By Leia Sharma
It’s time to brush up on your French or Arabic and book a trip to Morocco, situated at the northern tip of Africa. Boasting good weather almost the year-round (except for November, which is their rainy season), Moroccan towns are replete with culture, history and stunning sights.
MARRAKESH
Start your trip in the vibrant city of Marrakesh. Book your stay either at a luxury hotel or, for a truly authentic experience, stay at a Riyadh, which is a traditional Moroccan palace with a courtyard. If you’re willing to stay 45 minutes south of the city, opt for Sir Richard Branson’s eco-resort in the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot. With a stylish roof terrace, tennis court, spa, and gym, this luxurious compound is perfect for luxury-lovers.
When you’re ready to go shopping at the souks, check out the main square, Plaza Jemaa El-Fna, and surrounding markets. They are chock full of spices, silver jewellery, clothes, souvenirs, lamps and more — a true shopper’s paradise. However, don’t forget to bargain the prices down!
Marrakech (Image Courtesy : Marrakech Desert Tours)
Your next stop should be Le Jardin Marjorelle. Created over 40 years by French painter Jacques Majorelle, this garden contains the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art of Marrakech. Le Jardin Secret or Secret Garden allows you to take in panoramic views of the city while sipping tea in small, enclosed, linked gardens.
Other must-sees include the Mosquee de la Koutoubia, which is the largest mosque in the city, the Medersa Ben Youssef, which used to be a college and has stunning interiors andm, if your olfactory sense can bear it, visit the Camel Tanneries where you will learn how local artisans treat and work with camel leather. And finally, the El Badi Palace is an ancient royal palace with stunning outdoor grounds.
Le Jardin Majorelle (Image Courtesy : Spirited Pursuit)
Other must-sees include the Mosquee de la Koutoubia, which is the largest mosque in the city, the Medersa Ben Youssef, which used to be a college and has stunning interiors andm, if your olfactory sense can bear it, visit the Camel Tanneries where you will learn how local artisans treat and work with camel leather. And finally, the El Badi Palace is an ancient royal palace with stunning outdoor grounds.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite with all the sight-seeing, eat traditional Moroccan food at Al-Fassia or Dar Zellij. To check out the Moroccan nightlife, visit the trendy Comptoir Darna Marrakesh where you can catch Flamenco fusion dancers, ballet performances and orchestras – or visit after midnight to enjoy the nightclub vibes.
TANGIER
For a city with a more European vibe, visit Tangier. In the 1960s Tangier was host to the literary and artistic glitterati; you can soak up some of this vibrant past in the medina area.
The Kasbah was once home to the sultan and is located in the north section of the medina. Built in the 17th century, you can see the intricacies of Moroccan craftwork in the carved wooden ceilings and marble courtyard.
Tangier (Image Courtesy : Pure Morocco Tours and Travel)
For more beautiful architecture, check out the ville nouvelle (New City) which features buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Terrasse des Paresseux (Terrace of the Idle) boasts a spectacular ocean view – you can even spot Gibraltar and Spain in the distance.
Tangier (Image Courtesy : Vessel Finder)
While swimming is not recommended, the beach in Tangier is still worth a visit. Locals play football and walk along the strip of sand and it’s a great place to enjoy the sea breeze and stretch your legs.
If you have time to visit more cities, put FEZ (a world heritage site), ESSAOUIRA (a small walled fortress), RABAT (the capital) and CASABLANCA on your list.