4 top destinations in Morocco

By Jessica Gallant - Nomade Magazine

I invite you to discover four must-see destinations in Morocco, each offering a thrilling and memorable experience. Vibrant, dynamic Marrakech will charm you with its colorful medina and remarkable historic sites. The Sahara Desert will enchant you with its golden dunes and starry nights. Essaouira, a peaceful coastal town, will seduce you with its maritime charm and delicious cuisine. Chefchaouen, nestled in the mountains, will enchant you with its picturesque blue streets and relaxed atmosphere. Are you ready to fall under the spell of this fascinating country ?

Marrakech

The city of Marrakech, tourism capital par excellence, impressed me despite the constant hustle and bustle. Protected by imposing walls, its medina is a maze of diverse shops and lively souks where you can discover local crafts. The Café Kessabine restaurant was one of my favorite places to stop and soak up the atmosphere of the city, with its surprising menu and breathtaking view from its terrace. In terms of accommodation, I felt totally transported into an Aladdin movie thanks to the idyllic decor and comfort of Riad La Terrasse des Oliviers. This haven of peace offers a luxurious stay nestled in the old town, steeped in Moroccan hospitality.

Among the historic sites not to be missed, the Palais El Badi, former royal residence, impresses with its grandeur and architecture. The Medersa Ben Youssef, a 16th-century Koranic school, is an architectural jewel where Moroccan art unfolds in every detail. The Majorelle garden, created by painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent, offers a lovely oasis of exotic plants in the heart of the new town.

Finally, Jemaa el-Fna square, an open-air theater, reveals all its magic at dusk, when the locals gather to celebrate their traditions with songs and various artistic performances.

Le désert du Sahara

During my stopover in Marrakech, I seized the opportunity to join an excursion leading to the Sahara desert, an adventure I'd been wanting to experience for a long time. I'm telling you, the three-day itinerary, starting in Marrakech and ending in Merzouga, is an escapade you must experience at least once in your life !

On the first day, we drove from the snow-capped mountains of the High Atlas to the famous Kasbah d'Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ending in the Rose and Dades valleys at sunset. On the second day, we explored the impressive Todra Gorge, discovered a desert landscape with stunning palm groves, then reached the orange sand dunes of Merzouga for a dreamy night under the stars. The camel ride across the dunes was an unforgettable experience. This unique experience definitely added a touch of magic to my adventure. On the third day, after a breathtaking sunrise, we headed back to Marrakech, enjoying a final meal overlooking Ouarzazate.

Essaouira

After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and the cooler nights in the Sahara desert, Essaouira was the perfect refuge to recharge your batteries. In just two days, I was dazzled by this coastal town's calm and bewitching trade winds. The medina, formerly known as Mogador, is an enchantment for the senses, with its white walls contrasting with the colorful carpets hanging from the walls. Avenue Mohamed Zerktouni also offers a sensory experience with its spices and olives, while the Mellah district, although neglected, reveals a distinct atmosphere steeped in history.

Essaouira's ramparts offer postcard-perfect views of the ocean and the port, with its pretty blue boats and shacks where you can buy fresh fish along the shore. The beach, popular with surfers and kitesurfers, is ideal for relaxing with a cup of mint tea.

Riad Malaïka, set in the center of the old town, was my refuge, with its enchanting atmosphere and attentive service. The refined meals were unforgettable moments, as were the sunsets from the rooftop terrace.

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, a small town nestled in the mountains of northeastern Morocco, offers an enchanting Mediterranean setting with its large, blue, whitewashed corridors. With its welcoming and generous inhabitants, this most charming medina quickly became my favorite place on this trip to Morocco.

The Kasbah, built in 1471, is a historic attraction that I thoroughly enjoyed, with its magnificent garden and splendid views of the surrounding area from its tower. The medina's many gates, in vivid contrast to the surrounding blue, captivate with their detailing, illustrating the city's attention to aesthetics. It's also a pleasant walk to the Spanish mosque along the path leading to the Ras-el-Ma waterfall and kif fields. Although this monument is now in ruins, the hill sheltering the mosque offers spectacular views of the city, the mountains and local life.

If you absolutely must spend more than a day in Chefchaouen, I can't hesitate to recommend Riad Zaitouna, offering a warm welcome and a blend of modern comfort and authenticity. The breakfasts included are irresistibly delicious, and reflect the region's cultural diversity in delicious ways.

Thanks to these 4 favorite places, you're sure to experience a trip you won't soon forget. On that note, I wish you a wonderful stay in Morocco !