Agadir-Taghazout, the sun and the beach
Agadir – Taghazout

To the west of the country, facing the Atlantic waves, Agadir is one of the pearls of Morocco. Whatever the season, the sun smiles down on the city and it enjoys a pleasant climate that the trade winds soften further. Above all, its 10-kilometer long seafront offers tourists magnificent views of the blue of the ocean and the opportunity to relax in the best conditions imaginable.

As the country’s main coastal resort, the city boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and bustles with activity. Cafes and restaurants open onto the waterfront, introducing you to the local cuisine and offering their specialties for the informed judgment of your taste buds!

Further into the city, the stalls of the El Had Bazaar wend their way through the streets, with over 6,000 boutiques to arouse your curiosity and where you can practice a little haggling with the traders while strolling through the vibrant atmosphere. The city never sleeps and every summer hosts the Timitar festival dedicated to world music, and in particular Amazigh music.

Open to the ocean and the world, Agadir is an energetic city in which to relax.

Al Hoceima
Al Hoceima, the Mediterranean pearl

The blue waters of the Mediterranean, light, gentle waves and the coastline that forms the outline of one of Morocco’s most stunning bays: this is the scene nature has set for you in Al Hoceima. It looks and feels like heaven on earth. Stretch out on a lounge chair on one of the many nearby beach, where you can soak up the sun and bask in its glory. Under these eternally blue skies, relaxation is a priority!

But Al Hoceima is more than a mere seaside resort town. Its outlying areas are full of treasures that the most adventurous travelers will love exploring. Near the fishing village of Torres de Alcalá outside the city, you will find the ruins of five guard towers built by the Portuguese when they occupied the area. Today the site is a great place for long walks sure to please fans of old architecture.

In the city itself, the port is worth a look. Stroll here and admire its docks as they bustle with fishermen at work. Venture a bit further to the Moro Viejo coastal road for a splendid sight as it winds through the city and ends at one end of the bay with an unbeatable view of the surrounding area.

Azilal, in the center of the Atlas
Azilal and the valley of happy people

Extend your explorations in Morocco with a trip to Azilal. The beauty of this city in the heart of the Atlas Mountains is further enhanced by the sublime natural surroundings. Azilalhas showcased its living culture, crafts and architecture to develop a sustainable, fair ecotourism industry that you’ll love.

Come and enjoy its rich, diverse cuisine with dishes like Berber couscous, fish tagine and olive tagine prepared with argan oil.

You will also fall for the many natural wonders you can tour in the area. So take the time to gaze on the splendid waterfalls at Ouzoud, gasp at the stunning natural bridge at ImiN’Ifri near Demnate, contemplate the blue waters at Bin El Widane Lake, cool off in the gorge of the Ahansal River or amble through the beautiful Tamga nature park.

The final must-see destination is the AïtBouguemez valley in the shadow of the majestic Mount M’goun, which rises to over 13,000 feet. This is the place referred to as the “Valley of Happy People”.

To recuperate from your hard work, enjoy some local hospitality with a traditional mint tea and delectable Moroccan pastries.

Chefchaouen, the beautiful blue
Chefchaouen: A blue dream

The special appeal of Chefchaouen goes beyond its prime mountainside location. Travelers are fascinated by the surreal impression it leaves. The facades of its houses are painted blue and white, so that the whole city appears to be drenched in azure. Walking here feels like moving through a dream.

And yet Chefchaouen is much more than just a pretty face. The city is full of attractions, thanks to its rich heritage. Its medina is small, but authentic: stroll through its alleys to mingle with the locals and take in the smells of everyday life, such as bread hot out of the oven and expertly prepared tagines. There is also the kasbah right in the middle of the historic district, whose lush gardens are a cool haven in the heart of the city. The town’s museum is also worth a stop: check out its collection of antique weapons, photos of the city and textiles.

Its ideal setting means Chefchaouen is also a paradise for hikers. The surrounding mountains are full of tempting walking trails. Choose any of them and discover an entirely different, remote side of Morocco: the Rif Mountains.

If you want your vacation to feel like a dream, add the “Little Blue City” to your itinerary!

Dakhla, play Robinsons of the sands
Dakhla, the pearl of southern Morocco

Dakhla is a heavenly town in southern Morocco, lost between the waters of the Atlantic and the sands of the Sahara. It is a place whose pleasures should be devoured. There are miles of beaches throughout the city that give you an opportunity to relax or to participate in a whole array of water sports.

These shores are among the most beautiful in Morocco. Sheltered from the world by the surrounding desert, they are a peaceful haven – anideal spot for lounging under the sun at a constant, year-round temperature of 77°.

Two of the nearby beaches are particularly famous: PK25 and Foum El Bouir. The first is beloved for whiling the time away; the beach is made for relaxation and quiet dips in the lagoon’s still, crystalline waters. The ambiance at Foum El Bouir, which is renowned for water sports, is livelier. Professional and amateur surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers flock here to get carried away by the wind and waves. The internationally famous Pointe du Dragon is also close: its breakers are impressive and the most celebrated surfers have slid into the spectacular tubes that roll along hundreds of yards.

Dakhla is a gateway to the desert and to sub-Saharan Africa, but, above all, it is a gateway to paradise!

Errachidia-Midelt -Merzouga, between the Atlas and the Desert
Errachidia – Midelt – Merzouga

Midelt, Errachidia and Merzouga welcome you to eastern Morocco. The first two cities are your introduction to mountainous terrain with the beautiful scenery formed by the Middle Atlas range, a majestic setting that enchants and bewitches. This was also the start and end point for the caravans that once carried food to Timbuktu.

