Rabat – Although Morocco is a land full of breathtaking attractions and historical sites, many tourists often feel restricted to visiting only the most notorious areas of cities. Places such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier are stunning and capture the essence of Morocco. However, Morocco also has millions of hidden gems that lie away from the tourist trail.
Here are five of Morocco World News’ most recommended places to visit in Morocco.
Ifrane
Located just 70 kilometers south of Fez, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland” appears as if you left North Africa and found yourself in the middle of the Swiss Alps. Between the alpine-inspired A-frame homes to the coniferous pines that expand across the countryside, Ifrane provides a breathtaking backdrop for travelers seeking a glimpse of Morocco’s incredible diversity in the flesh.
The city’s peak tourist season falls in the winter as Moroccans from all over the country come to see the annual snowfall and seek relief from the hotter regions of Morocco. According to weatherspark.com, Ifrane’s average snowfall lasts nearly five months, spanning from November to April.
In addition to the city’s exquisitely unique weather, Ifrane is also home to one of Morocco’s most prestigious universities. Al-Akhwayn is an independent, not-for-profit academic institution and global university rankings place the university amongst the top 100 in the world.
Due to the prominence of the university and the city’s European charm, many tourists find themselves in Ifrane, even if just for a day trip.
Volubilis
Morocco is home to more than nine UNESCO heritage sites, marking the most recognized sites in any African country. Volubilis, known as “Walili” in Moroccan Arabic, lies 80 kilometers west of Fez and serves as one of the most well-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa due to its 1000 year-long desertion.
In 1997, UNESCO recognized Volubilis, an ancient Roman colonial site with routes dating back to 300 B.C, as a cultural heritage site.
Before the Romans arrived, Volubilis was under Amazigh control and was the capital of the Kingdom of Mauritania.
The Romans built many structures at Volubilis including a traditional hammam (public bath) and countless Roman-style archways.
Additionally, the grounds are draped in ornate artwork, depicting Roman theological symbols and beasts of burden.
Morocco, alongside other international actors such as the US, are constantly working to preserve the ruins and restore artifacts that belong to the site.
Les Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel
The exotic gardens of Bouknadel, located just 15 kilometers north of Rabat’s city center, offer travelers an escape from the bustling medinas of Rabat and Sale. As Rabat is known for being a more western, administrative city, the gardens allow its visitors to breathe in a breath of fresh air amongst flora and fauna both native and foreign to Morocco.
According to the garden’s website, “The Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel shelter ponds, huts, suspension bridges, and more than 600 plant species from 5 continents and 80 animal species.” Additionally, the gardens are spread out over 4.5 hectares and welcome visitors year round.
The garden features multiple preferred walking paths to ensure that fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a nice stroll through the garden for hours.
Prices for admission vary as an adult ticket is MAD 20 ($2.23) while tickets for children aged 10 months to 10 years are MAD 12 ($1.34).
The best time to visit the garden is in the spring time as the flowers are in bloom and the weather is extremely temperate.
Oualidia
Morocco is notorious for its 2,500 kilometers of beautiful coastline and pristine beaches. In 2021, the Blue Flag Foundation named 28 Moroccan beaches as “Blue Flag” recipients. The Blue Flag recognition shows that Morocco meets the international standard for beach cleanliness.
The beaches of Oualidia are no exception. Located along the Atlantic coast between El Jadida and Safi, Oualidia is a hidden gem full of succulent shellfish and tranquil days. Visitors of the beach village often spend the day trying freshly picked clams, oysters, and sea urchins from nomadic vendors that wander along the beach on three-wheeled motorbikes.
Locals will spend the day lounging on one of Oualidia’s numerous sand bars. The town’s coastline is cut in half by a water inlet and the jetty is littered with small, blue boats that transport beach-goers from the mainland to the island-like sand bars.
The best season to visit Oualidia is in the summer as the town roars with life and festivities take place on every corner. In the winter, Oualidia feels deserted and the beaches are desolate as even the wildlife finds shelter away from the cold, Atlantic waters.
Mount Toubkal
For the adventurous spirits that wish to escape the mountainous climate of Ifrane and Morocco’s golden beaches, Mount Toubkal may offer some much needed refuge. Situated 60 kilometers south of Marrakech, the mountain is the tallest in Morocco, summiting at 4,167 meters high.
According to Moroccan law, adventurers must travel with a local guide at all times.
The hike up the mountain will begin in the small village of Imlil. Before the killing of two Scandinavian tourists in 2018 and COVID-19, the village was a bustling hotspot for tourism and thrill-seekers alike.
Despite the sharp decline in tourism, the village continues to serve as the gateway to climbing Mount Toubkal. Hikers have the opportunity to stay in one of the village’s hotels or hostels before embarking on the journey up the mountain.
Once the ascent up the mountain begins, hikers may spend 2-3 days to reach the summit of Toubkal. The first day will consist of a six hour hike to the base camp which lies just three hours away from the mountain’s peak. On the second day, hikers will leave the base camp at dawn in order to complete a three hour hike to the peak.
At the mountain’s highest point, you can see Imlil laying in between canyons. In the distance, the mountains fade into flat desert, ultimately leading to Marrakech.
Although the price of hiking packages vary depending on gear rental and the duration of the hike, a typical excursion will cost around MAD 1000 ($111). The mountain is a must-see for visitors wishing to experience the vitality of Morocco’s natural biome.
Morocco is full of must-see sights and Hollywood-esque locations. However, MWN recommends these five places over the standard tourist sights as they are off the beaten path and will leave you with the most memorable experiences of Morocco.
