Morocco is no doubt can become the country of your the ideal vacation. Beautiful coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, wonderful bays, sandy beaches, exotic animals, stunning scenery and friendly people are the key factors of its popularity. It is a country with a rich historical heritage, mixing the best of the Arabic, African, Spanish and French cultures. Visitors of Morocco are able to enjoy little cute fishing villages, colorful cities, fairytale adobe forts, and impressive ports. This country inspired many world-known artists and musicians to create masterpieces that remain unsurpassed for centuries.

If you are planning to explore this paradise of a unique natural beauty, here are top 12 places to visit.

1. Marrakesh Medina

The energetic and bustling atmosphere of this place attracts the attention of all the visitors of Morocco. The city is very old and, perhaps, that has a reputation of a charming magic place that unites people of different cultures, views, ages, and nationalities. When you get to the Medina, you will experience the best of a vivid local lifestyle. The huge plaza of Djemma el-Fna Square is the best place to hang out and meet some traditional musicians, watch a fascinating view of a setting sun. If you are interested in such exotic attractions such as snake charmers and local acrobats, you should not miss visiting this beautiful city.

2. Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque situated in the largest city of Morocco, Casablanca, is a symbol of the city and the country itself. Though the mosque is quite modern, it is worth to see as a cultural asset of the country. The building was finished in 1993 after a detailed decoration that involved more than 10,000 artisans. It is a traditionally Islamic work of art that combines all the best features: marble pieces, vibrant mosaics, and zellige details. All these create a contemporary and rich view you can easily enjoy.

3. Oudaias Kasbah

Oudaias Kasbah is a peaceful district of Rabat, perfectly placed right in the heart of Morocco’s capital. When you get there, you can notice that it feels like some distant from the Rabat’s noise and active lifestyle place, full of picturesque corners and friendly people who live there. The old fortress creates a feeling of safety and privacy and the lines of white and blue houses inside make it the prettiest part of the city.

4. Fes el Bali

Fes is the second most popular cultural destination of Morocco that goes right after Marrakesh. Still, it differs much from the Imperial City situated on the south of the country. If we compare these two, we will find out that Fez gains the advantage of the calmer and less crowded place. The old city,  Fes el Bali, is full of the winding streets and corners where you can easily get lost. Back alleys of this place with amazingly beautiful traditional doors will make you stop at every corner to take a picture or just to have a pleasure of seeing such beauty. For all those who can handle the smell, the stinking tanneries can become the best part of the adventure.

5. Tangier

If you want to find a place in Morocco that looks quite European, Tangier will probably meet your requirements. The key factor that attracts thousands of tourists every year is the city’s past. It played the fascinating role in the literary works of such authors as William Burroughs and Paul Bowles. Here you still can feel decadent days gone by.

6. Chefchaouen

On of the most picturesque places in Morocco is the city of Chefchaouen, perfectly placed nearby the beautiful Rif Mountains. The incredible blue streets of Chefchaouen are looking gorgeous both alive and on the pictures. Mixed with the vivid colors of local clothing, spices widely sold on the streets and city’s floras create a breathtaking feeling of perfection. While you hang out in the Medina alleys, you are able to see and, in this particular case, lap up the colorful and unique architecture. The city has a reputation of a peaceful place with a friendly and open people who live there.

7. Volubilis

All the history-lovers have to visit this place left to Morocco by Romans culture. The remained antique mosaic, columns, and temple remnants make it a perfect place to get in touch with the old ages. Volubilis reminds us of the greatness of empires who ruled this land long before us. It is always a note that even the greatest can crumble. Located right at the top of the hill, Volubilis creates a feeling of a powerful place that looks after the small villages situated nearby. You can easily enjoy it if you stay in Meknes or Fes located not so far.

8. Bab al-Mansour

Meknes’ Imperial City district Bab al-Mansour, easily accessible from the Medina, is famous for its rich and unique decoration of the mammoth gateway. It will remind you of sultan’s might leaving a free space to continue the fairytale with its magnificent relics dated back to Meknes’ remarkable era.

9. Ait Ben Haddou

This golden fortress, known in Morocco as kasbah, opens a perfect scenery for its visitors. You can see this place in numerous works of modern filmmakers as it attracts people’s attention with the orange-hued turrets and some kind of a surreal beauty. It is a must-see place for all those who admire Arabian fairy tales and their magnificent culture.

10. Dades Valley

Morocco’s Dades Valley is the best place to visit for active tourists such as hikers and trekkers, or general nature-lovers. Her you can enjoy the view of High Atlas snow caps in the distance and endless heaven-blue sky. So if you get tired of the noise and intense lifestyle of big cities, it is and an ideal place to get close to nature and to feel the century tranquility of this land. You can stay in one of the dinky villages situated nearby to explore this amazing place carefully.

11. Essaouira

Essaouira, a charming village, opens the ability to see one of the most brilliant seasides of Morocco. It was really famous among hippie in 1970s and still remains its unique charm and beauty, as well as its authenticity. Here you can enjoy a camel ride watching an incredibly beautiful seaside with colorful fishing boats, superb old fort right at the shore. You can just walk through the twisty paths of this magnificent place to feel its individual beauty and lovely lifestyle.

12. Erg Chebbi

The sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi places in Morocco’s eastern Sahara region, allow tourists, nature-lovers, adventurers, and explorers a numerous desert action. You have to come here to experience dune-surfing or to have a four-wheel-drive dune-bashing or just ride a camel as locals do. For all those who prefer less active vacation, the amazing views of Erg Chebbi will satisfy all the aesthetic requirements. You can just sit still on the hot red sand and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in your life.