Merzouga, a small village lost in the sands, is one of the gateways to the Sahara. Here is the land of the Erg Chebbi, a world of dunes, palm groves, trails and treks. Explore the desert and these stretches of sand bathed in sun and silence. As you walk among these immense, arid forms, you will stumble upon a lake, Dayet Srij.

Waders stand in its waters as doves and wagtails soar overhead and storks hover. One of Morocco’s richest ecosystems thrives right here in the middle of the desert!

Eastern Morocco is full of curiosities, so surrender to its mountains and deserts and discover a whole other country.

Essaouira-Mogador, wild beauty
Essaouira-Mogador, the bride of the Atlantic

With notched walls, the whisper of trade winds, homes with white and blue facades – thecolors of ocean foam and waves –Essaouirahas earned the nickname “Bride of the Atlantic”.

The coastal city once known as Mogador is a place where the good life and water-oriented pastimes go hand in hand. Take a quiet walk in the shade of its ramparts, which also stand in for the walls of Astapor, the red city on the television series “Game of Thrones”. Climb to the top of them and retrace a watchman’s rounds: from here you can see the Iles Purpuraires and the hawks and seagulls that soar over the nature preserve. In the distance, surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing fanatics can’t get enough of the quality winds!

Your walk will lead you to the fishing port and its animated sailors. Not far from there, the fish market entices with the night’s haul of fish and seafood. The interlaced alleys of the medina await you in the town center. This UNESCO-listed medina is one of the finest in Morocco. Finally, each summer the city is overtaken by music as the Gnaoua festival celebrates the marriage of North African and sub-Saharan rhythms.

The Mogador eco-resort is the perfect hotel. For several years, Morocco has been aggressively implementing sustainable tourism principles. This resort is part of the movement, as are the area’s beaches, whose “Pavillon Bleu” seals attest to their quality.

Come to relax, wear yourself out and be culturally enriched: the mesmerizing Essaouira-Mogador is a destination that offers 1,001 possibilities!

Fez – Meknes, the imperial pearls

Fez radiates a unique aura. This imperial city is the custodian of 13 centuries of Moroccan history. Meknes has a rich, prestigious past and harbors marvelous surprises.

Walk through the walls that guard the celebrated Medina of Fez, whose outstanding universal value has been recognized by UNESCO. Meander along the streets of the Fes-El-Bali district. The Bab Boujloud Gate is the easiest way to access the medina. In May, the city’s squares and streets come to life with music from around the world as the Sacred Music Festival takes over the one-time imperial capital. Along with the Jazz in Riads festival, it is one of the city’s cultural highlights.

Don’t leave without sampling the city’s extraordinary cuisine, which is considered to be among the best in the world.

Just 40 miles from Fez lies the city of Meknes, another open-air museum. Its medina and the remnants of the royal palace also earned it a designation as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Pass through the Bab Mansour Gate on El Hedime square to enter the medina and enjoy this masterpiece of Spanish-Moorish art. Be sure to make time for the royal stables and granary of Sultan Moulay Ismail anddon’t miss Volubilis. This Roman archaeological site just north of Meknes is the most extensive one in Morocco. Its triumphal arch, capitol and house of Bacchus attest to the splendor of the city, as well as its economic and political significance.

The imperial, eternal cities of Meknes and Fez serve up a timeless experience that blurs the boundaries between past and present.

Ifrane, green box
Nature in Ifrane

Perched at over 5,413 feet, Ifrane shows off Morocco’s heights, showcasing the Atlas Mountains and their glorious peaks. It often surprises visitors with the quality and quantity of Moroccan experiences on offer. Enjoy the still lakes and raging waterfalls that empty their chilly waters into the valleys, which are surrounded by the world’s biggest cedar forest. These trees form solemn silhouettes against the slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains they blanket with a green mantle.

The pure air in Ifrane depends on a delicate balance. To preserve it, the city is enclosed in a natural park. You will love meandering through these superb settings. The many hiking trails are among the most beautiful in the country. A rich variety of wildlife will keep you company on your treks. Around the bend on a trail, a macaque may entertain you with his antics, while a proud, fearful Atlas deer watches you from a safer distance.

Ifrane is also full of history. The city itself is a spectacle that you can tour in a small train. Hop aboard and move through some of the cleanest streets in the world to discover the region’s traditional handiwork: carpet weavers at their looms, basket makers weaving rattan and pottery shops displaying terra cotta souvenirs.

Ifrane, a miniature Switzerland, offers all this, in addition to boasting a luxury hotel smack in the middle of Morocco. It will definitely clear your head!

Marrakech eternal, Unmissable

A mixture of traditional and contemporary, Marrakech holds the promise of incomparable sensations. Stroll through the Jemaa El Fna and the bazaars with their bright colors and oriental scents, and the red city will whisk you into another world in the blink of an eye. Rides in horse-drawn carriages, sun-soaked terraces, street artists and other activities both day and night will all add to your stay in Morocco.

Admire the architectural wealth of the Medina by visiting one of its many riads, small oriental palaces arranged around a central courtyard, or relax at the Menara, a large pooled garden typical of the city. Marrakech relies on its incredible diversity to provide choice for its visitors. You need only head out of the walled center to become immersed in contemporary Morocco. The Guéliz and Hivernage districts offer the most up to date infrastructure, luxury boutiques and international brands along broad spacious avenues; all in Marrakech’s own inimitable style.

As a sign of a growing economic buzz, there are also festive and cultural locations including the Palais des Congrès and the magnificent Théâtre Royal. Enjoy Marrakech at night by paying a visit to the many themed venues, trendy clubs and traditional evenings that reflect the zest for life of its inhabitants.

In 2016, Marrakech hosts the Cop22 fight against climate change, as recognition of its growing international importance and its great hotelier and conference capabilities.

