The short ferry ride from Europe to Tangier has made this port city a popular entry point to the country and a convenient base for exploring northern Morocco. During a day trip from Tangier you can drive along the Mediterranean coast or the Atlantic coast.

Tétouan

Located about an hour’s drive from Tangier via CTM bus or grand taxi, Tétouan is an excellent place to learn more about Morocco’s colonial history. Having served as capital of the Spanish Protectorate from 1912 to 1956, the city’s architecture features a blend of Moroccan and Andalusian influences. Its medina has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique display of craftsmanship, and it is regarded as one of the best-maintained historical sites in Morocco. After strolling around the three-mile long walls of the old city, you can head to the National Institute of Fine Arts or dine in a Spanish-era cafe.

Cabo Negro

Just north of Tétouan is Cabo Negro, a picturesque beach area on the Mediterranean coast. During the summer, it can get crowded with tourists staying at area resorts, but in the off-season it is tranquil and quiet. A good place to enjoy the view is Marina Smir, a full-service marina with room for 450 vessels. The small fishing village of M’Diq is also a short drive from Cabo Negro.

You can combine a trip to Cabo Negro with a visit to Tétouan, or you can hire a grand taxi directly from Tangier. If you hire a taxi, be sure to arrange a pick-up time and take the driver’s mobile number, as you may not be able to find return transport in the off season.

Cap Spartel and Grottes d’Hercule

Cap Spartel is a lookout point west of Tangier on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. From central Tangier, it only takes about 20 minutes by taxi, so a visit here is a suitable for a half-day outing. A 19th-century lighthouse and a cafe restaurant are located at the promontory, and there are some decent beaches to the south and great bird watching opportunities.

A three-mile walk or drive along Plage Robinson will bring you to Grottes d’Hercule, famous rock caves that have been carved out by the surf. A minimal entry fee is required, and once inside the caves you may be surprised by the presence of souvenir stalls, but the view is worth the kitsch. If you’ve ever wanted to collect photos of Morocco’s king doing various activities (waving, riding in car, driving a jet-ski, etc.), this is one place you can stock up.

Written by Heather Carreiro.

Photo by ayyur.

Casablanca, with a population of around three million, attracts visitors because of its fame (thanks to its namesake movie), attractions and international airport. Although the city offers a wealth of culture, history and entertainment, some travelers like to escape the bustle with a detour off the beaten path.

Travel an hour or so south down the Atlantic coast from Casablanca and you’ll reach the quiet city of Azemmour—a short day trip or overnight jaunt from the big city, or a convenient stop when traveling northward from the popular coastal town of Essaouira. Like much of the coast, temperatures here are relatively mild, with highs lingering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).

A main attraction of the city is the beach, which is popular year-round among surfers and kitesurfers. Less crowded than the beaches of surrounding cities, Azemmour offers experienced and novice surfers alike a place to enjoy somewhat exclusive access to equally impressive waves. After working up an appetite, those who like to dine on the oceanfront can choose from a small number of cafes that line the beach. Alternatively, visitors can walk to the nearby grocery store to stock up for a breezy seaside picnic.

A short distance from the beach, the medina consists of winding alleyways lined with shops selling the handicrafts of the region, such as Berber baskets, colorful fabrics, decorated pottery and more. A unique trait of Azemmour’s medina is its brightly decorated walls, painted by local artists.

Visitors opting to spend the night in Azemmour can choose from a handful of hotels and riads, or wander just outside of town for camping.

Written by Shelley A. Gable, instructional designer and freelance writer.

Photo by nabekor.

Say the name “Casablanca,” and, for most people, it will conjure to mind all the romance and swagger of the 1942 classic movie. Hollywood may know glamor, but the allure of Morocco’s largest city is not fixed in its history. Instead, it is the epicenter of Morocco’s 21st century economy. The Casablanca of today isn’t the sleepy expat town of film fame (which was actually shot entirely on a studio lot in Los Angeles), and travelers should expect the bustle one would associate with North Africa’s largest port and an industrialized city of 3 million people.

