By Amelia Verona
London - Morocco is the favorite holiday destination of Europe's jet-set for a reason. Where else will you find such a unique blend of Mediterranean magic and African exoticness?
A never ending fairyland of ancient medinas, colorful bazaars, and the trendiest nightclubs in the world. If that's not enough, there are the rolling golden dunes of the desert and the towering mountain peaks of North Africa. And the best part - a trip to this fascinating land is not so hard on the pocket.
So if you are planning a vacation in this all playground of the world', here are 5 Must-See Places.
Menknes
Built in the 17th century by Moulay Ismail, Morocco's old capital city of Menknes is steeped in history and culture. Being an ancient Medina surrounded by a modern city, it shares a unique mix of old and new. The many interesting historical sites in this region that one must not miss include:
The Dar Jamai Museum and its interesting exhibits Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
The impressive gates of Bab Mansour
The Roman ruins of Volubilis
Fez
This is the city that gave its name to the famous Fez cap. The most fascinating part of the ancient city of Fez is its colossal medina. Spread over 2.4 square miles and one of the best preserved medinas of Morocco, it is a now a World Heritage site The medina city is a complicated labyrinth of streets and alleys, where one may enjoy delicious local cuisine at street-side eateries or even get lost. Like in its younger days, Fez is still the center of culture and religion in Morocco. Other sites to visit here are:
The Merenid Tombs.
The Mellah or the Jewish Quarter.
The Royal Palace.
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The Royal Palace in Fez, Morocco. Photo by Morocco World News[/caption]
Marrakech
This city is one of the most happening in the world. It rests at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. And a trip to Morocco is incomplete without a trip to Marrakech, which contains the country's most famous museums and heritage sites. Be prepared to bargain for best deals at the bustling bazaars. There are many exotic Riads to stay in. Among the places to visit are:
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Marrakech Jamaa El Fenna. Photo by Morocco World News[/caption]
The central square of Jemaa el Fnaa
The Marjorelle Gardens
The Saadiya Tombs
The Souqs or bazaars
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Marrakech Jamaa El Fenna. Photo by Morocco World News[/caption]
Merzouga
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Photo by Genesis Melgar for MWN[/caption]
In a far-flung comer of Morocco lies the village of Merzouga, which leads into the splendid Sahara desert. From here one can trek on camels deep into the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Things to enjoy include:
A Night-Stay in the Sahara Desert Sunset over the Sand Dunes
Authentic Bedouin feast and music
Essaouira
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A wonderful view of the Essaouira Beach (Le Chalet de La Plage). Photo by Jeanette Clopton -MWN[/caption]
If you are tired of the noisy streets and bazaars of Morocco, then it would be a good idea to slip away to the quiet beaches of Essaouira. Sometime in the 1960's, Bob Marley as well as Jimi Hendrix are said to have found solace here. Things to do while at Essaouira are
Watch the Sun Set over the Sea
Go for a Swim
Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful streets. Enjoy traditional Music and Food.
There are many more cities to explore, deserts to cross and mountains to climb in this fascinating country. Enjoy your trip to Morocco.
Amelia Verona lives in Cambridge, UK and is a passionate reader and blogger. Her areas of interest are Food, Blogging, Reviews (Book/Movie), Travel, Fashion, Lifestyle and Fitness. Presently she is working on behalf of Indian Visa which provides the easy way to visit the places in India.