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Fez: The Best Places To See The Moroccan History & Culture

visit fez Morocco

Moroccan Tourism

Fez: The Best Places To See The Moroccan History & Culture

Fez: The Best Places To See The Moroccan History & Culture

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Visit Fez the capital of Moroccan spirituality and culture

#About Fez
#Al Quaraouiyine University
#Bou Inania school and the Attarine medersa
#Medersa Attarine
#Medersa Bou Inania
#Chouara Tanneries
#Bab Boujloud
#Batha Museum
#Fondouk Nejjarine
#Ibn Danan Synagogue
#Conclusion

Formerly the capital of Morocco, the one that shines today for its medina and its traditional tanneries, still keeps many other secrets. Fez bears witness to a rich historical past of which it has not lost a crumb thanks to renovation projects undertaken by the local authorities.

It is a maze of smells, colors and handicrafts of all kinds. The medina of Fez is the pride of the spiritual and cultural capital of the kingdom. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it was the capital founded by the Idrisid dynasty between 789 and 808 AD.

Fez was indeed, until 1912, the capital of the kingdom.

From that time, the two entities of the medina of Fez evolved in symbiosis constituting one of the great Islamic metropolises embodying a wide variety of architectural forms and urban landscapes. (…) This architecture is characterized by construction and decoration techniques developed over a period of more than ten centuries, and where local knowledge and know-how and various external inspirations (Andalusian, Oriental, and African) were mixed. “, underlines Unesco on its site.

 “The medina of Fez is considered one of the largest and best preserved historic cities in the Arab-Muslim world,” adds the UN institution. The imperial heritage of the city of Fez is still palpable today, and its medina is an indelible trace of it.

It is also fortified by a whole series of ramparts, resulting from the various developments that have marked the history of the city.

Restore the city to its full beauty:

But above all, the most tangible historical imprint undoubtedly remains Al Quaraouiyine University. What was initially a mosque became over the centuries the place of a prestigious universal education.

Considered the oldest university in the world still in operation by Unesco, the university is also an architectural gem, with its finely carved cedar sections, carefully worked plasterwork and subtly decorated zelliges.

Driven by a quest for knowledge and knowledge, students flocked from all over the Merinid Empire. They were lodged in the Attarine medersa, which graciously offered them board and lodging, provided they showed perseverance.

The rehabilitation of coranic schools, or medersas, is also in the wake of a tolerant Islam, repeatedly advocated by Morocco and King Mohammed VI. Launched on March 4, 2013 under the aegis of the monarch, the program of restoration and rehabilitation of the historic medersas of the medina of Fez was crowned in May 2017 by a presentation ceremony chaired by the Moroccan sovereign.

Among the famous medersas of Fez, it is worth mentioning the largest, that of Cherratine, which was built by Sultan Moulay Rachid in 1670 on the ruins of the Al Labbadine medersa. Installed on three floors, it has nearly a hundred rooms that can accommodate up to two hundred students from Al Quaraouiyine University.

Other architectural gems to visit absolutely: the Bou Inania school and the Attarine medersa. They are built like a riad, adorned with a central patio, a pond and a fountain, the rooms being around this square to accommodate the students.

The pleasure of the eyes lies in the zelliges, sculpted plaster and other cedar wood worked in an artisanal way.

Both are located in the medina of Fez, where it is good to stroll and get lost in its maze.

The Fassi city is also famous for its leather and its brightly colored tanneries. In the tanners’ souk reside three ancient tanneries, the largest and oldest being the Chouara tannery, which is almost a thousand years old. Its tanners work hard to produce 2,911 to 5,132 processed leather hides.

Nestled in the Blida district, opposite the zaouïa Sidi Hammoumi and Derb El-Mitta, the place attracts almost all tourists to the spiritual capital of Morocco. Because there resides an exceptional historical and cultural part of Morocco and its beauties.

DarDif has summarized all to you dear reader, to ensure that you live the best experience possible on your trip to the imperial city:

 #1- Medersa Attarine

“Medersa” means school in Arabic and you will find many very old Koranic schools in the Medina of Fes. Theology was studied there but also many other scientific disciplines. One of the schools worth visiting is the Medersa Attarine which was built in the 14th century by Sultan Abu Said Uthman.

It is quite small in size and could accommodate only 60 students. But it is known to be the most beautiful school in the city of Fes. It is indeed a real architectural pearl and you will be able to admire in particular superb bas reliefs and beautiful cedar furniture. A true work of art!

#2 – Medersa Bou Inania

The Medresa Bou Inania is also one of the most visited schools in Fes and it has the particularity of having a minaret. The faithful went to the Medresa Bou Inania to pray there on Friday (holy day in Islam).

It is important to note that even though it is a Muslim place of worship, this school is open to non-Muslims and therefore it is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the local culture.

#3 – Chouara Tanneries

The city of Fes is also known for its traditional crafts and in particular for its leather work. And to realize it, do not hesitate to take a tour of the side of the Chouara tanneries which are located north of the Medina. It is one of the 3 big tanneries of the city and it was set up in the 11th century!

You will find workers there who still use traditional techniques to make their precious leather. The process is simple, the skins of cows or sheep are first cleaned with a lime-based mixture. They are then processed in pigeon excrement to soften the skins. Once treated, the men knead the skins with their feet for hours under the blazing sun.

Penultimate step, the skins are soaked in stone vases containing natural dyes based on indigo or saffron for example. The last step is then to dry the leather. It will then be used to make bags, belts or slippers.

As you will have understood, you will be treated to a truly incredible spectacle and this whole palette of colors makes the Chouara tannery extremely photogenic. It is really the experience not to be missed if you travel to Fes.

#4 – Bab Boujloud

“Bab” means “door” in Arabic and Bab Boujloud is one of the gateways to the old town of Fes. It was built in the 12th century and it is surely one of the most beautiful buildings in the Medina. You will notice the beautiful blue ceramics that cover the upper part of the door.

#5 – Batha Museum

Even if the Medina is itself a real open-air museum, it is still interesting to visit the Batha museum to learn more about the local culture. You will find there in particular a beautiful garden at the entrance but also embroidery, pottery, carpets and many other artisanal products from Fes.

#6 – Fondouk Nejjarine

A “Foundouk” is in fact a caravanserai, that is to say a place where caravans can stop by depositing their goods and their camels. And the Foundouk Nejjarine (carpenters in Arabic) is now a museum that exhibits the works of wood craftsmen from the city of Fes.

Note that the Foundouk was built in the 18th century and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

#7 – Ibn Danan Synagogue

Slightly outside the Medina you will find the beautiful Ibn Danan Synagogue built in the 18th century by the Danan family. It may come as a surprise, but there has been a Jewish community in the Maghreb for a very long time now and it has never been a problem.

There are therefore superb synagogues in Muslim countries such as Morocco or Tunisia with the beautiful Ghriba synagogue in Djerba.

To conclude:

When the most imperial of Moroccan cities welcomes its guests, it intends to share with them the most precious way of life. Open-air museum, Fez rivals Venice, Florence, Athens as a living universal heritage.

The refinement of its palaces, the richness of its museums, the grandeur of its medersas which housed the greatest scholars of the Golden Age, the profusion of its mosques as so many homages to the greatness of God are, if you love culture and arts, you will find in fez an invitation to discovery constantly renewed.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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Moroccan Tourism

The Best Destinations to Enjoy Your Spring in Morocco

Best destinations in Spring in Morocco

Moroccan Tourism

The Best Destinations to Enjoy Your Spring in Morocco

The Best Destinations to Enjoy Your Spring in Morocco

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The best thing to visit in Morocco in the spring

A common misconception about Morocco is that it is scorching hot all year round. However, being a
country on the Mediterranean, Morocco actually has four distinct seasons. Though temperatures
vary, Morocco is usually very sunny, making it a perfect holiday destination.


Another thing to think about when planning your ideal time to come to Morocco is local holidays and
events. For example, traveling during Ramadan will give you a different view of Morocco. Depending
on what type of trip you want, these could be times you especially seek out. Just be aware, so you
know what to expect!

Want a sunny day? Morocco, its diversity of landscapes, its azure beaches, its cities witnessing the mixing of cultures embodies the ideal destination for the Spring holidays. Get a tan early and taste the pleasures of Moroccan slow-life.

Spring in Morocco is usually considered the best time to visit. Temperatures are pleasant and it is
sunny. Spring is also a beautiful time for the landscape of Morocco as everything is bright and green.

Town dwellers

Land in Casablanca, a city as surprising as it is hectic. Don’t miss its retro-looking downtown, stroll
along its Corniche, try out the city’s trendy restaurants, visit the sumptuous Hassan II Mosque and
immerse yourself in the country’s economic capital.

Mosque Hassan 2 – Casablanca


Who lives a mile an hour. Calmer, its neighbor Rabat invites you to let go. Stroll through its city
center which is full of atypical places, treat yourself to a tour of the must-sees such as the Hassan
Tower and finally a stopover in the nearby beaches.

Photograph the Famed Blue Alleys of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is the most famous village of Morocco’s Rif Mountains, with the alleys and walls of its
small medina all washed in blue tones, making it one of Morocco’s most photographed spots.The
town is near Tetouan, 197 kilometers northwest of Fes, and 112 kilometers southeast of Tangier,
making it an easy stop-off on a journey through Morocco’s northern region.

