Morocco Travel Guide – Your Journey Starts with Gateway2Morocco

The Medina of Meknes and the remains of the royal palace have earned it an undisputable place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On El Hedime square, Bab Mansour, one of the masterpieces of Hispano-Moorish art, is the gateway to the medina. Don’t miss visiting the royal stables and granaries of Sultan Moulay Ismail. In the North of Meknes, stands the largest Roman archaeological site in Morocco, which is Volubilis. Triumphal arch, capitol, house of Bacchus, everything bears witness to the splendour of the city and to its economic and political weight. Being an imperial and eternal city, Meknes offers you the experience of a timeless stay full of heritage discovery.

Rabat is a cultural city deep-rooted in history. Many masterpieces decorate its streets and squares. Visit the Kasbah des Oudayas which is a majestic and splendid architecture embellished by the surrounding gardens. Not far from the walls, stand the imposing walls of the Chellah ; a necropolis from the time of the Merinids. Crossing the walls is like entering another world ; walk among ancient vestiges, gardens and storks. Rabat is also a modern eco-responsible capital with its green spaces. Beautiful parks await you, such as the botanical test garden or the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel which is a few kilometres from the city. Rabat boasts an outstanding coastline ; on the Atlantic Ocean shores, it has kilometres of well equipped beaches that lead to the neighbouring city of Casablanca. With its modern infrastructures and various festivals, Rabat is a living city. Airport, tram, shopping centres, cafés and restaurants, all the amenities are within your reach. Revel in bustling vibes of music that Rabat celebrates like no other city ; from Mawazine, to Jazz au Chellah and many others that fill the atmosphere with sounds and rhythms from all over the world ! Rabat is a city where the treasures of the past blend with the most modern and environmentally friendly achievements.

Fez has a special atmosphere. This 13th-century city is an imperial city of long-lasting multicultural history, that reserves unexpected surprises for its visitors. Cross the walls of the famous Medina of Fez, recognized by UNESCO as an outstanding universal value. Stroll through the streets of the Fez-El-Bali district. The Bab Boujloud is the easiest way to enter the Medina. In early May, the squares and alleys resound with world music, where the Festival of World Sacred Music is held in the former imperial capital, which occurs along with Jazz in Riads, one of the main events in the city's cultural calendar. Don't leave without having tasted the city's gastronomy, reputed to be one of the best in the world.

Between tradition and modernity, Marrakech is the promise of unequalled sensations. Strolling the Jemaa El-Fna square and the souks with their shimmering colours and oriental smells, the red city offers you a complete change of scenery. Horse-drawn carriage rides, sunny terraces, travelling artists and other day and night activities will give a tates of wishful comeback. You will be able to admire all the architectural richness of the Medina, upon visiting one of its many Riads, small oriental palaces overlooking a beautiful patio. You can also relax and recharge at the Menara, a vast garden with an emblematic basin. Marrakech shower its visitors by its splendour and its diversity, you just have to leave the ramparts to be immersed in modern Morocco. The districts of Gueliz and Hivernage offer the most modern infrastructures, luxury boutiques and international ready-to-wear stores, airy avenues ; which all contribute to Marrakech's unique offering. Being a growing economic bustling city, Marrakech has special festive and cultural places, such as the « Palais des Congres » and the splendid Royal Theater. Enjoy Marrakech at night by discovering the many themed venues, trendy clubs and traditional evenings that reflect the lively part of the city. In 2016, Marrakech will host the Cop22 to help adress climate change issues, as a recognition of its new international stature and its considerable reception capacity.

Just like its first cousin, Tangier, Tetouan boasts a peaceful atmosphere. Known as the daughter of "Granada", it’s a city with Hispano-Moorish footmarks. Its Medina is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Not far from Tetouan, the seaside resort of "Tamouda Bay" expands on fifteen kilometres of fine sandy bay. Prestigious establishments have settled there, giving a luxury setting to the region. In the cristal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean, you can onlye enjoy a peaceful stay while getting to know the art of living of the inhabitants. The city of Tetouan, with its multicultural identity, offers a journey through time !

In the north of Morocco, on the coasts of Tangier where the Mediterranean and Atlantic waters converge, you’ll discover a unique city bearing a multicultural heritage. Stroll the streets of « the White »Tangier, they are lined with lime-coated houses. Just like Delacroix or Matisse did their upon arrival, let yourself be carried away by the dreamy atmosphere that covers the city. At the foot of the high walls of the "Kasbah", roam through the alleys of the great "Socco", and admire the fortress that dominates the medina. A little far away, explore the "Sultan's Palace" which is nowaydays dedicated to the arts of Morocco. Tangier is alsos renowned for the Spanish influence on its culture, starting with the arena that stands on the "Plaza de Torros", not to mention the "Cervantes" theatre built in 1913.

