10 Exciting Things to Do in Visa-Free Morocco

(SPOT.ph) Morocco in North Africa often conjures images of exotic locations and a burst of color. Its cities, deserts, and beaches have been captured in works of art, including paintings and movies. In many ways, it is a gateway to Europe and Africa, and influences of Portuguese, Spanish, and French culture can be seen in its architecture, not to mention the Mediterranean cuisine.

ICYDK: Filipino citizens may visit Morocco without a visa with the privilege to stay for 90 days. That is more than enough time to explore the mountains, desert, and beaches with some shopping and dining in between.

Casablanca is the country’s largest city and center of business. Take note that the classic movie with the same name was not filmed there but in a Hollywood studio lot. Still, if you’re a movie buff, you might want to drop by Rick’s Cafe, whose genesis was inspired by the movie. Otherwise, this will just be your first city and jump-off point for the rest of Morocco.

Though it may be tempting to snap photos of everything you see, most Moroccans are offended if you take their photos. If you must, ask them for permission. If they agree, then, you’re good to go; if not, respect their privacy.

You will meet many very hospitable and kind people in Morocco—for whom French will most likely be the default foreign language rather than English. Despite the language barrier, they have been known to offer a cup of mint tea, a meal, or even a spare bed in their homes to total strangers. That being said, take your usual precautions when dealing with strangers, especially in the cities and when you are in touristy areas. Assume that scams may be tried on you, but don’t let that stop you from appreciating the best in people.

Here are the best things to do at the many Morocco tourist spots:

Scale the High Atlas mountain range

Whether you’re an avid mountaineer or just like to explore nature, there are many different treks that you can do in the High Atlas. This mountain range serves as a border between the desert (Sahara) and the ocean (Mediterranean and Atlantic); and spans not only Morocco but also adjacent countries Algeria and Tunisia. In Morocco, it runs a length close to 1,000 kilometers, providing dramatic vistas whether you’re high up on it or viewing it from the flatlands.

You can take a day trip from the city of Marrakech to visit the Ourika Valley or Ouzoud Waterfalls—and find some refreshing respite from the heat and congestion of the city. Or you can take a leisurely but challenging five-day trek to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Toubkal that culminates in a sunrise unlike any other. At 4,167 meters above sea level, it is North Africa’s highest peak. Your adventure there will be made even more memorable by your encounters with the indigenous Berber population.

Get lost in the medinas of Marrakech, Fes, Tetouan, and Essaouira

Several of Morocco’s old cities are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And for good reason. Walking the narrow alleyways is exciting not only because of the combined smells and sights but also because you don’t know what you’ll find as you turn the corner.

There is so much energy in the Moroccan medinas, and it is truly a unique and multi-sensory experience: from the sounds to the sights, smells, and tastes that combine in a heady mix. Walk around the mosques (inaccessible to non-Muslims) and look up at minarets that reach up to the sky, willingly (and enthusiastically) get lost in the souks, and put your feet up to take a break with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from one of the rooftop cafes or a steaming cup of mint tea at a street corner cafe, watching people go about their day. You’ll notice that most locals sharing this activity are men. You’ll also enjoy snacking on different street food like grilled and skewered meats and sardine sandwiches.

The squares come alive at night. Most notably, Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech, which dates back to the 11th century. After sunset, it becomes even more of a hub of activity and cultural curiosity. If you are snapping photos, be aware that street performers—from snake charmers to musicians—expect tips.

Haggle until you drop at the souks

We don’t know about you, but shopping gets our hearts racing. There are many, many, many stalls to choose from, whether you’re in the market for home decor, souvenirs, or foodstuff. Moroccan vendors consider it part of their role to haggle with you, so don’t be shy. Be ready to listen to long-winded mystical tales as they justify the price of a Moroccan tea set or a pair of leather slippers to you.

While we want our money to go a long way, it's also best to consider the time and effort that went into, for example, weaving a rug or harvesting argan and pressing the oil out. Do your research before your trip or allocate a budget that you will try (because really, we always go over, don’t we?) to adhere to.

Match the blue colors in Chefchaouen

The Blue City or Blue Pearl has a unique charm akin to the Philippines’ own Banaue or Sagada. It is located in the Rif Mountains at an elevation of 564 meters; and at a certain point, you can only access the cafes, restaurants, shops, and accommodations on foot. But Chefchaouen is unique because many of its walls are painted blue in various hues. Local stories say that this is because many Jews came to find refuge here and painted their walls blue—the color that reminded them of heaven and God. However, some people also attribute this to being a testament to the blues of the Mediterranean Sea.

You could spend an entire day taking photos against the different blue backdrops and marveling at its comfortably cool climate. At nighttime, you can also hang out at some of the cool cafes, enjoy traditional music, or even join the jam sessions.