Chefchaouen

The main activity in town is simply wandering the skinny lanes and soaking up the atmosphere,
though once you’ve marveled at the colorful streets, there’s plenty of hikes in the Rif Mountains to
head off on.

Chefchaouen’s distinctive architecture, which features Spanish-style balconies and ceramic-tiled
roofs, is due to the Muslim and Jewish refugees who were evicted from Spain in the 15th century and
settled here. The blue color of the buildings, though, only began in the 1930s.

Shop amid the Medina in Fez

Although Marrakesh remains the favorite Moroccan city-break destination and attracts many visitors
solely for its shopping, Fez is the country’s undisputed artisanal capital.
Within the maze-like confines of Fes’ high-walled medina (called Fes el-Bali), you’ll find artisan
workshops making traditional copperware and carpentry, dying leatherware (the tanneries of Fes are
one of the most photographed sights within the medina), and the famous blue and white Fassi
ceramics.


While shopping in Fes medina, it’s a good idea to steer away from the well-trodden tourist streets,
where shops and stalls mostly sell trinkets or overpriced handicrafts. The workshops of the artisans,
hidden down in the back alleys, are where you’ll discover the best shopping.

Heritage

History buffs, head for El Jadida a few kilometers south of Casablanca. From the passage of the
Portuguese it retains vestiges which give it a particular character. In the Portuguese city, in the shade
of the ramparts, stroll. Take a break at the beach, the coast of El Jadida offers beautiful sessions of
idleness. Then continue your route south to Essaouira, mysterious and inspiring, a true oasis for
travelers. Picturesque medina, water sports and golf, the city of the trade winds has no shortage of
arguments to seduce you.

Beaches

No vacation without long hours spent lazing on the sand? Opt for a trip to Tangier and its heavenly
beaches in addition to a charming city that reveals its secrets as you stroll through its streets. The
North of Morocco, lulled by the turquoise of the Mediterranean offers breathtaking landscapes.

Surf the wave? Agadir in the South, with its multitude of world-renowned surf spots, should satisfy
you. The city with permanent sunshine offers its visitors, in addition to its expanses of sand and its
ideal waves, a lively night life.


Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast (191 kilometers west of Marrakesh), is known as the windy
city, and although many visitors head here simply to enjoy the sea breezes and explore the medina,
Essaouira’s prevailing winds have made it a top windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing destination.

In particular, the small beachfront hamlet of Sidi Kaouki, 25 kilometers to the south of town, is
dedicated to windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing holidays, with plenty of lessons and packages on
offer, as well as equipment hire.


For a vacation not centered around water sports, Essaouira has a fine beach, with plenty of blustery
winds, and there are surf shops right on the sand.

Authentic

Do you dream of discovering the charms of Morocco? Marrakech, its medina, its souks, its designer
boutiques, its Palmeraie, its special atmosphere is unmissable. Between desert and mountains of the
High Atlas, the ocher city leaves no one indifferent. Fez, further inland also offers a splendid glimpse
of Arab-Muslim culture and architecture. City of traditions, witness to the golden age of Arab
hegemony over knowledge, Fez is a jewel to discover between monuments, medina, and crafts. take
a City Break in Style in a Marrakesh Riad

Marrakesh’s accommodation is an attraction in itself, and for many travelers, one of the top things to
do on a city break here is to stay in one of the medina’s (old town’s) riad hotels.

A riad is a traditional Moroccan medina mansion, with a courtyard garden in the middle. Many have
been restored to finery and opened as hideaway small hotels that have swags of traditional
Moroccan artisan expertise on display, with wood ceilings, tadelakt (polished lime plaster) walls,
traditional zellij (ceramic tile) details, and brass swinging lamps.

Hidden within the medina alleys, and with rooftop terraces and internal courtyards (sometimes with
plunge pools) to relax in, Marrakesh’s riad hotels make for a soft landing in the city and are good
bases for exploring the medina

Hike Jebel Toubkal

Jebel Toubkal is the highest mountain in north Africa, with its summit at 4,167 meters. The two-day
return trek to its summit is the most popular walk in the High Atlas, and one of the most popular
activities in Morocco.

Toubkal mountains

It’s a non-technical trek (no climbing), but as the upper reaches are steep, it involves trekking up
scree slopes. It also takes place at altitude, and the trek can be difficult, so a decent level of fitness is
required. The stunning views all along the trail, as well as on the summit, are worth all the sweat,
though.

Enthusiastic hikers can opt to trek the Toubkal Circuit instead of just make the two-day ascent. The
Toubkal Circuit is a seven-day trek, which takes in much of the surrounding High Atlas countryside
before ascending Jebel Toubkal’s summit.

Jebel Toubkal sits in Toubkal National Park, and the main center of activity for arranging treks and
other activities in the area is the village of Imlil, 67 kilometers south of Marrakesh.

Mountain Bike or Hike the Ounilla Valley Area?

Mountain bikers, hikers, and off-road drivers will love the trails here. They wind through this fertile
valley of orchards and farmlands, speckled with isolated settlements and crumbling mudbrick
kasbahs (forts) and ksar (fortified villages).

This High Atlas valley stretches from Telouet (127 kilometers southeast of Marrakesh) to the
UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which is the main historic highlight and gets plenty of day
trippers, but the valley itself is a peaceful slice of rural life where you’re unlikely to see any other
visitors.

Multi-day treks or bike rides can be arranged, or it’s easy to use Telouet or Ait Benhaddou as bases
for exploring the wider area with day hikes and bike rides.

In conclusion

As you will have understood, Morocco can be visited at any time of the year. However, choose the
mid-season if you can. All the climatic conditions are in fact combined in spring to make your trip as
successful and unforgettable as possible.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

Join to our mailing list to get Updates and Special Deals only available via Email

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

Ready to Write Your Morocco
Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.

 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

Ready to Write Your Morocco Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.

Categories
Historic Sites Moroccan Tourism Sea & Beaches

Visit Safi: 19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Safi

Visit Safi Morocco

Moroccan Tourism

Visit Safi: 19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Safi

Visit Safi: 19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Safi

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The full tourism guide to discover Safi

Renowned in Morocco and around the world for the quality of its ceramic pottery, Safi is a city
steeped in history as well as Souiria Lakdima, a summer and vacation resort and the charming beach
of Cap Bedouza.

Fit for any visitor eager for discovery. Crossroads between the North and the South of the Kingdom,
the city of Safi, presents an important and diversified tourist potential.

Admittedly, seaside tourism occupies a special place there thanks to a long coastline of fine sandy
beaches, but the city with a glorious past has other tourist assets made up of historical sites, natural
settings conducive to relaxation and discovery.

The hinterland has many attractions for a diversified tourist activity: hiking, discoveries and visits to
historical sites, sports practice….

Open to the Atlantic Ocean, the city has always been a privileged space for the exchange of ideas,
goods and encounters between people, so much does it nourish the spirit of adventure, freedom and
discovery so dear to people of the sea.


Safi tour:

  • The medina and the Souk alley

To discover and appreciate the beauty of the old medina, it is pleasant to take the boulevard along
the seafront from Place of independence, to reach Rue du Souk. This street is in fact the main artery
of the medina which crosses the city on both sides to Bab Chaâba.
The many stalls that line this long narrow street alone concentrate all the commercial activity of the
medina.

The charm and interest of the place are justified by this architectural harmony combining buildings
and buildings of different cultures and faiths (Christian, Muslim and Jewish).

Thus, once arrived at the height of the great mosque, a passage leads straight to the Portuguese
chapel, built in 1519. The building which still retains traces of the Manueline style is the heart of the
cathedral of Safi.

  • The Sea Castle (Ksar El Bhar)

This “Sea Castle” built by the Portuguese in the 15th century was for some time the seat of the
governor. It served as a fortress to defend and protect the northern part of the old port, the city and
the Governor’s Residence. It was fully restored in 1963.

Its large monumental door opens onto the , or place d’armes, where you can admire a dozen old
Spanish and Dutch cannons pointing towards the ocean.
And you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, the port and the old medina, from the southwest
bastion of the Sea Castle.

  • Borj Eddar the kechla

The imposing walls of this citadel date from the Portuguese occupation (1508 and 1514) as
evidenced by the coat of arms of King Emmanuel 1st on one of the towers of the citadel.

A monumental door leads directly to a large platform lined with old cannons as well as a superb
semi-circular tower from which there is a panoramic view of the city of Safi and more particularly its
port, its medina, its minaret of the R ‘bat and the Potters’ Hill.

  • The Potters’ Hill

Rich in rare mineralogical resources and enjoying ideal climatic conditions, Safi has been able to
develop its own craft activity which has made and continues to make its reputation both nationally
and internationally.

The city became the first African pottery center and the first school of ceramics in Africa.
The Potters’ Hill brings together master potters, ceramists and weavers who, thanks to their knowhow and dexterity, have made the city a destination of choice for local crafts.

Safi has raw materials such as clay and natural fuels (broom) used to heat the cooking ovens, as well
as ancestral craftsmanship.

The city walls Of Almohad origin, the wall surrounding the city was rebuilt by the Portuguese
between 1510 and 1540. Equipped with a walkway and a parapet, it is flanked by several towers and
pierced by several doors, the most important of which are Bab Achaâba and Bab El Kouass.