It is home to two international airports, so many travelers will find that Casablanca is their first taste of Morocco. Explore the can’t-miss sites of the city, such as the impressive Hassan II mosque and the art deco architecture of New Town, and then consider visiting some of the other nearby attractions. The Roman ruins of Volubilis, the medieval Portugese fort at El Jadida and the capital city of Rabat are all within an easy train ride, and the cities of Marrakesh, Fez and Tangiers are accessible within a day’s travel from Casablanca. Even if your time in Morocco is limited to only a few days, Casablanca makes an excellent modern hub for day trippers looking to whet their appetite for traditional Moroccan culture.

One-hundred kilometers to the southwest of Casablanca—about an hour and a half by train—is the coastal town of El Jadida. Formally known under Portuguese occupation as Mazagan, it is a relaxing antidote to the urbanity of Casablanca. It is most renowned for its beaches and the historic Portuguese fortifications, which date back to 1514 and are the oldest in Europe. After spending a morning wandering this UNESCO World Heritage Site and an afternoon strolling along the picturesque bay, indulge in some of El Jadida’s excellent seafood. Try the shad, a delicately-flavored local fish specialty.

Rabat has been the political capital of Morocco since 1956, and though it is as cosmopolitan as Casablanca, there is a noticeable difference in pace from its larger neighbor. The city has a long and varied history, from Romans to pirates to French invasion. Its archaeological museum is the largest in Morocco, and the collection of artifacts dates back to Paleolithic times. Another notable difference from many of Morocco’s other large cities is the atmosphere of the souk. More organized and easier to navigate, it is a good introduction to Morocco’s wares and bargaining practices.

If El Jadida’s medieval architecture and Rabat’s prehistoric treasures haven’t satiated your appetite for history, continue further north up the coast from Rabat to Volubilis. Called Oualili in Arabic and Berber, this is a testament to the Roman influence in Morocco’s heritage. While most of the artifacts are housed at the museum in Rabat, it is not hard to conjure up images of the ancient daily life in this once bustling port city, which offers a unique perspective on the transformations Morocco’s port cities have undergone through the centuries.

Written by Erin Tolman.

Photo by _Pixelmaniac_

While Rabat, Morocco, has not necessarily established itself as a major tourist destination, this pleasant metropolitan city is a great home base for exploring Morocco’s more modern sites. Morocco’s capital city lacks the hustle and bustle of other Moroccan cities, making it a great place to stay for families traveling with children. Rabat’s medina is rather quiet yet authentic so you take your young ones shopping in the souks without too much worry about losing them in the crowds

There are plenty of sites to see in Rabat like the ancient city of Sale Colonia and Rabat’s most famous landmark, Le Tour Hassan, plus there are many popular historical sites within an easy traveling distance from Rabat.

Once you’ve explored Rabat, consider taking several day trips to one of these neighboring sites to get more of a feel for Moroccan culture.

Located within an easy hour’s drive from Rabat, Casablanca is one of Morocco’s favorite tourist destinations. Inspired by French colonialism, Casablanca is more modern and more open to Western ways than other places in Morocco. Take a walking tour through the Marche Central and spend the afternoon sipping tea at one of Casablanca’s many hip cafes. Make sure to explore the old city’s medina, the newly gentrified shopping district of Quartier Harbous and the Hassan II Mosque—the fifth largest mosque in the world.

On the way to Casablanca, you can stop off at one of the beautiful beaches that line the Atlantic Coast. Bouznika is one of the trendiest beach towns located between the two cities, complete with luxurious golf resorts. Bouznika is also a popular surf spot, especially in the winter when the surf is especially consistent.