Stay in the desert for a few days

Take three days to fully enjoy your time in the Sahara Desert. You can ride a camel during the day, take photos against the dramatic sunsets and awe-inspiring sunrises, look up at an endless number of stars at night, and marvel at the unique landscape and shifting vistas. You need to book your Sahara Desert Camp stay with a reputable tour agency to maximize this, possibly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Even the drive there—between Marrakech and Fes—is punctuated with snow-capped mountains and wide-open spaces. You can even step into the actual locations of films like The Mummy and epic TV series like Game of Thrones.

Get ready with a range of clothing: from thin, airy scarves and kaftans for the day to sweaters and jackets for the night. The temperatures can go to extremes in the desert, after all.

Take a breather at the green spaces

Despite the frenetic pace in many cities in Morocco, especially Marrakech, there are many beautiful and relaxing spaces where you can take a break to be alone or spend quality time with your SO. In Marrakech, there’s Jardin Marjorelle (150 dirhams entry fee) with that unmistakable hue; in Tangier, the sprawling Perdicaris Park that even includes a forest and inspiring sea views, and Jardins de Al-Mendoubia.

Jardin Marjorelle is at Rue Yves Street, Laurent, Marrakech. It is open from 8 AM to 6:30 PM daily. Jardins de Al-Mendoubia is at Pla. Du 9 Avril 1947, Tangier. Perdicaris Park or Rmilat Park is at Jeber Kebil Hill, Tangier.

Marvel at the European architecture in Tangier

Just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, Tangier is a major port, transporting people and various goods over centuries between the two continents. So it is not uncommon to see, between souks, buildings that can be traced to French, Spanish, and even German architecture.

At the Grand Hotel Villa de France, you can ask to see Room 35, which is where visual artist Henri Matisse stayed in the early part of the 20th century. The room has been kept as a tribute to him, with a replica of his work "Window at Tangier" hanging above the bed frame. A few meters away, you can peek out the same window and see the view that inspired him.

The Le Gran Cafe de Paris, circa 1927, has served many writers, among them Tennessee Williams and Jack Kerouac, and was a scene in the Hollywood film Bourne Ultimatum. It was also named one of the 50 Greatest Cafes on Earth by the Telegraph UK.

Cinema Rif is an Art Deco-style building that continues to screen movies today. Before or after screenings, you can hang out at the cafe and people-watch. Meanwhile, the Gran Teatro Cervantes, also an Art Deco building dating back to 1913, has been abandoned, but its original splendor is apparent to anyone just walking around the structure.

Take your tastebuds on an adventure

Moroccan cuisine is made unique by the availability of produce and spices and the combination of ingredients and cooking styles from different sides of the Mediterranean Sea. Go beyond the usual flatbread-hummus tandem to fully appreciate these unique flavors. The tajine, named after the clay pot in which the stew is cooked, combines different meats and fruits and is quintessentially Moroccan. There’s also the tanjia, slow-cooked meat; harira, a well-seasoned soup of lamb and pulses; and couscous, that one-pot wonder with a base of fluffy grains. There is also a huge selection of sweets and snacks that you can sample from small shops and stalls.

In addition, Morocco is so multicultural and its cities cosmopolitan that if you wanted to, you could find some very authentic Italian, French, and Spanish food, should you need a break in between.

But please, make sure you enjoy some authentic couscous, slow-cooked for Friday meals.

Spend beach days in Essaouira

With the Atlantic Ocean at its shoreline, Morocco is blessed with beautiful beaches that let you swim, and even surf. Especially in the wintertime, Essaouira provides winds and waves that delight windsurfers and surfers alike. Alternatively, you can take a camel or horse ride from the beach. As the sun goes down, you can sit at one of the rooftop cafes to enjoy the changing hues. If you’re a fan of the TV series Game of Thrones, then it being the dramatic backdrop for the show should be enough of a draw for you.

Just a short ride from Essaouira is Taghazout, which might just be one of the best surfing spots in the world. If you’ve never tried, it’s also a good place to learn how to balance on a board. There are different beach breaks and reef breaks for different surfing levels.

Get pampered at a hammam

Hammam is not only a bathhouse, but so much more because of the uniqueness of the experience when one gets pampered in one. All over Morocco, you will find a hammam for a range of budgets—from affordable all the way to decadent luxury.

If you’ve been to a spa before, then be aware that the hammam experience differentiates itself in that you are literally scrubbed all over—with savon beldi (olive-based soap) and a hand mitt to exfoliate—then washed. The whole exercise is to ensure that all your dead skin is washed away and you are squeaky clean. You may even recognize some implements akin to our tabo (water dipper) and timba (pail).

How to get to Morocco:

Several airlines fly from Manila to Casablanca, with one layover: Emirates stops in Dubai, Etihad in Abu Dhabi, Qatar Airways in Doha, Saudia at Jeddah, and Turkish Airlines in Istanbul. Flight time takes at least 20 hours and 40 minutes.

The Philippines is included in the "List of countries whose citizens are exempted from entry visa into Morocco" published on the Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Stay should not exceed 90 days.

Also read: Visa-Free or Visa on Arrival Bucket List Destinations for PH Passport Holders