Holy Week in Morocco

At the gateway to the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier looks out at the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and Europe all at once. Its medina and kasbah keep the memory of its days as an international city, and on the outskirts await Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules.

Tucked away in the Rif mountains, the “blue pearl” was founded in 1471 and is famous for the blue-washed walls of its medina. Stroll its peaceful alleys, head up to Outa el-Hammam square and the kasbah, and watch the town from the Spanish Mosque at sunset.

Founded at the end of the 8th century, Fes is the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, and its medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. Wander its alleys to the Chouara tannery, the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas and the Al Qarawiyyin mosque-university, founded in 859.

Meknes was the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, who surrounded it with walls and palaces, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most famous monument is the Bab Mansour gate; also visit the Heri es-Souani granaries and stables and El Hedim square.

Morocco's capital combines history and modern life on the Atlantic coast and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas with its blue and white lanes, the unfinished 12th-century Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Volubilis is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Among olive groves and wheat fields you can still see the Arch of Caracalla, the basilica, the capitol and superb mosaics on the floors of the ancient houses.

The “Red City” was founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century and its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its heart is Jemaa el-Fna square, alive with storytellers, musicians and food stalls at dusk. Don't miss the Koutoubia minaret, the souks, the Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and economic engine. Its great symbol is the Hassan II Mosque, built partly over the Atlantic Ocean, with a minaret of about 210 metres, one of the tallest in the world; the Corniche and the city's Art Deco buildings complete the visit.

This Atlantic port town, whose walled medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its cannon-lined ramparts, its harbour of blue fishing boats and the wind that draws surfers. Its relaxed atmosphere, Gnaoua music and the region's argan oil make it unique.