WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT MOROCCO?

Morocco, a beautifully diverse country of North Africa is growing in popularity and has become a popular tourist location over the years. A visit to Morocco gives you the full experience of the North African culture.

In this article, I am going to give you reasons why you should visit Morocco and I am telling you this from experience.

The delicious food and Mint Tea

Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the best in Africa and the World. Because of its closeness to the Mediterranean Sea, its cuisines contain similar ingredients with that of other countries like Spain, Italy and Greece. You can also find fruits like oranges, dates, peaches, figs, cherries, etc, which are all one of the sweetest in the world.

The major delicious delicacy of the Moroccan people is the Moroccan Tagine which is prepared and mostly served with the Tagine pot. It has many types depending on its method of preparation, i.e. with meats, veggies and local spices. Other delicious foods include omelettes served with bread and olive oil, couscous served with roasted veggies or meat and fish-grilled sardines.

It is a common tradition of the Moroccan people to drink mint tea with family and friends. Fresh mint leaves are put into a teapot and steeped with hot water. It is sometimes served with a few cubes of sugar. This tea is very refreshing to the body.

The Cities and the People

The Moroccan people are very welcoming and caring and love humble people. So be sure to be respectful in all your dealings.

The cities of Morocco are very much lively and bubbling which means no dull moments. But outside the big cities in some quieter areas, you can find calm and peace. In all these places you will find a mixture of food, architecture, culture, markets, etc.

For a good experience of the Moroccan culture, visit Marrakech and Fez. These are the most popular cities visited by tourists. Fez contains the richest history and culture of Morocco with the oldest Medina in the country and the oldest University in the world.

You can also visit Chefchaouen to see the city’s beautiful blue streets and Taghazou to experience surfing.

Shopping and Souvenirs

You cannot resist the beauty of traditionally made Berber handicrafts. These arts and crafts are worth getting as souvenirs to keep your visit to Morocco ever fresh in your memory. From handwoven rugs to the jewelled gowns, to the beautifully painted ceramics; you cannot resist.

Visit souks in traditional Moroccan markets to get these beautiful items and also now that you can politely bargain the prices for items and be generous especially if the item is handmade and beautiful.

You can also visit an organic health store and buy some natural presents like herbs, teas, soaps, oils etc., and experience the health benefits and healing secrets of these products. Do not also forget to buy some Moroccan Argan oil straight from the source (it is very good for your skin and hair).

Insight of Islam

The main religion in Morocco is Islam and it can be seen in the traditions of the people and their daily lives. This includes their prayer lives and their dressings, especially for the females.

Visiting Morocco will introduce you properly to the peaceful Islamic religion and its teachings and also learn the tradition of the people.

The Ocean and beautiful Landscape (the Rugged Mountain Ranges and the Sahara Desert)

To can visit the coastal towns like Taghazou, Essaouira, Agadir, etc, and visit the beach and see the beautiful ocean. You can also watch people surf, or learn how to surf. These parts of Morocco are great to visit all year round with pumping surf in the winter and the cold Atlantic feeling of the ocean on the skin in the summer. You can also have a taste of its amazing cuisines of seafood.

Morocco does not just have beaches, but also lovely mountains and distinct varying geography unlike anywhere in the world. Driving through these mountains gives you a memorable feeling and there are also many opportunities for activities like trekking and hiking (be sure to join an organized tour).

Also in these mountain areas are small villages where you can stop and experience the traditional Berber life.

The Sahara desert, a wonderful place (but do not get lost there), is also part of the landscape. Camp in the desert, explore the dunes and enjoy a camel ride.

The heat in the Sahara might be much but the sight is beautiful to behold. With layers of golden-like dunes and the peace of the area, and also being able to watch the sunrise and sunset, this experience is unforgettable.

The Beautiful Architecture

Moroccan architecture is one of the most intriguing in the world and I suggest you come with a camera because trust me; you will get tired of taking pictures. Every building has a peculiar architectural design on them which include a pattern of tiles or image with attractive colouring. This level of architecture is decorative and yet simple.

You will find many buildings made out of red clay especially in the desert and mountain areas, but the majority of the beautiful architecture can be found in the Palaces, Medina’s and the Mosques. Here you will find magnificent building decorated with beautiful colours, doors made with pure gold and huge pillars decorated with gold.

The affordability of everything

Finally, this is a very important aspect of all the reasons I have given. If you are on a strict budget you can still make your visit to Morocco and back with proper planning. Cost of living is not expensive here and so too is partaking in activities and tours.

Meals in restaurants are also very cheap ranging from $1 – $5 depending on the location of the restaurant and also you can find hostels for as cheap as $5 – $6 and expensive hostels for up to $20 (hostels are good if you are travelling alone, as you will meet and make friends with other travellers).

Generally, life in Morocco is cheap compared to many other tourist countries and places.

Finally

Visiting Morocco is a wonderful adventure because there is an endless list of things that you can do in Morocco and I am sure with all the reasons I have given you, your next destination for holidays or otherwise, is Morocco. You cannot miss this experience. There is a lot to see and experience, from the colours, sounds, scents, peace of mind, everything makes this visit worth the while.

Morocco has it all, from the loud and lively cities to the more quiet places, the colourful handicrafts and architecture of the people to the lovely delicacies and combination of beautiful spices everywhere in the country, you cannot but visit.

It is indeed a rollercoaster of sense because of the variety of feeling that you experience on this soul-changing journey.