Morocco Travel: Visit the Most Beautiful Cities Moroccan 6

In Morocco, you can explore the beautiful Sahara desert by camel, camping under the stars with the Berber tribes, chasing bargains in the heated atmosphere of the souks, or surf on some of the most beautiful beaches of Africa.

Discover the 6 most beautiful cities to visit during your tour to Morocco, and the best hotels to reside and excellent value for money ... Word of traveler, we have selected our favorite establishments throughout Morocco!

Rabat

The capital of Morocco and the royal family is an airy and very clean city. This is great if you want to put a little green and browse the wide avenues lined with trees, away from the usual bustle of big cities. The Royal Palace and Mosque are the major attractions not to be missed, built in the finest tradition of Islamic architecture.
Another landmark, the Hassan Tower, a beautiful intricately carved built in 1195 and surrounded by peak towers 44 meters high (the site contains the tombs of King Mohammed V and his son) minaret.
For those seeking peace, go in the almost secret and hidden Andalusian garden, located at the entrance to the Kasbah Udayas (do not listen to the "guides" who will tell you that some of the access doors are closed day, continue your way ...). Moroccan women take refuge there to escape the heat and enjoy the lush gardens on several levels, a true paradise.
Finally, for a ride a bit surreal, wander through the ruins scattered with fruit trees of the ancient Roman city Sala Colonia and Merinid Chellah necropolis . Moroccans say this is the most romantic site flap ... Notice to love!

Marrakech

The city of Marrakech will all your senses in turmoil, especially if you are staying at a hotel in the central square of Jemaa el Fna.
Do not miss this city, the beautiful minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the El Badi Palace (built in the 16th century and today is gradually transformed into ruins, but still very beautiful and impressive) or the Madrasa Ben Youssef, a Koranic school in the beautiful architecture that was also built in the 16th century.
Otherwise, you can not leave Marrakech without visiting one of its famous souks, but beware, you must haggle (or buy at full price, it's the rule!). Night, popular markets, are often composed of different Moroccan food stalls: the ideal place for a local feast!
Good to know about Jemaa el Fna, you will find many buildings with restaurants, bars and cafes with panoramic terraces. Sit back, enjoy it for a cup of tea while admiring the Atlas and look down the crowd, snake charmers and acrobats that offer exotic and entertaining show.

Where to stay: If you are looking for a hotel in Marrakech , know that the beautiful Riad Khabia won one of three Excellence HostelBookers 2012 Best Establishment price! Located in the historic Medina, this property offers private rooms and suites with private terraces. Personally, we love the beautiful pool, nice traditional patio and terrace with panoramic where you can taste the mint tea or breakfast free view. Frankly, what more? Other establishments popular with travelers, the Dar Houdou and Riad Attouyour have meanwhile won the award for Best Atmosphere and Best Staff respectively.

Essaouira

Essaouira is a lovely little harbor town lined with beaches. The atmosphere has always been enough "hippie-bohemian", relaxed and very popular with backpackers and a few regulars such brand Jimi Hendrix went there regularly in the past.
Most tourists come from Marrakech is a 3 hour bus ride, and then go to Agadir which is further south on the coast, after Essaouira. Between Agadir and Essaouira, you will find some of the finest surfing beaches across the country: Sidi Kaouki and Safi.
For those who love music, every year in June takes place the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which attracts thousands of people from around the world.

On the main beach, it is possible to make horse or camel, as well as driving quads. All along there are many small bars and restaurants serving fish and fresh seafood, caught the same day, and know that the food served in Essaouira has a reputation of being the best in the country (especially tagines, yum).

Agadir

You read it right before, Agadir is not far from Essaouira, further south on the coast. The atmosphere is totally different: Agadir is more "tourist" and less "authentic", but is still worth a visit, especially for those who love the beach (though not recommended for those fleeing the touristy places ...)!
Once in Agadir, the main "attraction" is the beautiful sandy beach that awaits you, and of course surfing. If staying in a hotel by the sea, most of them have private beaches reserved for their clients.
The city is modern and airy as it was completely rebuilt in 1960 after an earthquake. Many shops and restaurants are close to the beach. Kasbah which is located on a beautiful hill is the only historic building in town, and it is also possible to visit the port, especially if you want to eat fish and seafood for cheap ...

Where to stay: our good place to Agadir Hotel Sindibad , voted Best Hotel Cheap under the Excellence Award 2012 HostelBookers We fully endorse the excellent quality / price ratio: private rooms from 13 50 € per night per person, perfect cleanliness, personal enough for customers (it is really fun to be treated like royalty!) AND the must: a swimming pool and solarium on the roof, which is benefits without limit. Splendid!

Fez

Fez was long the capital of Morocco, Rabat before he takes his place, and is also part of the list of four ancient imperial cities of Morocco to Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes.
You can visit the tanneries, very well known in Morocco and really impressive. The Medina of Fez is the largest and oldest in the country: its small streets, hawkers and the buzz of the place are a unique experience! Do not be afraid to haggle, especially if you go off-season (fewer tourists, sellers are more willing to negotiate), it is possible to make real business. And as in any souk, you seem less interested in an item, the more likely you'll get a discount ...

Where to stay: Fez, two institutions have won the Excellence Award in 2012 for Best HostelBookers Establishment! The first of these is the Dar Hafsa in Fes, housed in a beautiful traditional Moroccan house of the 19th century. We love the rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Medina and the surrounding mountains. The other property is the crowned Riad Verus , one of our favorites, which organizes many activities such as traditional Moroccan henna tattoos, sessions in the steam room, Berber massage and Moroccan cooking classes ... Perfect for your pleasure ! The setting is gorgeous, and customers love to enjoy the panoramic terrace at dusk.

Chefchaouen

Located in the foothills of the Rif, Chefchaouen has a particularly relaxed atmosphere. All buildings in the center are painted in a beautiful and relaxing shade of pale / lavender, giving an atmosphere that is very zen and a little surreal to the city ...
The city is also known for the production of leather, which is why many shops offer beautiful bags, shoes and leather sandals at an affordable price.
Do not forget to visit the small abandoned church which is at the top of the hill and from there, admire the stunning views of the city.

Good to know: If you are looking for a hotel in Marrakech , Agadir, Fez and other Moroccan cities, and you have a small budget, know that our Excellence Awards 2012 were awarded numerous Moroccan institutions for their work and exceptional hospitality. These institutions were elected by HostelBookers customers who have resided there in 2012, it is awards completely impartial manner, to guide you to the best hotel establishments! For a complete list of locations, please visit this page .

Thank you to Rosino , martinvarsavsky , archer10 (Dennis) SLOW , jeroen2005 and JeanPen3 for great pictures on Flickr!