9 Things Morocco is Famous For

If I wanted to create a list of all the things Morocco is famous for, it would probably take me pages and pages and you might end up lost and overwhelmed, which is the opposite of why I created this post. So instead, this article will be a detailed summary of MoroccanZest most consulted guides about Moroccan experiences, as well as some very helpful links to plan a trip to Morocco.

I travel frequently and there aren’t many countries offering as many diverse experiences as Morocco. If you are a few hours far, you can even hop on the plane for a weekend and you’ll be amazed at what you will be able to do in those 48 hours.

Unfortunately, many visitors stick to the basics and don’t explore the full potential of Morocco, or they get confused about what Morocco is famous for thinking the country is a desert land, which is not 100% incorrect actually, but there is much much more.

The reason I spend most of my vacations in Morocco, besides the fact that I still have family there, is that I can have different experiences depending on the weather, my location, and inspiration. There are also many exciting activities that can be done throughout the year and that the majority of visitors are delighted with.

For example, shopping handicrafts and souvenirs in traditional markets (the Medinas) is one magical experience that can be lived in most Moroccan cities, all year long! It is also one of the most requested experiences to tour agencies. Yet, many visitors don’t know about the complexity of Moroccan markets and don’t get prepared, missing out so many shopping opportunities.

So stop teasing and let’s explore Morocco full travel potential!

8 Things Morocco is Famous For

As I mentioned earlier, in order to not have a lengthy and exhausting post, below the main things Morocco is known for, with the most pleasing and stimulating experiences to have and those I get the most questions about.

Whenever you want to dig a subject deeper, the complementary links are here to give you more details.

If you still need help to plan your trip, you can check Journey Beyond Travel 250$ Itiniaray Kit, where they offer to design for a group a fully customizable itinerary in Morocco.

1.     Moroccan Food

I often get hungry just by thinking about Moroccan dishes. If you love food and you are not familiar with Moroccan cuisine, well, you’ll be very pleased, believe me!

Moroccan cuisine is known for being very fragrant and for satisfying most taste buds. Maybe you’ve already heard of the Moroccan Tajine, Moroccan Couscous or Moroccan mint tea? These are some of the most famous & cherished Moroccan dishes you can try once in Morocco.

Most Moroccan dishes are slow-cooked and use a combination of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients, which creates savory dishes that you will probably remember for years.

With all the dishes Moroccan cuisine has to offer (and I am talking about dozens!), your trip to Morocco will be a culinary experience where every meal is a new discovery. And the good thing, you probably won’t even need to plan this, as most Moroccan restaurants have authentic Moroccan dishes on their menu.

To make sure you fully experience Moroccan cuisine and don’t miss its most emblematic dishes, check my detailed Moroccan Food Guide.

2.      The Moroccan Desert & Sahara

Visiting Moroccan desert can be one of those experiences that you might think of, years later, and smile. It’s one of the most inspiring and refreshing experiences to have in Morocco.

Once you are surrounded by gigantic dunes and have no clue of where you are, spend the night by the fire under the stars, then wake up on a breathtaking red desert sunrise, you will feel so far away from all your problems and your everyday struggles.

If the desert experience is appealing to you, check out my favorite desert spots in Morocco.

3.      The Atlas Mountains

Besides the desert, Morocco is also known for its mountains, the Atlas Mountains, which vaguely separate Morocco’s mild climate regions from the arid Moroccan Sahara.

The Atlas Mountains are mostly covered with lacy cedars and scrubby pines. The peaks are covered with snow, sometimes even in the warmer months. If you like hiking, the Atlas Mountains are perfect and will offer you gorgeous views from the bottom to the top.

4.      Moroccan Beaches & Coasts

Morocco is also famous for its beautiful and incredibly diverse beaches. If you like beautiful beach spots with azure blue water you’ll be served. You can also find beaches that are perfect for surfing, hiking, and even wild beaches for the most adventurous travelers.

If you are a beach person or love adventure, check my this guide about Morocco best beach spots.

5.      Morocco Climate

Although you can travel to Morocco and have fun all year long, it doesn’t mean all seasons will be perfect for your travel plans. In fact, depending on the experiences you want to have, it might be best to travel to Morocco at a specific time of the year. The desert, for example, gets extremely hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. So, make sure you are traveling to Morocco during the best season for you.

6.      Morocco Monuments, Architecture & History

If you travel to Morocco, you will notice that the country has so many different architecture styles, showing a charged rich history. Phoenicians and Romans’ footprints are still visible in many monuments in Morocco, especially in the cities of Fez and Meknes.

The Arabs conquered Morocco in the 7th century and introduced their civilization. Islam had a great following and many monuments in the country still show how powerful the Arabic civilization was at the time.

In the early 20th century, many European countries had their interest in North Africa and Morocco was colonized by French and Spain for many decades. Some cities like Casablanca and Rabat still carry the European fingerprint in many of its buildings.

7.      Morocco Rich Culture

Traveling to Morocco will immerse you in a new culture, probably very different from yours, and the best mindset to have is to embrace it.

There are many aspects to the Moroccan culture manifesting in everyday behaviors like in tipping, greetings, dress code and the relationship with food. Exploring a whole new culture is really refreshing and stimulating and Moroccan culture will probably surprise you.

8.      Morocco Cats

When you visit Morocco, you notice cats are everywhere, especially in cities downtown. Even if most of these cats live on the streets, they still have a special place in Moroccans everyday life and they are taken care of most of the time. Some cities like Chefchaouen and Tangier are full of cats and for animal lovers, this alone can be a good surprise.

9.      The Medinas, Full of Treasures and Original Handicrafts

This is by far one of the subjects I get the most questions about! Morocco is known for its Medinas, which are cities downtown and the place to search for beautiful handicrafts and traditional products.

Moroccan jewelry, rugs, leather items, engraved teapots, and so many other handicrafts can be found in the Medina. They are often made by craftsmen who are passionate about their job and who, for most of them, inherited their skills from their grand-grandparents.

Unlike what many might think, it’s often best to go shopping in Morocco by yourself, and not with a local guide. In most cases, local guides get commission and mathematically, they earn more if you pay more!

The shopping experience in Morocco is really one of a kind. It is also very convenient as it can be done in most Moroccan cities during all seasons. Even if I go to Morocco many times a year, each time I make sure I visit the Medina to buy some souvenirs and re-stock some traditional essentials.

Most Moroccan souvenirs will make you think of Morocco for weeks and even years. Some of them can be passed through generations. When shopped wisely, they make a really great investment. So, if acquiring beautiful handicrafts and original pieces tempts you, make sure you learn about Morocco traditional products and markets dynamic.

Master Moroccan Medinas and get what you want. Order my Morocco Ultimate Shopping guide.