10 Curious facts about Morocco that will make you want to pack your bags

Morocco is one of those places that captures your imagination long before you arrive. A land where golden deserts meet snow-dusted mountains, where ancient medinas hum with life, and where every sip of mint tea is a reminder that hospitality is an art form.

But beyond its postcard beauty, Morocco is full of surprises – details that reveal the richness of its culture and the layers of its history. To get you inspired for your next adventure, here are ten curious facts about Morocco that will make you want to pack your bags straight away.

1. The Blue City isn’t just for the gram

Chefchaouen’s dreamy blue walls are more than a pretty backdrop. The tradition began with Jewish refugees in the 1930s, painting the town in shades of blue to symbolise the sky and heaven. Today, the city has become one of Morocco’s most iconic sights.

2. You can ski in Morocco

When most people picture Morocco, they think of sand dunes, not ski lifts. Yet Oukaïmeden, just an hour from Marrakesh, is Africa’s highest ski resort. Imagine skiing in the morning and wandering the souks of Marrakesh by evening, not many countries can offer that.

3. The Sahara desert changes colour

The dunes of the Sahara aren’t fixed in one golden hue. At sunrise they glow a deep orange, at sunset they shimmer pink, and under the moonlight they soften into silvery waves. A natural light show that leaves you speechless.

4. Mint tea is more than a drink

Known playfully as “Moroccan whisky” (alcohol-free, of course), mint tea is at the heart of Moroccan hospitality. It’s not just the taste that matters, but the way it’s poured, the higher the pour, the sweeter the tea. It’s less a drink, more a ritual.

5. Morocco has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites

From the ancient labyrinth of Fez Medina to the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou – a backdrop you might recognise from Game of Thrones – Morocco’s heritage sites feel like living history.

6. The leather tanneries of Fez are centuries old

The Chouara Tannery has been operating since the 11th century, largely unchanged. Watching artisans dye hides in vast stone vats is a true step back in time – though be warned, the scent is unforgettable too.

7. Couscous is UNESCO-protected

More than a dish, couscous is a symbol of family and tradition. Recognising its cultural importance, UNESCO declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Morocco, Friday couscous is a sacred family ritual, a tradition that’s delicious to join in.

8. You can find Roman ruins in Morocco

Volubilis, near Meknes, is a dazzling Roman archaeological site with mosaics, temples and triumphal arches. Walking through its ancient streets feels like travelling thousands of years back, far beyond Morocco’s Berber and Arab heritage.

9. The desert hosts music festivals

Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, comes alive with desert music festivals each year. Here, traditional Gnaoua rhythms blend with contemporary sounds, and the dunes themselves become a stage. Music, stars and sand. It is unforgettable.

10. Morocco has long inspired the world of fashion

From Yves Saint Laurent’s beloved Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh to Dior photo shoots in the Sahara, Morocco has been a muse for some of fashion’s greatest creatives. Its colours, patterns, and textures never go out of style.

Why Morocco should be next on your list

These curious facts are just the beginning. Morocco isn’t only about visiting places, it’s about experiences that linger. Whether it’s sharing tea with locals, exploring hidden alleys in the medinas, or watching the sunrise over the dunes, every moment feels like stepping into a story.

At Betravel Morocco, we design journeys that take you beyond the guidebooks, weaving culture, tradition and a touch of luxury into every step.

Ready to discover Morocco in a way that feels truly personal? Explore our journeys or get in touch with us to start designing your own.