Why Morocco is a ‘Must-Visit’ for 2020

With the new year right around the corner, there’s no better time to start thinking about all the amazing holiday destinations you’d like to fill your calendar up with. And one destination that’s topping our list here at Back-Roads Touring? Magical, magnificent Morocco.

There are myriad reasons to visit the beautiful and historic gateway to Africa; where Middle Eastern, Arabic, Berber, European and African influences all come together in a blend as heady and richly flavoured as an authentic tagine. Here’s just some of them…

An enthralling history – and characterful cities

Morocco boasts no fewer than four imperial cities – namely, Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes and Fes, all of which are filled with tales of intrigue and memorable historical sights.

Explore dynamic Rabat (the country’s capital) and discover both sides of this a city where old and new sit side by side: from its bustling centre to its evocative ruins. Or, get acquainted with the enigmatic ‘Red City’ of Marrakech – where one moment you’ll be swept through the narrow lanes of the medina, and the next you’ll emerge into the brilliant sunshine of Jemaa el-Fnaa. One thing’s for sure, there’s a surprise around every corner in Marrakech!

Morocco’s eclectic cities are a paradise for architecture lovers, too, and you’ll find the country’s immense cultural diversity reflected in its architectural offerings. From elaborately adorned mosques and palaces to the beauty of a traditional riad, Morocco’s historical legacy is never more clearly on show than in its buildings.

Incredible food

To go to Morocco and not indulge in the tongue-tingling and soul-warming flavours of its cuisine would be close to sacrilege. Exact dishes will vary from region to region, though there are some constants when it comes to mouth-watering Moroccan cuisine.

Of course, spices are used in abundance – but this is not to say that everything is fiercely hot. In fact, many dishes use spices simply to create depth of flavour, or to impart a satisfying tang to cut through an otherwise rich sauce. One of our favourites (and well-worth seeking out) is a traditional tagine made with salty green olives and piquant preserved lemons. Meat eaters can enjoy this dish with chicken, while vegetarians can opt for an aubergine version.

You only need to walk through the fragrant souks to get an idea of the importance of spices in Moroccan cuisine and culture – and they’re the perfect place to pick some up to take home. Even if you never quite manage to recreate your favourite dishes, simply opening the packets will transport you back to balmy afternoons spent perusing the stalls, breathing in the warm scents of saffron, ras el hanout and cinnamon.

Stunning natural beauty

Morocco is also home to a surprising array of truly spectacular natural beauty (not to mention a host of unique wildlife), which are becoming a major attraction for visitors from around the globe.

Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, for example – a collection of three ranges (the High, Middle and Anti Atlas) – offer spellbinding and legend-inspiring vistas. To journey through the atmospheric passes of these ranges is to travel through both pre-historic time and human history, and the villages that carve their way into the landscape display a way of life that’s remained unchanged for centuries.

Of course, Morocco also offers ease of access to the splendours of the Sahara – and the many adventures this vast desert promises. Explore the golden-hued dunes on camel (or with the aid of a 4x4), experience a once in a lifetime Berber feast, or camp beneath a glittering canopy of stars.

Last but not least, there are the inviting beaches which stretch along seemingly endless coastlines; bordered by both the azure Mediterranean and the mighty Atlantic. Make your way to Fes or Casablanca for a taste of Moroccan coastal living – where the air is salty, the buildings are sun-bleached, and life seems deliciously slow.

 

Feeling inspired? Why not take a look at our Majestic Morocco tour?