Colors of Morocco

 
 

Hot sand between your toes, cold nights in sleeping bags…Morocco is one of the most diverse countries I’ve ever been to. It is a magical territory in Africa, where in 24 hours you can experience the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the snowcapped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, and the dunes of the Sahara Desert. All this mixed with lively colors and a touch of French elegance.

 
Essaouira is a historical coastal town by the Atlantic Ocean, less than 2 hours from Marrakech. It’s famous for its fortress, picturesque old town and beaches suitable for surfing and kiteboarding almost all year round.

Essaouira is a historical coastal town by the Atlantic Ocean, less than 2 hours from Marrakech. It’s famous for its fortress, picturesque old town and beaches suitable for surfing and kiteboarding almost all year round.

Combining Moroccan vibes and French Style, the Jardin Majorelle is a must-do when you are in Marrakech. It’s a fun fact that the garden was owned by the famous designer Yves Saint-Laurent between 1980 and 2008.

Combining Moroccan vibes and French Style, the Jardin Majorelle is a must-do when you are in Marrakech. It’s a fun fact that the garden was owned by the famous designer Yves Saint-Laurent between 1980 and 2008.

This is how you can imagine the Jardin Majorelle.

This is how you can imagine the Jardin Majorelle.

Essaouira Fortress. Maybe some of the views are familiar from this city, as some scenes of Game of Thrones were actually shot here.

Essaouira Fortress. Maybe some of the views are familiar from this city, as some scenes of Game of Thrones were actually shot here.

The Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the Medina. Besides the beautiful photo exhibition, especially from the first part of the 20th century, there is a rooftop cafe on the top of the building. Grea…

The Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the Medina. Besides the beautiful photo exhibition, especially from the first part of the 20th century, there is a rooftop cafe on the top of the building. Great spot for lunch with incredible views of the city and the Atlas mountains.

Handicrafts are a perfect souvenir from Morocco. Moroccan slippers, often called babouches, carpets or lanterns are just a few to mention. My favourite are the boho style handbags with pompoms, though.

Handicrafts are a perfect souvenir from Morocco. Moroccan slippers, often called babouches, carpets or lanterns are just a few to mention. My favourite are the boho style handbags with pompoms, though.

Once you are in the Sahara Desert, riding a camel on the sand dunes is part of the experience. My mate for the adventure was Jimmy Hendrix, the darker fellow on the right side.

Once you are in the Sahara Desert, riding a camel on the sand dunes is part of the experience. My mate for the adventure was Jimmy Hendrix, the darker fellow on the right side.

Watching the sunrise from the top of a sand dune in the Sahara is magical. There are multiple travel agencies offering ‘Desert Tours’ from Marrakech. Since it takes half a day in a car to actually get to the edge of the Desert, I’ll recommend the 3-…

Watching the sunrise from the top of a sand dune in the Sahara is magical. There are multiple travel agencies offering ‘Desert Tours’ from Marrakech. Since it takes half a day in a car to actually get to the edge of the Desert, I’ll recommend the 3-day tours instead of the 2-day packages.

Located in the old part of the city, Marrakech’s street market (called the ‘Souks’) is so big that you can easily get lost, and wander around for hours.

Located in the old part of the city, Marrakech’s street market (called the ‘Souks’) is so big that you can easily get lost, and wander around for hours.

Less then 4-hours hours drive from Marrakech, a different world awaits. Known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate is a city south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains.

Less then 4-hours hours drive from Marrakech, a different world awaits. Known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate is a city south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains.

Moments inside the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You see, we have so many things in common - despite of our differences.

Moments inside the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You see, we have so many things in common - despite of our differences.

Moments inside the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You see, we have so many things in common - despite of our differences.

Moments inside the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You see, we have so many things in common - despite of our differences.

For 6 euro per night in the hostel, this is how the rooftop terrace looked like! Listened to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoyed the morning sun in Essaouira.

For 6 euro per night in the hostel, this is how the rooftop terrace looked like! Listened to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoyed the morning sun in Essaouira.

One of my favorite places in Marrakech, the park of the Koutoubia Mosque.

One of my favorite places in Marrakech, the park of the Koutoubia Mosque.

On my way to the Sahara Desert. I booked my solo trip to Morocco as a sort of travel therapy, and I felt 100% safe throughout the whole journey. So those who wonder whether a Muslim country is safe to visit solo female traveler, I say a big yes - at least for Morocco.

 
Barbara Peterfi1 Comment