Ouarzazate-Zagora-Tinghir, a must-have movie set
Journey to the desert’s edge

Ouarzazate, Zagora and Tinghir are authentic destinations bursting with myriad wonders that will take your breath away. The unbelievable variety of landscapes, ranging from deserts to green valleys, must be seen to be believed.

Follow in the footsteps of famous filmmakers like David Lean, Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese and Alejandro González Iñárritu, who chose these sumptuous, movie-ready backdrops to film masterpieces of the silver screen, including “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Gladiator”, “Kundun” and “Babel”. These magical places attract new productions each year, as evidenced by the recent arrival of the series “Prison Break”.

For active travelers looking for adventure and trekking opportunities, there are many trails to take you into the desert, where you can meet camel drivers and their caravans at the crossroads of the Draa, Ziz and Dades routes.

Why not camp out? Near Zagora, Tinfou Dune – alsoknown as the “Golden Sand Dune” – makes for an unforgettable experience. Stop in the High Atlas mountain town of Tinghir and be sure to take in the magnificent panorama from the Glaoui Kasbah down over the city’s palm grove and the Todra valley.

When you’re this close to the desert, there is no such thing as too beautiful!

Oujda-Saïdia, splendor of the Mediterranean
Nature meets culture in Oujda-Saidia

Saidia shows you the part of Morocco where the protected Mediterranean laps the shore with warm, blue waters, where families and friends gather. But if you get an urge for urban explorations, head to Oujda and delight in its architectural heritage and unspoiled medina.

Nearly nine miles of white, sandy beaches run along the sea under a generous sun that shines throughout the year: Saidia, a quintessential Northern Moroccan beach town, is a little slice of heaven. Water sports and golf are just some of the many activities at your fingertips on or near the sea. In the evening, head to the marina to sample the region’s famous dishes.

If you travel 37 miles inland from Saidia, you can explore the long, rich history of Oujda. Historical vestiges have pride of place here: the medina and its monumental doors; Sebti Palace, a cultural capital; and, a bit further afoot, LallaAicha Park, a cool haven in the heart of the city.

Oujda-Saidia, offers all this and more to satisfy mental and physical pursuits. You are guaranteed to have a great time!

Rabat, a capital to live
Rabat, capital of Morocco

Rabat is a cultural city with a rich history. Its streets and public squares are full of masterpieces. Pay a visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas, whose grand, majestic silhouette is softened by the surrounding gardens. Not far beyond its walls lies the Chellah, a necropolis that dates to the Marinids. Entering the complex is like journeying to another world: marvel at the ancient remains as you walk through the gardens and glimpse a few storks.

Rabat is also a modern, environmentally responsible capital that takes pride in its green spaces. It is punctuated by parks, such as the Botanical Test Gardens and the Bouknadel Exotic Gardens just a few miles from the city. Rabat also has a well-developed ocean front. There are miles of improved beaches that run along the Atlantic coast all the way to the neighboring Casablanca.

The city’s modern flair is also evident in its infrastructure and festivals, which guarantee a comfortable, entertaining stay in the capital. All the modern conveniences, from airports and tramways to shopping malls, cafes and restaurants, are at your fingertips. Finally, Rabat celebrates music like no other city: Mawazine, Jazz at the Chellah and other festivals fill the air with joyful sounds and rhythms from around the world!

These all add to the appeal of Rabat, where the treasures of the past coexist with the most modern and eco-friendly achievements.

Safi, walk in the land of potters

The imposing silhouette of the Kechla as the waves of the Atlantic crash into its walls: this is but one of the many scenes to behold in Safi. For five centuries now, the fortress has stood guard at the ocean’s edge. Its tall, notched towers serve up unbeatable views of the surrounding area. Come here to admire the waterfront and the bustling animation of everyday life in this provincial capital.

The potters’ district will also catch your eye. Here the artisans work enthusiastically over their wheels to craft wondrous pieces in terra cotta and clay that are then displayed in their shop windows and stalls. After all, Safi is one of Morocco’s top cities for ceramics and its streets are the point of origin for many beautiful mementos destined to become charming souvenirs.

From the highest points on the Kechla, let your eye travel up to the old medina. The labyrinth of its narrow alleyways exude mystery and beckon you to a stroll. The souk lies a bit further—youcan probably hear echoes of the market sounds or catch a whiff of the smells. Just behind you, listen to the roar of the waves: they make quite an impression here. Safi is an internationally known surfing spot.

Now that you’ve had a look around, you can abandon your sentry post and head off to see Safi’s treasures up close!

Taroudant, the small Marrakech
The New Marrakesh!

Taroudant is framed by ramparts that showcase the city – oneof the most beautiful in Morocco – likea precious stone. Stroll in the shade of the ramparts, whose walls are steeped in history and whose towers have stood tall for five centuries to protect the former capital of the Saadian sultans. Throughout the day, the sun strikes these stone columns and bathes the city in light, pitting golden rays against ocher walls.

Taroudant has a great legacy and a rich history, but it is not a “museum-city” stuck in time to memorialize its bygone glory. Here the bustle of modern life blends seamlessly with heritage and tradition. The souks buzz with activity: meander through the alleys, bargain with the shopkeepers and, most importantly, pore over the stalls to appreciate the variety and quality of local foods and handicrafts. The leather here is particularly well known, as are terra cotta mementos and Berber, or Amazigh, jewelry.

Taroudant has also become a specialist in argan oil production. Venture outside the walls a bit further from the city to find the cooperatives and individuals that crack the nuts, press them, extract their essence and concoct oils developedfor one purpose: your well-being.