  • The biggest tagine in the world

Safi also owes its fame to the largest tajine of sardine dumplings in the world presented on Saturday
July 10, 1999 on Place Mohammed V.

Two hundred women participated in the preparation of this gigantic dish. This feat is listed in the
Guinness Book of Records.

This tagine measures 6.30 m in diameter and 4.5 m in height. It was decorated by the best potters in
the city.

  • The Medersa

This monument built near the Great Mosque of Safi around 1218 of the Hegira served as a residence
for students who followed the courses given by the Ulemas within the Mosque.

  • Dar Soltan

Dar Soltan “The House of the Sultan” is a citadel whose origin dates back to the Almohad period
(XIXIIIth centuries), it served as protection for the city because of its position.

Over the centuries, the monument has undergone frequent renovations and rearrangements.
Between 1508 and 1541, the Portuguese endowed it with a large tower engraved with a coat of arms
of the Portuguese King Emmanuel 1st (currently called Borj Dar).

The site enjoys a panoramic view of the city and particularly of the cascade of houses in the medina,
descending towards the Château de la Mer and the Ocean.

Currently, the monument houses the National Museum of Ceramics. The Portuguese Cathedral It was
built by the Portuguese in 1519 in the Emmanuelin style. During his retreat from the city in 1541,
King Emmanuel ordered its destruction.

Only a vaultless chapel and a heart have been preserved. Later, what remained of the cathedral was
transformed into a public Hammam (Hammam al Bwiba). It was still functioning until the beginning
of this century.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Department of Fine Arts at the time intervened to remedy
this situation by classifying the cathedral as a historical monument.

  • Fishing harbor

The port of Safi is one of the largest sardine ports in Africa. To contemplate the incessant coming and
going of fishing boats and boats, you can take a walk on the port side.

The fish-rich waters of the coasts of the Safi region allow trawlers and fishing boats to land some 26
tons of fresh fish daily, which can be obtained at very affordable prices.

  • The National Museum of Ceramics

This museum provides a global look at the production of ceramics in Morocco and highlights the city
of Safi, renowned for its artisanal production and its workshops since the end of the 19th century.
The exhibition offers a collection of works large enough to capture this invaluable part of the national
heritage.

Presented chronologically, it offers visitors a retrospective on several periods of history.
From prehistory to contemporary times, from the sugar factories of Chichaoua to the pottery of the
Rif, without forgetting the pottery with green glaze of Tamegroute and the enamelled and
polychrome ceramics of Meknes and Fez, the diversity of ancestral techniques used over the
centuries is in value to remind visitors, from here and elsewhere, of the rich heritage of Morocco.

The course of the museum makes it possible to trace a map of Morocco on the one hand, the objects
found during archaeological excavations and, on the other hand, the artefacts produced in the
Moroccan workshops.


To attract more people, the museum is betting on a modern layout and offers a multimedia space,
fun activities and documentation adapted to the different visitor profiles.
On the heights of the city, overlooking the medina and the ocean, this museum is a place of memory
in tribute to the diversity and authenticity of Moroccan ceramics, rich in various influences that have
shaped its success.


A heritage that it was necessary to preserve to recall the work of the craftsmen who, for centuries,
have modeled History in clay and clay. This place is also dedicated to these great “maâllems”, these
masters who bring out forms and meaning in their hands.
Ceramics is a marker of time that allows us to trace the history of Moroccan civilizations and show
their many facets.

  • Hunting and fishing tourism

The Safi region is rich in game. There are hares, quails, snipes, red partridges and wild pigeons. In
winter, teal, ducks and common cranes…

In addition to this potential, there is the Royal Reserve of the Gazelle of Sidi Chiker on 1987 hectares,
with 280 heads.

For fishing enthusiasts, the beach at Cape Beddouza is a top resort and relaxation spot. Fishing for
sea trout, wolf, conger and ray is within the reach of amateurs, given the abundance of marine game.

Safi and its beaches:

The beach of the city of Safi Surf Park of Sidi Bouzid, is characterized by a wave classified as one of
the best in the world.

  • Lalla Fatna beach

Located 15 km from Safi, one of the most beautiful beaches in Safi. Dominated by a high cliff, it offers
its visitors the calm and expanse of its beach with long strips of golden sand. This beach, endowed
with a mild climate, remains a tourist area very popular with summer visitors.

  • Cape Beddouza Beach

For lovers of fishing, hiking and speleological discoveries, this charming beach halfway between Safi
and Oualidia is a top resort and relaxation spot.

  • Ras el-Lafâa (Devil’s Rock)

A world-class surfing point break, its wave ranks among the top ten straights in the world. The
location and the good wind conditions also attract wind and kite surfers. Classified among the “World
Class Waves”, the Safi wave has become an unmissable attraction for world surfing champions.

  • Karam Daif Beach

60 km along the coast, south of Oualidia, this is a magnificent, very wide and well-maintained beach
which also offers services to bathers.

  • Souira Lakdima Beach (Blue Flag)

Finally, 36 kilometers south of Safi, for lovers of discovery and adventure, you will discover Souira
Lakdima Beach, a summer and holiday resort. Its calm, its expanse and its forest offer opportunities
for hunting, fishing and scuba diving.

Events in Safi:

Safi offers the triple attraction of old Portuguese buildings, a very active port and a living city. It also
offers its visitors a multitude of artistic, cultural and sporting events and events.

  • The Sea Festival

Safi has its annual meeting of the sea in May around the theme of the sea and sailors.
For the record, in Safi, the fishing season don’t start until the imperturbable ceremonial of the
festivities organized each year at the Sidi Bouzekri mausoleum during the moussem of the fishermen
sailors.


The season begins with prayers and incantations, the solemn sacrifice of a black goat and the long
trance of the people of the sea, all fervent followers of the brotherhood of the Hmadchas.
Various songs, old and new, is on the program every year.

The Sea Festival is organized between the exhibition hall, the conferences, the gastronomic festival
and the shows on a total area of 4,000 m2 with 100 exhibition stands for 50,000 visitors and
participants.

  • The Bladi Safi Caftan Festival

The Caftan Bladi event, organized in March, aims, among other things, to highlight the talent of Safi
craftswomen and to support them financially. It brings together sewing professionals and artists who
give impetus to the promotion of this art in the region.

Human, artistic and cultural encounter. This appointment schedules fashion shows, exhibitions,
sewing workshops, to promote embroidery and weaving in the region.

  • Aita Festival

Organized in August by the Ministry of Culture, this event is a meeting place for a public connoisseur
or simply amateur of this musical genre perpetuated in this region.

(Read about Ganwa festival in Essaouira)

Gastronomy and local products

Safi is known for its culinary art and has acquired his stripes at the international level.
It reflects a certain art of living and keeps the specialties of the region, namely: tajine, couscous, fish,
pastries, etc…

  • A varied cuisine


The praline fish, the marzipan, the orange salad with black olives, the fondant meringue with
walnuts… Families have been able to perpetuate this culinary delicacy. There are other variants, with
for example caramelized tomatoes (matecha maâssla) and flavored with orange blossom water.
You can also be tempted by a fish stuffed with steamed saffron rice, then mixed with raisins and
crushed almonds.


Mint tea, the national drink, is also served to guests as an accompaniment to Moroccan cakes such as
gazelle horns, ghoriba (shortbread), Massabane (typical Safiot cake)…


At the gastronomic level Safi, like any Moroccan city will enchant you with very rich and varied
dishes, you can taste a Berber couscous, an olive tagine, a fish tagine or other dishes based on argan
oil, of olive oil or amlou.


Safi inherited the gastronomy of Western Andalusia (Spanish West and Portugal), it is part of the
Moroccan-Portuguese heritage to which gastronomy does not escape: Salad of Market Hazina with
argan oil, dishes and fish-based tagines, the famous Safiote cake: Massapan, without forgetting that
Berber cuisine and especially Jewish cuisine have marked this region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH90fl1AXe0
Safi in Motion


To conclude


Safi and its surroundings have confirmed their rank as a tourist destination in their own right, with
their immense potential, whether in the fields of history, biodiversity or the richness of the
landscapes.

A visit of the city is recommended for tourists eager for a total change of scenery, aspiring to take
advantage of local tourism or the discovery of curiosities. The dazzling of the senses remains the key
word of any stay in the region.

It offers visitors the triple advantage of being both a city with a past
steeped in history, a living and active city thanks to its merchant port and a city renowned at the
artisanal level for its pottery and ceramics.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
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Moroccan Tourism

Finally, Morocco To Reopen Its Borders This Month

Morocco Opens The Airspace Borders February 2022

Moroccan Tourism

Finally, Morocco To Reopen Its Borders This Month

Finally, Morocco To Reopen Its Borders This Month

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Morocco reopens its airspace in February after more than 2 months of closure

The Moroccan government has decided to reopen the airspace from February 7 to flights to and from the country, after more than two months of closure, according to a statement released Thursday evening by the MAP agency.

Authorities were under pressure from a bankrupt tourism sector and Moroccans stranded abroad to unblock borders closed since November 29 due to an outbreak of the Omicron variant.

“This decision comes in accordance with the legal provisions relating to the management of the state of health emergency and following the recommendations of the scientific and technical commission and taking into account the evolution of the epidemiological situation in the kingdom”, indicates the press release.

