6 Amazing Experiences in Morocco You Shouldn't Miss
by Harper Reid

Is "travel more" on your New Year's resolution list? 

Consider Morocco, a country that has influenced bohemian style in America for decades.

Morocco brings to mind leather, the sweltering Sahara desert, and camel rides, but this spectacular North African country is so much more than that. If you’re planning to visit Morocco, don’t miss out on these incredible experiences!

Staying at one of these classic Moroccan houses will feel like stepping back in time. A riad is a traditional type of Moroccan home (although some tourists say the great buildings resemble palaces rather than houses!) – with windows generally facing its garden rather than outside.

Riads are the perfect place to stay for comfort and quiet. While the type of riad you stay at will depend on your preferences and budget, know that it’s possible to stay somewhere that is both traditional and upmarket. It’s not unusual for a riad to have a swimming pool or two, which will definitely be a welcome place to relax and feel rejuvenated after a long day exploring in the heat.

►Trying the local cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is famous worldwide for good reason. While you’re visiting, you can’t leave without trying a plate of couscous or tagine, as well as a cup of steaming hot mint tea. You might even like to try some pigeon pie if you’re feeling adventurous!


►Heading to a festival
If you’re lucky enough to visit Morocco during one of its significant celebrations or festivals, you’re in for a treat. What better way to learn about the culture of the country you’re visiting than by discovering what its people celebrate? The Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute marks the time of year when trees are filled with pink and white leaves, while the Timitar Festival in Agadir celebrates music from all over the world.

Meanwhile, the Festival of the Sacrifice, in which participants slaughter a cow, sheep, or another similar animal, might not be suitable for vegetarian visitors, but its attendees can rest assured that the meat from the sacrifices is given to those in poverty as well as eaten by the locals. Additionally, the Festival is a very exciting celebration to observe.

►Spending a few hours in the souks
Vibrant colours, friendly locals, and goods of all shapes and sizes - the souks of Morocco are a seriously magical place to spend a day. These traditional marketplaces, where you’ll find spice sellers, tanners, and food vendors, among a plethora of other merchants, are by far the best places in Morocco to have an authentic shopping experience, haggling and all – just keep your wits about you, especially if you’re travelling alone.


►Going for a ride in the desert
Forget camels – riding a quad bike by way of a private tour is a far more efficient way of exploring Morocco’s iconic desert landscapes. Perfect for adrenaline junkies, it’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, if you’d prefer not to give your travel insurance provider a heart attack, it’s also possible to take a guided camping trip, during which you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the sublime beauty of the Sahara.

►Visiting a mosque
Being a predominantly Muslim country, Morocco is full of mosques – as visitors will quickly learn when they hear the call to prayer multiple times a day! However, there are none quite as special as the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca. It’s the biggest in the country, with indoor space for 25,000 people, and it looks out onto the Atlantic Sea. Theists and atheists alike are sure to appreciate the size and beauty of this work of art.

Whichever way you choose to spend your time in Morocco, you’ll be sure to return home with memories that’ll last a lifetime. Why not book your flight today and start daydreaming about those tasty pastries and exquisite tea you’ll soon be sampling?
This post was written by Harper Reid

In the wise words of Dalai Lama, “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” Freelance writer Harper plans to do just that – also jumping at the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as swimming with whales in Tonga, gazing at the beauty of the Northern Lights in Norway, and braving the hike to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan. Know more about Harper on her Tumblr page: Harper Reid.