Taroudant has all the appeal of an urban destination and is also a great starting point for many hikes. Nestled between the two Atlas Mountain chains, its location is prized by hikers and backpackers.

In Taroudant, where nature rivals culture and modernity flirts with tradition, there is definitely no lack of attractions! Lose yourself in the streets, roam the outlying areas and paint memories in all the colors of Morocco.

Tangier – Tetouan, mythical destinations
Tangier – Tetouan, The cosmopolitan side of Morocco

The cities of Tangier and Tetouan welcome travelers to the far north of Morocco. On these shores where the waters of the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet, you will find authentic cities shaped by varied influences.

Walk through Tangier, the White City. Amble along streets lined with whitewashed houses and, like Matisse and Delacroix before you, allow yourself to be transported by the dreamy ambiance of the city. Get lost in the alleys of the Grand Socco or stand at the foot of the kasbah’s high walls to admire the fort that dominates the medina. A few steps away lies the Sultan’s Palace, which today is dedicated to Moroccan arts. Tangier is also tinged with Spanish influences, including an arena at the Plaza de Torros, and the famed Cervantes Theater built in 1913.

A similar feeling also permeates Tetouan. It is known as the “Daughter of Granada”, a lovely city featuring Spanish-Moorish architecture. Its medina is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The seaside resort town of Tamuda Bay and its 9 miles of fine sand beaches await just down the road from Tetouan. It is home to prestigious institutions that have earned the region a chic reputation. Visitors are guaranteed to relax and get a taste of the good life with the blue waters of the Mediterranean as their backdrop.

Tangier and Tetouan are spoiled by their gorgeous Mediterranean seafronts and by the many cultures that intersect at these physical and metaphorical crossroads.

A unique surf spot
Surfers’ paradise

A few miles from Agadir, Taghazout awaits with a different kind of fun. This former fishing village is now a modern seaside resort with impeccable facilities where surfing and other water surface sports are the main attraction.

Taghazout stands out for its remarkable setting. Its views are just as breathtaking as Agadir. Here, too, the sun shines year round and its four miles of beaches are bound by the High Atlas Mountains. The argan forest that runs alongside it gives visitors a glimpse at nature’s surprising diversity. The resort itself comprises prestigious hotels and original wooden bungalows to make your stay a comfortable one.

Taghazout is also a world-famous surfing spot. If you like water surface sports, this is the place for you. Winds whip the Atlantic into impressive tubes that have made this legendary site a surfer’s paradise since the 1970s. Are you new to surfing? Not to worry: the variety of waves that hit the beach make it a great place for surfers of all levels.

Venture a few miles away from Agadir to enjoy the bewitching setting and ocean waves of Taghazout.

Wild beaches, natural sites and turquoise waters
Achieve relaxation nirvana on the beaches of Al Hoceima!

Come dip your toes in the water for a restful, idle vacation spent loafing on one of the many beaches in and around Al Hoceima: Asfiha, Espalmadero, Quemado, Cala Bonita and many more await you!

Does your dream vacation involve heavenly beaches? If so, head to Al Hoceima, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, whose nickname as the “Mediterranean Pearl” comes from its abundance of magnificent bays. You can stretch out on one of the many untouched beaches while admiring the beauty of the natural surroundings. Enjoy the mountainous landscapes of Tala Youssef Beach, plunge into the turquoise waters at BadesBeach or sun on the fine sand of Armoud Beach.

Remember to pick out plenty of souvenirs from the myriad mementos typical of this little corner of the Rif. You will find them in the stalls and shops of Al Hoceima and throughout the area!

A large seaside resort
Casablanca, a city on the ocean

Casablanca, the effervescent economic capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, makes the most of the beautiful coastline, which is a great place to relax after a long day of work or cultural explorations.

The city is rich in heritage and modern infrastructure, whose variety ensures a full range of delightful moments on impeccably well-developed beaches. In the heart of the city, the Ain Diab coast road is home to recreational complexes that combine private beaches with water parks and fitness centers for a full complement of activities. The Ain Diab beach is well equipped with jet skiing and windsurfing options, but you can also come just for the pleasure of soaking up the sun in a lounge chair. The long, beautiful coast road is punctuated with cafés, restaurants and clubs where you can grab a meal during the day and thrill to the Casablanca scene by night.

A few miles from the city, you will find other seaside resort towns where you can head for recreation. Check out Dar Bouazza, where private, fine sandy beaches and lounge chairs compel you to relax. Or get a taste of Bouznika, whose fantastic hotel complex, Bouznika Bay, offers all the modern conveniences, plus a golf course where you can work on your swing.

The Casablanca coast was made for fun and relaxation: it has all the facilities you need to entertain yourself or just recharge your batteries.

A mythical lagoon
Make like a castaway on the beaches of Dakhla

With hundreds of miles of empty, fine sand beaches running north-south along the Atlantic Ocean, Dakhla is a sublime setting. You will feel connected to nature, which is as mysterious here as it is unspoiled.

The bay of Dakhla lies on a peninsula at the mouth of the Rio de Oro. The warm, turquoise waters of its splendid lagoon harbor migratory birds, pink flamingos, tortoises, monk seals, rays and humpback dolphins. You can enjoy them from the southern tip of the peninsula at Punta Sarga.

In addition to the temptation to rest, swim or surf cast, you can get moving with the trendiest water activities. In fact, since 2014 the city has been ranked as the world’s top spot for wave and wind sports.

Surfers, kite-surfers and windsurfers who also think this is one of the most gorgeous places on earth meet up at the Foum El Bouir beach.

Head further south to see the magnificent white sand beach at Puertito, as well as Porto Rico beach, where you can sleep in a traditional khaimat tent as part of a camping excursion.

Take in the charms of this little known “Pearl of Morocco”.

