The Agafay Desert is located just an hour’s drive from the lively souks and dizzying maze-like market streets of Marrakech. Literally untouched by development, the Agafay offers quite the contrast from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Visiting the Agafay Desert is...
Located in north central Morocco, Taza province is home to Jebel Tazzeka National Park, the medieval city of Taza and the largest underground cave network in North Africa, the Friouato Caves. Taza city, the provincial capital, is a two-hour journey from Fez by road or...
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...
If you happen to be learning about Morocco you may like to visit the country’s version of Stonehenge: the Monoliths of M’Soura. This Neolithic site is home to a great stone circle in some ways similar to the one located on the plains of Salisbury, England. The site...
If you’re looking for a traditional Moroccan experience, Agadir isn’t the place you’ll find it. But if you’re in search of a Western resort town to escape the North African experience for a day or two, Agadir will pleasantly surprise you. The city offers a different...
When some visitors travel to Morocco, cultural experiences are an enticing attraction. This is why so many venture to the port city Essaouira to participate in the World Gnaoua Festival. Also known as the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival, the event brings...
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,...
On a lonely stretch of desert road in southeastern Morocco, between Tazzarine and Rissani on the N12 highway, lies the small (pop. 3,170) town of Alnif. And while this oasis nestled on the southeast edge of the Anti Atlas Mountains is starkly picturesque, one would...
Like in your home country, you can count on most Moroccan cities—regardless of size—to offer basic staples that cater to the population’s needs and culture. When you Morocco travel, you’re bound to find something to do wherever you are. If you ever wonder how to pass...
The Atlantic port city of Safi may not be considered the biggest tourist hub of Morocco, but isn’t it said that the best things are the least expected? In this case, absolutely. Pack your camera, put on walking shoes and get ready to discover all that the road less...
If you haven’t taken a holiday package to Morocco before, you may have little idea of this country’s varied climate. The Moroccan climate may differ widely depending on the region or the time of year. You can experience warmer, pleasant temperatures on the coastal...
The “Red City,” as Marrakech is known, is bursting with all the delights of a Moroccan metropolis. A visit here can be understandably overwhelming. While days, weeks and even years can be spent immersing yourself in the city’s charms (an estimated 10, 000 Europeans...
Let it never be said that Moroccans don’t know how to party; one of the best ways to experience this truth first-hand is to attend a wedding. Moroccan weddings are 24-hour affairs, but some can take place over the course of two or even three days. Just as in the west,...
Fez (also known as Fes) will charm you with its culture tucked into every tightly woven street corner, but it can be nice to escape—even when you’re enjoying this fascinating old city. If you’re aching to break through the city walls for a day, we’ve got you covered....
With five distinct mountain ranges, trekking in Morocco is a year-round activity. From the rugged Rif mountains in the north to the dramatic Anti Atlas that spill out to the southern Souss plains, dozens of routes for hiking and trekking are accessible during whatever...
If you travel to Essaouira after visiting other Moroccan cities, one of the first things you might notice in the medina is dreadlocks—several shopkeepers with dreadlocks. The town’s amiable medina, well-kept beach and quiet serenity make Essaouira an attractive place...
Morocco may conjure images of sand dunes, dusty mountain trail heads and steamy medina alleyways, but that doesn’t mean those are your only travel options. In fact, not only does Morocco have an extensive coastline to explore, but its coastal cities are some of the...
With its roots as one of Morocco’s imperial cities, Meknes has plenty of history and architectural treasures to attract travelers. It was once the shining capital during the dynasties of Berber and Arabic families, but though it has faded into the background a...
Part of Eland’s Poetry of Place collection, Berber Odes is a compilation of poetry in translation edited by Michael Peyron, visiting professor at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. From my year spent studying abroad at Al Akhwayn in 2003-2004, I still have...
When people decide to take a journey to Morocco, they tend to seek out the predefined exotic destinations in the country, and while Casablanca (see our insider’s guide to Casablanca) lacks that label, there are several interesting things to do in...
You’ve probably heard stories about the incredible depths of Moroccan hospitality; let me tell you now, they’re all true. Many outsiders may think the lengths Moroccans will go to welcome you inside their homes and communities can seem like a farce, nothing could be...
Though independent travelers may find it easy to get around Morocco’s major cities, seeking out the highlights in the remote rural valleys, mountains or desert may pose challenges for someone unfamiliar with the area. Hiring a guide to take you to these places allows...
Over the centuries, Marrakesh has been a desert oasis, military headquarters, a religious center and the playground of a sultan. It is one of Morocco’s great cities, but it began as a watering hole for the local Berber tribes. It was little more than a remote outpost...
When they first think about Morocco travel with an agency, many travelers stick to the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat, spend a few days on a desert trek in the Merzouga dunes and may check out the beaches and nightlife in Casablanca. If you’ve...
The lively and energetic streets of Marrakech, Morocco, become even livelier during the annual Marrakech Popular Arts Festival. This multi-day festival features artists, dancers, singers, theatre troupes, fortune tellers and snake charmers from all over Morocco as...
Picture your first day in Marrakesh: You stroll through Jamaa El-Fnaa, try a fresh glass of orange juice, snack on a few figs and weave your way into the medina. As you walk past vendors selling spices, carpets, lanterns and fresh fruit, you stumble upon the stall of...
Moroccan cuisine is known for its mix of North African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking styles. Often combining sweet and salty elements, Moroccan dishes burst with flavor. Here are some of the most popular national dishes to try during your first trip to...
Moroccan restaurants are, as you would expect, just like any restaurant elsewhere in the world. Each one offers a chance to relax, watch the world go by, and eat something delicious—sometimes even decadent. While restaurants in Morocco run the gamut from...
The Bahia Palace is both a palace and a set of gardens situated in the medina of Marrakech, Morocco, just along the northern edge of Mellah, also known as the Jewish Quarter. While the exact dates for the construction of this palace are not known, records indicate...
Pre-Trip Preparation Before your trip to Morocco, be sure to have your health insurance and vaccinations in order. Not all standard health insurance policies cover overseas travel, and if you plan to engage in sporting activities like kite surfing, trekking or...
Written and photographed by JBT Director, Lucas Peters, the 4th edition of Moon Morocco is a detailed, full-colored country guidebook. Guaranteed to inspire travel lust, this edition is a wonderful companion for you while you’re in the planning stages or already in-country.
The 1st edition of Marrakesh & Beyond is a handy pocket-sized traveler. A complimentary guidebook to Moon Morocco, this guide dives deeper into the mysterious souks of the famed “Red City.” With a detailed shopping guide, handy fold-out map, and itineraries for day-tripping from Marrakesh, Lucas brings us another great resource for Morocco!