10 Reasons Why Morocco Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination
No matter what time of year you visit, Morocco offers an enchanting experience. Whether you're looking to relax on a sandy beach, explore the bustling souks (markets), or take in the sounds of traditional Gnawa music, Morocco is your destination. Morocco is an exotic country in Northern Africa that has so much to offer visitors who are looking to explore its natural beauty and diverse culture. From ancient cities to endless white-sand beaches, there are many reasons why Morocco should be your next vacation destination.
Here are 10 reasons why Morocco should be your next vacation destination.
1) Its rich history
Unlike most of North Africa, Morocco’s identity as a country is relatively new. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t steeped in ancient history. The nation was actually carved out of Spain and France during World War II, and its cultural heritage dates back further than that.
2) Its culture
The culture is a culmination of several influences, such as Berber, Arab, Phoenician, Mediterranean, and Andalusian. This diversity of cultural influences has led to Morocco having one of Africa’s most distinct and unique cultures with their own dialect and traditional dances. Moroccans have a relaxed approach to life which will have you feeling right at home in no time!
3) The landscapes
Morocco has diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, and a Mediterranean coastline. Known as one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, you won’t find throngs of tourists in Marrakech like you do in places like Paris or Rome. As such, you’ll find yourself immersed in some truly unique sites and experiences that have yet to be discovered by others.
4) The weather
There’s little doubt that Morocco is beautiful, but did you know it also enjoys a Mediterranean climate? Mild winters and warm summers mean you can visit year-round without having to put up with unbearable heat. Between May and October, expect sunshine and between 18 ̊C and 29 ̊C temperatures; meanwhile, winter days tend to offer glorious sunshine with maximums of between 12 ̊C and 16 ̊C.
5) The architecture
A cultural blend of different civilizations make it unique. You’ll find a blend of Spanish and Moroccan architecture in many buildings throughout cities like Casablanca, Fes, Meknes, Tangier and Marrakech. The Moroccan art scene is also incredibly vibrant and colorful. In fact, artists such as Zouhair Yahyaoui create paintings that look like they came straight out of a Disney cartoon or comic book!
6) The sights
Covered in ancient Islamic cities, lush Saharan plains and barren desert-scapes, Morocco is a land of striking contrasts. Because it’s so diverse, it’s easy to find something that suits everyone. If you’re into art and culture, head to Casablanca and Fez for some of Africa’s best museums and architecture.
7) The shopping
Shopping in Marrakech is unlike anywhere else in Africa. Not only is it colorful and entertaining, but you can often find great products at a much lower price than elsewhere on the continent. Marrakech’s marketplaces are mostly open air, as opposed to indoor shopping malls, but they make up for their lack of physical building with creativity, originality and loads of merchandise. Be sure to shop around—Marrakech has something for everyone!
8) The food
Morocco’s cuisine is a mix of North African, Arabic, and European flavors. Dishes are often spiced with harissa (chili paste), ras el hanout (spice mix), or saffron. Our favorite food: Mansaf Moroccan lamb dish accompanied by fragrant basmati rice and hummus. If you love seafood, try crab, which is plentiful in Morocco’s coastal regions.
9) Activities you can do there (skiing, scuba diving, exploring historical places...)
The Atlas Mountains will definitely steal you heart. As if they don’t already stand out enough, their snow-capped peaks shine white against a sea of green, and some days they even take on a blueish hue in certain parts. Come winter, those mountains turn into ski resorts. If skiing isn’t your thing, you can always opt for snowboarding or cross-country skiing. There is something else that makes Morocco an ideal holiday location – scuba diving!
10) How cheap it is!
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a vacation, Morocco is an ideal location. In fact, it’s one of Europe’s most affordable destinations (if not cheapest). Transportation and food can cost half as much as they do in other Western countries—and activities will generally cost very little.