Rabat’s neighboring city of Sale is a fun place to explore. With winding streets, narrow alleyways and old medina houses, Sale looks more like a traditional Moroccan village than a literal suburb of the modern Rabat. Conservative dress is more appropriate in Sale compared to the other cities near Rabat, so if you don’t want to stand out in Sale, dress more conservatively and avoid wearing short skirts or tank tops.

Just eight miles southwest of Rabat is the peaceful seaside town of Temera. The Temera Plage is a long coastal area divided up into many sandy beaches perfect for both surfing and sunbathing. You can also visit Termera’s Grand Mosque and the many quaint markets you will find around town. Great for children, the Temera National Zoological Park houses hundreds of species of birds and many mammals like elephants, lions and gazelles.

Written by Amiee Maxwell.

Photo by Rachid Lamzah.

When people travel to Morocco, they tend to seek out the predefined exotic destinations in the country, and while Casablanca generally lacks that label, it does have a lot to offer travelers who want a little urban flavor before traipsing off into the desert for a camel ride. Situated on Morocco’s northwestern coast, the city is known as Dar el Beida in Arabic. The name Casablanca means “white house.”

Casablanca was founded in the 7th century as an independent Berber kingdom. Later it was seized by the Arabs and subsequently by Almoravids and the Merenids, then finally by the Portuguese and the Spanish. These last two cultures gave the city its name. In the middle of the 18th century, the town was destroyed by an earthquake. It was later rebuilt by Moulay Ismael, the grandson of the second ruler of the Moroccan Alaouite dynasty. In 1907, the French took control of Casablanca; they remained in control until 1956 when Morocco gained independence.

Whether you are a tourist or a business traveler, Casablanca offers an interesting blend of modern urban life and cultural accents. It is common to see men and women garbed in the latest Western fashions mingling with those wearing conservative Islamic clothing, including the hooded djellaba. Similarly, if you walk through the city, you can see modern architecture in proximity to that which is traditional Islamic. If you want to sample the local cuisine there are plenty of fine cafes and sandwich shops.

Yet others are more interested in the popular local sites. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the major landmarks in the city. It is the second largest mosque in the world and is located very near the Old Medina on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors may be awed by the exquisite craftsmanship of the wood, marble and granite and plaster accent pieces. Additionally, there is a glass floor that allows views of the ocean below. Located in the same area as the Hassan II Mosque is La Corniche, a popular beach front district replete with restaurants, beaches and pools.

The Square of Mohammed V is one of the most popular places for locals to gather during the course of the day. A large fountain forms the centerpiece of this area of Casablanca. Historical buildings like the Palace of Justice French Consulate and Banque of Morocco surround the square. The downtown district is also home to the bazaar, a souk (or market) frequented by tourists looking to buy souvenirs. You can also buy traditional clothing, jewelry, antiques, rugs and other pieces.

If you head over to the Habbous District, an enormous collection of souks located just behind the king’s palace, you have even more shopping opportunities. You can find just about anything here. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for fresh vegetables, house wares, clothing, jewelry or just souvenirs. Tourists are also welcome at the Royal Palace so you could stop there before you hit the markets.

Written by Shaun Kilgore.

Photo by Alex Milla.

Located on the North Atlantic coast, Morocco’s capital, Rabat, has a more unhurried and laid-back feel to it than Casablanca, the country’s cosmopolitan business hub or the frenetic bustle of Fez’s walled city. Plagued by pirate attacks through much of its history, Rabat was often overshadowed by Morocco’s other imperial cities of Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh, but it has served as the country’s capital continually since 1912.

Le Tour Hassan & Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Rabat’s most famous landmark is Le Tour Hassan, a 44 m (144 foot) tower built during the reign of Almohad ruler Yacoub el Mansour in the late 12th century. The tower was meant to be built even higher, but construction on it was stopped at el Mansour’s death in 1199. Surrounded by greenery and tiled fountains, Le Tour Hassan and the adjacent mausoleum grounds make a nice place for photo opportunities and afternoon walks. Resembling a small palace, the mausoleum houses the remains of Moroccan kings Mohammed V and Hassan II.

