Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals, Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie" (the good life).
21.07.2023 - 08:09 / roughguides.com
Think of Morocco and you’ll invariably picture the souks of Marrakesh, the whitewashed walls of oceanside Essaouira, the High Atlas trails of the dramatic Toubkal Massif. Trouble is, so does everybody else. This well-trodden triangle is Morocco’s most popular tourist route – for good reason – but in a country that welcomes nearly ten million visitors a year, venturing just slightly off the beaten track can make all the difference to your trip. Here are five of our favourite low-key alternatives and unheralded highlights to get you started.
Morocco’s forgotten imperial city is more intimate and manageable than Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat, but in many ways just as rewarding. The souks of carpet traders, basketmakers, silversmiths and sweet sellers are on a smaller scale, which means there’s less hassle and the bargaining is more fun. But the Medina is only half the story. Just south of the old town lies the other half: the Ville Impériale, an immense walled complex of ceremonial gateways, subterranean vaults and vast granaries that once housed over fifty palaces. The lavish ensemble was the work of one man, Sultan Moulay Ismail, whose tranquil mausoleum (pictured above) is one of only three active shrines in the country that are open to non-Muslims.
Until the late 1990s, the only way into the glorious Aït Bouguemez was on the back of a mule. Tarmac is still something of a novelty here, and while a highly spectacular road now wends its way down to the lower end of the valley, the villages that dot its barren slopes still feel wonderfully remote. The hordes may flock to Toubkal, but trekkers in the know head northeast out of Marrakesh instead – the Aït Bouguemez’s peaceful trails include a variety of mountainous day-hikes, or you can tackle the multi-day ascent of Jebel M’Goun, one of Morocco’s highest peaks.
Taroudant was fleetingly Morocco’s capital before the Saadians upped sticks for Marrakesh five centuries ago, but while the Red City has become Morocco’s number-one tourist attraction, its predecessor has slipped slowly off the radar. Performers gather in the evening at the main square, Place Assarag, just like they do in Marrakesh’s more famous Jemaa el Fna, and there are a couple of interesting souks selling spices and jewellery from the Anti-Atlas. But Taroudant’s defining feature is its majestic ramparts, which encircle the town in its entirety – rent a bike and head out in the late afternoon, when the walls glow like toasted flapjacks.
Few tourists make it to Sefrou, an ancient market town near Fez that actually predates its more illustrious neighbour. Even fewer make it to Bhalil, five minutes’ further down the road and believed to be even older still. Suffice to say, you’ll have this intriguing
Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals, Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie" (the good life).
Discover the charm of Morocco's coastline with our round-up of the best beaches in Morocco. With their pristine sands, azure waters and scenic surroundings, they are a paradise for both sun seekers and nature lovers.
August brings the last month of peak seasonal temperatures. There is also a last hurrah of summer travel before school resumes. Labor Day weekend signals that fall is right around the corner. As has been the case for most of the year, the travel restrictions are minimal for most destinations.
The sights, the sounds, the smells… Marrakech is swirling with enough sensory treats to pull you in and never let go. Between the bustling, motorcycle-flooded Medina market to the handfuls of relaxing spas and riads, here’s where to go for an equally thrilling and relaxing vacation.
The excitement started before I had even arrived in Gibraltar. As the plane steered towards the landing strip, the aircraft’s wing appeared to almost dip into the sea water. Shrieks of joy echoed around the cabin. “Dolphins, dolphins, look, there’s babies!”. All those without window seats on the right-hand side – including myself – were left feeling glum as we missed out on the preshow. But I wasn’t disappointed for too long. This 7-square-kilometre piece of land had plenty more surprises to come.
Whether or not her title remains “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex,” Meghan Markle will always be the queen of stylish packing. Her whirlwind schedule—jetting off for an appearance on The Today Show one day, touring South Africa as part of a royal visit the next—would leave even the most frequent traveler fatigued and worn. But not Markle, who always looks pristine and put together with a collection of tasteful sheath dresses, belted coats, and darling hats ready to be called into service. (Who else can make a Philip Treacy fascinator look modern and fresh?)
Sweeping investments in alternative-fuel technology; slashing plastic waste; making crew uniforms from recycled marine detritus: These are just a few of the steps airlines have taken in recent years to help minimize their environmental footprint in the face of a worsening climate crisis. But so-called “green airfares”—a dedicated fare class aimed at reducing carbon impacts—are the latest attempt at greening the industry.
We might not have a Kardashian-level budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an equally luxurious vacation to Morocco. And the “Red City” of Marrakech is the perfect place to start. With over a million people calling it home, and millions more visiting every year, Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most popular cities. The city’s culture is reflected in its architecture, which includes traditional Islamic designs as well as influences from Europe and North Africa. This extends to the city’s luxury hotels. From riads — a traditional property set around a central garden or courtyard — marble clad opulent palaces accommodations, to big-name hotels, there’s an impressive collection of stunning properties scattered across the bohemian city. To help you make an informed decision about your vacation to Morocco, here is a list of some of the best Marrakech hotels.
Morocco is an incredible place to visit for a variety of reasons. The country’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people make it the perfect getaway. Morocco offers something for everyone; from picturesque beaches to rugged mountains, there are endless ways to explore the beauty of this diverse nation. These Morocco Airbnbs showcase the best of the country.
In Morocco, the type of accommodations you choose to stay in is almost as important as the destinations you choose to visit. In the medinas of popular cities, riad stays are a must to experience traditional Moroccan dwellings that have been converted into boutique hotels or guesthouses, usually with an interior courtyard that makes them undeniably charming. Morocco’s desert experiences are equally famous, meaning camping—or rather glamping—should be on your list of priorities too. From bustling Marrakech to the nearby Agafay Desert and the port city of Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, these three accommodations in Morocco are worth traveling for.
Marrakesh is brimming with culture, history, and beauty. This bustling metropolis is filled with attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. The Ryad Dyor Riad Marrakech offers guests an experience. This traditional Moroccan riad combines modern design with classic comfort for the perfect Moroccan experience.