“To support the implementation of this decision, a technical commission is currently examining the measures to be adopted at the border posts and the conditions required for travelers, which will be announced later”, specifies the same source.

The government also extended Thursday the state of health emergency in force since 2020, throughout the territory, until February 28.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) announced, this Friday, the resumption of its international scheduled flights, on its entire network, from February 7, 2022, date of the reopening of the Moroccan borders within the framework of measures related to the Covid-19 health crisis. Pending the resumption of regular air traffic, special flights continue to operate from January 28 to February 6, 2022, to Paris, Brussels, Milan, Barcelona and Madrid.

In reference to the government’s decision, announced Thursday evening, RAM is preparing to reschedule its flights to and from Morocco, thus replacing the special one-way flights, operated on a limited basis in recent months to a few international destinations. In a press release, the airline indicated that “the flight program will thus include direct flights connecting Morocco to around fifty airports in Europe, Africa, America, the Middle East and Asia”.

According to the same source, the RAM “will strengthen its flight program with a gradual increase in the number of frequencies and destinations”, to better support travelers as part of the resumption of international traffic. In this sense, the company recalls that the trips will be carried out “in strict compliance with the conditions required by the public authorities which will be announced later, in order to guarantee the health and safety” of customers and staff.

Tickets for flights available for sale can be purchased through RAM’s website, through its call centers and sales agencies, as well as through the travel agency network, the company said.

Until 4 p.m. this Friday, 4,899 cases of the new coronavirus have been recorded in Morocco. Thus, the total number of people infected since the start of the health crisis in the country has reached 1,124,986. In addition, 24,653,642 people have received, until today, the first dose of the vaccine against Covid-19. , while 23,071,933 received the second and 4,358,048 received the third.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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Historic Sites Moroccan Tourism Sea & Beaches

Visit Casablanca: The Best Things To Do In Casablanca

Casablanca Morocco, Mosque Hassan 2

Moroccan Tourism

Visit Casablanca: The Best Things To Do In Casablanca

Visit Casablanca: The Best Things To Do In Casablanca

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The largest city and economic capital of Morocco, Casablanca has an incredible architectural heritage and some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. So, what do you must see in Casablanca ?

Heading to the Moroccan Atlantic coast, you will definitely decide when to visit Casablanca because we will take you to discover its most emblematic places !

Casablanca Hassan 2 mosque :

Mosque Hassan 2

The Casablanca Hassan 2 mosque is a massive structure that sits in the seashore mist.
The prayer hall has a total space of 20,000m2 and can seat 25,000 attendees. Outside, 80,000 people can pray in the courtyard.

The mosque’s position, which is partly constructed over the ocean and overlooks it, corresponds to a passage in the Qur’an that states that God’s seat is on the water.
It is the only mosque in Morocco that non-Muslims may attend on a daily basis. A must-see when you visit Casablanca.

Read : the best 9 historical places you must see in Casablanca

 

Place des Nations Unies :

United Nations Square

This place is designed by the French architect Joseph Marrast. It is one of Casablanca’s most important historical monuments. Following major reconstruction to allow tramway transit, the subterranean tunnels are undergoing further renovations as of March 2020 to restore them to their original level of grandeur and flair.

It is the future city’s epicenter. It serves as a connecting point between the historic medina and the contemporary city. You really need to visit this place to discover Casablanca because it serves as a link between the past and present.

Everything is close by: a tram station, the souk, luxury hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, stores, banks, business headquarters, and travel agencies.

Beach Ain Diab :

Ain Diab Beach

During the summer, this Casablanca beach is very popular. Residents and visitors to Casablanca seek relief from the heat of the city center by swimming at this vast stretch of wonderful sand beach.

Habous – New medina :

Habous Casablanca

Casablanca’s new medina or Habous, in the city’s southeast, was constructed by the French in the 1920s and remains one of the city’s most atmospheric districts.

Strolling around the Habous exposes a fascinating combination of French colonial buildings and traditional North African architecture, peppered with little souks offering Moroccan handicrafts and leather items, and is marked by small tree-lined squares, clean lanes, and exquisite arcades.

The Habous district, which is bordered by Boulevard Victor Hugo and includes such highlights as Casablanca’s elaborate royal palace and the Mahakma du Pacha (the Pacha’s courthouse), which dates from the 1950s and is renowned for its Spanish-Moorish design, is a must-see for those taking a walking tour of the city to discover Casablanca.

The Old Medina transports you into an authentic setting. All the alleys of this emblematic district of Casablanca breathe the history of the city.

Morocco Mall :

Morocco Mall

The Morocco Mall, was opened in 2011, is the world’s 20th biggest retail mall and Africa’s second largest. Located at the end of the spectacular Corniche.

A real national pride, a shopping paradise, and one of Casablanca’s most prominent emblems of economic vitality.

Fly to Casablanca to the greatest mall would be a good idea. It is a commercial hub where you can participate in a variety of entertaining activities. You can choose between fantastic international stores, sophisticated restaurants, movie theaters, an aquarium, ice skating, and so on.

For those who are unable to visit the historic medina, the Mall has established a separate souk on its premises. So, on your next vacation to Casablanca, we strongly suggest you to travel there with friends or family.

La Corniche :

Ain Diab Corniche

Casablanca’s corniche is a favorite weekend destination for people looking for some fresh air. It’s also where the most famous Casablanca nightlife can be found.

There are several wonderful beaches and private pools around La Corniche. Its huge beach, on the other hand, is distinctive.

It’s the ideal place for some sand time with the family while basking in the warm Casablanca sun. This is why this beach draws a large number of visitors as well as locals.

Take a stroll down the beach and take in the scenery!

Royal Palace :

Palais Royal Gate, Casablanca

This old Royal Palace is perhaps the city’s most stunning structure, located in the Habous area. It boasts magnificent Mediterranean gardens and was built in the 1920s in a rather contemporary Arab-Muslim design.

The Royal Palace of Casablanca, like all of the King’s many residences, is breathtakingly gorgeous. The royal residence is enormous in every manner, with enormous windows and notably stunning external walls.

The one in Casablanca, however, is extremely heavily guarded, as are all of the King’s palaces in various Moroccan cities. Getting inside is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. Its outstanding exterior architecture, on the other hand, is certainly worth a look… even from distance!

A significant destination in the city’s history that should not be overlooked when you visit Casablanca!

Best hotels for an unforgettable vacation in Casablanca:

The hotels prices in Casablanca are interesting. In the heart of Casablanca’s lively business district, the elegant building of the Sofitel Casablanca la Tour Blanche stands out. Step through the doors of this 5-star establishment and you are in a temple of design and splendor.

Sofitel Hotel

Behind the elegant and refined facade of the 5-star Hotel Le Casablanca, in a quiet and green residential area only 5 minutes from the center of Casablanca, a sumptuous universe awaits you.

At the Grand Mogador City Centre Hotel, you are invited to let go! Leave your vehicle with the valet and enter the lobby of this 5-star establishment. (Book Hotels in Casablanca)

15 minutes from the old medina and 10 minutes from the Habous district, the Movenpick Casablanca Hotel is ideally located for those who want to discover the city’s picturesque and architectural attractions on foot; an airport transfer service is provided by the hotel.

The largest city in all of Morocco has good addresses where you will always know what to do. Casablanca has a rich cultural and historical heritage, pleasant squares, welcoming restaurants, charming neighborhoods and a lively nightlife.

In short, you should not miss the White City during your tours in Morocco.

Read also about El Jadida , 1h15 far from Casablanca.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

Join to our mailing list to get Updates and Special Deals only available via Email

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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Ready to Write Your Morocco
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always imagined –
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what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
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designed around you. 

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Desert & Sahara Historic Sites Moroccan Tourism

Zagora : 10 Things About This Magnificent Desert

Visit Zagora Morocco Desert

Moroccan Tourism

Zagora : 10 Things About This Magnificent Desert

Zagora : 10 Things About This Magnificent Desert

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Dusty streets, terracotta buildings, huge skies. Zagora, in the south-east of Morocco, is a place that is inextricably linked with the Sahara Desert.

Named after the nearby mountain, Zagora was once a stronghold of the Almoravid people, and their legacy can still be seen in the surrounding hills.

Outside the town is the amazing Draa Valley, which follows the twists and turns of the river – an unforgettable place where thick groves of palm trees line the twists and turns of the river, while the Jbel Saghro mountain range rises in the background.

Riding Camels in Zagora Desert

Everything You Need To Know About Zagora :

1. Zagora culture


The culture you’ll find in Zagora is very different to that of the northern towns and cities. While you’re here make time for the Musée des Arts and Traditions de la Vallee de Draa.

This wonderful building is dedicated to the Amazigh way of life in the Draa Valley. With plenty of exhibits including jewelry, weapons, and even wedding outfits, this is a fascinating insight into the lives of the desert people.

And don’t miss the Festival of the Nomad in the nearby village of M’hamid where tribes from all over Morocco congregate to celebrate their unique culture.

2. Zagora cycling


The area around Zagora is ideal for enjoyable winter and spring riding. The weather at this time of the year is warm, but not overpoweringly hot, and riding in the desert under the Moroccan sun is an amazing experience.

The roads in the area are mainly good quality and work is ongoing to ensure that all roads are maintained. Once outside the town the road climbs gently up the Draa Valley, a lush valley lined with palm trees and greenery.

