Morocco travel guide : discover history, culture and must-see destinations

Essential Morocco travel information

• Official name: Kingdom of Morocco (Al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyyah)
• Capital: Rabat
• Population: About 37 million people
• Official languages: Arabic and Berber (Tamazight)
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Morocco's rich history: from Berber kingdoms to modern monarchy

Morocco has one of the most fascinating histories in North Africa. Here's a simple timeline:

Ancient Berber roots

Morocco's history begins with the indigenous Berber (Amazigh) peoples who have inhabited North Africa for over 4,000 years. The region came under Phoenician influence around 1200 BCE, with Carthaginian settlements along the coast. Roman control followed, establishing the province of Mauretania Tingitana with its capital at Tingis (modern Tangier). The Berbers maintained their cultural identity and languages throughout foreign occupations, adapting rather than assimilating completely. Rock art in the High Atlas Mountains provides evidence of ancient Berber civilizations, showing their sophisticated understanding of astronomy, agriculture, and social organization.

Islamic conquest and golden age

Arab armies brought Islam to Morocco in 681 CE, beginning a process of Islamization that would transform the region while allowing Berber customs to persist. The Idrisid dynasty (788-974), founded by a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, established the first Islamic state in Morocco and founded Fez as its capital. Subsequent dynasties including the Almoravids (1040-1147), Almohads (1121-1269), Marinids (1244-1465), and Saadians (1549-1659) created powerful empires that controlled trade routes across the Sahara and established Morocco as a center of Islamic learning and culture. The Alhambra in Granada, Spain, represents Moroccan architectural achievement during the period when Moroccan dynasties ruled much of Iberia.

European influence and the protectorate

The 19th century brought increasing European pressure as Morocco struggled to maintain independence while neighboring Algeria and Tunisia fell under French control. The Treaty of Fez in 1912 established French and Spanish protectorates over Morocco, though the country retained its monarchy and formal independence. The protectorate period brought modern infrastructure, including railways and ports, but also economic exploitation and cultural disruption. Resistance movements, particularly in the Rif Mountains led by Abd el-Krim, demonstrated continued Moroccan desire for full independence and influenced anti-colonial movements worldwide.

Independence and modern Morocco

Morocco regained independence in 1956 under King Mohammed V, who had become a symbol of resistance during his exile by the French. His son, Hassan II, ruled for 38 years (1961-1999), consolidating royal power while gradually modernizing the country. The current king, Mohammed VI, has pursued significant reforms since 1999, including a new constitution that recognizes Berber languages as official alongside Arabic, women's rights improvements, and economic modernization programs. Contemporary Morocco balances tradition with modernity, maintaining its monarchy and Islamic identity while embracing tourism, renewable energy, and closer ties with both Africa and Europe as a bridge between continents.

Moroccan culture & traditions every traveler should know

Languages of Morocco

Morocco's linguistic landscape reflects its rich cultural heritage, with Arabic and Berber (Tamazight) as official languages since the 2011 constitution. Moroccan Arabic (Darija) differs significantly from Modern Standard Arabic, incorporating Berber, French, and Spanish influences. French remains widely spoken due to the protectorate period and continues as a language of business and education. Spanish is common in northern Morocco and former Spanish territories. Berber languages include three main varieties: Tamazight (Middle Atlas), Tashelhit (High Atlas and Anti-Atlas), and Tarifit (Rif Mountains). English is increasingly important in tourism and business. Any Morocco travel guide should note that attempting basic Arabic phrases like "as-salaam alaikum" (peace be upon you), "shukran" (thank you), and "baraka allah fik" (may God bless you) demonstrates respect and often leads to warmer interactions with locals who appreciate visitors' cultural sensitivity.

Islamic culture and traditions

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country (99% of population) where Islamic practices shape daily life, architecture, art, and social customs. The call to prayer (adhan) echoes from mosque minarets five times daily, creating a rhythmic backdrop to Moroccan life. Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, significantly affects daily routines, with most restaurants closed during daylight hours and special iftar (breaking fast) meals creating community celebrations. Moroccan Islam blends orthodox practices with local traditions and Sufi mysticism, evident in annual moussems (religious festivals) honoring local saints. Islamic architecture dominates Morocco's visual landscape through intricate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and arabesques that avoid figural representation. Visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques (non-Muslims generally cannot enter), remove shoes when entering homes, and be respectful during prayer times. The concept of baraka (blessing) permeates Moroccan culture, with certain places, people, and objects considered particularly blessed.

