Fez - There are certainly a number of reasons why any country in the world is worth visiting. Sadly, not all countries boast of all the important characteristics that make them a desirable travel destination – namely security, availability and attractiveness. Morocco does posses these three qualities – and many more! So what are the ten main reasons you should start considering Morocco your next vacation destination?
1. Safety and security
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Do not miss visiting Moroccan oases. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]
First and foremost – Morocco is a stable and secure country, whose inhabitants are welcoming to the foreign visitors. Unfortunately, Morocco is wrongly labeled as unstable and dangerous, similar to Tunisia and Egypt. While Morocco might have a similar culture, language and religion as its eastern neighbors in the North African region, its development has been quite different, and the stability of the Moroccan monarchy goes back to the 17th century. The Arab Spring as well as a sweeping wave of terrorist acts has left Morocco untouched, and there is no plausible reason of avoiding visiting it for security reasons.
2. Beauty in diversity
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Portuguese influence is the highlight of El Jadida. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]
Whether you take into account its geography, ethnicity or culture, Morocco is clearly one of the most colorful countries in the world. It boasts of African, Middle Eastern and Spanish cultural influences, as well as of variety of ethnic groups and regional dialects. If you travel from the northernmost point in Morocco across the country to its southern oasis, you might not believe, at times, that you are still in the same country. The climate, the cuisine and nature change as you visit various corners of this amazing country!
3. Where Orient meets the West
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In the interior of the largest Moroccan mosque - Hassan II. in Casablanca (photo by Daniel Chraska)[/caption]
While it may not be exactly true that Morocco is an Oriental country, it does have an undoubtedly Arab-Oriental touch to it, while at the same time possessing charm of the Mediterranean as well as colonial French atmosphere. The Orient has, a long time ago, met the West, and their encounter happened right in Morocco.
4. Saharan sunsets
[caption id="attachment_185862" align="aligncenter" width="1116"] Sunset above the Saharan dunes, Merzouga. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]
Watching the sun set behind the dunes is one of the highlights of visiting Morocco. Whether in Merzouga or Mhamid, you should not miss treating yourself to this unforgettable experience.
5. Delectable cuisine
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Taste the fresh sardines in Essaouira. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]
Try the delicious pigeon Pastilla in Fes, mouthwatering Mechui in Marrakech, spiced Madfouna in the desert or fresh sardines on the Atlantic coast – the Moroccan cuisine will continue to surprise you with its tastes and fragrances as you travel around. Not only will it be a delicious encounter, but also a quite healthy one as the vegetables are the true base of the light and savory Moroccan cuisine.
6. Magic of the past
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The interior of Bouinania Medresa in Fes should not be missed on any cultural or religious tour. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]
Learn about the Moroccan past through its many preserved monuments such as its old palaces, mosques and medresas. Morocco’s glorious past can be retraced through the sumptuously decorated inner courtyards with its delicate zellij floors and calligraphic inscriptions. The beauty of Moroccan architecture is hidden in its interiors, which have in many instances been transformed to lovely guesthouses – you can, therefore, relive the splendor of a times long past!
7. Arts and crafts
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Moroccan caftans. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]
This is the country where arts and crafts are not seen only in the museums – their production and usage in everyday life is still well alive! Be it the hand-woven carpets, lampshades or delicately adorned djellabas, you will certainly fall in love with Moroccan traditional handiwork!
8. Treat yourself …
How about an afternoon in a hammam where you experience the essentials of Moroccan wellness – traditional treatment with sbun beldi, natural mud and domestically grown henna will leave you feeling like you’ve been born again. None of this is complete, however, unless you had a massage with argan oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the regionally treasured Argana spinosa.
9. Feasts and festivals
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Jazz au Chellah in Rabat, Morocco with Gnaoua Music. Photo By Isabela Bernal[/caption]
In Morocco, there are always fun adventurous and cultural experiences to be had. Consider coming in time for the Gnawa Festival in Essaouira, Fes Festival of Sacred Music (May-June) or the famous Mawazine, taking place in summer in Rabat. Visit Morocco during Ramadan period to see its decorated squares and taste sweet pastries served with harira after sunset.
10. Wide range of activities
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Traditional Saharan adobe dwellings. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]
The key to Morocco lies in its universality. It is a destination for families with children, as well as for young adults, lone women travellers and seniors alike. It offers summer as well as winter sport activities, cultural, historical as well as artistic experiences. You can travel across Morocco on a culinary or a religious tour, on horseback or by bicycle. All of this, and much more are possible in Morocco, so come soon!
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Village of Moulay Idriss (photo by: Daniel Chráska)[/caption]
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