As you approach the high points, make sure you take time to enjoy the stunning views of the area.

If you’re more of an off-roader then you’ll find all the challenge that you could ever want, whether it’s dried up lakebeds, steep valley sides, or the sand of the Sahara itself.

3. Desert treks

Squad in Zagora Desert


The southern town of Zagora rests in the sands of the Sahara, making it an ideal base from which to take a desert trek. But it’s not all endless sands as far as the eye can see.

You can explore along the banks of the Oued Draa River, which bustles with wildlife, or travel by foot, 4×4, or camel through fields of date palms and into the stunning Draa valley.

The area retains its age-old charm with signs proclaiming that, if you were so inclined, it would take 52 days to reach Timbuktu by camel, (although we’d recommend getting the bus).

Hire a local guide or join an organized excursion, but make sure a desert trek is at the top of your ‘to do’ list.

4. Family days out


If you want a family holiday that is a world away from the usual beaches and theme parks, then a trip to Zagora is ideal. It’s a place where children can enjoy exploring the natural side of the world, in an environment that will captivate them.

Try a trek to the Draa Valley where your children can go fossil hunting or look for animals. The river that runs through it is perfect for a boating trip, and you’ll see traditional Amazigh villages and exotic wildlife.

A trip into the desert is a must, and what child could resist the chance to ride on a camel?

5. Food and drink


When it’s time to eat in Zagora you’ll have plenty of options for your dining pleasure. There are many restaurants in town, most towards the centre, and they serve a wide selection of traditional Moroccan dishes – fill your plates with couscous, tagines, or perhaps Madfouna – the ‘Berber Pizza’.

These delicious dishes have the dough on the outside, and are filled with all sorts of different foods such as lamb, steak, eggs, beef and vegetables. (Best Foods To Eat in Morocco)

It’s also worth visiting the souk and selecting your own wonderfully fresh food from the friendly stall holders.

6. Hammams


After a long hot day in Zagora, why not refresh yourself with a trip to a traditional hammam? There are several of these Moroccan bath houses in the town, usually family owned and run, and are an ideal way to cleanse yourself after a trip to the desert.

They’re also a great way to meet local Moroccans, who use their trips to the hammam as a social occasion as well as somewhere to get clean.

As well as the hammams in town, many hotels offer the same service. These are usually more similar to western style spas and more expensive than the traditional offerings, so the choice is yours!

7. People

Camel and Nomad


The people of Zagora have been shaped by their environment for many years. Centuries living on the edge of the desert have forged a strong sense of independence into these Moroccans, but at the same time they are friendly and welcoming to visitors to their town.

A mix of Arab and Amazigh, they have a proud past, and much of their ancestry can be traced back to the Almoravid dynasty who had a strong presence in this area during the eleventh century.

8. Zagora retreats

Sunset in Zagora Desert


If you’re looking for somewhere to go to get away from it all, rest, relax, and reconnect with yourself and nature then Zagora is the place to do just that.

The vast desert on its doorstep means that this is an extremely popular place to take a retreat, and there are many companies who will organize trips on which you can practice yoga, meditate, practice chakra flow and even desert flow in the quietude of the dunes.

9. Stayings

 

Riad Zagora
Riad Zagora

Zagora is a popular destination for tourists coming to see the desert so there are many hotels in the town to cater for visitors.

These are generally good quality places at reasonable prices, and many can organize treks into the desert and other excursions for you.

The traditional riad is another option, while a lot of people choose to get the full desert experience and spend the night in a nomadic camp outside the town. (Book Stays in Zagora)

10. Getting to Zagora

Zagora has an airport with direct flights from Ouarzazate, Casablanca and Marrakech.

Also people can choose to fly into Marrakech or Ouarzazate which can be reached with international flights from Europe, Asia, America… and get to Zagora by bus. (Book Flights to Morocco & Zagora)

The journey from Ouarzazate is around 100 miles, while Marrakech is approximately 225 miles away. There is a regular bus service to and from both these places to Zagora, which is by far the most popular and convenient way to arrive here.

To conclude :

Your journey will be enriched by the Zagora escape, an essential component of the plural Morocco, you will definitely be surprised by the difference and diversity of the region comparing to cities that may in first sight seem like Zagora, knowing that connoisseurs knows that every region in Morocco is unique in its own way.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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Moroccan Tourism

Where To Celebrate The New Year’s Eve in Morocco (2024 update)

New Year’s Eve in Morocco

Moroccan Tourism

Where To Celebrate The New Year's Eve in Morocco (2024 update)

Where To Celebrate The New Year's Eve in Morocco (2024 update)

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The best places where you can enjoy and celebrate the New Year’s Eve in Morocco 2024.

The term “festival” , as it is known everywhere, is simply an expression of importance and joy deeply related to a symbol of a certain social, religious, political or national affair.

Variant groups of people gather in festivals during a specific day every year in the memorial of a matter that means a lot to all of them. However, some of them might last for more than one day, which makes little children happier to celebrate the event with the different other individuals of adults and aged in an excited atmosphere. it is also familiar that the community which contains several sectors has a distinguished identity of cultural and secular diverse characteristics.

This suggest that a country as Morocco is strongly connected to history that it celebrates more than one New Year in the same year (the Gregorian, the Hijry or lunar, and the Amazigh year). This might be unusual to some, while it is a mark of excellence to others gathering one, two, three and more iconic features from numerous times in the same place.

How do Moroccans celebrate the New Year’s Eve?

Cities of Morocco became much more elegant in The New Year’s Eve and Christmas where the major Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Tangier and the costal line of the Atlantic Ocean turns charming, what is that unbelievable unique spell of beauty?

Most of the Moroccan young people like to spend the new year’s eve in interesting modes, so that they prefer to attend one of the huge festivals where music and songs figures.

Various people from different places around the world visit Morocco in NYE to meet their celebrities in one of the festivals organized systems.

They are breathtaking moments filled with joy, enchantment and kindness where fireworks, lightening ropes and carnations are spread everywhere, in the streets, houses public places, gardens and hotels as that they welcome  the new beginning of chances?

Despites the misfortunes of life, people in Morocco like to enjoy the arrival of the New year praying to God in this special to fulfill every human’s wish of good health and fortune.

How you can spend your Christmas + New Year’s Eve in Morocco

  • Under the stars of the desert

A New Year’s Eve in Morocco, in the desert, for an unforgettable transition to the New Year, as one dreams of, in the oases of the Great Moroccan South.

Spending New Year in the heart of the Moroccan desert is a very unique and unforgettable experience. In the program? Walk in the dunes and camel ride before reaching your camp for New Year’s Eve. After a superb day of discovery, gather around a campfire and enjoy a friendly moment in the desert, under the stars of Morocco.

Your New Year’s Eve menu will be very original: bread baked in the sand, prune tagine then tea and Moroccan pastries, for a change of scenery!

You will then enjoy your New Year’s Eve in a friendly atmosphere, in the middle of the silent dunes of the desert. A New Year’s Eve in the Moroccan desert that promises to be unforgettable, to start the New Year in Morocco!

For a New Year far from the grayness of winter, choose Morocco to celebrate the transition to the New Year in a gentle way. Festive meals in local colors, cultural visits and lively evenings await you for your New Year’s Eve in Morocco.

  • Festive evening in Marrakech

Marrakech and its sweetness of life are an ideal destination to spend a lively New Year’s Eve in Morocco. Immerse yourself in the heart of a bustling, lively and welcoming city, and discover all the riches of the Red City. Perfect mix between wild nature and culture, take advantage of your stay to discover all the treasures that Marrakech hides.

La Palmeraie is the ideal place to start your day of discovery before celebrating the New Year in Marrakech. Peaceful and restful place, stroll in its alleys and appreciate the calm of the place, a real journey for the senses.

The Majorelle Garden is not to be missed in Marrakech, as is a visit to the souks and the medina, to soak up Moroccan culture. In the evening, gather around a festive meal in the colors of Morocco, between local cuisine and oriental dance, then end the evening in one of the city’s clubs to celebrate the New Year.

The New Year in Marrakech promises you great discoveries, in a warm and festive atmosphere! Read more about where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marrakech

  • A new year in the ocean in ESSAOUIRA

How about spending your New Year in Morocco, by the ocean this year? Essaouira will seduce you with its relaxed lifestyle and the beauty of its landscapes. At the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, discover all the wealth of the city, from the medina through the ramparts and the port, you will not have time to be bored in Essaouira.

The souks of the city are also not to be missed, this is the best place to meet the locals and immerse yourself in the local culture of Morocco.

At the end of the day, take the time to drink a delicious Moroccan tea before enjoying a meal in local colors in one of the city’s many restaurants.

Take advantage of your stay in Essaouira to taste the specialties of the country: leg of lamb with prunes, chicken tajine or even meatballs are among the most popular festive dishes in Morocco!

Extend the evening in a bar or take advantage of the mild evening to stroll on the beach and start the New Year gently in Essaouira.

To conclude

The sources of cultural diversity, are numerous in Morocco that each aspect, festival, ceremony, is deeply rooted in authentic past. All components of Moroccan society are harmonically gathered in the land of the Kingdom to tell valuable stories to each new visitor.

Book your tour and excursion via Morocco Adventurous Tours – they can custom your Moroccan trip based on your interests too – just shoot an email : moroccoadventuroustours@gmail.com

 

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

Join to our mailing list to get Updates and Special Deals only available via Email

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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Ready to Write Your Morocco
Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.

