3 Fascinating Locations On Your Next Morocco Tour

Morocco lies in North Africa and is a colourful and exotic destination at the best of times. However, slightly off the beaten track are many fascinating locations that should be visited during a tour of Morocco. We list three must-visit locations below.

1. Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen has a fascinating history. While today, it is common to hear the normal Islamic call to prayers, the city has a very different religious background. It was during the late 15th century that the Spanish Inquisition forced Muslims and Jews out of Europe. Starting in 1471, Chefchaouen was founded as a refugee camp, with a strong Jewish influence. Today, the city is a strong contrast between the normal Moroccan tourist attractions and the conservative Islamic practices.

Image via Flickr

The buildings’ facades are adorned with varying shades of blue, dating back to Jewish traditions, where the refugees had painted their buildings this colour to remind them of God’s power above. The practice has been continued into the current day and the result is strikingly beautiful. As you stroll through the narrow streets, peddlers call out, while hawking marijuana. Meanwhile, throughout the city, hashish smoke swirls lazily into the air.

Chefchaouen is relatively easy to reach, as buses are available from Casablanca, Fez, Tangier and Tetouan.

2. Atlas Film Studios, Ouarzazate

Atlas Film Studios is said to be the largest film studio in the world. It was named for its proximity to the Atlas Mountains that stretch across North Africa. The film studio is only five miles from the city of Ouarzazate on the Marrakesh Road. Despite the fact that the film studios and the various movie sets are falling into disrepair, it has become a popular tourist attraction.

Image via Flickr

Morocco has always been popular as a filming location. In fact, the 1962 epic film, Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Ouarzazate. However, Atlas Film Studios was only built in 1983. This was at a time when a Moroccan entrepreneur, Mohamed Belghmi, recognized the need for a permanent studio. Since then, many films that require a desert setting have been filmed there, including, Black Hawk Down, Alexander the Great, Kingdoms of Heaven (pictured above), The Mummy, Star Wars and many more. One of the first things visitors here see is a huge prop jet plane used in the 1975 film Jewel of the Nile.

Further out in the desert can be seen the Colosseum, where Russell Crow fought in Gladiator (below). Inside one of the buildings, visitors can explore a replica “kasbah” with winding alleys. Elsewhere, an Egyptian tomb stands with 12 ft statues guarding its entrance.

Image via Flickr

Even though everything looks a bit dusty and neglected, Atlas Film Studios makes a fascinating stop on a tour of Morocco, and is well worth the cost of a guide.

3. Anima Garden, Marrakesh

Marrakesh is a beautiful city, but it can also get very busy. For anyone who wants to escape the teeming crowds, Anima Gardens are the ideal destination. The garden is the work of artist André Heller and is a sprawling and fascinating place. This Moroccan oasis combines lush plants and flowers with vibrant art works and sculpture.

Image via Flickr

While surrounded by desert, here you can stroll among the palm trees, cacti, rose bushes and more, while viewing the artworks. These include paintings, photographs and unique sculptures, including the work of other iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso and Keith Haring.

Although this is an artist’s private garden, tickets can be purchased to visit. A free shuttle is available from the Medina and the garden is around a 35-minute drive from Marrakesh. There is also a small museum and a café to visit on the site.

Make 2021 your year to visit fascinating Morocco. With its colourful and exciting cities and many attractions, this makes the perfect exotic destination.

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