LIFESTYLE COACHING NEAR ME

Based on the opinions and recommendations of Internet users, Trip Advisor has issued its ranking of the most beautiful islands in the world in 2015. Here are the top 10 in pictures

Dream islands all around the world

1. Providenciales, the Caribbean otherwise

Unknown to the general public, this paradise is located in the Caicos archipelago, on the territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands. With 30,000 inhabitants, you will find yourself in an unspoiled land.

2. Maui: Hawaii as in the movies

Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and has a 240-kilometer coastline. Idyllic beaches and colorful flowers await you. Become a Magnum for a trip.

3. Roatan, Honduran nugget

Farniente, farniente and... farniente. In the Caribbean Sea, this piece of land, 60 kilometers long and 8 wide (at most), offers fine white sand that would make anyone envious.

4. Santorini, the grace of Greece

How not to disconnect in Santorini? Between its volcano and the white stone villages nestled between two archaeological sites, it is a treat to behold.

5. Koh Tao et ses tortues thaïlandaises

Le long d'une plage bordée de palmiers, vous pourrez plonger avec les tortues dans les eaux calmes du golfe de Thaïlande.

6. Madeira, the island version of Portugal

The "island of flowers" off the coast of Morocco will delight lovers of beautiful houses and calm. You will enjoy a scooter ride between lovers on this land recognized as World Wildlife Fund.

7. Bali, the Indonesian plenitude

Between the rice fields and the beauty of the Indonesian temples, it is a festival of colors that awaits you. An unforgettable visual and spiritual change of scenery.

8. Mauritius, experience the Indian Ocean

This former French colony remains the luxurious destination where you must go to see dream beaches and coral, but also lush nature in the interreligious respect.

9. Bora Bora, a piece of France

A haven of peace at the other end of the globe: welcome to French Polynesia. The island distills a unique charm to live a full experience, surrounded by crystal clear waters.

10. Fernando de Noronha, so Brazil

Turtles and dolphins in abundance in a preserved fauna: here is the program of this archipelago so wild, off Natal and Brazil.

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Looking for a destination for your next vacation? Morocco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its idyllic setting with its beautiful desert landscapes is perfect to escape. Moreover, these sumptuous settings are frequently requested for film shoots. Discover the backstage of cult films by visiting the film studio in Ouarzazate.

The city of Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood

Located in the center of northern Morocco, the city of Ouarzazate offers direct access to the Sahara desert, hence its nickname of "the gateway to the desert". Offering a quiet and serene setting, Ouarzazate is much appreciated by tourists looking for a change of scenery. But it is not only tourists who are interested in the beautiful landscapes of the Saharan desert. Indeed, film professionals from around the world come to Morocco to get beautiful shots in authentic settings. In addition to documentaries, you must have already seen Ouarzazate in American or French films.

Over the years, a real film industry has been built in Ouarzazate. Like Los Angeles, Ouarzazate is now considered the Hollywood of Morocco, and even the Hollywood of Africa. A trip to Ouarzazate is the ideal opportunity to visit the film studio and the film sets used for the production of cult films.

The cult films shot in the film studio in Ouarzazate

The beauty of the desert and the Moroccan sites has long been used for cinema and television. Making a feature film in Morocco was already common in the days of black and white cinema, notably with the film Casablanca (1942). Over the years, the number of films produced and shot in Morocco has grown. On the one hand, there are the big Hollywood productions by the big American studios such as Walt Disney Company, Universal Studio and Warner Bros. On the other hand, there are the independent films of the new generation of directors.

Among the cult films shot in Ouarzazate are Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Asterix and Obelix Mission Cleopatra. Depending on the film genre, the landscape adapts to the needs and can even be combined with special effects. This cinematographic spectacle is notably visible in "Dune", a science-fiction film directed by the filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.

Atlas Studios, the reference film studio in Morocco

Faced with the craze of foreign production companies to shoot in Morocco, a Moroccan film studio was founded in 1983. It is about Atlas Studios which offers grandiose sets to welcome the shootings of feature films and series in Morocco. This audiovisual production company has provided a location for Hollywood productions such as The Mummy (1990), by writer and director Stephen Sommers. Its film catalog also includes the blockbusters of director and producer Ridley Scott, namely Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.

On the television side, this production studio has offered filming locations for series like Games of Thrones and Atlantis. This film city that has allowed great directors to create magic on the big screen is open to the public. It's another way for moviegoers to rediscover films outside of theatrical and Netflix screenings. Also, come and deepen your knowledge of the seventh art in life-size sets.

