Discover the best hotels in Morocco

Among the most visited tourist attractions in Morocco are the four ancient imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, Rabat and Marrakech, the city after which the country is named. The list of attractions in Marrakech is inexhaustible, and includes monuments such as the imposing Bahia Palace, built at the end of the 19th century by Si Moussa, the grand vizier of the Sultan. This palace which housed a great harem was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. You can also visit the impressive Saadian tombs from the late 16th century, the walls surrounding the medina, the labyrinth of souks and the iconic Jemma el Fna square, which was awarded the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2001. Staying at the 4-star hotel Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech, you will have these wonders and many more right on your doorstep.

Not far from Marrakech, is Essaouira, a seaside town with Portuguese roots, which is especially popular with windsurfers. Home to some of the best spas in Morocco, it also has a fortress known as Skala de la Kasbah and the Portuguese church of Kechla.

Near the so-called Red City, you can easily take a day trip to visit Ouarzazate, a city that houses film studios and the spectacular Kasbah of Taourirt, a fortified home in which the Pasha of Marrakech resided. A few kilometres away, the Ksar (fortified village) of Aït Benhaddou, houses half a dozen Kasbahs or merchants houses and other individual dwellings. Aït Benhaddou is a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Gladiator (2000) or Alexander (2004) were filmed there.

Also worth visiting is the fascinating city of Casablanca. Located on the Atlantic coast, in the west of the country it is the largest Moroccan city, home to over 4 million inhabitants, and is also both the most important port, as well as the economic and business capital. Blessed with a generous historical-artistic heritage, it is a modern, cosmopolitan city which is certainly worth visiting. Among the main sights worth visiting is the Mosque of Hassan II (1993), the largest mosque in Africa and the third largest in the world. Its 210 m high minaret is the tallest in the world. Don't miss the old medina, surrounded by 16th century walls, the church of Notre Dame de Lourdes (1953-1956) and the Casablanca Cathedral which has now been converted into a museum.

Of course, you should also try to visit the capital of the country, Rabat. One of the most visited sights is the Mausoleum of Mohamed V (1961-1971), where the monarch and his son, Hassan II, are buried. The building is considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, with its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof.

The same could be said of Fez, which was said to be the largest city in the world between 1170 and 1180. Once there, you must visit the Royal Palace, the University of Al Quaraouiyine which is the oldest university in Africa; the Al-Attarine Madrasa (1323-1325) and the Chouwara Tannery which has been in operation continuously since the 13th century and of the course the Medina of Fez which was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1981.

We must also mention the peaceful beach resort of Saïdia, in Berkane. Known as the Blue Pearl, this small town is in the far northeast of the country, on the shores of the Mediterranean. This is where the Iberostar Saïdia can be found, a 5-star hotel designed to give you the holidays of your dreams.

This list wouldn't be complete without Meknes (also called Mekinez), founded by the Almoravids in the eleventh century; the breathtakingly beautiful Great Royal Palace; the town of Chefchaouen, famous for its labyrinth of alleyways and blue houses; Tangier, which was annexed by Spain in 1940 and was later considered an independent territory; the port town of Tétouan and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. If you are looking to enjoy the best of Morocco beaches, then come to Agadir, whose beaches and whitewashed houses will leave you speechless. To really make the most of this experience, visit the Iberostar Founty Beach, one of the best hotels in Agadir.

Finally, take a trip out to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, near Merzouga, an idyllic setting to take a camel ride through the Sahara Desert or get acquainted with the Berber culture and its delicious cuisine. The oasis town of Erfoud in the valley of the Ziz River, the luxuriant palm grove of Tinghir and the magnificent Todgha Gorge, in the Atlas Mountains with gorges of up to 300 m high are also great places to visit as part of your Morocco holidays.

Moroccan festivities

• July 30th is one of the country's most important civil holidays and is celebrated throughout Morocco: Throne Day.  Considered the national holiday, Moroccans dress their best for dancing and singing under colorful fireworks.
• Celebrated on a variable religious calendar, Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of the Sacrifice, is a main festivity among Muslims. Commemorating Abraham's sacrifice, families unite to enjoy a sacrificed lamb.
• The month of May is devoted to the Mousseum of Sidi Mohammed M'a al-Anim, which honors the taureg peoples, known for their bright blue garb, tribes, and trading.
• The Marrakesh Folklore Festival takes place at the beginning of June. This ten-day festival draws a huge crowd of tourists to enjoy its dancers, musicians, and singers from all over Morocco. The entertainment lasts from day to nightfall.
• Two lesser known, although still quite popular, events that exemplify Moroccan life are the Imilchil Marriage Festival and the Erfoud Date Festival. The former, held in mid-September, is a live music and vocal celebration where Berbers take part in an unforgettable ritual. The end of October hosts the latter festival on the dunes of Merzuga, one of the country's most spectacular regions, which pays homage to Morocco's star fruit, including traditional camel competitions.

• The city marketplaces are the most popular spots to shop. Here, visitors will discover endless types of handicrafts and colorful products. Bargaining forms part of daily Moroccan life and is an effective way to acquire beautiful souvenirs at affordable prices.
• Leather goods are of very high quality in Morocco. The most famous tanneries are located in Fez and Marrakesh. There you can obtain splendid handbags, wallets, and belts, all carefully crafted.
• Moroccan rugs and carpets are eye-catching and of utmost quality. Berbers continue to handcraft these works of art according to traditional artisan methods. The best rugs in Morocco can be found in Rabat's markets.
• Ceramics and pottery is also present in the day to day life of the Moroccan people. These articles are used for cooking traditional recipes and serving prepared dishes. Ceramic and pottery can be purchased in the open-air markets or pottery stores, which sell bowls, jars, and other decorative pieces.