History and geography of Morocco

Its location at the intersection of Europe and Africa make Morocco a real crossroads bordered by the waters of the Mediterranean and open to the vast stretches of the Atlantic Ocean. This "farthest land of the setting sun" is rich in contrasts, a destination that beckons you to discover two millennia of history.

Here where influences converge, you will find vestiges of the great Mediterranean civilizations, such as the Roman ruins at Volubilis in the north and architectural works attesting to the old French presence in Rabat. Your curiosity will be piqued by the treasures of Muslim civilizations scattered throughout the rest of the country, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, the green expanses of the Menara gardens and many other examples of the myriad dynasties that succeeded one another.

The landscapes themselves are magnificent. Morocco features both sea and mountain and is home to the full range of Mediterranean climates, which surrender to the sands of the Sahara. The country serves up marvelous vistas that you will enjoy soaking in and discovering for yourself. With its mix of diverse, captivating panoramas and a rich kaleidoscope of culture, Morocco is an unbeatable destination.  

Modern Society

Through rooted in its traditions, Morocco offers all the conveniences of modern times

Morocco is a firmly future-focused country that has succeeded in preserving its traditions and promoting its cultural heritage by harnessing them to drive development. The city of Marrakesh is a perfect example: the Medina district and its souks have an unmatched old-fashioned charm, while Guéliz and Hivernage are decked out with the most modern infrastructure and facilities. Far from being in conflict, modernity and tradition together are what makes Morocco strong.

As a visitor, you will enjoy every modern convenience and pleasure. For your accommodations, Morocco is full of hotels in every price range from the major international chains. Plus it also has the biggest international ready-to-wear shops, which are taking advantage of the ideal opportunity for positioning in a fast developing country.

Morocco is striving to avoid the pitfalls of modern life, especially when it comes to the environment, by favoring tourism practices that are respectful of the Earth and local communities. As the author of a sustainable tourism charter and host of COP22, Morocco is on the front lines to preserve our planet.

Art of living and cultural traditions in Morocco - Tradition is alive and well 

Morocco has been around for thousands of years and has inherited centuries of tradition. And yet this kingdom is not the least bit frozen in time. It has a vibrant culture that is expressed each day in the little details that make up daily routines and habits, as well as in celebrations and rituals. Spend some time here and soak up Morocco's irresistible lifestyle.

The best approach is to walk through her cities and villages and experience the narrow alleys of ancient neighborhoods. This brings you close to the people: talk to them! They are certain to invite you to have a cup of Moroccan tea, a time-honored ritual of hospitality and ceremony.

You should also experience day-to-day life. Morocco and its inhabitants espouse an enviable Mediterranean lifestyle that has been recognized by UNESCO. This lifestyle comprises practices, foods and symbols that bring pleasure to every day and are sure to captivate you as well.

The kingdom loves its celebrations, which punctuate the calendar. One of the types of events that bring Moroccans together are its famous moussems, festive religious events. Do not miss the Tan-Tan moussem, which is especially well known and has been listed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage register since 2008. The Essaouira Gnaouas festival is also highly recommended. These gatherings are opportunities for you to interact with and immerse yourself in the different cultures that make Morocco such a rich, diverse country.

This is but a glimpse of the myriad cultures that still thrive in Morocco. Work your way across the country and get to know these treasures of Morocco's intangible cultural heritage.  

Eco-friendly fair and sustainable tourism in Morocco 

Morocco offers up a vast variety of landscapes, ranging from beaches to mountains to desert to urban jungle. It is also a country where this diversity is matched by a real commitment to environmental principles.

Since the creation of the Moroccan Responsible Tourism Charter and the Moroccan Sustainable Tourism Awards, the country has been committed to ensuring its tourism industry is eco-friendly and sustainable with a series of standards. Each year, a growing number of businesses and tourist destinations in the country are recognized for their environmental responsibility.

To date, 13 Moroccan beaches have been awarded the Pavillon Bleu distinction. There are also many hotel and lodging facilities throughout the country that have earned the Green Key. All these eco-labels aim to highlight the environmental efforts of their owners.

When it comes to Energy, Morocco is also a stand-out with its high-profile Noor Power Station, the world's seventh thermodynamic solar power plant. This is a major public works project—though it is first and foremost Moroccan, it is also a world effort in terms of expanding the use of renewable energy.

All these environmentally conscious efforts earned the city of Marrakesh the privilege of being chosen to host COP 22 in November 2016, another major challenge for the planet's environment.

Casablanca, the energy of modernity - The sparkle of Casablanca

From the major thoroughfares lined with palm trees and tall office buildings to the Atlantic Ocean and its view on the world, Casablanca is Morocco's economic powerhouse. This vibrant city is always on the qui vive. Modern constructions blend with charming neighbourhoods that reflect Arabic-Islamic heritage and the traces of the city’s colonial period. Take the time to explore its subtleties. Walk through the medina – oneof the most recent in Morocco. Stroll through downtown to admire the Art Deco buildings and visit the Hassan II Mosque.

Rabat, a capital to live 

Rabat is a cultural city with a rich history. Its streets and public squares are full of masterpieces. Pay a visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas, whose grand, majestic silhouette is softened by the surrounding gardens. Not far beyond its walls lies the Chellah, a necropolis that dates to the Marinids. Entering the complex is like journeying to another world: marvel at the ancient remains as you walk through the gardens and glimpse a few storks.

Rabat is also a modern, environmentally responsible capital that takes pride in its green spaces. It is punctuated by parks, such as the Botanical Test Gardens and the Bouknadel Exotic Gardens just a few miles from the city. Rabat also has a well-developed ocean front. There are miles of improved beaches that run along the Atlantic coast all the way to the neighboring Casablanca.

