Morocco is a Middle east country located in North Africa, It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west with a population of approximately 37 million people. The official language is Arabic, but French and Berber are widely spoken.
Morocco has a diverse culture influenced from Berbers, Arabs, and Europeans. It has rich history, including the ancient city of Marrakech and the city of Fes, which is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. The country has diverse landscape, including the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and beaches along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
Climate in Morocco
Morocco has a diverse climate due to its varied topography. Along the coastal regions, the climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm summers. The interior regions have a more continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The Atlas Mountains have a mountain climate, with cool summers and cold winters.
The desert regions of southern Morocco have a hot desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The coastal cities of Casablanca and Agadir have an average high temperature of around 25°C in the summer and around 15°C in the winter. The interior cities of Marrakech and Fes have an average high temperature of around 35°C in the summer and around 10°C in the winter.
The northern regions of the country receive more rainfall than the southern regions. Rainfall is heaviest in the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains, where it can reach up to 1000mm per year, while the southern regions receive less than 100mm per year. The rainy season usually lasts from October to April.
The Famous cities of Morocco
Morocco is famous for unique reasons. Let’s explore some of its popular tourist cities:
Marrakech
Known as the “Red City,” a UNESCO Heritage site and major tourist destination. Famous for old medina, or walled city, home to the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs. It has traditional markets, such as the Souk Semmarine and the Jemaa el-Fna square.
Fes
Known as the “Spiritual Capital”, home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest operating university in the world, as well as Bou Inania Madrasa, Dar Batha Museum, and the Royal Palace. It has traditional leather tanneries and pottery workshops.
Casablanca
Known as the “Economic Capital” of Morocco, the largest city and major port. Home to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest functioning mosques in Africa and the 7th largest in the world, as well as the Royal Palace of Casablanca and the Ain Diab Corniche.
Chefchaouen
Known as the “Blue City,” located in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, famous for blue-painted buildings, as well as traditional markets and outdoor activities.
Essaouira
Known as the “Windy City,” a UNESCO Heritage site located on the Atlantic coast. it is well-preserved 18th-century fortifications, as well as traditional markets and art galleries. Also popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Agadir
Known as the “Sun City”, a major coastal city and popular destination. It has beaches, souks, and the Agadir Oufella, an old Kasbah that offers a panoramic view of the city and sea.
Merzouga
Small desert town located in the southeastern Morocco. known for its proximity to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the tallest in the country.
It attracts the tourists who come to experience the desert and go on camel treks into the dunes.
Additionally, Merzouga is also known for its traditional music, culture, and is home to many Berber communities.
Why Morocco Is famous tourist destination
Morocco is known for its diverse culture, history, and landscape. Some of the things that the country is particularly popular for include:
The history
Morocco has rich history that spans back to ancient times, the country has ancient sites, such as the Roman ruins in Volubilis, the medieval city of Fes, and the ancient city of Marrakech.
The architecture
Morocco has traditional architecture, including the Hassan II Mosque, and the Bahia Palace in Marrakech. Also known for traditional riads, which are traditional Moroccan houses with central courtyards.
The markets
Morocco is famous for traditional markets, such as the Souk Semmarine in Marrakech and the souks in Fes and Essaouira. These markets offer a wide variety of goods, including traditional textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and spices.
The natural beauty
Morocco is known for diverse landscape, which ranges from the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert to the beaches along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. The country is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, paragliding, and desert excursions.
The cuisine
Moroccan cuisine has rich flavors and diverse ingredients, and heavily influenced by Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean cultures. Popular dishes include tagine, couscous, and mint tea.
The culture
Morocco is has unique culture, which is a blend of Berber, Arab, and African influences. The country has traditional music and dance, such as Gnawa music and the traditional dance of Dabke.
The festivals
The country celebrates a lot of festivals throughout the year, such as the annual Marrakech Film Festival, the International Festival of the Sahara, the Festival of Sufi Culture, the Timitar festival.
Things to do in Morocco
Morocco offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some things that you can do while in the country:
Explore the medinas
The old walled cities, of Morocco, are a must-see. Famous medinas include Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira. They are home to a wide variety of traditional markets, shops, and architectural sites.
Visit a traditional hammam
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan bathhouse, and it is a great way to relax and experience local culture. Some of the most famous hammams include the Hammam de la Rose in Marrakech, the Hammam Ziani in Fes, and the Hammam Bab Doukkala in Marrakech.
Take a desert tour
The Desert is one of Morocco’s most famous attractions. You can take a tour to explore it, either by camel or 4×4 and experience the traditional Berber culture and the stunning desert landscapes.
Enjoy the beaches
Morocco has a long coastline along the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, and it offers many beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun. Popular beaches include , Essaouira, and Asilah.
Explore the Atlas Mountains
It is a beautiful and rugged range that runs through Morocco, and they offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and skiing. The Toubkal National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the Atlas Mountains.
Visit a palace or a Kasbah
Morocco is home to many palaces and kasbahs, such as the Royal Palace of Fes, the Bahia Palace in Marrakech, and the Agadir Oufella in Agadir. offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
Enjoy the Moroccan cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients. You can enjoy traditional dishes such as tagine, couscous, and mint tea at a local restaurant.