Many people associate Morocco merely with Marrakech, the mountains and the sands of the Sahara. Yet Morocco has depths of culture, beauty and landscapes that remain largely unexplored.It’s time to experience these Moroccan marvels – where are you heading first?
1. To experience a glimpse of nomadic life at the Moussem of Tan-Tan
Morocco’s nomadic heritage is a key part of its identity. To celebrate this heritage and Morocco’s nomadic tribes, the Moussem of Tan-Tan in late May or early June, brings together Saharan tribes to honour their traditions and way of life. The festival is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity and showcases camel races, traditional music, poetry, and craft exhibitions.
Part of the agricultural and herding calendar of the nomads, these gatherings were an opportunity to congregate, buy, sell and exchange foodstuffs and other products, organise camel and horse-breeding competitions, celebrate weddings and consult herbalists. This is a unique opportunity to gain a glimpse into the nomadic heart of Morocco and celebrate its unique customs and ancient heritage.
2. To take in the delights of the Almond Blossom Festival
High in the Atlas mountains, music, dance and almond blossoms fill the town of Tafraoute, Morocco’s almond capital. Take a stroll through Amazigh tents, sample some delicious almond-inspired treats and let the sweet smell of almond blossoms fill your senses. The festival occurs in the second week of February, depending on the harvest.
The dark red rock of the mountainsides is transformed as almond trees blossom with soft pink and white hues. Traditional music, Amazigh dances and craft fairs will be on display, and you will no doubt be invited to drink some sweet mint tea and taste some almond-based cuisines by a local family. Moroccan hospitality is legendary.
3. To walk in the footsteps of ancient conquerors
As with much of the Mediterranean, northern Morocco is studded with little-known Roman ruins. Walk through the incredibly well-preserved streets and pillared gateways of Volubilis, and have your very own Maximus moment as you reenact scenes from Gladiator on the shrub-lined paths. Or head to Lixus, a town complete with amphitheatre and salt refineries, that sits on a hill above vast salt flats that shimmer in the setting sun.
To truly walk along the path less travelled, head inland to the hidden Roman city of Iulia Valentina Banasa. You will share the silent streets and archways with roaming turkeys and braying donkeys, keeping the grass cut short over the ancient mosaics. The paths through the city are still well-travelled today, and schoolchildren and adults make their way on foot and by bicycle through archways that have stood for millennia. Morocco is rich in history: Roman, Phoenician, Arab and Amazigh, and is a perfect destination for anyone with a passion for the past.
4. To soak up the sounds at Essaouira Gnaoua & World Music Festival
Best known for its laid-back vibe and surfing culture, for one weekend a year, Essaouira heaves with visitors from across the globe who come to dance and enjoy the unifying power of music. What began as a festival celebrating Gnaoua music, the traditional form of Moroccan music, has developed into a celebration of international sound, pulling in artists from across Africa and across the world. From large-scale shows to spontaneous grassroots beach performances, the festival offers a host of musical delicacies for visitors to enjoy.
In 2026, the festival will run from 25-27 June, bringing more than just music, with art installations, workshops and a series of roundtable human rights forums on human mobility and cultural dynamics. Head to the Talking Tree, the festival’s Speaker’s Corner, a free and open space for discussion and exchange of ideas across cultural boundaries.
5. To wander through the flowers of the Rose Festival
The Valley of the Roses is well named. Every year in April or May (depending on the harvest), the town of Kalaat M’Gouna is carpeted in blooming roses and hosts the grand Rose Festival. Rose petal carpets cover the streets, while residents adorn themselves with fragrant garlands. Celebrations include traditional performances, including sword dances, collective ahidous dances, and ceremonial bee dances, culminating in the coronation ceremony of the “Rose Queen,” who presides over flower-decorated processions.
Busy markets offer rose water, artisanal soaps, essential oils, creams, and perfumes as well as delicious local food. Get involved in the festivities, buy a rose crown from one of the local children and play a role in this unique cultural festival.
6. To experience the raw majesty of the Sahara Desert
Morocco is far more than its deserts, yet they are always worth a visit. Head to Merzouga to lose yourself in the soaring heights of one of the world’s tallest dunes, Erg Chebbi. From its sandy peaks, stare across the landscape towards the edges of the Sahara and the expanse beyond. Just down the road, some cultural treasures lie in wait for you. Dar Gnaoua is the home of a group of musicians who give daily performances to travellers, celebrating the history of the Gnaoua people who came to Morocco in the 15th century, escaping slavery and oppression in Sub-Saharan Africa, and giving Morocco its signature soundtrack: Gnaoua music.
Or follow in the footsteps of the ancient Saharan camel caravans in Zagora, tracing the paths of silks, spices and gems across the desert sands on a camel trek. Here you can climb the shifting sands of the monumental Erg Chigaga, and see the famous 52 Days to Tomboctou sign, a reminder of the region’s history as a vital trade hub. Make sure you pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. The desert rewards preparation and respect.
7. To witness love at the Imilchil Wedding Festival
Who doesn’t love love? This is certainly the case in Imilchil, high in the Atlas mountains, where each September a festival is held to encourage the pursuit of love and openness of mind. This Amazigh festival was originally intended to pair up young local couples, with matchmaking ceremonies and dances, but has come to be a celebration of romantic traditions and peaceful culture. Today, it includes activities such as local weddings, delicious Amazigh cooking, exotic music, stylish dancing, and shopping. This festival is a hidden gem and offers an insight into Amazigh culture in the Atlas Mountains.
The festival stems from the Village’s local legend, two Amazigh lovers who predate Romeo and Juliet. As the story goes, two young people fell in love and wanted to get married, but their tribe repeatedly refused to bless the marriage. Eventually, the two lost hope and cried themselves to death. Flowing thick from their eyes and into the mountain soil, the tears formed the two lakes near Imilchil, Isli and Tislit, which are named after the lovers. Overcome with grief, their families started a festival in their honour, where young men and women were free to get married.
8. To soak up some sun on golden sands and eat fresh fish
The Sahara is not the only place in Morocco with golden sands. All along the Atlantic coastline, sandy beaches stretch into the distance, dotted with small fishing villages and the ubiquitous blue fishing craft that brave the Atlantic waves. These beaches are perfect for a stroll, a swim and especially a surf. Morocco has some of the best surf spots in the world, pulling in wave riders from across the world.
But the highlight is the tiny beach huts serving fish fresh from the boats that are often just a stone’s throw away from your seat. Take your pick from prawns, sardines, dorado and mor. Order by weight and watch your meal grilled on coals before your eyes. Tuck in and make your stomach very happy.
