Volubilis: Vibrant and Once Vivacious

The ancient Roman settlement of Volubilis, now a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies between Meknes and Fez. It was once Rome's westernmost city and provided the Roman Empire with olive oil, grain, and oleander. Soon, the small city peaked with around 20,000 inhabitants and eventually became Rome's administrative capital over Africa. Standing amongst the historical rubble in Volubilis today, you can gaze out over the surrounding fertile hills and slopes to see why this area was so appealing to the Romans.

Chefchaouen, Morocco: Blue City of the Hills

In Morocco, the City of Chefchaouen is located 40 miles (60 KM) south of Tetouan. Chefchaouen has a history of Spanish-influence and is located in the heart of the Rif Mountains, where surrounding trees, hills, springs, and wildflowers attract tourists looking for a calm getaway. Just a few hours away from Tangier, or the Imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, and Fez, Chefchaouen offers the nature lover rows of hills perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

The Middle Atlas: Cedars, Monkeys, Trout, & Trekking Unknown - Morocco

Skiing, snowshoeing, and springtime trekking aren’t the common weekend pastimes you would imagine doing when in Morocco. But, with an altitude in most places over one-mile (1.6 km), the Middle Atlas shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re searching for an alpine experience.

Rolling ridges run from Fez to Marrakech with cedar forests scattered along the way. In the Azrou and Ifrane areas, Barbary apes watch from their upper canopies. It’s an area of Morocco that, surprisingly, doesn’t get much attention from outdoor enthusiasts who prefer the slopes of Oukaimden and the High Atlas Mountains where they scale to the summit of Mount Toubkal.