Ciao Bellisimi!
As you know I occasionally receive request from other travel bloggers to write posts for Chasing La Bella Vita. I love this as many go places I have not gone yet and I love sharing them with you.
Today Jess Signet has written a terrific blog for you about her travels to Morocco. Jess is one of the super intrepid travelers who go all kinds of places. You can view her articles and beautiful photos on her blog.
The Perfect Itinerary For a Trip To Morocco
I would like to thank Chris for publishing this article. Her site is a fantastic place for brilliant travel and lifestyle tips, and shows readers that the world can be a friendly, warm and welcoming place. After reading this, be sure to check out her post on the skills you gain whilst traveling!
Lovingly and locally known as “The Gateway to Africa,” Morocco is a wonderfully unique and vibrant country whose long and eclectic history has created a magnificently diverse culture and a people who are some of the most welcoming and hospitable anywhere in the world. There is so much to see and experience on any visit to Morocco that creating to perfect itinerary can be a bit of a challenge. However, I’ve compiled a list of the highlights from my own visit to help you make the most out of your trip and experience to true beauty of this fantastic country.
The Cultural Sites
Flying into Fez is an extremely common way to start any Moroccan adventure. With a great airport and some of the best examples of Morocco’s cultural staples, the city is the ideal destination to begin the adventure. While you’re there, be sure to check out the famous tanneries, which use traditional techniques to create natural and chemical free leather. They are located pretty centrally, and you’re sure to stumble across a local who will take you around and explain the procedures. During my visit, I was even given a sprig of mint to hold to my nose in order to overcome to strong smell that the tanning pits give off.
The Historical Sites
Morocco is a paradoxical contrast of old and new. While big cities, such as Casablanca, are international financial and business hubs, you only have to head out a short way before you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. During an excursion to the Atlas Mountains—which run regularly from Marrakech—we were taken to a traditional Berber village to have lunch and drink mint tea. The Berber people were the first tribes to colonize Morocco, and their way of living has not changed much since that day. It was an unmatchable experience to get to share their way of life with them.
The Geographical Sites
Sahara Dunes
No trip to Morocco would be complete without a trek into the Sahara desert. Famously the largest desert on the planet, the vast dunes and rich sands are truly a once in a lifetime experience. Most hostels and tourism companies offer trips out into the area. Due to time restraints, I chose to go for a day, but if you have the money, I highly recommend opting for the two-to-three day excursions. These trips allow you to camp out under the stars and truly experience the tranquil isolation and peace that being so far out in nature always brings.
The Unusual Sites
One of the most charming elements of this beautiful country can be found in the northern city of Chefchaouen. Often forgotten by tourists, the winding streets and tiny alleys offer one of the most picturesque views in the world. This is because a large number of the walls and buildings in the city are painted a vibrant azure blue. It’s said to be a result of Jewish migrants in 1930 who saw the color as a representation of heaven. Whatever the reason, it’s an unmissable experience to wander round the bright and colorful streets.
The Culinary Sites
The main reason for my trip to Morocco—and I imagine it’s the same for most—was the food. The mouth-watering tagines, succulent kebabs and invigorating mint tea are truly some of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever experienced. For a real taste of the Morrocan culinary experience, head to Le Jemaa el-Fna—the main square in Marrakech—for the night market. As well as showcasing a vast range of delicious dishes, it’s also a great place to meet and interact with locals as they use all of their humor, marketing prowess and general salesmanship to entice you to pick their market stall.
The Seaside Getaway
Essaouira Sea
After the madness and chaos of the northern cities—such as Fez and Marrakech—a quiet few days at the beach is a good plan in anybody’s book! Further south, the quiet coastal town of Essaouria offers the perfect retreat. With long stretches of white sand, great surf and horse and camel rides on the beach, it’s the ideal way to end the trip. The haggling culture is far less prominent down here, and merchants are less pushy when trying to make sales, so it’s a welcome break from the manic nature of the more touristic cities. It’s also a fantastic place to try classic Moroccan seafood dishes, bought straight from the docks and cooked in the traditional way.
Morocco is one of my most favorite places in the world, and I definitely recommend that everyone take a trip there at least once. The people are friendly, the food is great, and the culture is fascinating.
If you want to learn more about this fantastic destination before visiting, there’s a brilliant series on Netflix called “Departures” which gives you an in depth look of what it’s like to travel there. However, it’s geographically restricted due to licensing laws so, if you’re overseas, you’ll have to find a way to unblock it.
If you have any more tips of things to do in Morocco or ways people can find out more information before visiting, be sure to leave a comment below and share your ideas!
About the author: Jess Signet is a long-term traveler and travel writer. Jess fell in love with Morocco and hopes this article will inspire you to visit this beautiful and fascinating country. When Jess isn’t traveling she is usually writing about and sharing stories from her travels. You can catch Jess on Twitter at @Jessstravels and find her here on Facebook.
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