Not far away, nor expensive, Morocco is a dream destination to unwind or embark on adventure. Treks, cultural visits, camel rides, beaches and sunbathing await you in this colorful country. Here are seven reasons to choose Morocco for your next vacation.

A taste of elsewhere within reach

Morocco offers a genuine sense of escape without requiring endless flights, visa procedures or a battery of vaccinations. Just next to Europe, Morocco is a true gateway to Africa and the Muslim world, where you can enrich yourself with a new culture, enjoy colorful landscapes, make wonderful connections and observe local wildlife. In just a few hours' drive, you can move from the world's largest hot desert to paradisiacal beaches; camp with Berbers then lunch at a luxury hotel; go diving then photograph forest monkeys; trek then go sandboarding... With its welcoming people who speak English exceptionally well, its European comfort, its authentic culture and diversity, Morocco is the perfect destination for an escape close to home!

Delicious cuisine

For food lovers, a visit to Morocco is pure delight! With its world-renowned cuisine, fragrant spices, and addictive desserts, Morocco is one of those countries where you spend plenty of time at the table. How can you miss the royal couscous on Friday? How can you skip pastilla, the sweet-savory pastry with chicken and cinnamon? And how can you resist the thousand and one Moroccan pastries, with their irresistible touches of honey, argan and nuts? Not to mention the famous mint tea to share abundantly with your hosts. Morocco is a country where you feast on fresh and fragrant products, and if you like, don't hesitate to take a Moroccan cooking class while you're there!

Desert adventures

Whether you prefer the sea or mountains, you absolutely must venture into the desert at least once in your lifetime! The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert, and it's a truly magnificent landscape to see. In Morocco, several places, like Ouarzazate, allow you to venture into the Sahara on foot, horseback, camelback or by quad. You can also camp in the Sahara in nomadic tents, to share an unforgettable experience with locals and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

Some of the world's most beautiful beaches

With its warm waters and long stretches of white sand, Morocco is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Its long coastline offers exceptional sunshine throughout the year, warm yet comfortable temperatures, and great comfort. You can choose developed beach resorts with their luxury hotels, spa centers, and water sports activities, such as Essaouira, Qemado or Agadir, or intimate little coves and wild, romantic beaches, like Lergiza. You can obviously swim and nap on the beach, but also surf, kiteboard, windsurf, dive or go on sea excursions, depending on your preferences. If sunbathing is part of your Morocco plans, check out our selection of Morocco's most beautiful beaches.

A wealth of activities

In a country as diverse as Morocco, you'll never be bored! You can change activities every day, alternating between high-altitude treks, desert hikes, horseback riding, camel rides, rafting, cultural encounters, historical visits, diving, beaches, surfing, sandboarding, quad biking, paragliding, hot air ballooning, and much more. Morocco is a true land of adventure suited to all family members and tastes, where you're fully connected with nature. For travelers seeking adrenaline, check out our selection of 12 unique activities to try in Morocco.

Crafts and souvenirs

Did you know that Morocco is also a wonderful shopping destination? It's one of the countries where you can find numerous artisanal souvenirs, from traditional babouches to Berber carpets, perfect for decorating your home. In the old medinas, shops and craftsmen's workshops follow one after another. And if you don't find what you're looking for, it's very easy to commission a bespoke piece, for example leather boots made to your measurements or a personalized piece of jewelry. Besides, it would be a shame to take advantage of this rich artisanal know-how only to bring back souvenirs: take time to visit workshops and, why not, take art classes during your stay in Morocco.

Human connections

A trip is never complete without the encounters you make, and in Morocco, you'll be well served in that regard. Moroccans are very warm and curious and you'll be able to fully enjoy their hospitality, especially if you plan some stays with local families. Morocco has a multi-ethnic and multicultural people, which promises you many discoveries and surprises. Over a cup of mint tea, discover the world of Berber shepherds and capture your exchanges with a few photographs. Head to Jemaa el Fna square in Marrakech to experience Moroccan culture celebrated each evening: snake charmers, dancers, storytellers and many other artists perform continuously.