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The Places to Visit in Northern Morocco

Are you looking for some great places to visit in Northern Morocco? For visitors looking for something a bit off the beaten path, there is much to be found in the cities of Asilah, Tetouan, Tangier, and Chefchaouen.

Great Places to Visit in Northern Morocco

If you have the time in your schedule, however, the cities of Asilah, Tetouan, Tangier, and Chefchaouen are worth a look. These lovely destinations offer enough fun and enjoyment to keep you busy for a weekend – or a week.

Northern Morocco is lovely to visit throughout the year. Winters can be a bit chilly, however, which is good to keep in mind if you’re looking for the sun. Summer is the most popular time for visitors because of the wonderful weather. However, this also means that there are larger crowds as the country fills up with tourists.

Prices are often higher in the summer, too, due to higher demand. For travelers looking to avoid the crowds, a Spring or Autumn vacation may be a better option.

No matter what time of year you visit Morocco, there are many ways to make it up north. Northern Moroccan tours are also available from Marrakesh if you’d like some help planning your journey. These lovely places to visit in Northern Morocco are waiting for you.

Asilah

With so many great places to visit in Northern Morocco, for art lovers and artists, Asilah is a must-see. Located on the Atlantic Coast, this small city is peaceful, relaxing, and picturesque. It is also filled with breathtaking murals on most of the public walls of the Medina. Most of the murals are planned and painted during the International Cultural Festival – a yearly event that takes place every July or August.

Even without the incredible art, Asilah is a joy to explore. The small Andalusian-style city by the sea, is enclosed within ramparts dating back to the 15th century. It is easy to explore the narrow streets of the city in one day, making Asilah a great destination for weekend travelers.

There are also some gorgeous beaches around Asilah. The general rule is that the further out of town you travel, the cleaner the beach. Paradise Beach is a nice location easily reached by taxi. Secluded and private, it is a wonderful place to just “get away from it all” for a while.

History buffs will want to take time to explore the Ramparts and the El-Hamra Tower. The Church of San Bartolome is another great historical location. The church was built in 1925 by Spanish Franciscans. It is one of the few churches in Morocco that rings its bells on Sunday.

Overnight visitors will find a number of lovely guesthouses and riads to choose from. And there are many dining options ranging from seafood to traditional cuisine.

Tetouan

Another one of the best places to visit in Northern Morocco is the city of Tetouan. One of the two major ports on the Mediterranean Sea, Tetouan is located a little over an hour from Tangier. This city is filled with charm, beauty and many dazzling examples of Moroccan architecture. Tetouan is a city rich with history, as well.

History buffs should consider a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Tetouan. The library alone is worth the visit, but you don’t want to miss the displays of prehistoric tools and pottery, offering a glimpse of life “back then.”

The beautiful old Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so be sure to take a moment to wander there for a while. Not only will you see incredible Moroccan Architecture, but there are also many artisans to be found there, too. You’ll find exquisitely hand-crafted items for sale and might even get the chance to watch a crafter work.

Another wonderful museum to see in Tetouan is the Ethnographic Museum. Founded in 1928, this incredible museum is dedicated to teaching the public all about the Moroccan culture. If you want to learn about the Moroccan people, this museum is a must-visit.

Foodies will love the delicious food which ranges from seafood to traditional Moroccan cuisine. And if you have dreamed of spending time on a Mediterranean beach, you’ll find some wonderful ones not far from Tetouan. Busy in the summertime, but relaxing and secluded much of the rest of the year, the beaches around Tetouan provide a great escape from the busy port city.

With so much to see and do in Tetouan, you might want to consider making a weekend of it!

Tangier

Tangier is one of the two major Moroccan port cities. Located just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, Tangier is a popular weekend destination for Morocco tours from Spain. The Spanish influence can be seen all around the city – from restaurants featuring delicious Spanish cuisine to Spanish-style architecture.

Tangier is a large, bustling city with a lot going on. It can be difficult to get around, so even if you like traveling independently, you might want to consider taking a tour or hiring a guide. As you travel around the city, keep your eyes open special sights like the Grande Mosquée Of Tangier.

Art lovers should definitely make their way to the Contemporary Art Museum to see some of the best modern Moroccan art exhibits. The museum is surrounded by gardens, providing a peaceful sanctuary from the busy city.

Tangier is a popular summertime destination, thanks to the cooling breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. But Jazz lovers should definitely consider a visit in September so they can catch the amazing Tanjazz Festival. This annual event began in 1999 and features incredible Jazz talent from around the globe.

American visitors may have a particular interest in seeing the Tangier American Legation. The country of Morocco was actually the first place to recognize America after the Revolutionary. This special building was the first American property outside of the newly formed United States and is an important part of American history.

If you have the time while you’re in Tangier, the Caves of Hercules are incredible and mysterious. Located about nine miles away from Tangier, there are many wonderful legends surrounding these Caves. A trip inside this stunning natural wonder is sheer enchantment and definitely worth the journey!

Chefchaouen

No matter where else you visit in the far north of Morocco, do your best to save a day for Chefchaouen. Known as the “Blue City” due to its blue-washed walls and streets, this small village is famous for its beauty. It is a popular destination for photographers looking for the perfect picture, and tourists seeking serenity.

Head to the center of the beautiful medina to the Chefchaouen Ethnographic Museum. This fascinating museum is surrounded by a lovely Andalusian garden. It features many incredible creations by talented Moroccans. You’ll find art, pottery, musical instruments and more while learning about the rich history of the Moroccan people.

Chefchaouen is located in the lovely Rif mountains. Hikers and nature lovers can escape into nature for a day or weekend with a visit to the Cascades d’Akchour. Scenic walking trails lead visitors to several stunning waterfalls, depending on how much time they have. If you go, be sure to take a camera so you can capture some of the beauty all around you.

Chefchaouen is also the home of Alegria, a music festival held in July. If you are visiting Morocco in the summer, be sure to check out this wonderful event.

Some of these great places in Northern Morocco may seem a bit off the beaten path, but that’s simply a part of their charm. With four lovely locations to explore, plus the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, you have every reason to add these cities to your travel itinerary!

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