Morocco gay friendly

Interesting Cities to Visit in Morocco

MARRAKECH

Nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, Morocco's renowned city, is best recognized for its vibrant, bustling plaza and market, Jemaa el-Fnaa. This bustling hub, day and night, is home to captivating desert musicians, enthralling snake charmers, compelling storytellers, acrobatic performers, and much more, eager to entertain and profit from passing tourists, along with numerous food vendors and local craftspeople. Seek respite from the energetic atmosphere in the peaceful Menara Gardens, featuring a 19th-century palace, a tranquil reflecting pool, and verdant olive groves, framed by the majestic Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Essential sites include the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's largest mosque, and the architectural marvel of the Bahia Palace.

FEZ

Often considered Morocco's cultural heart, Fez, situated in the country's northeastern region, is praised for its well-preserved traditions and captivating old-world charm. Its centerpiece is the Fes El Bali, a walled medina, comprising narrow, pedestrian-only streets, housing artisan workshops, mosques, and an 11th-century tannery employing traditional leather-working techniques. Explore the esteemed 14th-century religious schools, Bou Inania and Al Attarine, with their stunning Marinid architecture, a key component of Fez's historical tapestry. Lastly, visit the Quaraouiyine Mosque, where the Al-Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859, established its foundations.

CHEFCHAOUEN

Renowned as Morocco's "Blue Pearl," Chefchaouen, nestled within the Rif Mountains of northwestern Morocco, has captivated the world with its azure-hued streets. Its allure extends beyond its visually striking color palette, drawing photographers seeking to capture its ethereal ambiance. The heart of the medina, Plaza Uta El Hammam, offers a shaded haven to contemplate the city's unique blue coloration. Dominating the plaza, the Grand Mosque boasts an unusual octagonal minaret constructed in the 15th century. Continue your exploration of the kasbah, its red clay fortress walls and Andalusian-style gardens.

RABAT

The capital city of Morocco, Rabat, is a contemporary metropolis brimming with palaces and gardens. Generally safe and affordable, it welcomes visitors. The Dar al-Makhzen (Royal Palace of Rabat), the official residence of the Moroccan king, is a notable feature, allowing visitors a glimpse into the palace's architectural splendor. Other must-see attractions include the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret begun in the 12th century as part of an ambitious mosque design intended to be more impressive than the Giralda of Seville and the Koutoubia Mosque of Marrakech. The Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified medieval city situated at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, is another significant historical site.

CASABLANCA&xA0;

The economic heart of Morocco, Casablanca, located on the Atlantic coast, is renowned for its connection to the 1942 film. The city's most impressive landmark is the Hassan II Mosque, a towering structure rising from the coastline. Its 210-meter minaret makes it the largest mosque in Africa. Further exploration should include the Casablanca Cathedral, a neo-Gothic design from the 1930s, and the Muhammad V Square, featuring a striking, colorful fountain.

Interesting Attractions to Visit in Morocco

EXPLORE THE SAHARA DESERT

Embark on a journey into the Sahara Desert, experiencing the thrill of a camel ride across the shifting dunes. Erfoud, a key town in the southeastern Sahara region, offers lodging and serves as a springboard for further exploration. From there, venture south to Merzouga, a gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Consider a guided 4x4 tour or a camel safari to immerse yourself in the breathtaking desert landscape. Watch the spectacular sunset, and spend a night under the stars, awed by the vast, clear night sky.

HIKE IN THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS

For intrepid hikers, a three-day trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak, is an arduous yet rewarding undertaking. In the spring, consider a hike through the Ait Boguemez valley, a tranquil haven offering insights into traditional Berber culture amidst remote villages and verdant landscapes. Further afield, on the edge of the Sahara in Kalaâ M'Gouna, lies Jebel Sahro, the country's fourth-highest peak, offering a less-traveled and more isolated experience.

VISIT A CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Plan your trip to coincide with one of Morocco's many vibrant cultural festivals. The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music hosts global performers in open-air venues throughout the city. Another noteworthy event is the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira, bringing together global musicians with the vibrant Gnaoua sound. Regional festivals, such as the Erfoud Date Festival and the Valley of the Roses Festival, celebrate the richness of Moroccan agriculture. Finally, the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, held in Jemaa el-Fnaa and the serene El Badi Palace, provides a platform for entertainers and artists from Europe and Asia.