 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

Ready to Write Your Morocco Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

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No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.

Categories
Moroccan Tourism Nature & Mountains

Ifrane : The Best 10 Attractions To Visit

Visit Ifrane Morocco

Moroccan Tourism

Ifrane : The Best 10 Attractions To Visit

Ifrane : The Best 10 Attractions To Visit

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In the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains, the domains of Tourist Reception of Ifrane, “home of the Cedar” is a fascinating charming destination located about sixty kilometers from the two large imperial cities of Meknes and Fez.

The region is full of lush green landscapes, lakes and immense forests of cedars, holm oaks and pines. It is also one of the Kingdom’s vast water reserves where the largest Oum Er-Rbia River originates.

The region is home to a multitude of picturesque villages with Berber cachet and ancestral traditions.

Ifrane, ecological capital of Morocco

The lush vegetation as well as the abundance of its water resources and fertile pastures has earned Ifrane the nickname of Ourti, which in Berber means “garden”.

The Ifrane area has exceptional assets characterized by plant diversity (cedar forests, holm oaks, pines) and animals (partridges, wild bears, magot monkeys, macaques) and landscapes (natural and artificial lakes, caves, volcanic sites and magnificent scenery, cedar groves and steppes) to which is added the richness of the cultural heritage of the Middle Atlas (folklore, clothing, zaouiat, wooden sculptures and jewelry items) and internationally recognized ornithological sites for observation certain endemic birds (coot, tadone, covert, perge bee-eater) which attract both national and foreign tourists.

Ifrane, the little Switzerland of Morocco

The first traces of humans in the region date back to the Neolithic period. Caves such as those at Tizguite as well as archaeological remains dating back to prehistoric times at Zerouka, Ghabt Al Bahr and Itto bear witness to this.

Mountain town, with its houses with red tiles, its green meadows, its healthy climate, nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco, Ifrane experiences a marked animation in winter and until spring, while during the summer, the freshness of its green sites, its forests of holm oaks, firs and cedars make it a vacation and summer resort par excellence.

It is home to one of the most prestigious universities in Morocco: Al Akhawayne. Ifrane is the most frequented summer resort and a stopover for those looking for calm in Swiss Berber style (Winter Tourism in Morocco).

The area has enormous tourist potential: variety and diversity of landscapes, lakes and rivers, as well as a mild climate. Its natural resources make it a favorite tourist center for hiking, wild boar, partridge and hare hunting.

Its lakes are essential for trout and pike fishing. It is also a pastoral region. This is where we find the largest cedar forest in Morocco. These forests are integrated into the international network of model forests.

Ifrane can be the starting point for beautiful excursions for hikers and nature lovers: “Circuit des Lacs” or “Circuit des Dayets”.

  • The refuge waterfall

Also called “cascade of the virgin”, this source is located 3 km from Ifrane. It is an ideal place for relaxation and picnics with the family.

  • The lion’s place
Lion Monument in Ifrane

A place where all Ifrane visitors meet. Carved out of the rock, a lion rests, meditatively, in a semblance of deep introspection.

It has not ceased to intrigue visitors for decades. Powerful, impassive, with impressive dimensions: 7 m. long, 1.50 m wide and 2 m high, inscribed in legend, the most diverse rumors have been circulating for a very long time according to which it is the work of prisoners, legionaries, individuals of various nationalities.

  • Source Ras El Ma
Ifrane in View

Located 5 km from Ifrane on the road connecting the city to Azrou, this site is home to the basins of the national center for fish farming and rearing of Atlas trout alvins.

Moudemame, on the paths of beautiful cedars The word “Moudemame” designates hawthorn. On the site is a natural hawthorn orchard which, when in bloom, offers a colorful view. Here, the forest is home to many forest species, of which cedar is the keystone. This majestic tree, known as Idel or Begnoun, is a species endemic to Morocco.

Cedar wood is popular as a lumber and utility. The essential oils of cedar wood, widely used in pharmacology, are renowned for their therapeutic virtues. This is why a grandiose “Maison de la Cédraie” building is located on the site. It is especially dedicated to the Atlas cedar and its socio-cultural values.

  • The Gouroud Cedar

It takes its name from the French colonel who seconded Lyautey from 1912 to 1914. Located 18 kilometers from Ifrane, it is the oldest of the “Cedrus Atlantica” species in the world (9 centuries). The height of this tree reaching 42 m and a circumference at the base of 9 m.

Today it looks like a huge coat rack. This giant cedar has been dead for a few years.

  • Ifrane Zaouiat waterfalls

69 km from Ifrane, this listed site offers a magical view, especially when the water is released. This small, isolated village is embellished with a pretty waterfall.

The waters of the Ifrane wadi irrigate the village as well as the crops located upstream of the waterfall. This site of the Zaouia of oued Ifrane is marvelous by the ascent of the beautiful waterfall overlooking the said Zaouia and giving an extraordinary panoramic view of the locality and its surrounding region.

  • Ifrane national park
Ifrane National Park

A space for discovery and adventure, the Ifrane National Park shines with the diversity of its landscapes, lakes and rivers. Its natural resources make it a tourist center of excellence.

Mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife … in Ifrane National Park, nature appears in all its forms, according to the seasons. Spread over 125,000 ha and occupying almost the entire western portion of the Middle Atlas Central, the park is an environment with airy relief, medium mountains made up mainly of limestones or dolomites with, locally, schists or volcanic covers such as the plateau of Ito.

Distinguished by its ecological and biological values, it conceals a flora and a fauna as diverse as original with more than 1015 species, of vascular plants (more than 22% of the whole of the Moroccan vascular flora), 209 species of ‘birds (approximately 50% of the avifauna reported in Morocco.) including 103 nesting species (5 species of global importance such as the red kite, the marbled teal, the bald ibis as well as an abundant avifauna such as: shelducks, casarcas, and other coots) and 31 species of mammals including the magot monkey, barbaric squirrel and rozet macroscelid.

The Park also encompasses a set of biodiverse sites of remarkable rarity (Oued de Tizguite, Val d’Ifrane: the sources Vittel, Lac Dayet Aoua, Dayet Hachlaf, Dayet Ifrah, Dayet Iffer, Aguelmam Afenourir and Aguelmam Tifounassine, in addition the ski resort in Michlifen).

A space of freedom and discovery, the park is a favorite tourist hub for hikers, fishermen, lovers of outdoor activities and sportsmen looking for strong emotions and a serene atmosphere. The forest massifs and the wooded volcanic reliefs overhanging vast bare spaces (causses and karstic plateaus), are available for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking.

The springs, rivers, and mountain lakes (aguelmane, dayet) attract birdwatching and fishing enthusiasts. The massifs, covered with snow in winter, are the joy of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

On the territory of the National Park, which extends over the territory of 8 rural municipalities and an urban municipality in the province of Ifrane, you can also discover a Berber population renowned for its rich culture and its diverse and ancestral traditions.

The natural space offered by the park also constitutes a privileged ground for any type of pastoral activity, thanks to the vast high meadows, to the numerous springs and to the great forest wealth of this place.

This space is just as renowned for its functions as a water tower as for those for producing lumber, crafts and sheepmeat: the famous Timahdite sheep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S4OzDzvs-Y
  • Michlifen

A corner of paradise for nature lovers. 17 km from Ifrane and one hour from Fez and Meknes, Michlifen, whose altitude exceeds 2000 m, is a snow-covered volcanic crater of the Middle atlas Causse.

A fascinating route awaits geology enthusiasts, through these remains of ancient volcanoes craters which allow them to discover a magnificent landscape of forest, cedars, and turbulent geology.

On the edge of the cedar forest, the beautiful ski resort continues to attract thousands of winter and mountain sports enthusiasts.

The Middle Atlas was the first to see skiers evolve in Morocco. And it was in 1936 that the Ski Club of Ifrane was created.

==> Book a hotel in Ifrane.

  • Habri & Hibri stations
Ifrane Ski Station

At km 27, leave a small road on the left towards Jbel Hebri on which a second ski resort is built. At an altitude of 2100m, the resort offers two black runs from 50 to 200m.

At km 48, you arrive in Azrou, the starting point for many hikes. From Azrou, the road towards Meknes follows the edge of a plateau nicknamed Belvédère d’Ito. From there you can continue to the Central Middle Atlas.

  • Azrou, at the crossroads
Money in Ifrane

Azrou (the Rock in Berber) is a beautiful summer resort located at about 1200m altitude, on the edge of the most beautiful cedar forest in Morocco, and the most preserved.

The city has a kasbah built in 1684 by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl. For those who make the road between Meknes and Azrou via El Hajeb, it is imperative to take a short break 15 km away, at the “ Belvédère d’Ito ”, to enjoy a beautiful view of the colorful mountains. Ocher yellow.

Also worth seeing, the cedar forest and its monkeys as well as the artisanal cooperative on the road towards Khenifra. The surroundings of Azrou are favorite places for hiking, wild boar, partridge, or hare hunting. You can also enjoy pike or trout fishing

  • Dayet Aoua

Morocco’s most famous lake is located 17.5 km north of Ifrane. Its surface area (140 ha) varies according to the seasons. It is surrounded by a low damp meadow and woodlands of holm oaks and cedars. The submerged and emerged flora is abundant and very diverse.

