Nestled deep in the North West of Morocco, perched high on the rocks of the Rif Mountains; Chefchaouen – an enchanting town that exists and thrives on steep cobbled lanes etched deep into the crooked hillside. Famously dubbed ‘the Blue City,’ Chefchaouen, (or Chaouen) proudly wears its title as the shops, homes and restaurants are…
It can be very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that, aside from its gorgeous coastline, Morocco is a dry, arid kingdom, with nothing but dusty roads threading between sandy fields and sun-baked cities. In reality however, Morocco is dotted with verdant fields, large wooded areas and sparkling streams. In the south near…
So many of us have been to Marrakech. So many now consider that they have ‘done’ Morocco. I was beginning to feel that. It isn’t that it hasn’t got loads of charisma and charm; it’s just I want more, I want different. I want to dabble my feet in the Atlantic, see tree-climbing goats, drive…
Who are the Moroccans? Dive through the mists of time and even as far back as Paleolithic times (between 90,000 and 190,000 years ago) you’ll find the land that’s now known as Morocco was inhabited by the Amazigh. Closer to our time, just two and a half thousand years ago, the Phoenicians established colonies here,…
The Japanese tea ceremony is famous the world over for its precise ritualistic nature and cultural significance. Mint tea is just as important in Moroccan culture. You’ll find that even in the poorest regions, families who may have no utilities, furniture or even a door to their house, will have a Moroccan tea set sitting…
Here are three of my favourite sweet treats from this amazing kingdom: Ktefa is a traditional Moroccan dessert made with warqa pastry. It’s layered with delicious, sweetened fried almonds and covered with a custard sauce that’s scented with orange flower water. Ghoriba, or Moroccan cookies, can come in many different forms and flavours. One of…
When most people hear about Ouarzazate they immediately picture sand as far as you can see, along with sand-coloured buildings and sandstone walls. But not far away – about fifty miles to the west – is El-Kelaâ M’Gouna. It’s a small town in the foothills of the High Atlas surrounded by acres of greenery, a…
When I first moved to Marrakesh years ago it was what first drew me into the city life of this fantastic place. Marrakech has some of the most diverse and prestigious galleries in the entire world. However, what I love about my city is that art is not just confined to those four walls. Art…
There’s probably nowhere else like Chefchaouen in the world. From a distance it looks like most other north Moroccan towns, full of square buildings huddled together on a mountainside. When you get up-close however, its uniqueness stands out. The place is blue. Not just the occasional building, almost the whole town. It’s a very beautiful,…
You know how it is when you get something in your head and it just sticks there? That’s how it was with me and the Medina of Fez. I was probably around nine or ten when I first saw it, probably on a travel programme. I was instantly captivated by the sheer otherness of this ancient place….