With over 10 million visitors a year, Morocco is a tourist destination par excellence and it takes several visits to fully enjoy it. Here are some good reasons to visit Morocco, although we could have listed many more.

1- MEDIEVAL MEDINAS

A medina is a historic old town, and Morocco counts many of them. Dotted with winding streets and full of hidden treasures, they are as timeless as they are fabulous to explore. There are the must-see medinas of the imperial cities (Fez, Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes) but also many others that are worth a visit (Tangier, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, etc).

2- THE CITY OF ESSAOUIRA

Formerly known as Mogador, this small blue and white city on the Atlantic coast is an outstanding example of a mid-18th century fortified city surrounded by a Vauban-style wall. Essaouira has long been associated with music and the arts. It is also renowned for its bohemian, laid-back charm, which makes it one of the reasons to visit Morocco.

3- FOOD

From slow-cooked meat tagines to freshly picked figs with homemade yoghurt, Moroccan cuisine, considered the third best in the world, is often simple but full of flavour thanks to the herbs, spices and other regional ingredients. Many Michelin-starred chefs own or run restaurants here.

4- FASHION

Fashion designers from around the world have found inspiration in the bright colours and sumptuous textures of Morocco, from Yves Saint Laurent to Tom Ford. The caftan and colourful jellabas are emblems of Moroccan culture and one of the reasons to visit Morocco.

5- THE MAGIC OF JEMAA EL-FNA SQUARE

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and intangible cultural heritage, this essential public square in Marrakesh embodies the diversity of Moroccan identity (Arabs, Berbers, Gnawas and Saharawis). The many present street artists (storytellers, fire-eaters, henna tattoo artists, sign makers, snake charmers, etc.) and the many restaurateurs will guarantee you a unique and unforgettable experience.

6- HIGH ATLAS HIKING

One of the reasons to visit Morocco is hiking. Indeed, the High Atlas Mountains offer many hiking opportunities suitable for beginners and experts alike, with remote mountain villages and spectacular scenery.

7- RIADS

Another one of the reasons to visit Morocco is the riads. A riad is a traditional townhouse with a central courtyard and garden. In recent years, many have been transformed into intimate boutique hotels and mansions brimming with charm.

8- CINEMATIC LANDSCAPES

You may have a feeling of déjà vu in Morocco : the country’s stunning landscapes have been the setting for countless hit TV series and other Hollywood blockbusters, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. Cinematic landscapes.

9- MINT TEA

Prepared with fresh mint, Moroccan tea is refreshing even in very hot weather. Moroccan hospitality is such that visitors can be offered it a dozen times a day or more, one of the good reasons to visit Morocco.

10- ARCHITECTURE

One of the reasons to visit Morocco is its unique architectural style. While most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims (apart from the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca), there are many other magnificent historical buildings, from tombs to royal palaces, lavishly decorated with colourful tiles and intricate plasterwork.

11- SURFING ON THE ATLANTIC COAST

The Atlantic swell on Morocco’s windswept southern coast is legendary. The country has many international surf, windsurf and kitesurfing spots. Special favourites are Sidi Ifni, Imessouane and Dakhla. The love of the ocean often comes up as one of the main reasons to visit Morocco.

12- THE SOUKS OF MARRAKECH

Every city has souks selling all sorts of goods; the best are in the dark pink city of Marrakech… Here you will find the most attractive mix of trinkets and handicraft treasures.