Moroccan cuisine: What to eat & drink

Moroccan food combines Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and French influences to create one of the world's most distinctive cuisines:

• Tagine (slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot, with variations like chicken with preserved lemons and olives)
• Couscous (steamed semolina traditionally served on Fridays with vegetables and meat)
• Pastilla (sweet and savory pastry typically filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices)
• Harira (hearty soup with tomatoes, lentils, and meat, traditionally eaten to break Ramadan fasts)
• Mint tea (atay) - sweet green tea with fresh mint leaves, served in small glasses throughout the day

Moroccan cuisine emphasizes complex spice blends including ras el hanout (mixture of up to 35 spices), preserved lemons, argan oil (produced only in southwestern Morocco), and herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint. Meals often begin with multiple small dishes (mezze-style), feature bread as an essential component, and conclude with sweet pastries and mint tea. Moroccan dining etiquette traditionally involves eating with the right hand, sharing dishes communally, and showing appreciation for hospitality. Street food includes grilled sardines, msemen (flaky pancakes), and chebakia (sesame cookies). The famous Moroccan hospitality often extends to multiple glasses of mint tea, with three glasses traditionally offered to guests.

Berber heritage and artisan traditions

Berber culture forms the indigenous foundation of Moroccan society, with traditions maintained despite centuries of Arab and European influence. Berber carpets from different regions feature distinct patterns and colors, with Beni Ourain rugs from the Middle Atlas known for their geometric designs and natural wool. Traditional Berber music includes the pentatonic scales and call-and-response patterns heard in Gnawa music, which blends Berber, Arab, and sub-Saharan African influences. Berber architectural techniques, evident in kasbahs (fortified villages) built from local materials like pisé (rammed earth), demonstrate adaptation to harsh environments. Moroccan craftsmanship includes leather work in Fez (particularly at the famous tanneries), metalwork with intricate silver jewelry and brass items, pottery from Safi, and woodworking featuring geometric inlays. The medina markets (souks) organize craftsmen by specialty, maintaining guild traditions dating back centuries. Understanding these artisan traditions enhances any Morocco travel experience, as visitors can observe techniques passed down through generations and purchase authentic handcrafted items directly from artisans.

Top places to visit in Morocco

Marrakech: Essential red city experience

The "Red City" offers Morocco's most vibrant and accessible cultural immersion:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: The main square transforms throughout the day from orange juice vendors and snake charmers to evening food stalls and traditional musicians, creating UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage.
• Koutoubia Mosque: The 12th-century minaret rising 77 meters serves as Marrakech's landmark, with geometric decoration and proportions that inspired the Giralda in Seville.
• Majorelle Garden: Yves Saint Laurent's former residence featuring exotic plants, cobalt blue buildings, and a museum showcasing Berber artifacts in a 12-acre botanical paradise.
• Souks of Marrakech: Labyrinthine markets with thousands of shops organized by craft, from leather goods and textiles to spices and traditional medicines.
• Saadian Tombs: 16th-century royal mausoleums featuring intricate marble work and stucco decoration, rediscovered in 1917 after being sealed for centuries.

Fez: Morocco's spiritual and intellectual capital

Founded in 789 CE, Fez contains the world's oldest continuously operating university and Morocco's most authentic medieval Islamic city. The Fez el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses 9,400 alleys within 13th-century walls, creating a car-free zone where donkeys and mules transport goods through narrow passages. The University of Al Quaraouiyine, established in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, predates Oxford and Cambridge by centuries and continues to attract Islamic scholars worldwide. Fez's famous tanneries, particularly Chouara Tannery, have operated for over 1,000 years using traditional methods with natural dyes like saffron (yellow), mint (green), and poppy (red). The city's artisans maintain centuries-old techniques in metalwork, ceramics, and woodcarving, making it essential for experiencing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

