Put Morocco on your list of places to travel in 2023, because once you read through these seven reasons to visit Morocco, you won’t be able to stay away. From its stunning architecture to the succulent meats and spices to the sunny coastal towns, Morocco has something to offer for everyone.
1. The Architecture
Much of Moroccan architecture is Mauresque, built between 1912 and 1956 during the French and Spanish occupation. It’s a style that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Vibrant and striking, the buildings alone are a great reason to visit Morocco in 2023. Red clay is a building material that is ubiquitous throughout Morocco, and it lends itself to the exotic look of homes and commercial structures in many of the Moroccan cities.
2. The Felines
If you’re a fan of felines, you’ll love the fact that Morocco is teeming with cats. Although they are feral, they tend to be incredibly friendly and unafraid of humans.
You can interact with them as much as you feel comfortable, including feeding and petting them. Just be sure to wash thoroughly afterward, since these cats are famously flea-ridden.
3. The Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world. Made up of ingredients like couscous, olives and seafood, the dining experience in Morocco is a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach.
Make sure to try the tagines, which is a meal of roasted vegetables, meats and Moroccan spices. Visit food markets to pick up locally-grown delicacies like fresh figs, dates, peaches and cherries to enjoy as you wander through the cities.
4. The Sahara Desert
Only a few fortunate travelers ever get to see the Sahara Desert during their lifetimes, so don’t miss out on this chance while visiting Morocco. This vast region of the world is as deadly as it is captivating, so there are guided tours available to help tourists safely traverse the Sahara.
Comparable to a glamping experience, these tours typically provide a camel trek, authentic Moroccan food, luxury camping and, of course, the security of knowing you are with knowledgeable guides.
5. The Historical Cities
For a true taste of Moroccan culture, visit several different cities, including Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen and Taghazout. You won’t find cities like this anywhere else on the planet, which is yet another reason to visit Morocco.
Marrakech is a tourist favorite and a must-see, but Fez offers the richest cultural experience and enables you to immerse yourself in the history of Morocco.
6. The Shopping
Tourists in Morocco are bombarded by local vendors selling their wares on the streets and in markets. It can be overwhelming to have to constantly decline to purchase gaudy souvenirs.
But before you say no to everything, take a careful look, because Morocco has one of the most unique and beautiful handcrafted shopping experiences in the entire world. Here, you’ll find finely-painted ceramics, jeweled clothing and shoes, hand-woven rugs with intricate and colorful designs and gold-plated housewares. You’ll almost certainly need a separate piece of luggage for all of your one-of-a-kind shopping to bring back home.
7. The Coast
Morocco is situated on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and offers stunning coastal experiences from the coastal towns of Essaouira, Taghazout, Agadir, Safi and more.
No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find temperate weather, sunny, blue skies and warm, inviting water. While you’re there, enjoy freshly-caught local seafood to sate your appetite at the end of each day.