To conclude Ifrane and its region are a heaven of greenery and pure air! A variety of sporting activities are available to you in a setting of rich and unexpected landscapes! Between its many lakes and its waterfalls of singular beauty, you will have the opportunity to flourish in an environment particularly conducive to sports activities of all kinds, and relaxing environment to meditate.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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Winter Tourism: The Best Things To Do in Morocco

Winter Tourism in Morocco

Moroccan Tourism

Winter Tourism: The Best Things To Do in Morocco

Winter Tourism: The Best Things To Do in Morocco

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Visiting Morocco in Winter is Always a Good Idea and This is Why:

Few in the world are the countries which can claim as much diversity as Morocco. Geological, landscape, floristic, faunistic diversity, diversity of cultural heritages, human diversity. 

From the ranges of the Atlas to those of the Rif, from an Atlantic coast to a Mediterranean shore, from sandy beaches to small isolated rocky coves, from the vast golden dunes of the south to the green oases, in Morocco, nature has left free run to its imagination.

A country with a thousand facets, different each season; land of atmosphere bringing together in its kingdom the greatest dreams and the most beautiful traditions of the Orient; land of encounters, of flavors; country where hospitality is king, Morocco will surprise all those who have the curiosity to go beyond the marked roads to discover its true nature.

Skiing in Morocco
Skiing in Morocco: North Africa’s Atlas Mountains (CNN)

The return of gray skies and rain often rhymes with a cooking moment at home, wrapped in a blanket with an herbal tea in hand.

The rainy season pushes many people to take refuge at home even during the holidays, not in Morocco a country that is full of several beautiful regions that visitors can discover during all seasons.

Take height:

The mountain is everywhere in Morocco. To the north, the Rif is an imposing mountain range stretching from the eastern tip of Tangier to the territories of the Rif tribes on the Algerian border.

Beautiful coastal towns and magnificent landlocked villages punctuate this chain of reliefs which culminates at an altitude of 2000 meters.

1. Djebel Moussa/ Jbel Musa

Winter in  Morocco
Winter in Morocco (Unsplash)

Dejbel Moussa is a mountain in northern Morocco which rises to more than 850 meters in altitude. Hiking and climbing enthusiasts will certainly find what they are looking for as they can enjoy a panoramic view of the Strait of Gibraltar from the top.

For your stay, you can rent accommodation from locals or stay in a hostel. The city of Tangier is about thirty kilometers from Djebel Moussa.

The valleys of the Atlas Mountains:

More impressive the Atlas and its high snow-capped peaks cross the country from North to South, its name evokes the Greek myth of the giant Atlas condemned by Zeus to support the celestial vault on his shoulders.

Nicknamed the “roof of Morocco”, it is the highest massif in North Africa and delimits Saharan Morocco from Atlantic and Mediterranean Morocco.

To the adventure!

Country of mountains, Morocco offers sportsmen and amateurs alike, all types of hikes. In winter, good equipment quickly becomes essential, and board sports, surfing and skiing, can judiciously enhance a muscular trekking.

The most proficient can try to climb the summits to reach “the roof of Morocco” and offer a fabulous view of the whole country.

2. Ifrane

Ifrane Morocco
Ifrane, Morocco (Unsplash)

Ifrane is the Morocco of the heights, part of the Atlas and its majestic reliefs.

Perched at an altitude of 1,650 meters, the city surprises the traveler. It contributes to the wealth of experiences that can be lived in Morocco.

There, lakes with a calm wave, waterfalls which pour their cold waters into the valleys. All around, the largest cedar forest in the world. These trees raise their solemn silhouettes on the slopes of the Middle Atlas which they cover with a mantle of greenery.

The purity of Ifrane’s air depends on a delicate balance. To preserve it, the city is enclosed in a natural park. Walking there is a delight; you will enjoy browsing these beautiful regions. The hiking trails are numerous, among the most beautiful in the country.

A rich and varied fauna accompanies you in your walks. At the bend of a path, it is a macaque which amuses you with its antics; further on, in the background, proud and fearful, a Barbary deer is watching you.

Ifrane is also a heritage. The city is its own spectacle that a little train allows you to discover. On board, you cross some of the cleanest streets in the world, you discover a typical regional craft: there, upholsterers spin their works; here, a basket weaving cane stems; there, finally, a pottery or Thuja wood object shop lined with charming trinkets.

Ifrane is all this, a “little Switzerland”, with luxury hotels, in the middle of Morocco. Something to disorient you, that’s for sure!

What to do in Ifrane to keep yourself active?

In this little corner of Morocco, you can explore immense cedar forests during a trek on foot or on a horseback ride! Climb to the trees and admire the unique landscapes of the region during a tree climbing session.

On an ATV or quad, explore the countless areas of lakes and shelters!

Without forgetting of course to put on your skis! Enjoy the excellent air quality of the Ifrane region during a regenerating stay!

Ifrane and its region are a heaven of greenery and pure air! A variety of sporting activities are available to you in a setting of rich and unexpected landscapes! Between its many lakes and its waterfalls of singular beauty, you will have the opportunity to flourish in an environment particularly conducive to sports activities of all kinds.

Hunting aficionados will be able to practice their passion in the heart of the largest cedar forest in the world! Fish or explore in a pedal boat the lakes of Daït Aoua, Afenourir or Dayet Hachlaf.

And to end these holidays in style, you can even put on skis! Indeed, in winter, the ski resorts of Michlifen or Jbel Hibri give you the opportunity to set off on snowy slopes, by ski or sled!

3. Azrou

City of a thousand and one forests with many butterflies, Azrou, 89 kilometers south of Fez will reconcile you with nature in winter.

Once there, you are invited to visit Cèdre Gouraud, a kind of forest where there are centenarians’ trees.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to explore up and down the mountains and the Azrou forest, then you should definitely stay overnight at the camping area.

It is guaranteed to be really safe, and a lot of tourists will be camping too, so you are never alone. The Milky Way is also beautiful at night.

4. Toubkal National Park

The summit of Toubkal mountain
The summit of Toubkal mountain (Unspash)

In the High Atlas, Toubkal National Park has an exceptional diversity of populations. On the advice of a mountain guide, the ascent can be done in two days with one night in a bivouac or in a refuge.

5. Aït Bouguemez

Still unknown to the general public, Aït Bouguemez is one of the most paradisiacal destinations in Morocco.

Nicknamed the Happy Valley, the Kasbah is popular with thrill seekers who can enjoy a variety of activities on site, such as canyoning, hiking and climbing.

Visitors who wish to enjoy a break of relaxation and change of scenery can also find what they are looking for in Aït Bouguemez, where they can enjoy a stay under the sign of relaxation and discover the M’goun massif in the central High Atlas.

The diversity of the fauna and flora of Aït Bouguemez attracts tourists from all parts of the world coming to know more closely the traditions of the local inhabitants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwSvSsA1nk

6. Marrakech

Dream palaces, luxury hotels, splendid riads, and social events, Marrakech deploys its opulence without inhibition. All the greats of this world come to recharge their batteries and experience the magic of the bewitching ocher city.

A city both mystical and hectic, sparkling with life, Marrakech reveals its splendor to tourists eager to discover its art galleries, exhibitions, celebrities, luxurious palaces, and trendy nights. It’s thrilling magic works divinely, as proof, we always come back to it.

In winter, you can enjoy the ski resort of Oukaimeden, Visit the Ourika valley which sinks into the first foothills of the Atlas: a beautiful green valley surrounded by adobe villages which is suitable for hiking foot.

The picturesque village of Oukaïmeden is located 78 km south of Marrakech, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. The village is perched at 2,630 meters (8,530 feet), while the winter sports area clings to the edge of Jebel Attar Mountain and has a maximum elevation of 3,260 meters.

The ski resort of Oukaimeden
The ski resort of Oukaimeden

A single chairlift takes you to the top, where six descents await you. There is also a nursery area, a ski school, a family toboggan area, and a series of intermediate trails served by four ski lifts.

If you want an unconventional way, you can always climb to the top of the trail on one of the resort’s donkeys.

7. Amanar Lands

Hanging on like Tarzan, pulling like Robin Hood, and warming up by the fire – all can be done in Amanar Lands.

Located in an Amazigh region not far from Marrakech, this hotel-park complex at the foot of the Atlas Mountains is not to be missed.

The Park offers a wide variety of activities, including horseback riding, archery, Amazigh crafts, zip lining, swimming, and mountain biking, to fill your vacation agenda.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrR6Y8fDvnc
Amanar Zipline

8. Mazagan Beach and Gold Resort

If the stunning scenery, and historic charm are not enough to keep you entertained on a winter evening in Morocco, you can always relax in the many nightlife entertainment venues that Morocco has to offer.

To stay warm, what could be better than a short weekend at the Mazagan of El Jadida?

At Mazagan Beach and Gold Resort, located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, is the Mazagan Casino, where you can spend an entertaining evening.

If you’re feeling lucky, indulge yourself in poker, roulette, punto banco and blackjack and over 400 slot machines.

Read : Where To Celebrate The New Year’s Eve in Morocco

To conclude:

Winter seasons are made for hiking, climbing, skiing seekers, for glamorous night events lovers, and for those who simply love chilling on the sofa, in a balcony pointed to a marvelous sight.