Casablanca: Morocco's economic hub

Morocco's largest city and economic center blends Art Deco architecture from the French protectorate period with modern development and traditional Moroccan elements. The Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, features the world's tallest minaret at 210 meters and accommodates 105,000 worshippers with its oceanfront location allowing waves to wash under the glass floor. Casablanca's Habous Quarter (New Medina) offers traditional architecture and crafts in a planned setting, while the old medina provides authentic local life away from tourist circuits. The city's economic importance as Morocco's business capital and largest port makes it a fascinating study in contemporary Moroccan society, though most visitors find greater cultural interest in the imperial cities.

Chefchaouen: The blue pearl

Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this picturesque blue-painted town offers a tranquil contrast to Morocco's bustling imperial cities. Founded in 1471 as a fortress against Portuguese invasions, Chefchaouen's blue color scheme (applied with natural indigo dye) possibly originated with Jewish refugees from Spain or as a mosquito deterrent. The town's mountain setting provides excellent hiking opportunities in Talassemtane National Park, while its relaxed atmosphere and photogenic streets make it popular with photographers and travelers seeking respite from Morocco's more intense urban centers. Local specialties include mountain honey, handwoven wool blankets, and goat cheese produced in surrounding villages. Any Morocco travel guide should recommend at least two days to fully appreciate Chefchaouen's peaceful atmosphere and mountain scenery.

Sahara Desert: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

The gateway to Morocco's Sahara experience lies near Merzouga village, where the Erg Chebbi sand dunes rise up to 150 meters high and stretch 22 kilometers north to south. Camel trekking remains the traditional way to reach desert camps, though 4WD vehicles offer alternatives for those unable to ride camels. Desert camps range from basic Berber tents to luxury camps with private bathrooms and gourmet meals under the stars. The experience typically includes watching sunset and sunrise over the dunes, traditional Berber music around campfires, and sleeping under some of the world's clearest night skies. Spring and autumn offer ideal weather, while summer temperatures can exceed 45°C. The desert experience provides profound contrast to Morocco's cities and mountains, offering silence, vast landscapes, and insights into traditional nomadic life that has adapted to one of Earth's most challenging environments.

Natural wonders & landscapes of Morocco

• High Atlas Mountains: North Africa's highest peaks including Mount Toubkal (4,167 meters), offering trekking opportunities through Berber villages and alpine landscapes.
• Ouzoud Falls: Morocco's highest waterfalls plunging 110 meters through olive groves, with rainbow mists and Barbary macaque monkeys in the surrounding forests.
• Dades Valley: The "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" featuring dramatic rock formations, traditional fortified villages, and the spectacular Dades Gorge with towering canyon walls.
• Essaouira Coast: Atlantic coastal city with consistent trade winds, traditional fishing boats, and UNESCO-listed medina featuring Portuguese and Moorish architecture.
• Souss-Massa National Park: Coastal reserve protecting endangered bald ibis, flamingos, and other bird species in wetlands between Agadir and Tiznit.

Fascinating Facts About Morocco

Morocco is the only African country with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, separated by just 14 kilometers at the Strait of Gibraltar.

The country is the world's largest exporter of phosphates, controlling about 75% of global phosphate reserves essential for fertilizer production.

Moroccan argan oil comes exclusively from trees found in southwestern Morocco, with goats climbing the thorny trees to eat the fruit.

The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, founded in 859 CE by a woman, is recognized by UNESCO as the world's oldest continuously operating university.

Morocco has the world's largest concentrated solar power plant (Noor Ouarzazate) as part of ambitious renewable energy goals to generate 52% of electricity from renewables by 2030.

Moroccan contributions to world culture

• Islamic architecture (geometric patterns, arabesques, and muqarnas that influenced global Islamic design)
• Leather craftsmanship (Moroccan leather techniques and the famous "Morocco leather" used in luxury bookbinding)
• Argan oil production (unique to Morocco and now used worldwide in cosmetics and cuisine)
• Traditional music (Gnawa music influencing jazz and world music, and Berber folk traditions)
• Carpet weaving (Berber and Arabic carpet traditions influencing global textile arts)