Things to Do in Morocco

Morocco has a lot to offer tourists. From a wide array of outdoor pursuits, distinct culture, history and food to some of the best beaches and most luxurious hotels money can buy, it really has something for everyone. For the more adventurous traveler, there are ample opportunities to immerse yourself in local tradition with welcoming local communities that can provide an unforgettable experience. Below are some examples to get you started.

Djemaa el Fna, Marrakesh: A world heritage site, this open air market place is the largest of it's kind and every day it is filled with Moroccan performers and entertainers (snake charmers, stalls, craftsman, musicians, fortune tellers, water bearers, dancers etc). At night, all of the food stalls open and the air is filled with exotic smells. A fabulous spectacle.

Essaouira Music Festival: Every year Essaouira hosts a traditional and world music festival called Gnaoua which brings together artists from all over the world to celebrate and perform. A must see date for the calendar, the Gnaoua is usually held in June and lasts for a week.

Skiing, Ouka'meden: Yes, you can ski in Morocco! Hard to believe maybe but true. The facilities are not European standard but are charming because of this and well worth a trip for the experience. The season is from February to April in the Atlas Mountains and Ouka'meden even has a ski lift! Fly to Marrakech and plan at least a day or two here, the memory will last a lifetime.

Windsurfing, Agadir and Essaouira: These cities are located on the Atlantic coast and are famous for the excellent conditions available to all water sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a surfer, sailor, wind surfer, kite surfer or just want to explore these popular and beautiful destinations, visit Agadir and Essaouira. 2 to 3 hours from Marrakech, they both also have direct connections from Europe.

Souks, Particularly Marrakech: Whenever you visit Morocco it is always worth while visiting a souk to see the colour and variety on offer and to barter with the local tradesman, an unforgettable experience and you can find some true bargains available. The souk in Marrakech is the largest and most famous but remember to take a map, it's easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets.

International Arts Festival, Asilah: For travellers who enjoy arts and crafts you must make a note to be in Asilah for August when they host an international arts festival. The town comes to life in an explosion of colour so take a camera!

Rock Carvings, Near Ouka'meden: Are you interested in history and the lives of our ancient ancestors? If yes, make sure you visit Ouka'meden to see the pre-historic rock carvings and cave dwellings.

Walking and Climbing In The Atlas Mountains: Even if this does not interest you, a visit to the Atlas Mountains, 30 minutes from Marrakech is well worth the trouble for the breath taking views on offer. The Atlas is one of the most rewarding mountain ranges in the world and one of the least spoilt. Strongly recommended.

Cascades d'Ouzoud, Middle Atlas: An inspiring place the Cascades d'Ouzoud water falls are set in stunning countryside in the middle of the Atlas Mountains. The area remains unspoilt despite interest from adventurous tourists but there is a camp site and Moroccan community close by.

Bou Attarin Medersa, Fez: Hidden away in the narrow winding streets of this area in Fez you can find some wonderful historical places of interest and beautiful landmarks.

Kasbah Glaoui, Telouet: A relic of the distant past which depicts horse-riding Berber and Arab warriors riding through plains of Telouet. It is truly inspiring and well worth a visit.

Chefchaouen, Tangier: This wonderful town in north Morocco is peaceful, picturesque and nearly every wall is painted blue.

Camel Riding, Zagora: Not for the faint hearted, camel riding is an amazing experience but can also be difficult and hard work. If you do not have riding experience, probably best to keep the riding experience brief (no more than a day) but still well worth trying it out.

Football: Football is very important in Morocco as the national team is improving, has reached the World Cup several times and is making an impression in the Africans nations tournament. Locals enjoy the game everywhere from the beach and wasteland to official pitches and clubs.

Golf: An important sport in Morocco. The country has several international-level courses at Marrakech, Rabat, Agadir, Saidia and Tangier amongst others.

Fishing: Morocco features an immense stretch of Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline and excellent sea fishing trips can be organized in many locations. Inland, the Middle Atlas shelters beautiful lakes and rivers, many of them well stocked with trout.

Eating out: There is a distinct exotic flavour to Moroccan cuisine. Dining traditionally consists of numerous speciality dishes and meat mixed with sweet ingredients is often served. Meals can last for hours, typically beginning with a vegetable salad or b'stilla followed by Tagine. Tagine is a speciality dish made popular by workers who would stew meat or fish mixed with sweet fruits in specially shaped Terracotta dishes buried in hot ashes. These should be served communally with chunks of warm 'kesra' bread to mop up the sauce.

Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are widely available. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral waters are excellent and good value.

Robert Shaw, Marketing Manager, Elite Morocco Properties. +44(0)2085293635. Visit The Morocco Property Specialists Today at http://www.moroccoproperties.net/ For Moroccan Villas, Riads & Apartments.

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