MEKNES More intimate and approachable than Marrakesh, Fez, and Rabat, but in many respects just as satisfying, is Morocco’s lost imperial city. There is less fuss and bargaining is more enjoyable because the souks of carpet traders, basket weavers, silversmiths, and sweet vendors are smaller. But the Medina only tells part of the tale. The remaining half is located just south of the old town and is known as the Ville Impériale, a massive walled complex of ceremonial entrances, underground vaults, and enormous granaries that originally served as homes to over fifty palaces. Only three operational shrines in the nation are accessible to non-Muslims, making Sultan Moulay Ismail’s serene mausoleum (seen above) the creator of the opulent ensemble. AÏTBOUGUEMEZ Up until the late 1990s, a mule was the only means to enter the magnificent At Bouguemez. Although an extremely impressive road now winds its way down to the lower end of the valley, the tarmac is still something of a novelty here, and the towns that dot its desolate slopes still feel incredibly distant. While the masses may swarm to Toubkal, savvy hikers head northeast from Marrakesh instead. The tranquil trails of the At Bouguemez offer a range of alpine day treks, or you may attempt the multi-day ascent of Jebel M’Goun, one of Morocco’s highest peaks. 12 days tour from tangier to sahara desert. TAROUDANT Before the Saadians left for Marrakesh five centuries ago, Taroudant briefly served as Morocco’s capital. However, as the Red City has grown to become Morocco’s top tourist destination, Taroudant has gradually faded from view. Similar to Marrakesh’s more well-known Jemaa el Fna, performers congregate in the evening at Place Assarag’s central square, where there are also a few intriguing souks selling spices and jewelry from the Anti-Atlas. Rent a bike and travel out in the late afternoon to see Taroudant’s magnificent ramparts, which completely ring the town and shine like toasted flapjacks. BHALIL Sefrou is a historic market village next to Fez that really predates its more famous neighbor, yet few tourists ever make it there. Fewer still make it to Bhalil, which is five minutes away and is thought to be even older. You’ll essentially have this charming small village to yourself, it goes without saying. You might be invited inside for mint tea, pancakes, and a generous serving of authentic Berber hospitality in Bhalil, which was constructed on top of a network of caves, many of which are still in use as troglodyte residences. ER CHIGAGA One of the main attractions of the southern region of Morocco is sleeping under the Saharan sky. The majority of travelers travel to Merzouga, where the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes extend to Algeria’s border. It’s a unique location that is well-deservedly well-known, but the ensuing demand for camel rides during the high season might make you question if there is ever a crescent that is free of footprints or a view that doesn’t include bobbing visitors wearing blue. Instead, travel 60 kilometers southwest of the city down the Drâa Valley to M’Hamid, a desert settlement beyond Zagora, and walk deep into the Erg Chigaga. You’ll learn to appreciate what true solitude feels like while camped in the lee of a dune with only your camels for company.
