Things to Do in Atlantic Coast

Stretching along the high Jebel Zerhoun plateau in northern Morocco and blooming with wildflowers throughout the summer months, the Roman ruins of Volubilis are a striking sight. Renowned as the best-preserved ruins in Northern Africa, the archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into ancient Morocco and makes a popular day trip from nearby Meknes or Fez.

Initially founded as a Carthaginian settlement in the 3rd century B.C., Volubilis became an important Roman town from around 25 BC and later, the administrative center of the province of Mauretania Tingitana, producing and exporting commodities like grain and olive oil to Rome. Today, the ruins are conserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site and feature the ruins of a series of houses, temples, olive mills and public buildings, surrounded by the remnants of the city defense walls. The most notable highlights include the beautifully preserved Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, built to commemorate the death of the Roman Emperor in 217 AD and a series of exquisite mosaics preserved in situ.

Marking the boundary between the historic Old Medina and the new town built during the 20th century French rule, United Nations Square is not only one of Casablanca’s busiest public squares, but one of its most important navigational landmarks, fed by many of the city’s principal boulevards. Laid out in 1920 by Joseph Marrast, the former marketplace was initially dubbed La Place de France and along with the nearby Mohamed V Square, forms the nucleus of the modern city center, now linked by the a new tramway.

Despite being encircled by a glut of bank headquarters and office blocks, the square is still an elegant example of urban town planning, with its neat gardens set around a striking central fountain. Additional landmarks of the square include the futuristic Zevaco-designed cupola that frames the underpass, the swish Hyatt Regency hotel and the Anglican Church of St John.

A hike through the picturesque Todgha Gorge offers travelers spectacular valley views of the sheer red rock faces Morocco is famous for. Visitors can navigate the picturesque canyon where the final 600 meters offer intrepid trekkers a narrow pass between towering stone walls that is truly awe inspiring. 

In addition to easy hiking trails options ranging from the mostly dry riverbed to the easy paved road, travelers will find more than 150 well-marked rock climbing routes bolted into the mountain side, making Todgha Gorge one of the nation’s premier destinations for those looking for a scramble that’s strictly vertical.