A real art of living
The pleasures of swimming in El Jadida

The northern and southern coasts of the former Mazagan are home to pleasant beaches where you can safely swim and relax.

Just 5 miles from El Jadida, Sidi Bouzid beach is undoubtedly the one you will like best. Its fine sand and clear seawater cooled by currents from the Canary Islands make it one of the most popular beaches in Morocco. You may also succumb to the charms of Haouzia, the beautiful, tranquil beach in Azemmour.

Between windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing and sailing, you can also indulge in your favorite water sports. If you are a surfing fan, you probably already know that Sidi Bouzid is a world-renowned destination.

After spending a perfect day at the beach, how about a long stroll down the Boulevard de Suez or around the El Jadida port across from Bastion de l’Ange, where you can feast your eyes on fresh seafood? Shad, the delicious cousin of the sardine, is the region’s most famous fish, but there are many other seafood items to tickle your taste buds, including sea urchins and oysters from Oualidia, a charming resort town south of El Jadida.

Come to El Jadida, where you’ll savor the swimming and the seafood.

Mogador marries nature and culture
Essaouira-Mogador, sea resort version

Essaouira invites you to discover Mogador, a seaside eco-resort designed solely for your enjoyment. This ultramodern development offers every amenity while advancing the goals of sustainable development. Your stay here will be perfect and you can use the resort as a base to explore the nearby beaches.

Surfers and lovers of any other wind and wave sport must go to Sidi Kaouki, where the northeast winds are strong. They stir up the water, agitate the surf and create impressive waves, including tubes you can ride to demonstrate your prowess!

Sidi Kaouki is also the perfect place for walks. The beach extends for miles in a beautiful, protected setting that combines nature’s beauty with the city’s historical legacy. Visitors are also encouraged to trek through the sand on the back of a camel or horse. These outings make for charming vacation memories.

Cap Sim, which features great relaxation opportunities, is closer to Essaouira. Cut off from the rest of the region by a strip of dunes, you can relax in total peace and quiet amidst magnificent landscapes.

Essaouira has earned its title as “Bride of the Atlantic”. It is bound to the ocean by its gorgeous beaches and promises you a most pleasant stay!

Endless sand as far as the eye can see
Spend a seaside vacation with friends or family

With endless white sand beaches and water on the horizon, Saïdia is the pearl of the Mediterranean. Everything about this seaside resort town is designed to encourage relaxation and well-being. Come for a few days and forget your everyday worries. Escape from it all at cutting-edge hotels that feature every amenity while embracing the spirit of sustainable development.

And, most importantly, there are the heavenly beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see: nearly nine miles of fine sand that beckon with promises of rest, guilt-free idleness and pleasure. Relax on a lounge chair in the shade of an umbrella and let the sounds of the rolling waves soothe you as you gaze upon the magnificent landscape.

Resting on these beaches is a delight, but you can have fun here too. The modern facilities were created with tourists in mind so you can take part in an array of activities, such as windsurfing, kite-surfing, diving and water skiing. Whether you come with friends or family, you will have a ball in these safe, warm and calm waters.

Jump in and discover Saïdia, the pearl of the Mediterranean.

Leisure activities
Beaches as far as the eye can see

Rabat offers up every kind of entertainment, including culture, green tourism and water activities.

Lapped by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the Moroccan capital offers myriad opportunities to relax on the warm sand and enjoy all kinds of water sports. The entire coastline is developed with beaches that extend all the way to Casablanca, boasting an array of sights and sounds. In the heart of the city, Udayas Beach serves up a beautiful setting: the fort perches high above the ocean on a rock and towers over the sandy expanse below. The Rabat Yacht Club manages the beach facilities, which hum with activities like kayaking and windsurfing.

Beaches stretch down the coast all the way to Casablanca. They each have their own unique character. Some are intimate in scale, while others are more expansive, but they all have fine, golden sand and rising and falling tides that will delight and distract you.

For outdoor enthusiasts, surfing, jet skiing and horseback riding are all leisure options available to you at the beaches of Rabat.

Whether you choose to lounge about or get moving, Rabat’s private and public beaches will satisfy your craving.

Safi or the sweetness of life
The sweet life

Lapped by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Safi is a beach town where a pleasant stay is guaranteed. Its inviting climate features mild temperatures and abundant sunshine. As for its beaches, they are all equally suited to intensive sports or hours of idleness.

LallaFatna is probably the city’s most renowned beach because of its idyllic location, where high cliffs provide shelter from the wind. Make yourself comfortable on the ocean’s edge and relax to the sound of breakers crashing into the beach or admire the prowess of surfers as they glide on top of the waves.

Halfway between Safi and Oualidia, the beach at Cap Beddouza beach is another slice of heaven on earth. The setting is enchanting: as the sun’s rays strike the sandy expanses, they bathe the whole area in soft golden light. A stone’s throw away on the promontory you will find a majestic lighthouse that lends even more character to this delightful beach.

Finally, Souiria Lakdima – 23 miles south of Safi – isperhaps the most bustling beach in the area. It is perfect for a host of activities, including fishing, hiking and every water sport you can think of.

With the ocean on the horizon and beaches as far as the eye can see, how could you resist the charms of Safi?

The seaside in the spotlight
Tetouan: The gracefulness of a dove perched on the Mediterranean

The sea has lavished all its charms on Tetouan. The warm blue waters that surround the city invite you to come for a swim, a nap or an afternoon of recreation.

To make the most of these temptations, Tamuda Bay is a must. Its coastline is sublime: the waves lap at the golden sand beaches while the wooded hills and valleys of the hinterland create a contrasting backdrop.

