Morocco awakens the senses in seconds. Its sun-soaked coasts, breathtaking Atlas mountains, and wind-swept Sahara leave you in awe. Spicy aromas permeate the air in the crowded souks. Street musicians put a spring in your step. There’s something magical for every adventurer here. So read on to learn some astonishing facts about Morocco that will make you want to march to Marrakesh tomorrow.
Some Interesting Facts About Morocco
1. The High Atlas Mountains are heavenly
Mother nature didn’t hold back when she made Morocco. Just look at the High Atlas Mountains – extending almost 1000 kilometres across Morocco and reaching 13672 feet in height. In fact, local Berbers call ‘Idraren Draren’ the Mountains of Mountains for its colossal presence, which invites travellers to climb up and explore their villages, plus steep valleys, snow-capped peaks, wandering wildlife and glowing mountains lakes like Lac Ifni (pictured above). Just promise us you’ll remember your camera.
2. There are 4 unique imperial cities
Morocco’s imperial cites Rabat, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat have all been Morocco’s capital during their history. (That honour goes to Rabat today). But their aura and UNESCO-listed, maze-like medinas (old centres) have enchanted travellers for generations. Plus inspired writers, poets and filmmakers. You can find history at every turn in these cities: in mosques, tombs, arches street engravings and more. They all deserve a visit.
3. Marakkesh’s Jemaa el-Fna is bucket-list worthy
In the heart of Marakkesh’s medina, the Jemaa El-Fna square is a magical maze of winding streets, food stalls and souks selling mountains of spices, lamps, jewellery and hand-woven fabrics. This gigantic square dates back to the founding of red-hued Marrakesh by the Almoravids in 1062 – and you can feel the pulse of the city in its sweet-smelling lanes. Plus you’ll get to put your best haggling skills to the test here.
Local traders and terraces serving mint tea thrive here by day; while as the sun sets –fortune tellers, snake charmers, musicians, belly dancers and magicians appear and create an intoxicating atmosphere.
4. Morocco is one of the world’s most diverse countries
One of our favourite facts about Morocco: it’s different ethnic groups make it even more special. Berbers (the indigenous people of North-west Africa) and Arabs (who conquered Morocco by 705 and spread Islam) are its two main groups. But past rule from Spanish, Romans, French and Jewish exiles mark the present culture and its people, languages, food, art, architecture and clothing.
5. From mosques to riads, there’s amazing architecture everywhere
From iconic mosques to colourful street corners – eye-catching architecture floods your vision wherever you go. Thanks to Morocco’s diverse past, you can spot both Islamic and Hispano-Moorish inspired designs. Expect intricate patterns on palaces, fountain, kasbahs (historic fortresses), riads (sheltered outdoor areas at home), pottery, madersas (Islamic teaching schools) and ceramic tiles.
Before you leave, you’ll want to visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (pictured) – the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and a shining example of Moorish architecture.
6. The Medina in Fes is car-free
‘Morocco was an amazing experience, the Medina in Fes was unforgettable and dinner in the Riad magical.’– Trafalgar Guest (Spain, Morocco and Portugal tour)
You’d be foolish not to spend time in northeast Morocco – and its cultural capital – Fes. Here, inside it’s towering 10-mile long walls, you can wander over 10,000 alleys too narrow for cars, but just wide enough for chariots to carry hand-made goods to souks. Stop into a madrasa and admire the architecture. Or take your place in a traditional riad for an Arabian dinner with live music and belly dancing on Trafalgar’s Spain, Morocco and Portugal tour.
7. You can stand in the Sahara desert
Morocco’s slice of the Sahara desert is stunning. Located in the southeast, miles undulating, wind-swept sand dunes run away into the impossible distance. Time stands still. And the only sounds are delicate footsteps of a camel on a walking tour. And that’s right – you could be next.
8. The souks will steal your heart
A unique shopping experience, a souk can take a minute to blend into for first-timers. Inside a maze of colourful narrow lanes is a world of antiques, carpets, spices, trinkets, Aladdin-like lamps and other local crafts. Local merchants used to journey through here. But now the pleasure is all yours – including the (compulsory) haggling to get a fair price.
9. Moroccan food is diverse and delicious
Nothing spins the sense quite like Moroccan food. You’ll find a range of Arabic, Berber, Mediterranean, Andalusian and European-influenced dishes here, meaning there’s definitely one with your name on it. We recommend eating local couscous, taktouka (tomato, olive oil, paprika, peppers and parsley salad), and tagine (slow-cooked lamb stew bubbling with a tomato-like sauce and spices).
10. You can find the highest ski resort in Africa (Oukaimeden) here
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This is one of the most surprising facts about Morocco. You might not associate skiing with Africa. But you will now; because about 80 kilometres from Marrakesh, nestled 2,600 metres above sea level in the snowy Atlas mountains, is Oukaimeden ski resort. It soars up to 3,200m at its highest peak (Jebel Attar) – presenting picture-perfect slopes for skiers of all levels, which are flanked by the colossal mountains and kissed by African sun.
11. Casablanca has the only Jewish museum in the Arab world
In the port city of Casablanca (on Morocco’s east coast), you can find the only dedicated Jewish museum in the Arab world. It celebrates Judaeo-Muslim culture and the mutual influences between the two religions. For example, Morocco’s traditional textile patterns inspired the design of the clothing worn by Jewish women. And it commemorates Jewish history in Morocco (the first Jews settled here in 2nd century BC).
12. Morocco is blessed with beautiful beaches
Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, it makes sense that Morocco’s 1930-kilometre coastline is peppered with some of the world’s best beaches. Washed by refreshing waters, these spotless white sands offer the perfect cool-off from the bustling city centres. Our recommendation is the idyllic resort town of Essaouira – where surfing, sun-bathing or meandering the charming town medina is a great way to spend an afternoon.
