The Five Essential Sights of Morocco
By Kieron Sellens
Morocco is one of the most fascinating destinations to visit on
a holiday to North Africa. Culturally, it is a heady mixture of
Arabic, North African, Berber and French Colonial influences,
and haggling in souks, enjoying fine French cuisine, wandering
through medieval medinas, camel trips to the desert, and
trekking through the High Atlas Mountains are just some of the
experiences on offer. There’s so much to see and do in the
cities and the countryside that it can be hard to narrow down
the choices for your trip, but if you are after the very
essential sights to see on a holiday to Morocco, look no further
than these five…
The Fez Medina
The medina, or “Old Town”, of Fez is perhaps the best preserved
medieval city in the world. It was built in the 14th century,
and aside from the introduction of electric lighting, little
seems to have changed in the six hundred years. Traditional
craftsmen still make and ply their wares in one room workshops,
and overburdened donkeys are still the only form of transport
that can be used in the Medina. The narrow winding streets are a
maze for the unwary, and taking a half or full day guided tour
may be the best way to see all the sights the Fez medina has to
offer on your holiday in Morocco.
Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is a series of old Kasbahs located near
Ouarzazate, and this fort town is in a stunning position amidst
rocky hills and palm trees. Ait Benhaddou has been the backdrop
for numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator,
and the nearby film studio in Ouarzazate is now one of the
largest studios in the world. It is one of the most popular
sights to see while on holiday in Morocco, and it is definitely
worth making the time and taking a day trip here.
The Djemma el Fna in Marrakech
Translated variously as “The Mosque of Nothing” and “The
Assembly of the Dead”, the central square in Marrakech is
perhaps the most unforgettable sight to see while on holiday in
Morocco. By day it is a market, with fruit sellers, fortune
tellers, henna painters and snake charmers, but it is by night
that it really comes to life. Crowds of Moroccans surge around
the storytellers and musicians on the south side of the square,
while the traditional medicine men and dentists who populate the
north side continue to serve the needs of the locals; it is one
of the most remarkable sights in the country.
The Town of Chefchaouen
This delightful blue-walled town is one of the most beautiful
small towns in North Africa. A holiday here offers perfect
relaxation – hiking in the Rif Mountains that surround the city,
haggling in the little market at the centre of town, sipping
mint tea in the many little cafes, or simply wandering through
the streets and enjoying the unusual sky blue buildings.
Ramparts of Essaouira
The port city of Essaouira, located a few hours from Marrakech,
is fast becoming one of the holiday highlights of Morocco. The
relaxed coastal atmosphere, beautiful old medina and dramatic
coastline are all attractions of the city, but the real
highlight is the set of old ramparts that run along the
seafront. Walking the old fortifications, complete with 17th
century cannons, is like talking a walk in time through the
city’s colonial history – the architecture is a beguiling
mixture of Portuguese, French and Berber styles, and the views
are simply spectacular.
About the Author: Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of
the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With
Morocco holidays
http://www.aito.co.uk/north-africa-holiday.asp from AITO you
can tailor-make the dream trip abroad.
