Morocco
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Agadir Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Moroccoβs Coastal City
Although we haven’t always made it as far south as Agadir on each Morocco trip, this city is one that I always look forward to visiting when we can. My husband went to high school here and considers this city to be his hometown.Β Located along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Agadir has a very different feel from cities like Marrakech and Fes. While Marrakech draws visitors with its historic medina, colorful souks, and palaces, Agadir is a modern seaside city known for its long sandy beach, waterfront promenade, nearby mountains, and strong Amazigh culture. Whether you’re adding Agadir to a Southern Morocco road trip, looking for a relaxing few days by…
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Marrakech Highlights: What Not to Miss in the Red City
Marrakech was the first city I visited in Morocco, and it’s the one I have spent the most time in consistently each visit. Although I love visiting the coast, Marrakech is definitely one of my favorites because it is such a vibrant city – both day and night. Experiencing the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa, wandering through the colorful souks, and soaking in Marrakech’s lively nightlife never gets old.Β The first thing that struck me about Marrakech was the crazy traffic! The roads are pure chaos but somehow it works. It’s a bit surreal to witness expensive sports cars sharing the roads with mules and families piled onto small motorbikes, all…
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The Ultimate Southern Morocco Itinerary: Desert, Beaches, & Culture
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Morocco many times now, exploring various regions of my husband’s home country. Exploring with locals is really the best way to learn about the culture, and my husband has made sure we visited different areas so I could appreciate all Morocco has to offer. I’ve enjoyed visiting Southern Morocco especially, from bustling Marrakech to the Sahara and popular surf destinations like Agadir.Β I’ve put together my ideal two-week itinerary exploring all the best of Southern Morocco. If you’re visiting closer to a week to 10 days, then I’d skip the desert part and do a shorter loop from Marrakech to Agadir, Essaouria, and back.…
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Exploring Jardin Majorelle: Marrakechβs Iconic Blue Garden
One of the top attractions in Marrakech is Jardin Majorelle – a sanctuary of succulents, cacti, and palms developed over decades. This intricate garden in Marrakech was developed over 40 years by French artist Jacques Majorelle.Β Majorelle was a painter with a passion for botany.Β He cultivated 135 species of plants in the garden outside of his villa studio, creating a beautiful oasis.Β Β “This garden is a momentous task, to which I give myself entirely. It will take my last years from me and I will fall, exhausted, under its branches, after having given it all my love.β Jacques Majorelle The garden was opened to the public in 1947.Β Unfortunately,…
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The Heart of Marrakech: Exploring Jemaa el-Fna & the Medina Souks
Place Jemaa el-Fna is the large market square in the Marrakech medina (old city). This square features street performers, snake charmers, and vendors all surrounded by a myriad of alleys full of souks. You simply cannot visit Marrakech without experiencing this bustling area.Β I’d recommend visiting both at night and during the day, because it is a completely different experience!Β Β This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Β If visiting Marrakech for the first time, check out myΒ hotel recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech’s medina.Β Jemaa el-Fna has been a meeting space since the founding of Marrakech in the 11th century.Β …
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A Guide to Essaouiraβs Medina: What to See and Buy
Essaouira, formerly Mogador, is called “The Windy City” due to the strong winds coming off the Atlantic. It’s a very popular beach for windsurfing! This vibrant coastal city is a must-visit when in Morocco.Β Β Essaouira was Morocco’s main port until the end of the 19th century. It was a prominent hippie city, attracting artists including Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens! You still see lots of backpackers, surfers, and artists throughout the city. Archaeological evidence shows that the city has been inhabited since prehistoric times! This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Β https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfHfG3ldA3Q Check out my hotel recommendations for a few places…
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Exploring the Fez Medina
Fez is the second largest city in Morocco, behind Casablanca. Fez has different sections, including “Old Fez” (Fez el Bali) from the 9th Century and “New Fez” (Fez el Djedid) from the 13th Century! Yes, you read that right – “New Fez” was founded in 1276!Β Β Fes el Bali, Old Fez, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.Β Inside the walled city, there is a maze of winding streets filled with vendors and merchants.Β University of Al-Karaouine, the world’s oldest existing (and still operating!) university is within Fes el Bali.Β Β Fez is still the most intact, least modernized medina in the Arab world and one of the largest car-free urban…