buses, taxis or call a car rental agency. Besides taking the conventional train, you can take the High Speed Train (TGV) which currently serves 4 stations: Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca. You can make the journey from Tangier to Casablanca in 2h10, Rabat to Tangier in 1h20, and Kenitra to Tangier in only 50 minutes. You can either get your tickets on the spot or on the ONCF website.