3 Once-in-a-Lifetime experiences you’ll have in Morocco
From the vast, silent expanse of the Sahara desert to the lively, narrow streets of its ancient
cities, Morocco offers experiences that stay with you long after you return home. This is a
country of deep traditions, delicious food and striking landscapes – for many travelers,
Morocco is a place to experience something totally different from what they’re used to.
Traditional ways of life still dominate here, with modern technology somewhat few and far
between in rural areas.
If you’re looking to step away from your busy day-to-day life and create unforgettable
memories, Morocco delivers. Get ready to explore three distinct moments that define a trip to
this North African jewel: gazing at a star-filled desert sky, unwinding in a traditional
hammam, and getting lost in the historic medina of Fez.
Stargazing in the Sahara
While it’s not an activity you’ll just stumble upon naturally in Morocco, stargazing in the
famous Sahara desert is definitely something that’s worth organizing. There’s nothing like
staring up at the vast night sky to make you marvel at the world and feel small in the best
kind of way.
The Sahara is a particularly fantastic place for stargazing thanks to its minimal light pollution,
as it’s not impacted by large cities or airports that impact the clarity of the stars. The clean,
dry atmosphere in the Sahara also means that your field of vision won’t be obstructed by fog
or haze, giving you an unobstructed view of marvels such as the Milky Way. It’s also just
incredibly peaceful, as you lay back without the noise of traffic or a city around you.
Trying a traditional hammam
If you enjoy a spa day, then you’ll love the traditional hammams in Morocco. Hammams are
places for cleansing, relaxation and rejuvenation that have been around for centuries,
providing a space to get clean while also socializing with friends.
Based on the Roman model with baths of different temperatures, rather than thermal baths
with mineral properties, each stage of the hammam has a slightly different purpose.
Traditionally, you’d start in a steam room, before having an exfoliation scrub, then a
massage with oils, before rinsing and relaxing by the pool.
As the birthplace of the hammam-style of spa, visiting one while you’re in Morocco is an
experience not to be missed. Some of the best are in Marrakech or Fez, because they’re
such historic cities – helpfully, they’re also popular tourist destinations, so you should be able
to access this experience relatively easily.
Explore Fez Medina
As one of the largest and oldest medieval cities in the world, Fez truly is something special.
The term “medina” refers to the old town of a North African city, and Fez follows the
traditional style, with a surrounding wall, narrow streets and bustling souks (markets). It’s
genuinely historic – rather than recreated – as it’s a protected UNESCO World Heritage
area. Fez is often considered less commercial than its sister city Marrakech, so it’s the better
place to go if you’re truly seeking a more authentic experience.
When visiting this area, it’s a good idea to have a map or a guide, as it’s easy to lose your
sense of direction with so much going on. It’s a fully immersive experience, with the sights,
sounds and smells of the medina surrounding you, so taking your time and having a plan
can help you make the most of this adventure.
Remember, Morocco primarily relies on cash payments, so make sure you’ve got a way to
access your money and withdraw it in cash before you travel. Then, you can spend in the
souks to your heart’s content.
A vacation like no other
It’s hard to really explain how Morocco feels until you’ve visited, but it’s truly like no other
place you’ve likely been on vacation. There’s a definite cultural adjustment when you arrive,
but you’re in control of how much you choose to leave your usual routine behind – cities
such as Marrakech offer a wide range of places to stay that can act as a retreat when you
need a break away from the bustling streets.