Kasbah des Oudaias

Rabat’s kasbah, or fortified city wall, offers a picturesque view of the North Atlantic coast. Located on the edge of the old city, from here you can take a path from the walls down to the beach, ramble through 17th Andalusian gardens or marvel at Bab Oudaia, the kasbah’s elaborate 12th-century door. A few ‘guides’ may ask if you want a tour of the area, but the kasbah is quite easy to navigate on your own unlike the labyrinth streets of walled Fez.

Medina

Within the old city you can shop without the hassle of busier markets. Stores, cafes and craftsmen’s workshops line the streets; one particularly colorful area to explore is the spice market on Rue Souika. For an upscale dining experience in a traditional Moroccan house, reserve a table at Restaurant Le Ziryab, and if you’re looking for cheaper eats during your stroll through the medina, try Comedie Cafe patisserie.

Chellah

Just south of the city is Chellah, site of the ancient Roman settlement known as Sala Colonia. The remains you’ll find here date not back to Roman times, but to the Merenid settlement that flourished in the area during the 13th century. While nowhere near as large or impressive as the Roman ruins at Volubillis, Chellah is an intriguing archaeological attraction.

You won’t find touts or tour guides at the unkempt grounds, but you will find a variety of fig, orange and banana trees growing among the ruins and giant stork nests atop Chellah’s crumbling pillars. Take a petite taxi to get to Chellah, and either ask the driver to wait or arrange for him to return at a set time.

Written by Heather Carreiro.

Photo by Alexbip.

It was once thought that nothing lay beyond the Atlantic Coast of Morocco. Today the Atlantic Coast region of Morocco is one of the most prosperous. This fact is due to the shipping ports which have formed on the coast bringing tourists, fishing industries and much more. Casablanca is one of these coastal cities. It is one of the largest cities of Morocco, and perhaps the most well known.

The Famous Rick's Cafe

Much of Morocco’s population is housed in Casablanca and up and down the Atlantic Coast region. Numerous travelers to Casablanca spend a small amount of time in the city, before taking a train or plane to other parts of Morocco or Africa.  Yet, this area deserves to be explored for the mixture of culture, the shops, and (as mentioned) the restaurants.

Casablanca Coastline

Casablanca’s History

The history of Casablanca began with the Phoenicians in the 6th century BC.  They lived in the area through the 7th century, which is when the small village became the capital.  It was at this point that the Berbers began to settle into the area.  The Almohads destroyed the area in 1188.  Before visiting Casablanca you may find it important to learn more about the history of such a great city.  It will help in understanding the various architectural and historical sites you will discover on your treks through this amazing city.

The Medina of Casablanca or the old city is in the northern section.  It is a small area close to the port. From the south end of the Medina the rest of the city streets sprawl about creating the massive economic center that it truly is.

Cultural Centers

There are four cultural centers in Casablanca that are worth visiting if you can stay in town for a week.  The Dan America is a place of American culture and language explaining the history of Americans in Morocco.  The Goethe Institute offers German classes, film screenings, events, and exhibitions.  Depending on the time of year you visit Morocco this center may host a great many events you will want to attend.  The Institute France is another library for films, lectures, events, and exhibitions relating to the French culture.  French culture in Morocco is quite prominent.  The French have played a huge role in Africa, specifically in this northern region.  Lastly the Institute Cervantes is available for anyone wishing to learn more about the Spanish influence on Morocco.  Spain is not far across the Mediterranean Sea, making it just as important as the three other cultures one can study while on vacation.

Like any large city there are areas in Casablanca you will not want to visit.  It is fairly easy to keep out of these areas, by sticking to the main tourist areas.  One way to ensure a most successful visit to Casablanca is booking through a tour operator. Such operators offer tours of the city, giving a much more relaxing Morocco holiday with a cultural history lesson (and much more).