The town’s infrastructure is up to the highest standards, so you can stay at top-notch hotels that offer all the modern conveniences. There is even a water park, which will have your children squealing with delight as they zoom down the water slides. Finally, there are two marinas to serve as a base for yachting and sailing outings. The resort town has an active nightlife centered around the delightful beachfront restaurants.

Because your days will be packed with activities, you may want to recover from all the funat Tamuda Bay’s thalassotherapy spa. Discover wellness in all its forms as you relax in the steam room and sauna or exercise at the fitness center.

With beaches as far as the eye can see and the Mediterranean on the horizon, the variety of modern facilities are just another reason why Tetouan is one of the pearls of the Moroccan coast.

Traditions and History
Culture in Agadir

Much of Agadir’s reputation is built on its bay and its inexhaustible backcountry, but it is also a city of culture, where historic treasures coexist with contemporary events.

Step back from the ocean front and slip into the medina. Lose yourself in alleyways lined with zellige-adorned walls, walk through ornate doors and get acquainted with the craftsmanship of Agadir’s artisans. Then head to the Kasbah, which is perched on a rock 775 feet above the ground. After standing watch over the city for over five centuries, not even the 1960 earthquake could topple it.

The Kasbah serves up a panorama of a city marked by various influences. In the medina there is a museum that pays tribute to Amazigh, or Berber, culture, not to mention artisans making jewelry and musicians filling the air with intoxicating tunes. Music is an important part of Agadir culture, where many festivals are held throughout the year, the most famous of which are the Timitar world music festival and the concert for tolerance.

Finally, Agadir, has a culinary culture with cooking traditions that showcase the region’s ingredients: treat your taste buds with local specialties, such as a delicious monkfish with preserved lemon or a chicken tagine with honey, almonds and grapes.

This is what awaits you in the lovely Agadir – adiverse culture in a smiling, flourishing city.

Azilal, a rich history
Azilal, a city with a thousand facets

Hidden deep in the heart of Morocco, Azilal is one of the country’s little-known gems. Roads converge on this town halfway between the ocean and the desert, where cultures mingle. Arab and Berber traditions contribute to the special atmosphere here.

This intermingling is also reflected in the cuisine, which flatters your palate with a variety of dishes, each of which is more delicious than the last. The local craftsmanship is also stellar: wool is worked artfully into carpets that become charming mementos of your journey.

Proof of the region’s storied history stand all around you. Here, a fortified earthen granary that was used to protect crops in times of scarcity, when famine was a real risk. There, a tighermt, a complex of fortified structures. Over there, fossilized dinosaur remains. During the Mesozoic era, these huge reptiles lived around Azilal. Today, the Demnate Nature Reserve works to preserve their bones and make them accessible to visitors. Casual and serious paleontologists alike should not miss the chance to visit.

At the Crossroads of Cultures
Cosmopolitan Casablanca

Casablanca is an enigma for historians. Whiles its origins are shrouded in the mysteries of time, the neighborhoods that shape it and the monuments that define it have much to say about vast swaths of its history.

When you explore the port, check out the Sqala Bastion, a fortified complex from the 18th century that is now a chic restaurant-cafe where diners flock to enjoy delicious local dishes. Venture a stone’s throw from the port into the narrow streets of the medina. It was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, which makes it the newest medina in the country, as well as one of its most original: within its walls, Arabic-Islamic architecture mixes with European inspiration. In the midst of this eclectic esthetic, artisans still bring life to the district with their daily labors.

An entirely different setting awaits you downtown. Here, the unique urban design, the wide boulevards and the expansive plazas bordered by Art Deco buildings evoke the former colonial occupation.

Of course, no visitor should miss the solemn Hassan II Mosque on the ocean shore; it is one of the biggest and most beautiful mosques in the Muslim world. Walk over the threshold and marvel at the interior decor featuring precious woods, marble and onyx. Look at the pillars and ceilings and admire the symmetry of their arabesques and zelliges. Everywhere you look there are scrolls and embellished doors. It is a wonder.

Meandering through Casablanca, the White City, takes you on a journey through time and space that introduces you to a place shaped by myriad influences.

Naturally bewitching
The enchanting culture of Chefchaouen

With houses built into the mountainside, narrow, winding streets and a haunting blue light that washes over the city, Chefchaouen feels like a dream. This enchanting provincial capital lends itself to strolls, which are perfect for discovering its rich heritage, admiring the architectural treasures that populate its alleys and meeting the people who live and work here.

When the sun starts to set and its rays no longer reach over the walls of the medina, the sky blue buildings of the kasbah transform Chefchaouen into a surreal place. The abundant gardens create an alternating parade of blues and greens, creating a cool oasis right in the city. The Kasbah also serves as a museum with a collection of antique weapons, photographs and textiles.

The city’s crafts are also worth the trip. Its wood, wool and leather goods are especially popular. Visit these artisans and see their passion for their work. If you’re really curious, they will give you a lesson in weaving or wood carving before sending you off with a head full of memories and a suitcase full of souvenirs.

No one can resist the undeniable charms of Chefchaouen!

The secrets of El Jadida
From the tops of El Jadida’s bastions

El Jadida stands sentry on the shores of the Atlantic. Surrounded by formidable ramparts and punctuated by towers lapped by the ocean, the ancient Portuguese fortified city once known as Mazagan still has a military air to it. Its many remaining bastions give tourists a fantastic view over the city.

Straight ahead lies the medina, with its ocher walls, labyrinthine alleys and the famous Portuguese cistern whose vaults served as a backdrop for Orson Welles’ “Othello”. The historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue taking in the sights and look toward the water, where the Sidi Bouafi lighthouse has stood for nearly a century to guide sailors to the entrance to the port.

