Maghreb gay

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Morocco in one word is vibrant.

How Morocco became a haven for gay Westerners in the 1950s

From the white, snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the golden hues of the Sahara Desert to the lush green farms, travelers to this north African country are immersed in the vibrant colors of a geographically diverse nation. Setting foot in one of the ancient medinas will transport you to a world from the past: narrow streets with towering walls and markets souks full of artisan goods, spice-laden food and bustling crowds of people.

A sense of organized chaos fills your senses as streets are often shared by large tour buses, motorcycles, horse-drawn maghreb gay and pedestrians all at once. Some visitors may feel overwhelmed while others find this to be a thrilling adventure in a mystical land only seen on movie screens.

Whichever your knee-jerk reaction might be, take a deep breath and brace yourself for exotic sights, sounds and smells as you begin your journey in the Kingdom of Morocco. As in any country, respect local customs and most people will not be hostile. Transgender travelers should be especially aware of potentially abusive behavior, particularly to transgender women, due in part to a lack of education in the country and conservative Muslim values.

Uniquely positioned with coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the majority of Morocco experiences the seasons with tropical weather patterns typical to most Mediterranean countries. This includes sweltering hot temperatures from June to August and cold, wet days from November to January.

The exceptions are the dry desert climate in maghreb gay east and the much cooler temperatures up in the Atlas Mountains. Due to its diverse geography, the climate does vary some from region to region. For instance, in Marrakech, temperatures from November to January sit at around 54 degrees Fahrenheit 12 degrees Celsius and from June to August are on average at 77 degrees Fahrenheit 25 degrees Celsius with very little rainfall.

In contrast, towns like Merzouga in the Western Sahara can see scorching summer temperatures in the daytime around degrees Fahrenheit 45 degrees Celsius and dramatic drops at night, even down to freezing in the winter. Escape the hustle and bustle and step inside the tranquil Menara Gardens, complete with a 19th-century palace, reflecting pool and olive groves backdropped by the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.

Must-see sights also include the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, and the Bahia Palace, an architectural masterpiece. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Fez is often considered the cultural capital since it has the best maintained traditions and old-world charm.

The center of it all is the Fes El Bali, the walled medina, with its narrow, pedestrian streets that house artisan workshops, mosques and an 11th-century tannery still using ancient methods of tanning and dying leather. Continue your tour of ancient Fez at the Bou Inania maghreb gay the Al Attarine, both 14th-century religious schools with stunning Marinid architecture.

Situated in the Rif Mountains of northwestern Morocco, it's much more than a hot spot for photographers trying to capture its otherworldly hues. The Plaza Uta El Hammam is the heart of the medina offering a shady spot to relax and contemplate the many theories as to why the city was painted blue.

Towering over the plaza is the Grand Mosque, featuring an unusual octagonal minaret built in the 15th century. Continue exploring the kasbah with its red clay fortress walls and Andalusian-style gardens. Overall, it is relatively safe and inexpensive. Construction of its minaret began in the 12th century as part of a mosque that was intended to be even more grand than both the Giralda of Seville and the Koutoubia of Marrakech.

Also worth seeing is the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified medieval city at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. Famous from the film, Casablanca is the economic capital of the country and located on the Atlantic Ocean. The most impressive site is the Hassan II Mosque that appears to rise up from the coastline with its towering meter minaret, making it the largest mosque in Africa.

Other spots to check out are the Casablanca Cathedral built in a s neo-Gothic style and the Muhammad V Square, featuring a large, colorfully lit fountain. If a camel ride along desert dunes is on your bucket list, then check it off with a visit to the Sahara.

Then make your way south to Maghreb gay, which is the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. There you can book a 4x4 tour or a camel ride to discover the magical desert landscape.