The Atlantic Coast and Casablanca is just one area to visit. For those wanting a variety of experiences spending a few days in Casablanca and moving on is worthwhile. Ergo, another popular area for tourists to visit is the High Atlas Mountains.  These mountains are magnificent in their beauty.  Vibrant green forests, wildlife, birds, and small villages await those willing to trek off the beaten path to waterfalls, lakes, and Massifs like Jbel Toubkal. Trekking Morocco is best done with a tour operator who knows the area and can arrange places to stay for the multiday trips.

So whether you take a walking tour of Casablanca or stop for a few hours to explore a few of the more popular shops or take to trekking the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco has a dash of a little of everything for an array of visitors.

by Sam Mitchell

If your first stop in Morocco is Casablanca then let your second stop be just 60 miles up the coast in Rabat. It is the country’s capital and where most of the foreign embassies are located as well as the country’s head of state, King Mohammed VI. The most talked about and well-visited site in Rabat is the Tour Hassan, built of rosy copper sandstone with a minaret that soars 144 feet above an array of 300 columns of a mosque that was never actually completed. Morocco’s cities are filled to the brim with such boiling brews

Eight centuries separate another well-known mosque housing the Mausoleum of Mohammed V who was the hero of the transition to independence. As well, don’t miss the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which can be found in a 17th century palace and houses a famous collection of Berber jewelry, musical instruments and manuscripts

A once Roman city, the Kasbah Chellah (Chellah Gardens) is a site worth investigation as the area is littered with Roman ruins and saints’ tombs that are topped off with stork’s nests. Next to one of the tombs is a stone pool in which there are eels used for a magical rite from tales of old. Women from the area feed the eels hard-boiled eggs in hopes that the rite will bring them a child. On Friday, a visit to the area will offer witness to the brightly dressed women there for the Islamic Sabbath.

After a day or two in Rabat keep moving east to Meknes, once the capital of Morocco during the reign of Alaouite sultan Moulay Ismali from 1672 to 1727. There are 25 miles of massive fortifications surrounding the city and in order to enter, visitors must go through ornate gateways, the highlight being Bab el-Mansour. Once inside there are palatial palaces, ornate gardens, reservoirs and the ancient, but still elegant Royal Graneries. As well take a look at the Moulay Ismael Mausoleum, which is one of the four sacred sites open to Non-Muslims.

Once in the old city there are souks full of spices, carpets, leather and damascene or silver inlay work – this is what the city is actually most famous for too. The Museum of Moroccan Art housed in the former Dar Jamai Palace is also on the list of things to do in Meknes.

Even after all these sites, there is still one that serves to entice the visitor even more, the UNESCO Heritage Site of the monumental arches and temples of Volubilis. Only 19 miles to the north of the city and once the Roman capital of Mauritania ruins include the House of Orpheus and other villas with beautiful mosaic floors, the Forum with the Capitol and Basilica and the Triumphal Arch marking the western end of the city’s main street. There’s so much to see and do in Morocco that one Morocco tour may not be enough to cover it all.

Just two miles from Volubilis is the holy town of Moulay Idriss, tumbling down the slopes of two hills. On the main square in that town is the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, the eighth century founder of Morocco’s first Arab dynasty. Every September thousands of pilgrims come to pay homage to him at the shrine – a holy festival called moussem – all in honor of Morocco’s first sultan.

Another city you must visit includes the imperial city of Fes. It is the oldest of the imperial cities and Morocco’s intellectual, religious and artistic capital. There are many fascinating things to see and do in Fes including peeking through the carved entrance doors of the ninth century Kairaouine Mosque, a virtual masterpiece of Andalusian architecture. There are also views from the Merenid Tombs above the city or stand amazed at the Royal Palace with its dramatic golden doors in the Fes el Jedid (New Fes). Of course too, there is the medieval Medina, the country’s largest open-air market.