If the air is clear, you can see the outlying areas, including the small town of Moulay Abdellah to the west. Each year it hosts a moussem, or traditional festival, attended by the country’s most talented horsemen. To the east is the historic city of Azemmour with its pretty urban landscape.

The heights of the fortifications have shown you all the riches of El Jadida. Now it’s time to climb down and get a closer look at these treasures of Moroccan history.

Authenticity and traditional festivals
A mosaic of people and traditions

To appreciate this splendid region that has preserved its authenticity and to soak in its secular culture, you must accept that the present here is still closely tied to the past. The Rissani mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, an ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty, and the ruins of Sijilmassa, an old trade town, are physical reminders of the province’s storied history. They are not to be missed, but you will learn even more about the region’s traditions by interacting with the people.

You can visit museums that highlight the area’s riches, including the Mineral and Fossil Museum on the road to Rissani, the museum of nomadic culture in Erg Chebbi or the Lalla Mimouna Springs Museum in Tinejdad. You can also stay outside and marvel at the Taouzrock carvings that date back to prehistoric times.

The Tafilalet region has more than 400 ksours, fortified villages that used to house communities that lived together and pooled their resources.

The luckiest visitors are those who can attend one of the many cultural and artistic events held here. Choose from the International Date Fair in Erfoud, the Imilchil Wedding Festival, the Merzouga International Festival of World Music or the Apple Festival in Midelt.

No matter what you pick, the cultural wealth of this region will amaze you.

Mogador for ever
Essaouira, city of art and history

Essaouira, the “well drawn” city, holds plenty of surprises. At the end of an alley, you may find a curio, a cultural vestige or a gallery featuring the work of a contemporary artist.

The city gets its special character from its ramparts. They are pierced by monumental doors that stand asworks of art and defense tactics. The ramparts are flanked by two citadels, the Kasbah squala and the Port squala. To get your first look at the city, stroll in the shadows of these historic walls, then go deeper into a maze of alleys and discover the medina. Like the whole city, and like the former Mogador now known as Essaouira, the medina is a mix of Western and Eastern influences. The minaret of Ben Youssef Mosque rises above and many consular homes dot its streets.

Its standing as a city at the crossroads of civilizations also makes Essaouira a beloved place for artists. There are various galleries to celebrate beauty and creativity. Check out the artists’ café, MareaArte Bleu Mogador and the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum, which honors the region’s history of craftsmanship and folk traditions.

The myriad beauties of Essaouira are sure to blow you away!

The capital of Moulay Ismail
The bewitching Meknes

Meknes is awash in an aura of enchantment. The ramparts that guard it seem to protect the city from the world around it. Walking through its gates is like returning to the era of the sultans.

The beauty and charms of the medina earned it a spot on the UNESCO register. Its position as a former seat of power and prestige makes Meknes the “Versailles of Morocco”, where Sultan Moulay Ismail ruled as sovereign. Stop by his palace to discover the monumental door he used as an entrance – the same one that made such an impression on writer Pierre Loti. Beyond the palace, the mausoleum still holds the remains of the patron of Meknes. Elsewhere, his royal stables and granaries will leave you speechless.

Meknes is nestled within a fertile hinterland full of orchards, olive groves and vineyards. A few miles from the city lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis, which are still one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the planet.

Get lost in Meknes as you soak up its unique ambiance, a harmonious blend of humankind’s greatest achievements.

The charm of Marrakech
Marrakesh, a hotbed of Moroccan history

Bathed in the pink glow of its adobe walls, the lovely Marrakesh throws open its doors to all culture lovers. Architectural masterpieces and traces of the human experience stand within these walls. Marrakesh is composed of an array of influences that defy eras, a mosaic of colors where the wonders of the past and the present come into focus.

Stroll through the city. Walk through a gate into the medina and advance into the old district. This is where you’ll find the beating heart of the former royal capital and the famous minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. The tower rises 250 feet like a beacon over Marrakesh. It is also a signature of Islamic art, for its design and proportions inspired Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda of the Seville Cathedral.

Press on a bit further to the expansive Menara gardens created by the Almohad Caliphate to enjoy the cool calm of its olive tree-lined paths. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the place takes on an enchanting amber glow that evokes the tales of the Arabian Nights.

Other types of beauty are found along the streets. Get lost in time as you marvel at these treasures bequeathed to the ocher city by history.

Crafts and authentic traditions
The wonders of southern Morocco!

Ouarzazate, Zagora and Tinghir in the east of Morocco represent the country’s cultural diversity. They bear witness to the most deeply seated traditions, but contemporary creations are also honored with nods to some of cinema’s finest hours.

Ouarzazate is one of the gateways to the desert. The Tifoultoute Kasbah stands guard just outside the city. Film buffs will recognize these landscapes: this is where David Lean shot “Lawrence of Arabia”. The movies rule in Ouarzazate: its studios were used for “Babel” with Brad Pitt, “The Jewel of the Nile” with Michael Douglas, “The Last Temptation of Christ” by Martin Scorsese, “Tea in the Sahara” with John Malkovich, “Gladiator” and “Kingdom of Heaven” by Ridley Scott, and many other internationally known productions.

Other aspects of Moroccan heritage are also worth a visit in the region, such as the Aït Beck ksar (fortress), which towers above the Ounila valley. Its structures are built into the side of a hill right up to its summit, where an old granary still stands. A bit further in Imadri, you can visit cliff dwellings. Finally, look to the Draa valley for Tamgrout, where another village carved into the same rock is home to one of the country’s oldest and most famous Koranic libraries. Some of the manuscripts stored here are nearly 1,000 years old!

