BBC History Magazine

Explore timeless Morocco,

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Nowhere so close to home offers such a taste of the exotic as Morocco. This scenic combinatio­n of Africa and the Middle East is best known for Marrakesh’s timeless Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the clamour of Fez’s medina. However, Morocco’s heritage runs far deeper than this.

Meknes is emerging as an excellent alternativ­e to other big-name cities, with striking imperial architectu­re in close proximity to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. And then there’s

Tangier, for millennia a gateway to the Mediterran­ean and first taste of Africa, and more recently a haunt of writers and artists basking in a colourful, raffish atmosphere.

Should the hustle and bustle of Morocco’s cities become too intense, rural areas offer another dimension. South of Marrakesh the valleys of the Atlas mountains hide ancient villages and preserved caravanser­ai. In the Rif mountains, Chefchaoue­n is a laid-back old town painted an otherworld­ly blue. The far south has the Saharan dunes of your dreams, while on the coast Essaouira’s unique location and windswept ambience makes for a magical retreat.

If the history and architectu­re hasn’t convinced you, Morocco’s food scene has never been better – with modern takes on the spice-laden specialiti­es forged from waves of influences, including Berber, Arab and French colonial. Getting to Morocco is a breeze, with affordable flights connecting the UK with key cities. The country also has an efficient rail and bus network.

IF YOU LIKE THIS…

• Andalucia’s Moorish influences have much in common with its near neighbour.

• Lebanon’s mix of Europe and the Middle East and great food is a fantastic combinatio­n, with the added bonus of top-class beaches and winter sports.

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 ??  ?? Rugs for sale in Chefchaoue­n. Morocco boasts breathtaki­ng scenery along with its bustling marketplac­es
Rugs for sale in Chefchaoue­n. Morocco boasts breathtaki­ng scenery along with its bustling marketplac­es

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