The city’s heart lies, however, in Fes el Bali, the quintessential Medina and yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you go to this Medina it is advised to go with a guide so as not to get lost in the labyrinth of pedestrian passageways–over 90,000 in all! Another piece of advice, give way to the donkeys and drivers calling out “balek,” they have the right of way and are the taxis of the Medina. While it is big, there is an order to the madness. For example, the tanners are located in a section as are the metal workers in the sunny square, the spice sellers, the rug merchants and the dyers, it’s all easy to find if you know where you are looking. And that is exaclty what a Morocco family tour will do for you–keep you looking and learning.

By Rita Cook

The city of Casablanca was immortalized in the movie of the same name staring Humphrey Bogart. It was actually established in 1906 and had a population of approximately 20,000 people. Today, the city boasts a population of over 4 million and, as the heart and soul of Morocco, it resembles a Southern European city more than the rest of the cities in the country itself. The city is probably the most liberal and progressive of all of Morocco’s cities and it’s not uncommon to see young women clad in designer labels and men sporting suit, ties and briefcases.

The city of Casablanca – also known as Dar el Baida or simply Casa – is the capital city of Morocco. It is the main entrance and exit for most visitors to the country, whether flying from Europe or the USA. With plenty of places to stay on any budget in and around Casablanca, visitors will find it a perfect holiday getaway that involves some shopping, some good food, plenty of night life and a lot of relaxation.

Morocco: French Influence

There is no doubt that the French influenced the city of Casablanca during their occupation in the early 1900s. To see the Casablanca that Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart knew in the movie, one would need to travel to the old city. The new city is modern, chic, and beautiful.

This “new city” centre has lively streets with tall, white buildings. Visitors to Casablanca who have seen nothing else of Morocco may be disappointed to see that it is so modern and nothing like what they expected the city to be like. Casablanca, if anything, is the perfect example of how Moroccans are moving forward with time and taking charge of the economic direction their country should go in.

The streets of Casablanca fan out from the Place de Nations Unies, the focal point of downtown as well as where the modern city meets the traditional medina. As you walk around Casablanca, you will see that the old colonial centre of the city was given quite a bit of attention by the French authorities. The buildings are grand and the architecture is the French take on the Arabo-Andalucian style, complete with soft lines and attention to detail. If you stand in the middle of the streets in Casablanca and gaze at the corners, you will see just how well these French buildings have withstood the ravages of time and how well the citizens have kept them up. If you enjoy gazing at architecture such as this, then you will want to explore the area south of Avenue des Force Armees Royales and the Place de Nations Unies.

The old city, on the other hand, is small and it is made up of small houses and shops that are more modern than one would initially expect. There are very few alleyways found in the old city, something that every other old European city seems to have plenty of. This is a refreshing change for most Morocco holiday makers. There is little to see in the old city with the exception of a few spots of quiet beauty, but if you are enjoying a relaxing vacation and just taking in the sights for what they worth, then a stroll through this section of Casablanca will have its own rewards. There is an excellent market in the old city, but make sure you look over everything before you purchase an item. One stall may have it for less than another and the shopkeepers here know how to haggle, barter and earn their keep.

While Visiting Casablanca, Morocco

If you are looking for a nice handcrafted souvenir from Morocco, then the many different shops in the medina will have the perfect item. The shops here are all well maintained and while the area is smaller than most traditional souqs in the country, you will find items here that are designed to meet the needs of the residents and all of high quality.

The Marche Central offers everyone fresh vegetables, meats, seafood of all kinds, and more. If you’ve never had turtle soup, make sure you try some from Casablanca. This is a treat for visitors from countries where the selling of turtles for food is prohibited.

Visitors who want to spend a day at the beach can take a bus to Ain Diab and enjoy walking along the surf. There are numerous beach clubs here. Some have saltwater pools, fine-dining restaurants and sidewalk seating cafés. Be forewarned as they can be a bit expensive to visit. You may also want to pop into Rick’s Café in Casablanca near the walls of the Old Medina and within walking distance of the Hassan II Mosque. This establishment has recreated the café from the Bogart and Bergman movie right down to the piano player who plays ‘As Time Goes By’ every night.

