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Now that most of us have our mojos back when it comes to travel, there’s never been a better time to consider a totally new destination for the coming year.
Sure, Mexico is great, and Europe has many fascinating countries and hidden gems, but why not consider a place even more exotic?
Could be such a destination for many Morocco.
This North African nation was recently named one of the best countries to visit in 2024 and is one of the most culturally rich and historic countries in the world.
There is so much to see and do, it is a pleasure for all the senses and leaves you wanting more.
Here are a few reasons why we think you should consider adding Morocco to your 2024 bucket list:
Culture like no other
We know you probably think you hear it about every travel destination, but Morocco is truly like nowhere else.
From the chaotic yet charming streets of Marrakech to the blue beauty of Chefchaouen, or the historic and beautiful capital of Rabat, Morocco is a rich melting pot of culture, influenced by Europe, the Arab world and the indigenous Berbers.
A unique aspect of Moroccan cities are their medinas. These walled centers are historic meeting and trading places for Moroccans and are an easy way to get a taste of the way of life here.
The medina in the city of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its colorful streets with incredible sights, sounds and smells form the largest car-free urban area in the world.
Morocco is also a country of great craftsmanship: the city of Ouarzazate is known for its decorative carpets and rugs, Marrakech for its leather and Fez for its clay works.
The food is also one of Morocco’s great charms with many regional dishes such as couscous, tagine, rfissa and more.
Take some time to explore one of the city’s beautiful spice markets and you’ll quickly become engrossed in the amazing cuisine found here.
Underrated beaches
Morocco is blessed with miles of beautiful beaches that are usually quite quiet.
Perhaps the most famous spot is Essaouira, a sleepy coastal town that has long attracted free spirits from all over the world.
It is especially good for surfing because of the strong prevailing winds coming in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Another great beach destination in Morocco is Sfiha, located on the country’s northern coast opposite Spain and ideal for families.
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, the stunningly beautiful Legzira Beach will amaze you with its dramatic rock formations jutting into the ocean.
World famous landscape
Morocco is home to the famous Atlas Mountains, which offer excellent hiking and other outdoor activities, as well as being simply stunningly beautiful to look at or photograph.
Another unforgettable experience you can have in Morocco is a guided trek through the Merzouga Desert.
This gateway to the Sahara is an endless canvas painted in many different golden hues by the changing light. It’s also a great place to spend the night in a bivouac and get pristine views of the starry sky.
Good luck in the face of adversity
At the time of writing, Morocco had approximately equaled the record number of tourists it has received in a year for the year 2023. according to reports.
From January to October 2023, more than 12 million people had visited the country, which was more than in all of 2022.
This is particularly impressive considering that the country was hit by a tragic and very damaging earthquake in September.
It just goes to show how powerful this unique country’s appeal is to tourists around the world.
A golden future
Morocco is seeing a lot of investment from local authorities as the country seeks to improve its position as a global tourist destination.
There are new shopping arcades in cities like Casablanca and Marrakech, housing international brands and locally made crafts.
Serious investments have also been made in the country’s infrastructure, such as road, rail and urban design.
Much of this will be increased in the run-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup – Morocco will co-host the football tournament with Spain and Portugal.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com