Ksar Ighnda, the luxury hotel to stay in Ouarzazate

Are you looking for a hotel to stay at during your trip to the film locations? After the guided tour of the film production studios and other attractions, you need a place to rest in peace and quiet. To this end, the Riad Ksar Ighnda hotel located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and at the gateway to the desert is recommended for its warm and friendly atmosphere. Come and enjoy a tailor-made stay in a sumptuous and refined setting with a complete service.

Our charming hotel offers rooms and suites with a unique decor inspired by Moroccan art deco. A room service is available to meet the needs of our customers. After your excursions, you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes and relax in the hotel's wellness center.

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Ouarzazate is one of the most famous cities in Morocco. Even if you don't really know its name, you will probably recognize its pictures. Indeed, it has been featured in many international films. Due to its proximity to the Sahara Desert, this city is called the "Gateway to the Desert".

Small farms, ruined historical sites, luxury Ouarzazate hotels, traditional Berber establishments... Ouarzazate has plenty of surprises in store for you. If you are planning to visit this city and its surroundings, here are some of the things you must discover on your trip.

Marvel at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is one of the most famous attractions in southern Morocco that you can visit directly from your Ouarzazate hotel. It has been featured in many famous movies including Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Alexander and Lawrence of Arabia. The large kasbah is home to traditional earthen dwellings, high walls, winding and twisting passages that resemble a labyrinth. Although most of the inhabitants have moved away, a few families still live there and you will also find souvenir and handicraft vendors. Note that this Moroccan ksar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk in the Kasbah of Taourirt

Located in the heart of the city of Ouarzazate, the Taourirt Kasbah is a typical Berber architecture village in southeastern Morocco. It was built in 1750 and houses years of military and economic history. During your visit, you can walk through the maze of its small streets, visit the local houses and browse the street stalls. You can also discover the Glaoui Palace, a historic building that was built by the former Pasha of Marrakech. It is a large city housing more than 300 rooms. It represents the traditional Moroccan and Islamic architectural art.

Visit the film museum

This museum of the seventh art opened its doors in 2007, on the occasion of the Throne Day. It is established on the site of a former film studio, a site that was built in 1981 by Italian film production companies. The site covers a vast area of 2 hectares and is characterized by its various film sets, relating to the history of the Bible.

The museum is located next to the kasbah of Taourirte and the artisanal complex of Ouarzazate. It makes you discover the great memories of the history of cinema and the great films that were shot in Ouarzazate, qualified as the Hollywood of Africa.

Stay at Riad Ksar Ighnda

Looking for the best address to stay in Ouarzazate, put your suitcase at Riad Ksar Ighnda. This luxury hotel in Ouarzazate welcomes you next to the High Atlas and the Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou. It offers fully equipped rooms and all the necessary comforts for a relaxing stay: full spa, outdoor pool, free WiFi connection ...

As for the restaurant, the chef invites you to his tables to enjoy the specialties of the region. You can sit in the restaurant of the hotel Ouarzazate to take a bite to eat at the restaurant or have a few drinks at the bar / lounge of the establishment. In short, everything has been thought in this hotel to make you spend an excellent moment.

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The world is home to a plethora of fascinating ancient ruins, from ruined cities to temples that have stood the test of time. Many of these ancient societies were incredibly innovative and forward-thinking. Just look at their meticulous city planning and incredible engineering feats, some of which are still not fully understood.

And while there is so much we can learn from these prehistoric peoples, perhaps the most fascinating thing is what we don't know. Some of the most captivating ancient ruins are full of millennia-old mysteries that will perplex even the most curious minds.

25. Ayuthaya

Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya is a historic city that began as a Khmer military and trading post. It didn't take long for this thriving trading port to become the ancient capital of Thailand. It retained this title for four centuries, until it was burned by Burmese invaders.

The vast majority of the city's temples and relics were built of wood and destroyed. Only about 50 stone temples and relics survived the fire and are still visible today. Since renovations began in the 1970s, exploring Ayutthaya's blend of Siamese, Sri Lankan and Khmer architecture has become a popular day trip from Bangkok.

24. Stonehenge

Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is one of the world's most famous ancient ruins. Dating back over 5,000 years, these curious stone rings are among the oldest stone structures on the planet. Created from sandstone, they are surrounded by mystery.

It is still unknown who built them and why. Two popular theories hold that Stonehenge was used as a site for religious rituals or to monitor the movements of the sun and moon. Since it takes only two hours to explore the Stonehenge ruins and its adjacent museum, a day trip from London is often combined with a visit to Windsor or Bath.