The city's modern flair is also evident in its infrastructure and festivals, which guarantee a comfortable, entertaining stay in the capital. All the modern conveniences, from airports and tramways to shopping malls, cafes and restaurants, are at your fingertips. Finally, Rabat celebrates music like no other city: Mawazine, Jazz at the Chellah and other festivals fill the air with joyful sounds and rhythms from around the world!

These all add to the appeal of Rabat, where the treasures of the past coexist with the most modern and eco-friendly achievements.  

Fez - Meknes, the imperial pearls 

 Fez - Meknes - Fez radiates a unique aura. This imperial city is the custodian of 13 centuries of Moroccan history. Meknes has a rich, prestigious past and harbors marvelous surprises.

Walk through the walls that guard the celebrated Medina of Fez, whose outstanding universal value has been recognized by UNESCO. Meander along the streets of the Fes-El-Bali district. The Bab Boujloud Gate is the easiest way to access the medina. In May, the city's squares and streets come to life with music from around the world as the Sacred Music Festival takes over the one-time imperial capital. Along with the Jazz in Riads festival, it is one of the city's cultural highlights.

Don't leave without sampling the city's extraordinary cuisine, which is considered to be among the best in the world.

Just 40 miles from Fez lies the city of Meknes, another open-air museum. Its medina and the remnants of the royal palace also earned it a designation as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Pass through the Bab Mansour Gate on El Hedime square to enter the medina and enjoy this masterpiece of Spanish-Moorish art. Be sure to make time for the royal stables and granary of Sultan Moulay Ismail anddon't miss Volubilis. This Roman archaeological site just north of Meknes is the most extensive one in Morocco. Its triumphal arch, capitol and house of Bacchus attest to the splendor of the city, as well as its economic and political significance.

The imperial, eternal cities of Meknes and Fez serve up a timeless experience that blurs the boundaries between past and present.

Marrakech eternal, Unmissable 

Marrakech - A mixture of traditional and contemporary, Marrakech holds the promise of incomparable sensations. Stroll through the Jemaa El Fna and the bazaars with their bright colors and oriental scents, and the red city will whisk you into another world in the blink of an eye. Rides in horse-drawn carriages, sun-soaked terraces, street artists and other activities both day and night will all add to your stay in Morocco.

Admire the architectural wealth of the Medina by visiting one of its many riads, small oriental palaces arranged around a central courtyard, or relax at the Menara, a large pooled garden typical of the city. Marrakech relies on its incredible diversity to provide choice for its visitors. You need only head out of the walled center to become immersed in contemporary Morocco. The Guéliz and Hivernage districts offer the most up to date infrastructure, luxury boutiques and international brands along broad spacious avenues; all in Marrakech's own inimitable style.

As a sign of a growing economic buzz, there are also festive and cultural locations including the Palais des Congrès and the magnificent Théâtre Royal. Enjoy Marrakech at night by paying a visit to the many themed venues, trendy clubs and traditional evenings that reflect the zest for life of its inhabitants.

In 2016, Marrakech hosts the Cop22 fight against climate change, as recognition of its growing international importance and its great hotelier and conference capabilities.

Essaouira - Mogador, wild beauty 

Essaouira-Mogador, the bride of the Atlantic

With notched walls, the whisper of trade winds, homes with white and blue facades – thecolors of ocean foam and waves –Essaouirahas earned the nickname "Bride of the Atlantic".

The coastal city once known as Mogador is a place where the good life and water-oriented pastimes go hand in hand. Take a quiet walk in the shade of its ramparts, which also stand in for the walls of Astapor, the red city on the television series "Game of Thrones". Climb to the top of them and retrace a watchman's rounds: from here you can see the Iles Purpuraires and the hawks and seagulls that soar over the nature preserve. In the distance, surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing fanatics can't get enough of the quality winds!

Your walk will lead you to the fishing port and its animated sailors. Not far from there, the fish market entices with the night’s haul of fish and seafood. The interlaced alleys of the medina await you in the town center. This UNESCO-listed medina is one of the finest in Morocco. Finally, each summer the city is overtaken by music as the Gnaoua festival celebrates the marriage of North African and sub-Saharan rhythms.

 The Mogador eco-resort is the perfect hotel. For several years, Morocco has been aggressively implementing sustainable tourism principles. This resort is part of the movement, as are the area’s beaches, whose "Pavillon Bleu" seals attest to their quality.

Come to relax, wear yourself out and be culturally enriched: the mesmerizing Essaouira-Mogador is a destination that offers 1,001 possibilities!  

Ouarzazate - Zagora - Tinghir, a must - have movie set 

Journey to the desert’s edge

Ouarzazate, Zagora and Tinghir are authentic destinations bursting with myriad wonders that will take your breath away. The unbelievable variety of landscapes, ranging from deserts to green valleys, must be seen to be believed.

Follow in the footsteps of famous filmmakers like David Lean, Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese and Alejandro González Iñárritu, who chose these sumptuous, movie-ready backdrops to film masterpieces of the silver screen, including "Lawrence of Arabia", "Gladiator", "Kundun" and "Babel". These magical places attract new productions each year, as evidenced by the recent arrival of the series "Prison Break".

For active travelers looking for adventure and trekking opportunities, there are many trails to take you into the desert, where you can meet camel drivers and their caravans at the crossroads of the Draa, Ziz and Dades routes.

Why not camp out? Near Zagora, Tinfou Dune – alsoknown as the "Golden Sand Dune" – makes for an unforgettable experience. Stop in the High Atlas mountain town of Tinghir and be sure to take in the magnificent panorama from the Glaoui Kasbah down over the city's palm grove and the Todra valley.

When you're this close to the desert, there is no such thing as too beautiful!