Morocco – a land of contrasts
Morocco, the land of colorful spices, vast sand dunes and magnificent palaces, is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in North Africa. The kingdom in the north-west of the continent attracts millions of tourists every year, who are enchanted by the diversity and beauty of the country. From the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the golden beaches of the Atlantic coast, Morocco is a country of contrasts that has something to offer every traveler.
I landed in the city of Fes from Frankfurt/Hahn in winter, when the flight is very cheap. In the city of Fès, the oldest of Morocco’s four royal cities, visitors can tour the famous Royal Palace Museum, which displays an extensive collection of artworks and artifacts from the country’s history. In the old medina, you can also marvel at the fact that everything is made in-house and that all the country’s artists sell and display everything here. I took a tour through all the production mechanisms. Spices, jewelry, leather, paints, clothes, different dishes and all kinds of artwork. The old medina (old city center surrounded by a wall) offers a variety of culinary specialties, clothing and their own works of art.
One of the most famous cities in Morocco is Marrakech, the “Pearl of the South”. The historic city with its winding alleyways, lively markets and magnificent palaces is a real feast for the eyes for travelers interested in culture. The famous Djemaa el Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lively marketplace where traders, acrobats, musicians and snake charmers present their skills. The majestic Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace are further attractions that make a visit to Marrakech an unforgettable experience.
Djemaa el Fna in Marrakesh
There are also very beautiful gardens in Marrakesh, such as the Majorelle Garden Marrakech: Garden of Yves Saint Laurent. Very worth seeing and also other public gardens.
The coastal town of Essaouira, also known as “the white city by the sea”, is a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With its pretty white houses, winding alleyways and endless sandy beaches, the town offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can unwind. The Old Port of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating place with a variety of colorful boats and small fish restaurants serving freshly caught fish and seafood.
For lovers of art and culture, the country offers a variety of museums and galleries that provide an insight into Morocco’s rich history and culture. The Musée de Marrakech, the Dar el Bacha Museem and the Musée Berbère in Marrakech are just a few examples of the country’s diverse cultural offerings. In the city of Fès, the oldest of Morocco’s four royal cities, visitors can tour the famous Royal Palace Museum, which displays an extensive collection of artworks and artifacts from the country’s history.
For the adventurous, Morocco offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camel trekking in the desert, surfing on the Atlantic coast and quad biking through the sand dunes. Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s most famous sand dunes, is a paradise for desert adventurers, who can spend the night at a nomad camp, admire the sunset over the dunes and camp under the clear starry sky.
Merzouga , 2-day camel trip through the Sahara
Tent city in the desert near Merzouga
Chefchaoun = the blue medina
I also went to Meknes, the blue medina city of Chefchaoun in the north in the mountains and after the desert trip to Merzouga, Marrakesh, Ouzoud waterfalls near Marrakesh, we rented a car and drove along the Atlantic coast from Marrakesh south to Essaouira and Agadir.
Medina Meknes
In just three weeks of spending less than 1000 euros on everything, I experienced almost all of Morocco except Casablanca, Rabbat and Tangar. However, I was told by locals that these cities are more industrial cities than cultural cities. On the trips to Chefchaoun and Ouzoud, I also got to know the wildlife of Morocco in an unusual way.
Waterfalls of Ouzoud south of Marrakesh
Beach section between Essaouira and Agadir
We ended the great trip in Agadir on New Year’s Eve 2023 with a fantastic fireworks display on the beach. We were also able to get beer there to toast, which wasn’t always easy as alcohol wasn’t available everywhere.
Agadir
Overall, Morocco is a country of contrasts that has something to offer every traveler. From the historic cities and magnificent palaces to the spectacular landscapes and culinary delights, Morocco is a country that captivates every visitor and creates unforgettable memories. Anyone who has visited the country once will be amazed by its beauty and diversity and will want to return again and again to experience new adventures and gather new impressions.