Morocco
offers a rich mix of ancient cities, desert landscapes and vibrant
cultural traditions. Explore surprising facts, unique customs and
little-known stories that reveal a deeper, more intriguing side of
this North African destination.
• Morocco has cities painted almost entirely in one colour — blue in Chefchaouen and red in Marrakech.
• Goats famously climb Argan trees in southwestern Morocco to reach the fruit.
• Morocco’s clocks change differently from Europe, often switching time around Ramadan.
• The Sahara in Morocco occasionally sees snowfall in winter.
• Mint tea is poured from a height to aerate the flavour — and to show hospitality.
• Morocco is home to the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant at Ouarzazate.
• Ancient Moroccan tanneries have produced leather using the same methods for over 1,000 years.
• The country pioneered early techniques in mosaic artistry, known as zellige.
• Morocco’s traditional pharmacopoeia includes ancient herbal remedies still used today.
• Public affection is generally discouraged, especially in traditional areas.
• Shoes are usually removed before entering a rural or family home.
• Photographing people, particularly women, requires permission out of respect.
• Eating with the right hand is customary in traditional households.
• Certain religious sites and mosques are closed to non-Muslims.
• Ibn Battuta, one of history’s greatest explorers, was born in Tangier.
• King Mohammed VI is known for major social and economic reforms.
• Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent found lifelong creative inspiration in Marrakech.
• Malika Oufkir, writer and former political figure, is known globally for her memoirs.
• Morocco has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
• The Atlas Mountains create dramatic climates, from snowy peaks to desert heat.
• The Sahara Desert covers much of the southeast, offering iconic dune landscapes.
• Morocco’s blue city, Chefchaouen, sits high in the Rif Mountains.
• The country’s medinas are some of the world’s largest urban car-free zones.
• Moroccan hospitality is considered among the warmest in the world.
• Family life is central, with multi-generational households common.
• Markets (souks) are not just shopping spaces but key social hubs.
• Traditional hammams remain an important weekly ritual for many families.
• Morocco’s cuisine blends Berber, Arab, African and Andalusian influences.
• Tagine cooking uses slow heat and steam to enrich flavour.
• Moroccan carpets are handmade using tribal patterns passed down for centuries.
• Gnawa music is recognised by UNESCO for its spiritual and historical significance.
• Morocco was one of the world’s earliest Islamic kingdoms.
• The medieval University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez is considered the world’s oldest continuously operating university.
• Berber (Amazigh) culture predates Arab influence by thousands of years.
• Many historical kasbahs served as fortified centres of trade and defence.
• The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca has one of the tallest minarets in the world.
• Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO-listed ksar used as a backdrop in many major films.
• The Ouzoud Falls are among North Africa’s most impressive waterfalls.
• The Dades Gorge is known for its dramatic rock formations and winding roads.
• Morocco sits only 14km from Spain.
• Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages.
• Morocco recognises Friday as a holy day.
• The country has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Morocco exports large quantities of Argan oil.
• Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, not the capital.
• The royal family has ruled Morocco for centuries.
• The Sahara covers roughly 30% of the country.
• Morocco is a major producer of phosphates.
• Traditional mint tea is served several times a day.
• Morocco’s coastline stretches over 1,800km.
• Camel caravans once dominated trans-Saharan trade routes.