Experiences in Morocco

Morocco is also a country for recreational athletes. It is a top destination for water sports, golf and hiking, but its variety of outdoor settings and modern infrastructure offer countless other ways to have an active holiday.

Let’s start with horseback riding. After all, the kingdom has a long tradition, as evidenced by the national stables in Marrakesh, Meknes and Oujda. Choose your mount and try an obstacle course or a casual ride in the countryside, along a beach or in the Moroccan backcountry.

A different kind of saddle, but just as much fun: the kingdom is also mad about bicycling. There are trails in the national parks around Agadir and Marrakesh that even experienced mountain bikers will find challenging.

Do you crave even more adventure? Then try spelunking! Morocco abounds in caves, each more spectacular than the next. Kehf Tikhoubaiin the Middle Atlas is worth the trip: its caves plunge into the bowels of the earth to depths of over 1,000 feet.

If you like water, why not give sport fishing a try? Morocco has coastlines on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, which means there are many opportunities to cast a line. The areas around Agadir, the Bay of Dakhla and the shores of Sidi Ifni are great for big-game fishing.

There is plenty of fun to be had on inland bodies of water as well. Head to the Ahansal River gorge for two days of whitewater rafting: the 28-mile trip leads to the famous Bin El Ouidane Lake and the chance to raft or kayak.

Morocco is a place where you can practice every kind of sport – onthe water, on land and even underground!

Land of hikers
Wide open spaces are abundant in Morocco. Throughout the kingdom, there are national parks that preserve nature’s beauty and double as magnificent hiking destinations. To the south and the east, the Sahara beckons: head there for an adventure within the immensity of the desert.

The well-marked paths make it easy for you to enjoy the pleasures of walking. To the north, try Al Hoceima park on the Mediterranean coast, where a hiking trail runs through the park and along the sea. There are several rest houses along the way, so you can spend a few days with the plant and wildlife of northern Morocco. Talassemtane National Park offers similar treats. You will love exploring it as you hike from waterfalls to streams to the shade of Morocco’s pine trees and giant Atlas cedars. In the south, check out the Valley of Roses for an unforgettable walk in an enchanting setting.

The most gregarious travelers can opt for backpacking: from the peaks of the Middle Atlas mountains around Ifrane to the top of the famous Mount Toubkal – Morocco’s highest mountain, which can be summited in two days. The Sahara Desert is another option: here the pleasures of camping mix with the discovery of vast spaces and interactions with the locals. You can also choose peaceful horseback rides along the beach throughout Morocco.

The country of Morocco is like one tremendous hiking trail: as you travel through forests, over mountains or atop cliffs, you won’t fail to be captivated by nature’s wonders.

Water Sports: Diving and Surfing in Morocco
Morocco in the ocean’s embrace

Morocco offers water sports aficionados more than 1,800 miles of coastline! The country’s beaches stretch from the crashing waves of the Atlantic to the blue expanses of the Mediterranean and offer visitors well-maintained sites with a full complement of facilities.

Go west to indulge your passion for water surface sports. Surfing and its sister sports, kite surfing and windsurfing, are very popular on the beaches at Dakhla, Safi, Essaouira and Taghazout, whose beautiful waves are among the world’s most spectacular.

To the north, along the Mediterranean coast, an array of activities is available to you. Choose, for example, to zip around on a jet ski or glide over the water on a windsurfing board. Perhaps you prefer a side of nature with your exercise? Then try your hand at fishing or skin diving; a number of locals run excursions from the shore.

Many of the beaches in Morocco are adjacent to resorts, where you can make full use of their equipment and services – notto mention a beautiful backdrop for your recreational pursuits. The Mazagan, Mogador, Saidia and Taghazout resorts are particularly well known and they all have proprietary marinas that are fully equipped.

Head for the water and combine sports and relaxation thanks to Morocco’s beautiful beaches and good infrastructure.

