Doing Morocco in the Winter

Winter is the time of year where many people go someplace a bit warmer for a few months. While you may not be able to spend more than a few weeks away from home on your winter vacation, you want to make sure you have some fun in the sun before returning to the wane and watery winter sunless light. Morocco is a great winter vacation destination. The sun shines here almost all year round, the weather is warm and comfortable and there are plenty of things to do to while you visit the country.

It doesn't matter whether you prefer coastal seaside resorts or hiking up in the mountains, the country of Morocco offers it all. White water rafting, hiking, shopping, touring...there are literally hundreds of things to do and see in this magnificent country. Here are a few places to go and things to do that we suggest you may enjoy while taking a winter trip away from the cold and into the warmth of Morocco.

Morocco Cities Worth Seeing

The cities of Morocco each have their own quirks and tourist attractions. While you find mosques, medinas, and souks in just about every one of them, they all have at least one thing that is special to the city alone. Casablanca is referred to as the 'Miami of Morocco' and is a fairly modern city that was immortalized in the movie of the same name. There you will find a bar that resembles 'Rick's Place' where you hear Humphrey Bogart say 'Play it again, Sam'.

Fez

Fez is the oldest city in the country with many buildings dating back to around 700 AD. It has a maze of tiny streets that are big enough for mules or donkeys to pass through and it is the heart of the country's spiritual and cultural way of life.  

 Marrakesh

Marrakesh is typical of Moroccan life including historic sites, beautiful gardens, a music square and plenty of night life and good food to enjoy. If you are looking to enjoy a true Arabian Night type evening, then you will want to visit the Riad Zaouia with its buffet of Moroccan food, musicians, fire-eater, snake charmers, and belly dancers.

  Tangier

  Tangier was once a very seedy city with nightlife that was like no other with wild parties and hell-rakes all around. It fell out of favour for a while, but it is now once again becoming popular it you want to visit someplace that is out on the edge. It is currently preparing for International Exposition and its infamous Jazz festival is held in late May.

Things To Do in Morocco

You can get away from the hustle and bustle of Morocco's cities easy enough and the activities that are available for you to enjoy vary. If you enjoy hiking, then traveling up into the Atlas Mountains to see the small villages nestled on its slopes and experience the wild scenery is the perfect adventure for you.

 For those who prefer not to walk, you will be able to enjoy horseback riding in the mountains, allowing you to stretch further afield and maybe even visit with one of the nomadic Berber tribes whose way of life has not changed in centuries. While you're up in the mountains, try your hand on some of the ski slopes there. After all, it is winter.

The mountains aren't your style? 

Then head out into the Sahara desert on a guided camel tour. You'll live like the Berber tribes who have made their lives on the desert sleeping in tents or under the beautiful and unobstructed night sky. The Draa Valley at the edge of the desert provides you with some great hiking and camel climbing, or you could work your way to the south-eastern oasis town of Ouarzazate where Ridley Scott's 'Body of Lies' was filmed. It's known as 'Africa's Hollywood' and this town has been seen in blockbuster hits such as 'Gladiator', 'Rules of Engagement' and 'Babel'.

Long Journeys

There are trains that run from one end of the country to the other and some offer train tours that allow you to visit different cities without worrying about driving. You could travel from Marrakesh to Andalucía on one such tour and get the opportunity to see the cities in between as well as Cordoba and Madrid, two cities in Spain that were heavily influenced by the Moors. Mountain biking and fly-drive tours are also available in Morocco and there is never a dull moment in this Mediterranean country.

Don't sit at home wondering what kind of vacation you should take during the winter. Head out to Morocco and experience the country like never before. There is plenty to do, plenty to see, and plenty of beaches to enjoy if soaking up the warm sun before heading home to the winter air is what you enjoy.

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