SKI IN OUKA&xCF;MEDEN

While not a typical African destination, Oukaïmeden, Morocco's sole ski resort, offers winter sports enthusiasts a unique experience from January through March. Located just 78 kilometers from Marrakech in the High Atlas Mountains, six downhill slopes are accessible by a single chairlift and several tow ropes that reach the summit of Jebel Attar Mountain.

BATHE IN A HAMMAM

Delve into the ancient Middle Eastern bathing tradition by experiencing a hammam. This traditional public steam bath serves not only as a cleansing and exfoliating ritual, but also as a social hub, predating modern home-based baths. For a luxurious experience, inquire with your tour guide about private treatment rooms and spa-like amenities.

SURF ON THE ATLANTIC COAST

For those seeking beach activities, head to Taghazout, a fishing village just north of Agadir. Its waves offer world-class surfing opportunities for all levels. Ideal conditions prevail from September to April. Kite surfers and novice surfers alike can find suitable spots at the coastal resort of Essaouira to the north.

Moroccan Gastronomy

Moroccan cuisine tantalizes the taste buds, blending a harmonious blend of herbs and spices to gently infuse tender meats, vegetables, and grains. Infused with Mediterranean, Andalusian, Berber, and Arabic influences, the dishes represent a melting pot of culinary traditions. The most renowned dish is unquestionably the tagine, slow-cooked in a clay pot with a cone-shaped lid, featuring a variety of ingredients like fish, chicken, lamb, beef, or vegetables. Couscous, a grain native to Morocco, typically appears as a communal dish, served alongside a meat or vegetable stew.

Many meals commence with harira, a flavorful tomato-based lentil and chickpea soup. A rich tapestry of flavors defines other traditional dishes, including bastilla, a savory pie showcasing pigeon or chicken, and plates featuring meat and dried fruits, such as lamb or beef with prunes and roasted almonds. Enjoy the flavors by pairing these dishes with khobz, a crusty wood-fired bread, washed down with refreshing mint tea, a blend of green tea, mint leaves, and sugar. For a more potent beverage, discreetly ask your server for a glass of red wine, often unavailable on menus.

For more intense culinary experiences, savor kefta, ground beef or lamb seasoned with cumin, paprika, and herbs, often served as kababs or meatballs. Special occasions often involve the preparation of whole roasted lambs, where enjoying the head is a particular favorite. Furthermore, the country is bountiful in olives, dates, sardines, and a wide variety of sweet and savory filo-dough pastries. The abundance of tropical fruits and fresh vegetables are a testament to northern Africa's fertile land, and smoothie stands present a delightful way to enjoy the region's fresh produce.

Safety Considerations for LGBTQ+ Visitors to Morocco

Despite Morocco's status as an Islamic country where homosexuality is both illegal and punishable by law, the country remains a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. While visiting, exercise caution and appropriate respect for local customs.

In contrast to its Western counterparts, LGBTQ+ individuals in Morocco face legal and societal obstacles. Homosexuality, viewed by many as a transgression against traditional values and the observance of heterosexual norms and Islamic teachings, presents unique challenges. Regardless of sexual orientation, respect for local culture and customs is paramount for all visitors.

LGBTQ+ Travel Tips for Morocco

Given Morocco's conservative Muslim culture, where homosexuality is prohibited, there are no explicitly designated LGBTQ+ celebrations or "gay hot spots." However, gay-friendly bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and beaches do exist in major urban areas such as Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir. In these urban areas, gay-friendly accommodations and venues catering to a mixed demographic are often discovered. Pacha Marrakech, self-proclaimed as Morocco's finest club, and the Tangier Inn, a long-standing nightclub in Tangier that attracts a liberal crowd, cater to a diverse clientele. In Agadir, the Flamingo Oriental Night Club, a popular spot on weekends, welcomes a mixture of locals and tourists.

Biography

Ryan, a world traveler, enthusiastic happy-hour enthusiast, and Chicago-based digital marketer, spent two years after university in Madrid, Spain, engaging in extensive travel. He continues to explore the globe and his native country. Ryan brings six years of experience in social media and writing within the travel and hospitality sectors.

Image credit: @peruvian.nomad