Beyond the Medina – Four Ways Morocco will Surprise You

Morocco is a destination that has captivated travelers for centuries and today is attracting more visitors than ever. The bustling medinas Marrakech and Casablanca are what typically come to mind when planning a trip to the North African nation but Morocco also has a few surprises in store for the intrepid adventurer. Boasting both high altitude adventure and deep cultural immersion the Atlas Mountains offer up experiences you won’t soon forget; but if the beach is more your speed Morocco also has over 1,100 miles of coastline featuring everything from five-star resorts to sleepy fishing villages. Whether you’re seeking urban adventures, cultural connection or  to explore the great outdoors Morocco has something for everyone.

This post was produced in partnership with Much Morocco and Travel Mindset.

Urban Exploration

The medinas of Morocco’s cities are a timeless draw but visitors to Marrakech, Casablanca and Fez will also find cities that seamlessly blend ancient traditions and modern buzz. Base yourself in a boutique riad; these small homes-turned-hotels built around a central courtyard offer up an only-in-Morocco experience with upscale amenities. The best riads have spas where you can indulge in a luxurious hammam experience.

Morocco’s culinary scene has never been better, whether you you’re sampling tradition fare from street food vendors or delighting in re-imagined flavors at Morocco’s top fine dining spots your taste buds are in for a treat. Find the best eats in Morocco or Casablanca on a food tour or learn the secrets of Moroccan flavor with a cooking class.

Desert Adventures

Photo Credit-Visit Morocco

The Sahara Desert, the largest desert in the world, covers over 30 % of the African continent including a large portion of Morocco.You can live out your Lawrence of Arabia fantasies with a tour out to the Sahara Desert that includes riding a camel (or a 4×4 if riding camels isn’t your thing) over the orange dunes to a Berber tent where you’ll spend the night under the stars. Adrenaline junkies can try their hand at sandboarding while the culturally inquisitive can spend time with Berber nomads. Marrakech is typically the main jumping off point for anyone looking to explore the Sahara and there are a few options. For those short on time a 2 day/1 night trip to the Zagora Desert will offer up dunes and camel trekking but I recommend making the time for a 3-4 day trip out Merzouga. Here you’ll find the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes which feature soft orange sand and much higher dunes. Merzouga also has a greater number of luxury tent experiences so you can spend your nights in the desert in style.

Mountain Highs

The jagged peaks of the Atlas Mountains are a dream for any adventure lover. The summit of Mount Toubkal ( North Africa’s highest peak at 13, 641 feet) attracts trekkers from across the globe and the surrounding hills offer everything from mountain biking to paragliding. The Atlas mountains also are home to spectacular gorges and world-class whitewater rafting. Berber villages tucked throughout the mountains are welcoming to visitors and give a glimpse into a way of life that has changed little over time. Accommodations range from camping and homestays up to five-star kasbahs (renovated hilltop forts) that give you a luxurious place to rest after your mountain adventures.

There’s one  mountain adventure I was surprised to find out you can do in Morocco – skiing!  50 miles from Marrakech lies the Oukaimeden ski resort, with 20 runs and one chairlift you can officially check skiing in Africa off your bucket list. More adventurous skiers can opt for heli-skiing the slopes of Mount Toubkal.

Coastal Bliss

When you think of Morocco a seaside vacation probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind but with over 1,100 miles of coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea Morocco offers up just about any ocean-side experience you can imagine. Along the Mediterranean Termuda Bay offers up luxurious beach resorts, wide sandy beaches and clear water perfect for scuba diving; further east the remote city of Saidia boasts one of the longest beaches in Morocco as well as a wild bird preserve. On the Atlantic Coast the town of Essaouira has become a popular destination thanks to its laid-back vibe and arts community, be sure to head down to the port to check out the day’s fresh catch which then can be grilled up for a tasty lunch. Further south on the coast of the Western Sahara region Dakhla is a haven for kite-surfers thanks to the winds coming in from the Atlantic Ocean.

Morocco is a diverse country that really has something for everyone. With the relaxed nature of the coasts, desert and mountain adventures and vibrant cities with centuries of history Morocco is waiting for you.