Explore Morocco with Sam the travel blogger

For me Morocco has to be one of the most perfect travel destinations. It offers everything an adventurous backpacker could want: beach, mountains, desert, medieval cities, amazing food, people and culture! I've listed some of the obvious choices that are popular among travellers along with some of my personal, less visited favourites. 

Beach
Essaouira is the most visited backpacking town along the coast, and for good reason. It has an excellent choice of accommodation, interesting markets, and activities such as windsurfing. My hidden gem of the coast however is El Jadida. The old historic Cité Portugaise is the maze of interesting turns. Throw in the atmospheric market, easygoing souvenir shops staffed by friendly locals and prime beach front cafes and you have a town waiting to be explored! Moreover it's visited little by backpackers so you'd often have the town to yourself. Word is spreading though so don't delay.

Desert
If you've been windswept by the Atlantic and are looking for a change of scenery...enter the Saharah. Zagora is the most popular starting point for many camel treks and the most logical place to head if you're looking to spend a couple of days in among the dunes.

If you've got a bit more time and money, I recommend heading to Dakhla. It's over 1000 kilometres south of Agadir in the disputed Western Sahara so if you're looking for a great desert/Atlantic experience you won't be disappointed. The town, albeit isolated is relaxing enough, and it's the backdrop for windsurfing which is out of this world! 

Mountains
Jebel Toubkal towers at over 4000 metres and is North Africa's highest peak. From the starting point at Imlil you pass through some amazing terrain and on a clear day the view at the top is simply breathtaking. Make sure you have warm clothes as it's awfully cold up top. If you're looking to get even more off the beaten track, trek the little visited Jebel Sahara range, in the area known as the Anti-Atlas. The scenery is quite different to that of Toubkal but just as impressive, and a lot quieter.

Exotic cities
Everybody knows Marrakech is a fascinating place, from its fragrant spice markets to super hip modern cafes. Interesting architecture awaits, and of course the centrepiece, the Djem El Fna. However, if you're looking for an equally inspiring city, without the crowds or hassle you can't pass by Meknes. Strolling through the old medieval part of town you'll be hooked like I was. The locals are great. Come here during Ramadan and it's an experience you'll never forget! Also Volubilis, the ancient Roman ruins are  within an hours drive away.

Food
When you ask someone what food comes to mind when you mention the word Morocco, most people will say tajine or couscous. Quite rightly, sd  they are both delicious dishes which ooze Morocco. My personal favourite though is Harira, the soup which is traditionally taken when breaking the fast during Ramadan. You can find it all year around though, it's cheap, nutritious and doesn't taste half bad either!

Top day trip 
If you're visiting in November you can visit Le Jardin du Safran for the annual Saffron harvest. You'll get an insight into how this amazingly expensive spice is cultivated and prepared, and of course you can indulge in buying some. It's an easy day trip from Marrakech.

About the author: Sam is an adventure traveller who has spent the last four years photographing and writing about his experiences. He loves heading to places out the way. Just back from a year in West Africa his next adventure awaits, a year teaching in China. His website says it all! Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.  

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