Crenellated walls, special wind, houses with white and blue facades, Essaouira, the ancient Mogador is the "Bride of the Atlantic". It is one of those coastal cities where the unique atmosphere and water activities seamlessly blend. Walk quietly in the shade of its ramparts, the very ones that draw the contours of Astapor, the red city of the "Game of Thrones" series. Climb these walls and take the parapet walk, from where you can see the Purpuraires Islands, falcons, gulls and seagulls hovering above this nature reserve. On the other side, surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers are taming the waves, taking advantage from the wind. A walk can lead you to the fishing port where the sailors are active. Get to the fish market where to taste the fish and seafood caught during the night. In the centre of the city, the medina invites you on a discovery wander into its winding alley. Ranked as the most beautiful cities in Morocco by Unesco, the city hums to the beat of music every summer : the Gnaoua festival celebrates Afro-Maghrebin rhythms making people’s stays memorable ones. For several years now, Morocco has adopted a responsible tourism ; the eco-resort Mogador, which is an unmissable place to have peaceful moments, as well as the beaches of the surroundings labeled Blue Flag, are living proofs to this ambition. Spend some time there, find complete mindfullness and serenety, in this enchanting destination that makes all your dreams come true !

Beautiful palm trees lining its paths, with the Atlantic ocean over the horizon, and large business buildings in every corner : Casablanca is the economic lung of Morocco ; a bustling metropolis. Modern infrastructures are in the middle of charming districts, between Arab-Muslim heritage and legacies of the colonial period. Discover all the possibilities : take a stroll in the medina, which is one of latest medinas built in Morocco, roam through the centre and its art-deco buildings, and join the Hassan II mosque ; the splendid of architecture built on the water. Let yourself be tempted by the festive side of the city. Take advantage of the cornice, its clubs and festivals too, such as the Casablanca Festival, Jazzablanca or Tremplin L'Boulevard. The coastline, bordered by beaches equipped to suit all your comfort, invites you to experience the most fun activities that will make your stay more enjoyable, from diving, to jet-skiing to boating. The White city, Casablanca, is where culture and serenity activities blend seamlessly.

In the west of the country, bordered by the waves of the Atlantic, Agadir is one of the pearls of Morocco. Whatever the season, the sun pours its rays and the city enjoys a pleasant climate that the trade winds still soften. Above all, its 10-kilometre-long seafront offers tourists magnificent views of the blue ocean and the opportunity to laze around in the best conditions. The main seaside resort of the country, the city with 300 days of sunshine per year, is full of activities. At the water's edge, cafés and restaurants open their doors to you, introduce you to the local gastronomy and submit their specialities to the enlightened judgements of your taste buds! Further on in the city, the El Had souk spreads out through the streets, deploys its stalls: more than 6,000 shops offer themselves to your curiosity and you will enjoy strolling in this atmosphere animated by the negotiations of the merchants. Never sleepy, the city welcomes every summer the Timitar festival dedicated to world music and more specifically to Amazigh music. Open to the ocean and the world, Agadir is an active city where it is good to relax.

Blue waters of the Mediterranean, its gentle, light waves and the coastline that outlines the contours of one of Morocco's most beautiful bays, welcome to the wonderful Al Hoceima ! The place looks like an earthly paradise. On one of its many beaches, you can relax on a deckchair, enjoy the sun during a farniente stay. Al Hoceima is not only a simple seaside town. Its surroundings has a a lots of treasures that adventure lovers come in droves to explore. Outside the town, near the fishing village of Torres de Alcala, are the ruins of five watchtowers. The Portuguese had built them during their colony. Today, the site offers pleasant walks for all lovers of old stones ! Inside of the city, the port is not to be overlooked. Its edges are animated by the activity of fishermen and it is lovely to stroll there. A little far away, the Moro Viejo cornice offers a magnificent sight, and its bay gives a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

The splendid architecture of Kechla and the waters of the Atlantic crashing against its walls: this is one of the many outstanding popular paintings in Safi. For five centuries now, the fortress has stood as a sentinel on the shores of the ocean. Its high crenellated towers offer admirable views of the surrounding area. It is an opportunity to admire the seafront, the bustling and animated life of this provincial capital. The pottery district is particularly attractive. Craftsmen make marvels of terracotta and clay that is put on display in the windows and stalls of their shops. Safi is one of the Moroccan capitals of ceramics and in its streets, beautiful trinkets are designed to make charming souvenirs. Atop the Kechla, admire the old Medina. The labyrinth of its alleys and their narrowness have something mysterious about them that invites you to take a stroll. A little far away, you’ll get to the Rue du Souk : you can hear echoes and smell the aromas. Behind you, you can hear the impressive rolling waves. All of Safi assets won it an internationally position as a renowned surfing spot. When you think that you’ve seen it all, Safi surprises you with its hidden treasures !

Popular in Oujda and Saidia: Saidia symbolizes Morocco of blue and warm waters. Whether it’s for holidays with family or in a couple, or with your friends, don’t miss out on the opportunity to admire the splendid nature of the region. Go for a stroll in the city, and visit the architectural heritage and long-standing medina in Oujda. With an impressive 14 kilometres of lovely white golden sandy beach and a generous sun shining all year round, The seaside resort of Saidia is an inevitable haven. At the water's edge or nearby, many activities are available to you including water sports and golfing. In the evening, the marina is the perfect spot to taste the delights of the region. Sixty km away from Saïdia, Oujda reveals the richness of its long history. From the medina and its monumental gates to a cultural journey inside Sebti palace to Lalla Aicha park which is a small haven of freshness inside the city. Oujda-Saïdia is all this: mindfulness, joy, and enough excitement to spend an unforgettable stay!