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.
21.07.2023 - 08:40 / roughguides.com / Jennifer Lopez
Many visitors return again and again to the same familiar place in Morocco, be it Marrakesh or Essaouira. And with wonderful markets, historic sights and delicious food right on the doorstep, who can blame them? For a very good reason to explore further afield, look to the varied range of music festivals and other events held throughout the country. The fast and modern train network makes getting around Morocco easier than ever before, while regular flights make it a perfect weekend break from almost anywhere in Europe. Here’s our roundup of the top Morocco festivals you shouldn’t miss this year.
An open air festival in the Sahara, the International Nomad Festival is much more than music, taking in dance, poetry, weaving, sport and other aspects of nomadic culture. To get even more from the experience sign up for a workshop and gain a deeper insight into nomadic life around the world.
Traditional music is part of the International Nomad Festival © StanislavBeloglazov/Shutterstock
The International Festival of World Music is an intimate Moroccan festival, with some 20,000 attendees. The events are held in an oasis famous for its sunsets and sand spas. Watch Moroccan and international music, then take a camel ride into the dunes, or attend an biodiversity seminar. The environment is a constant theme in this unique festival.
Held over nine days, Casablanca's Jazzablanca festival has attracted the likes of Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Di Meola, Moorcheeba, Jason Mraz and Chick Corea, as well as emerging Moroccan and international artists. The main venue is the Casa-Anfa racecourse, with a second free stage (dedicated to the upcoming talent) at Place des Nations-Unies in the heart of the city.
Jazzablanca celebrates both new and established artists © Alfonso Reno Erawan/Shutterstock
Originally a celebration of World Music, the huge Mawazine Festival now attracts more mainstream international stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Lenny Kravitz and Usher. The biggest names in African and Arab music are also still featured, including Angelique Kidjo, Cheikh Lo and Youssou N’dour. With its four main stages and free entry, some 2.5 million spectators attend annually, making Mawazine one of the world’s biggest music festivals.
Mawazine Music Festival in Rabat © Morocco Tourism
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Gnaoua is a traditional form of Berber music that is now a vital part of modern Moroccan culture. Gnaoua World Music Festival celebrates this music, and also features reggae, jazz, blues and other world music styles. Musicians of various styles jamming together is an important part of this festival – and a nod to the spiritual origins of Gnaoua. The beautiful setting of Essaouira adds to the sometimes otherworldly vibe.
Musicians at
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.
It’s no secret that it’s been a year of ups and downs—but one silver lining is the affordable travel possibilities it’s opened up for American travelers. Thanks to expanding air routes, a strong U.S. dollar, and tour companies catering to younger, more frugal tourists, the world is now more accessible than ever.
If you want to stay at the best hotel in the United States, head to the French Quarter Inn in Charleston, South Carolina. And if you’re looking for the best bargain hotel stay in the world, it’s in a small town in northern Spain. That’s according to TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, which just shared the best hotel ratings for multiple categories heading into 2019.
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.
Marrakech is an incredibly vibrant and culturally-rich destination that should not be missed by anyone. From the bustling souks of the medina to the magical Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech is a mix of both modern and ancient influences which make it unique. Visitors can enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine, experience mesmerizing historical sites, and explore the stunning natural landscapes that surround the city. With its bright colors, lively atmosphere, and friendly people, Marrakech is a great place to visit for those looking to experience something truly special. These Airbnbs highlight the city’s distinct beauty.
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.
The Sunrise Palace in Merzouga, Morocco, is a luxurious destination for the discerning traveler. Set among lush gardens and overlooking the stunning desert landscape, this traditional palace has been expertly renovated to reflect its original grandeur of Moroccan culture. From the lobby with its intricate arches and hand-painted tiles to the majestic courtyards and grand salons, this majestic palace is sure to make any guest feel as though they are walking in the footsteps of Moroccan royalty.
A port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira has been a popular tourist destination since the 1960s when it began to attract laid-back bohemian types. In the decades that followed, Essaouria’s popularity continued to grow as more people discovered its stunning beaches, UNESCO-protected medina, fresh seafood, and vibrant arts scene. Ask today’s travelers, and most will tell you that Essaouira is now a Moroccan must. If you plan on visiting, make sure to cross these five experiences off your bucket list.
Metropolises like Marrakech, Fes, and cinematically immortalized Casablanca drive a lot of tourism to Morocco. But the North African nation’s touristic value extends far beyond its big cities, from ports like Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Visitors might be surprised to learn how easy it is to plan a desert getaway from Morocco’s top destinations, especially if they set their sights on the Agafay Desert an hour outside of Marrakech.
Morocco’s tourist track isn’t well-beaten, it’s been thumped flat. Ask anyone who has been and the chances are they’ll have visited some combination of Marrakesh, the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains and Essaouira – and they’ll probably have a small stuffed camel and a leather purse to prove it.