Excursions and Discovery
An Authentic Stopover

Take a seat on the bridge of your cruise ship and set out for the most beautiful seaports of Morocco for an exotic vacation.

Sail along the Atlantic coast of Morocco from Tangier, the “White City”, to Agadir, a resort town whose fame has been long since established. Pass through the economic capital of Casablanca, a place for hobnobbing, as well as the charming town of Safi, an ancient Portuguese city known for its ceramics. Your cruise promises relaxation, idleness, historic tours, shopping, and even cultural immersion.

Choose a cruise itinerary in line with your expectations

Morocco enjoys a temperate climate year-round, which lends itself to cruising through the country’s main marinas: Tangier, Casablanca, Safi and Agadir. Each port of call is an opportunity to plunge into Moroccan culture, so go explore every nook and cranny of this land of authenticity. The historic region of Tangier will appeal with its cosmopolitan ambiance, while the dynamic but restful Safi will enchant you. The cliff road around Casablanca is the perfect vantage point for evening photos. Finally, Agadir and its surroundings offer the contrast of protected nature reserves.

Let the waves carry you forth to explore the many facets of Morocco.

The Imperial Cities

Morocco’s imperial cities are rich in history, ancient monuments and the heritage of its glorious past dynasties. Set out on a seven-day tour and acquaint yourself with all their charms and mysteries.

The stages of this itinerary will introduce you to four of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. As soon as you arrive in Marrakesh, set out straightaway to explore the “Red City”. You will visit its architectural treasures, including the Koutoubia mosque and Saadian tomb. A stop in the famous medina will expose you to the local customs and handiwork.

Your next stop is Rabat, the hospitable capital on the ocean. Stroll down wide, open boulevards lined with palm trees and admire the Mohamed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower, which is almost a thousand years old.

Fez and Meknes round out your itinerary. Both cities are famously picturesque and unique in their own ways. Fez is the spiritual capital of the kingdom with a venerable, mysterious medina that is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meknes symbolizes the power of Sultan Moulay Ismail with an enchanting setting epitomized by the Bab-El-Mansour Gate.

These four cities are your destinations, but the journeys in between also hold a few surprises. After all, the Moroccan hinterland abounds in treasures. For example, you can see the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis near Fez and Meknes and “Little Switzerland” in Ifrane. Finally, you will experience Casablanca, whose charm and history await you just a short distance from Rabat and Marrakesh.

Go on an expedition and spend a week admiring Morocco. As you experience its authenticity and tradition, you will appreciate its rich, varied history and the many surprises it holds for you.

Desert Break

Southern Morocco opens to the Sahara Desert. Venture out into the vast expanses of sand and discover a world of dunes, sun and tranquility. Embark on an adventure and spend a spell living like the nomadic tribes of the Sahara.

Marrakesh and Agadir are both gateways to the Sahara. So is Fez: from the imperial city, travel through the Talghemt Pass. This land is not quite the desert, but you sense its proximity and the region is peppered with oases. This is the Tafilalet, a transitional area where the green of vegetation vies with the ochre of the sand. Take the ancient caravan trail to Rissani, the hometown of the historic Alaouite dynasty and – finally – youare at the edge of the desert, where all you see on the horizon is the soft curves of the sand dunes sculpted by the Chergui, the wind of the Sahara.

Forge ahead for more adventure. Take a trip on camelback. Leave behind the clamor of the cities for a while and camp in comfortable tents surrounded by sand. Journey to the majestic Merzouga dunes: dive in and take a sand bath against a gorgeous backdrop. Spend the night there and, in the morning, watch the picture-perfect sunrise over the dunes.

There are many other curiosities to discover in the Moroccan desert, such as the remarkable Tinfou dune which isn’t even in the desert, the Erfoud oasis and the mysterious Errachidia.

Whether you travel on foot or on camelback, prepare yourself for a trek across the desert and break free from your everyday routine.