For more historical or ethnic sites to see, the Hassan II Mosque is open Muslim and non-Muslim alike, not common of Morocco mosques. There are guided tours through the mosque four times a day and the architecture and motifs both inside and out are well worth seeing.

The cultural and economic center of Morocco may not be as ethnically fascinating as other cities in the country, but Casablanca has its own appeal. The city is perfect for weekend getaways and the nightlife is attractive to everyone who visits this bustling and very modern Moroccan city.

by Sam Mitchell

Visitors journeying to Morocco will no doubt enjoy visiting some of the country’s most famous and exotic cities; they will be drawn by the ancient pink walls of Marrakech, the old medina in Fez and the endless beaches of Essaouira. However, one city that tourists sometimes (and unfortunately) overlook is Salé. Salé is the twin city to the Moroccan capital of Rabat, lying just across the river Bou Regreg. The Bou Regreg River forms the border between Salé and Rabat, and after passing between the two cities, empties itself into the Atlantic Ocean. Many visitors to Morocco are overwhelmed by the historical sites in Rabat (such as the medina, the ancient ruins of Chellah, and the mausoleum of Mohammed V), and they forget that a short boat ride away from the capital will lead them to the less glamorous, but equally fascinating city of Salé.

Some Morocco History

Historically, Salé played an important role in helping to form Morocco into the vibrant nation that it is today. In the 1950’s, the first demonstrations against the French were launched in Salé, sparking political uprisings across the country that eventually led to Morocco gaining its independence from France in 1956.

Salé has always had the reputation of a town that likes to “stir things up,” and in the 17th century the town was infamous for its pirates known as the “Salée Rovers.” The town was so famous for pirate activities that Daniel Defoe wrote the city into his renowned work “Robinson Crusoe,” placing Robinson in the captivity of the Salée Rovers!

While the history of Salé is certainly fascinating, it is the relaxed feel and vibe of the town that will truly draw in adventurous travelers. Salé is home to 800,000 people, and many work as poorly paid factor workers. In this way it is in stark contrast to Rabat, which is filled with government workers and has a much more official feel to it than Salé.

It is Salé’s “unofficial” vibe that will draw in tourists – it is a true Moroccan town, one that is not dedicated primarily to tourism or government activities. Instead, one will wander through the old streets of Salé and see old men sitting in run-down cafes, sipping on coffee and chatting quietly. Children play in the streets, and women bring home freshly baked Moroccan flat bread from the neighborhood bakery or communal ovens. Life moves at a slow pace, which many tourists find refreshing after the hustle and bustle of Rabat.

Morocco Salé’s Monuments

When visiting Salé, take the time to visit some of the town’s ancient religious monuments; beautiful Morocco mosques in the city center proudly display the ancient craftsmanship of Moroccan tile making, known in Arabic as zellige. Step into an intricately designed 14th century madrasa and ponder the majestic architecture that comprises the school building. Walk down to the shores of the Bou Regreg and watch as brightly colored boats unload their daily catch – feel free to buy some fresh fish for yourself, as the fish in Salé is known for being particularly delicious especially if prepared in a traditional Moroccan tajine.

Salé is also known for its craftsmen who produce stunning wooden pieces such as desks, chairs, and trays (the trays make fantastic gifts!). Be sure to stop by one of the woodworking factories in Salé and have a peek both at the way the craftsmen create their wooden artwork as well to see what they have on sell – Salé prices are known to be much cheaper than Rabat’s, so you may find some amazing deals!

Salé is one of Morocco’s many hidden gems – it is not on the traditional travel agenda for most who go on Morocco tours, but by taking a trip to this laid-back, ancient city you will see a side of Morocco that the guidebooks often miss and have a chance to discover the friendly ambience of a traditional Moroccan working-class town.

By Terry, Content Editor and JBT Travel Guide