Tinghir and Zagora also have plenty of attractions. In Tinghir, you can walk through the Aït El Haj mellah. Along narrow streets between the shade of adobe walls and ocher-tinged light, explore the old Jewish quarter and a slice of the city’s past. The atmosphere around Zagora is totally different. Go as far back as prehistoric times at Tazzarine, where rocks bear inscriptions that are 5,000 years old and attest to the country’s many millennia of history.

Rock carvings, majestic kasbahs and Hollywood studios… Morocco is most assuredly a land of contrasts!

City Tours
Relaxation and exploration

Saïdia and Oujda are two places that complement each other perfectly. Saïdia, the blue pearl of Morocco, welcomes you to its cutting-edge hotels that are as comfortable as they are environmentally friendly.

Oujda, meanwhile, has a different feel altogether. Going to this inland city removed from the Mediterranean and pacing along streets with a thousand years of historyis like entering an ancient town. Get a glimpse of “Old Morocco” in the medina, a neighborhood ringed by high walls that seems to have been forgotten by time.

Oujda is not, however, a dusty museum mired in the vestiges of its bygone glory. It is a modern city that embraces the new, as evidenced by the Palais Sebti, the cultural hub of Oujda. This venue hosts receptions, exhibitions and all kinds of events celebrating music, painting and the arts in general.

While Saïdia can flaunt its Mediterranean delights, Oujda has no cause for jealousy, for it has all the historical treasures.

The secrets rbatis
Living culture

Rabat is rife with landmarks and monuments, but it is also known for the vitality of its intangible heritage, such as the craftsmanship of its artisans. See for yourself by heading to the medina. This is where generations of artists work with fabric, leather, gold, silver and, of course, the celebrated Rabat carpets, each of which is a masterpiece of finesse and harmony. In nearby Salé, pottery, metalwork and weaving are stand-outs with an entire complex is devoted to these crafts.

Lastly, Rabat is a city of music. The city has transformed the Mawazine World Rhythms Festival into an international event. Each year, free concerts showcase the biggest national and international stars to the delight of tens of thousands of attendees. But the Moroccan capital pulses to the rhythm of world music throughout the year. The sounds of Andalusia and the swing of jazz bands, for example, are also honored with major events.

Culture abounds in Rabat, bringing the city to life and fostering a sense of playfulness.

Between architectural heritage and history
Enjoy architecture and active pursuits in Safi

Tall battlements, imposing towers and old canons that still point toward the ocean are what define the war-ready silhouette of the Kechla in Safi. Itisanimpressive sight: the fort overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, whose waves lap its foundation, giving the impression it is built right on the water. It is the largest remnant of the Portuguese occupation, though elsewhere in the city, you can see the vestiges of Africa’s first Gothic cathedral which also evoke the colonial period.

Though it has some European features, Safi is a typical Moroccan city. As soon as you enter the medina, let its aromas and sounds guide you and you will find a completely different atmosphere – morelively, restless. The merchants arrange their goods and wheel and deal over 1,001 products: rugs, leather, lamps and, of course, pottery. As one of Morocco’s ceramic capitals, Safi boasts a neighborhood devoted to the production of terracotta and clay trinkets and a museum that celebrates this delicate craft.

It’s true that surfers are in heaven in Safi, but anyone seeking authenticity will be equally delighted.

The treasures of Tetouan
Tetouan: The Mediterranean Sea on the horizon

With limestone walls and the grace of a dove, Tetouan welcomes you to streets infused with a subtle blend of cultures.

The city has tinges of Andalusia that can be sensed in the narrow streets lined with green and white houses that evoke Seville and Granada. For a better look, enter the medina, one of the busiest and most beautiful in all Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Artisans ply their trades in the plazas and in front of their workshops. Catch a painter working on a wood canvas or, at Guersa El Kébira, embroidery specialists and Jebala women selling their mendils, shawls splashed with red, blue or white. Be sure to visit the Mellah, the medina’s Jewish section, which has a parade of jewelry stores and a central street that leads to the Royal Palace, an emblem of Spanish-Moorish art.

When you leave the old city, you will find yourself surrounded by a completely different sort of architecture. Tetouan was briefly part of a Spanish protectorate, which left behind monuments to European style: the old Spanish casino, Notre Dame de la Victoire church and the public library all add to the unique esthetics of the city.

Finally, there are festivals that keep the cultural scene fresh, such as a Mediterranean film festival, a comics festival and an event dedicated to women’s voices.

Discover Tetouan and dive into a deeply historic city. See for yourself how cultures mingle and how the city stays authentic while remaining open to outside influences.

Berber crafts and traditions
The new Marrakesh

Taroudant is a gem of southern Morocco with ramparts that envelop one of the country’s most beautiful cities. The crenellated walls extend for nearly four miles, flanked by 130 towers with ornate doors whose overall effect gives Taroudant its unique ambiance. When the sun is at its zenith, find respite by strolling in the soothing shade of these walls.

The city center is equally appealing, as this former Saadian capital holds many treasures. Start with the medina, where the narrow streets and tall facades of the old quarter make for an intriguing walk. Wandering through its alleys is an introduction to traditional Morocco, as you soak up the sounds and smells of everyday life.

Then explore the souks because, although Taroudant is a city of art and history, it is no less a buzzing hive of merchants who carefully arrange their stalls and ply their goods. The Berber (Amazigh) souk is particularly famous. Each day, dishes, carpets, lamps and foods are spread out for sale, so the locals can do their routine shopping and tourists can pick up charming souvenirs.

Finally, along the perimeter of the ramparts, tanners treat their hides to make the leather that is a Taroudant hallmark. They do their work the old-fashioned way, using their hands for tools to craft bags, poufs and sandals that delight visitors.

As you can see, this “Little Marrakesh” has no reason to be jealous of its big sister and deserves a special trip!