The millennial kingdom of Morocco seems to know it all and is calling you to be wiser enough to let him guide you, to one of the best days and memories that we all seek at least once in our lifetime.

 

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

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(or want to avoid).

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Categories
Historic Sites Moroccan Tourism Sea & Beaches

This is Why You Should Visit Essaouira (Immediately)

Visit Essaouira

Moroccan Tourism

This is Why You Should Visit Essaouira (Immediately)

This is Why You Should Visit Essaouira (Immediately)

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Visit Essaouira : The Full Tourism Guide

Essaouira awakens, with delicacy, the artist who sleeps in everyone. Its azure horizon, its pinkish ocher fortifications and its white houses with blue frames form a perfect watercolor. Behind its ramparts, protected from the wind, a timeless world. Here, the architects of the past stimulate the creativity of new generations.

Strong and refined, the beautiful sorcerer shows off her atypical charm. Cannons pointed towards the ocean, it always impresses the visitor. But by getting closer to the soul of this emblematic city, you let yourself be captivated by its subtleties. The sweet scent of thuja wood guides us towards its craftsmen with precise gestures. Around a table, green tea in hand, we discover conviviality.

Known for its culture and its festival, the city of trade winds also delight surfers from all walks of life. A popular seaside resort, Essaouira attracts thousands of vacationers every year.

More than a city, Essaouira is a muse to which we remain attached.

Read more : A Guide To The 7 Best Surfing Spots In Morocco

The history of Essaouira

Sheltered by the trade winds, the archipelago was discovered by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC. Used as an anchorage by the Carthaginian navigator Hanno in 500 BC, it served, for several centuries, as an outpost on the road to Cape Verde and Ecuador.

In the Middle Ages, the Portuguese established an important trading post and named the city Mogador. In 1541, the Saadians took control of it before leaving it in the hands of the Alaouites.

The city took the name of Essaouira with the construction of the new city by the sultan Mohamed Ibn Abdallah in 1765. It then experienced a great period of prosperity and remained a high place of trade with foreigners until the beginning of the 20th century.

Sqala Kasbah Essaouira

Today, Essaouira is a haven of peace that inspires artists from all over the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its medina has gone through the ages and seems protected from the ravages of time.

Behind the ramparts hides a luminous city with its entangled alleys, its small squares and its whitewashed houses. Mythical backdrop to Orson Welles’s film “Othello”, it influences and captivates filmmakers.

Ridley Scott recreates Jerusalem there for the film “Kingdom of Heaven”.

Paradise of Jimmy Hendrix and Hippie musicians of the 70s, she still lives to the rhythm of Gnaoua music.

The unmissable places in Essaouira :

Discover enchanting places by following in the footsteps of these artists of yesterday and today … During a walk in the medina, you will be struck by the architectural and decorative richness of its buildings.

You will discover splendid houses of consuls, a mixture of Moroccan and European style.

At the corner of an alley, you will undoubtedly meet a painter from here or elsewhere trying to capture the beauty of the place on canvas. Numerous workshops and art galleries maintain the artistic renown of the city.

Formerly a coveted city, Essaouira is protected by an important defensive device made of fortified bastions. Built to support the port, the Sqala is decked out with cannons.

You can walk along its ramparts and enjoy a sublime view of the island of Mogador and the fishing port. Connecting the city to the port, the Porte de la Marine impresses with its grandeur. Erected in 1769, this monumental freestone building is adorned with two columns and a triangular pediment.

Protecting the city from attacks from the ocean, the northern stronghold was a vast artillery platform surrounded by crenellated walls. The terrace of this bastion offers a unique view of the medina and the Sqala.

The Azure horizon of Essaouira

On the Atlantic coast, facing the medina, the Mogador seaside resort revives the tourist spirit of the city. An integral part of the Plan Azur aiming to develop intelligent tourism, it has numerous infrastructures perfectly integrated into their environment.

Authenticity, sport and culture are the key words of this project. Luxury hotels and charming villas will welcome vacationers in an idyllic setting. On foot or by bike, you are invited to take the paths and admire the gulls that have found refuge on the resort’s seven artificial lakes.

At each stage of the walk, you will be able to observe the city of Essaouira, the dunes and the sea from a different angle. A place of rest and leisure, the Mogador resort has three golf courses respecting the natural topography of the site with its dunes, sand and vegetation. Everything is done to meet your wishes.

Tennis or golf to keep fit, the spa to relax and luxury boutiques for shopping.

The main places:

  • Riads in the heart of the medina

To live fully to the rhythm of the Souiris, nothing beats the charm of a Riad. In the heart of the medina, the traditional accommodation has been renovated to offer passing guests all modern comforts.

The Riad is built around a central patio bathed in light which serves as a place of life and relaxation. Sometimes decorated with a fountain, orange trees or olive trees, it turns into a shady garden.

On the upper floors, accessible by the interior passageways, you will discover your room decorated in the purest Moroccan tradition and offering all modern comforts. The terrace with a 360 ° view is the ideal place to admire the medina.

  • The souks of Essaouira
Essaouira Spices souk

What would Essaouira be without its souks! A must for Moroccans and tourists alike, the souk is a lively and colorful place. Between foodstuffs and artisanal products, each souk in the medina offers a magical and exotic spectacle. The scents of spices in shimmering colors and the scents of worked wood awaken the senses.

The displays of fabrics or silver jewelry are pleasures for the eyes. Stroll between the stalls and you will not leave empty-handed …

  • Place Moulay Hassan

The beating heart of Essaouira, Place Moulay Hassan is the city’s most lively place. Located inside the medina, not far from the ramparts and the port, this pretty tree-lined square offers an ideal setting to enjoy mint tea.

Sitting on one of its café terraces, you can watch the nonchalant comings and goings of passers-by.

  • Local gastronomy: prestigious tables and meals at the fishing port

Around a table, sitting on a sofa or an ottoman, we share tagine and couscous (Best Foods to Eat in Morocco). But what makes the reputation of the local gastronomy, it is its fresh fish.

Fishing town, Essaouira, benefits from the best seafood. In the port, open-air cafés invite visitors to taste the freshly caught fish. Impossible not to be tempted by the smells of grilled meats.
In the heart of the medina, gourmets will appreciate the refined cuisine and the magical setting of a few large tables.

In an old house of Caid or in a restored Riad, subtle flavors and sweet scents will invade you. Used in cooking, argan oil is recognized for its multiple virtues, its almond and hazelnut taste will enhance the flavor of your dishes.

The activities you should try in Essaouira:

  • Thalassotherapy

A true temple of well-being, Essaouira is the ideal place to get back in shape. Several top-of-the-range specialized centers offer relaxing treatments in a soothing setting.

By using various marine elements such as sand, algae and sea water for therapeutic purposes, thalassotherapy helps fight many ailments: heavy legs, back problems, joint and muscle pain, etc. It promotes good health, relaxes the body and calms the mind.

By combining the benefits of the ocean with those of the land of Essaouira, well-being specialists offer the best of natural treatments such as argan oil massages or sea mud and seaweed wraps. . . Programs alternating relaxation, care and physical activities allow you to get back into shape gently.

  • Watersports and activities
Surf in Essaouira

The wind is blowing hard over the bay of Essaouira. If you appreciate the protection of its ramparts, snowboarders, surfers and kiteboarders jump into the water with the greatest pleasure.

In just a few years, the city has become a hotspot for water sports and notably hosts the final stage of the Kiteboard World Cup, an unmissable event for the world’s best kiteboarders.

More and more young people are following the path of these stars of board sports. Several schools offer courses and internships supervised by certified professionals.

There is no shortage of activities on the huge Essaouira beach. Thrill seekers can practice water skiing, jet skiing or even scuba diving.

The festivals of Essaouira:

  • Gnaoua and World Music Festival
Gnaoua Festival

Each year, at the start of summer, Essaouira turns into a temple of music. Hundreds of thousands of festival-goers let themselves be carried away by the throbbing rhythms of Gnaoui music.

The greatest Maalems (masters) Gnaoua transport the audience to mystical cadences and sounds that sometimes lead to trance.

Also welcoming artists from all over the world, this event is a true cultural and musical mix. Open to all, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival is also an opportunity for young local artists to make themselves known to a large audience.

  • Atlantic Andalusia

This event, which aims to be a Moroccan-Spanish cultural forum with Mediterranean and Latin American dimensions, offers an eclectic program: musical concerts, artistic workshops, conferences, exhibitions … The festival is an opportunity to discover the roots and ramifications of Andalusian memory.

 

Either you call it Essaouira, Mogador, the city of trade winds will place itself on a major shelf in your vacation memories locker, you just know now that you’re more than ready to book for a once in a lifetime experience.

Fez

Meknes

Guelmim

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the
knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

DarDif.com

A team of ambitious people write about the Moroccan tourism and share the knowledge about the beauty of Morocco.

Join to our mailing list to get Updates and Special Deals only available via Email

Join to our mailing list to get Updates and Special Deals only available via Email

 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

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 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

Ready to Write Your Morocco
Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.

 From Private Desert Odysseys to Hidden Medina Retreats

Ready to Write Your Morocco Story?

The Morocco you’ve
always imagined –
designed around you. 

Tell us what you love,
what you’re curious
about, what you
absolutely want
(or want to avoid).

We’ll take it from there.
No templates. No stress.
Just a journey that fits you.