Years of Culture
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2024/07/09
The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture honours the deep connections between Qatar and Morocco and explores the rich cultures of both nations. Morocco is famed for its warm hospitality, stunning scenery and enchanting local traditions.
Photography enthusiasts will be mesmerised by Morocco’s beautiful architecture, bustling historic cities and breathtaking natural beauty. Here we discover some of the most colourful and instagrammable places in Morocco.
Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, Chefchaouen is a remarkable city painted in a dream-like blue. From the historic buildings to the narrow winding streets, much of the city has been washed in striking shades of azur.
This distinctive colourful setting makes for incredible photographs, with professionals and amateurs alike frequently travelling to Chefchaouen especially to capture breathtaking footage. Nestled in the Rif mountain range and surrounded by picturesque hiking trails and viewpoints, Chefchaouen is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic and captivating places to visit in Morocco.
Widely considered to be Morocco’s most beautiful city, Marrakech is often known as the red city. The sights and sounds of Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the city's medina epitomise the charming beauty and dynamic energy of Morocco. Fruit sellers and mystical snake charmers call out to passers by, while the neighbouring souk is a riot of bold colours.
From colourful spices piled high to ornate traditional jewellery and leather goods showcasing authentic Moroccan craftsmanship, the Marrakech souk offers an immersive, quintessentially Moroccan experience. Budding and seasoned photographers alike are drawn to this historic place to capture the essence of local culture.
Some of the most instagrammable riads in Marrakech can also be found around the historic centre, providing the ideal inspiration and setting for creative photography. Other attractive places to visit in Marrakech include the Koutoubia Mosque and surrounding gardens, the Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs.
Of the many lush gardens in the city, the most famous is undoubtedly the Jardin Majorelle. One of the mostinstagrammable places in Marrakech, the garden was designed in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle, then fully restored by world-famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Combining Moroccan and French influences, with exotic plants and iconic cobalt blue buildings, the majestic Jardin Majorelle is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech.
The visually stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains exemplify the natural beauty of Morocco. Spanning the width of the country, the Atlas Mountain range is a breathtaking mix of mountainous peaks, picturesque valleys and charming Berber villages.
The Toubkal National Park is home to the highest mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, which draws experienced hikers and nature lovers from all over the world. The Ourika Valley, just an hour’s drive from Marrakech, is another of Morocco's most instagrammable locations, with impressive cascading waterfalls, traditionally built houses and beautiful natural surroundings.
One of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, Fes is an ancient walled city built on an impressive scale. Founded in the 9th century, Fes is known as the "Yellow City" on account of the warm, yellow tones of the buildings.
Home to the world’s biggest medina, Fes also has a car-free city centre, with horses and donkeys still widely spotted in the streets. According to UNESCO, the old Medina is “one of the most extensive and best conserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world”. The atmospheric and well preserved historic city gives visitors a real insight into Morocco’s colourful and fascinating past.
Set on the Atlantic coast, the port city of Essaouira boasts exceptional coastal scenery and a relaxed atmosphere. Inside the whitewashed fortified walls, the Medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO world heritage site. The city's picturesque harbour, and golden sandy beaches make it one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco.
A popular area for surfing, Essaouira is also a cultural hotspot with a thriving arts scene, numerous music festivals, art galleries and creative workshops that exemplify the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco, past and present.
Another unforgettable experience in Morocco is journeying to the heart of the Sahara Desert by camel and spending the night sleeping under the stars in a typical Berber camp. An adventure into the vast expanse of the desert is one of the best ways to see firsthand Southern Morocco’s intense natural beauty.
The clear night skies, desert sunrises and sunsets and blue sky contrasting with the golden dunes are awe-inspiring. Between Marrakech and the Sahara, the historic fortified village (or “Ksar)”of Aït Benhaddou is a perfect example of earthen clay architecture that is also an official UNESCO World Heritage site.
The capital of Morocco sits on the Atlantic Ocean and the Bouregreg River. Known for beautifully-preserved ancient landmarks including the 12th-century Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas, Rabat offers a wonderful insight into the epic history of Morocco.
Home to golden sand beaches and scenic green spaces such as the Andalusian Gardens, Rabat is a must-visit destination in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Morocco is an exciting and multifaceted nation, with something to enchant every visitor. These diverse cities and sights offer a glimpse into the spectacular natural beauty and stunning architecture of Morocco and represent some of the most instagrammable places for visitors to explore and photograph.
Find out more about the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture and what’s on during this year-long exchange programme. Discover a selection of Moroccan artefacts in the permanent collection of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha and the works of contemporary Moroccan artists at Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art. Two celebrated Moroccan runners are also profiled in the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum’s prestigious Hall of Athletes.