23. Mesa Verde

In the heart of the American Southwest, you'll find Mesa Verde National Park and its fascinating collection of 600 ancient clifftop dwellings. The most famous of these dwellings is the Cliff Palace, built in a huge sandstone alcove that has protected it from the elements for more than seven centuries.

It is the largest of its kind in North America and, unlike the other dwellings which contained only a few rooms for residential purposes, the palace had over 150 rooms and 23 sacred kivas. After being inhabited for nearly a century, these unusual cliffside villages were suddenly abandoned in the 13th century. No one really knows why.

Today, approximately 4,800 archaeological sites dating back to 550 A.D. are located in Mesa Verde, some of which are open to the public.

22. Sigiriya

Sigiriya is an ancient fortress carved into a 200 meter vertical rock face near the town of Dambulla in Sri Lanka. Atop what is now known as the Lion Rock are the fascinating remains of an ancient civilization, considered the capital of the Kassapa kingdom.

In its heyday, it included a citadel, an upper palace, a wall of mirrors with beautiful colorful frescoes and a lion-shaped gate. After the death of the king, the capital was abandoned and used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.

While climbing to the top of Sigiriya is certainly not for everyone, the view of the water features, ramparts, terraced gardens and caves is well worth it.

21. Masada

While climbing to the top of Sigiriya is certainly not for everyone, the view of the water features, ramparts, terraced gardens and caves is well worth it.

20. Hampi

Second largest medieval city after Beijing, Hampi was one of the richest in India. Once the thriving epicenter of the Karnata Empire, with its temples and imperial palaces, all that remains today are crumbling ruins. Founded in the 14th century by two princes, the ancient capital began as a simple religious center by the river.

Highlights include the temple that served as the personal place of worship for the royal family, the House of Victory, the Vitthala temple with its stone chariot and musical pillars, and the main temple with its carvings of strange sea creatures.

19. Pompeii

The eerie ruins of Pompeii are located near the Italian city of Naples. When the iconic Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it destroyed the Roman city under waves of lava and took the lives of more than 2,000 inhabitants.

The ancient city, discovered by chance under the volcanic rock in the 1950s, is remarkably well preserved. However, it was not until two decades later that it was properly excavated.

To date, 22 of the original 66 hectares have not been unearthed. You can walk through the streets of these ancient Roman ruins and imagine the city as it was in its heyday. There are remains of stone houses, temples, bakeries and even a brothel.

18. Tulum

An hour's drive from Cancun, the ruins of Tulum are the remains of an ancient fortress built by the Mayans atop a cliff. Walled in on three sides and open to the Caribbean Sea on the fourth, the view is simply incredible.

Although it dates back to 564 AD, Tulum was at its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries. Populated by 1,600 people, it was a powerful hub for the trade of turquoise, jade, cotton and cocoa beans. In addition to the main attraction, El Castillo Pyramid, check out the magnificent mural at the Temple of Frescoes and go for a swim on Tulum's secret beach, surrounded by palm trees and sunbathing iguanas.

While you have a choice of guided tours, you'll get much more out of exploring at your own pace. Self-guiding books can be purchased at the entrance.

17. Ephesus

Although it is one of the most impressive Greek and Roman ruins on the planet, the ancient city of Ephesus is located in western Turkey. Dating back more than 2,000 years, it was once home to the famous temple of Artemis.

But what sets these ruins apart is their immersive nature. Unlike many other protected archaeological sites, you can touch, stand and walk through every part of the city. Highlights include a series of ancient public toilets, the library of Celsus, the bath of Varius, Hadrian's temple and the Prytaneion.

It is also home to the Great Theater of Ephesus, which has 25,000 seats, the largest open-air theater in the ancient world.

16. Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves consist of a series of caves, monasteries, chapels and temples carved into the side of a basalt cliff. Of the 100 caves, only 34 are open to the public. Located in Maharashtra, India, the Ellora Caves date back to 600 A.D. It took Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks over five centuries to build them.

The highlight of the Ellora caves is the Kailasa temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the largest monolithic sculpture in the world. Other sites of interest include the large Buddha preaching in the Carpenter's Cave, so named because of the rock's resemblance to polished wood. Don't miss the two huge statues of Indra in the Chota Kailasha cave.

15. Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Warriors, also known as the Terracotta Army, is an impressive collection of thousands of life-size soldiers and horses. Located in Xi'an, China, near the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, there are approximately 600 underground pits dating back to the third century BC. They were discovered by accident in the 1970s, when locals were digging for a water catchment area.

Although many of the pits have not yet been excavated, three of them are open to the public and are located in the Terracotta Army Museum. Besides their volume, the interest of these clay soldiers lies in the fact that each face is unique. They were sculpted by hand with individual features and required about 40 years of handiwork in total.

14. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, was once a thriving pre-Hispanic city on the Yucatan Peninsula. Built by the Maya in 600 AD, it was abandoned in 1221 when Mayapan became the new capital.

Highlights include the Temple of Kukulkan, a giant stone pyramid with four stairways representing a compass and 365 steps for each day of the year. It is best visited during the spring or fall equinox, when the sun creates a light show on the pyramid's stairs.

Other must-see sites include the Temple of the Warriors, the Mayan Ball Court, the Wall of Skulls and the sacred Cenote, which was once a place of human sacrifice. Since Chichen Itza is always crowded, it is best to go early in the morning or just before closing time.

13. Acropolis

From its perch above the city of Athens, the Acropolis topped by the Parthenon can be seen from any corner of the city. First built and inhabited by Pericles in the 5th century, the Acropolis eventually evolved into a city of temples.

These ancient structures were made of bronze and pentelic marble, and some were even plated with gold. Restorations are still underway, so don't be surprised to find scaffolding still in place. Many of the original artifacts have been transferred to the Acropolis Museum, so it's well worth a visit during your stay.

As the Parthenon is exposed to the sun, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. This is also when it is less crowded.

12. Bagan

The ancient city of Bagan is a captivating temple town in Myanmar. Once the capital of a powerful kingdom in the 11th and 13th centuries, it had at its peak more than 10,000 temples, monasteries, shrines, pagodas and stupas.

Since then, these sacred sites have fallen into ruin due to Mongol invasions, neglect and natural disasters. Only 2,000 temple ruins remain, scattered over the horizon. Although you can explore the archaeological area of Bagan on foot, you can best appreciate the sheer number of temples from the air.

A hot air balloon ride over Bagan is a worthy addition to your bucket list!

11. Tikal

With its gray temples protruding from the lush Guatemalan jungle canopy, seeing the ruins of Tikal is something truly special. A popular day trip from Flores or El Remate, these remote ruins are dotted with pyramids, temples and palaces.

Tikal, which is one of the largest archaeological sites in Mesoamerica, was the largest and most powerful Mayan city around 600 AD. Don't miss the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent during your stay. It is one of the tallest pre-Columbian structures in the Western Hemisphere. As you climb to the top, you will have an incredible 360 degree view of the rainforest and beyond.

10. Karnak

The Karnak Temple complex in Luxor, Egypt, is impressive in its size. Covering an area larger than most ancient cities, it is dotted with temples, shrines, obelisks and sanctuaries. It took over 2,000 years to build and each Egyptian pharaoh left his own architectural mark.

Cross the Avenue of the Sphinxes and discover the Great Hypostyle Hall. This enormous hall filled with towering pylons and sturdy sandstone columns is one of the most famous and most photographed attractions in ancient Egypt.

While you're there, stop to admire the sacred lake and the nearby granite scarab. It is said that if you circle it seven times, you will have good luck in love.

9. Borobudur

Made from a staggering two million blocks of volcanic stone, Borobudur in Indonesia is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Dating back to the 9th century, it fell into ruin until it was rediscovered in the 1800s. Since then, it has been restored to its former glory and is especially popular at sunrise.

The Borobudur monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms. A path of enlightenment runs from the base of the pyramid through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, the world of forms and the world of formlessness. It is decorated with more than 2,000 reliefs and 500 statues of Buddha, each displaying a Buddhist teaching.

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Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman may have given the world Casablanca, but there is much more to Morocco than its largest city. This former French colony gives travelers the opportunity to experience life in an ancient Arab and Berber culture, sunbathe on the beaches or ski in the High Atlas.

Lose yourself in the local life of Marrakech winding medinas, be lulled by the kasbahs and follow in the footsteps of ancient traders in Fez, while Casablanca offers a more modern spirit mixed with its heritage. There are plenty of opportunities to leave the cities behind as the vast Saharan desert beckons, while the Atlantic beach destinations are the perfect place for kitesurfers.

Whether sampling the cuisine in a local souk or relaxing in the sun in a whitewashed beach town, the past is always present in this colorful country. Here's a look at the best places to visit in Morocco:

10. Sidi Ifni

Located along the southwest coast of Morocco, the small fishing town of Sidi Ifni is a charming place to visit. It is home to beautiful beaches, great surf spots and impressive rock formations. As it was only returned to Morocco in 1969 after decades of Spanish rule, the Berber town has a fascinating history and culture that visitors can immerse themselves in.

As everything is painted blue and white, the city stands out delightfully from its desolate surroundings, with a few Art Deco buildings dotted around town. While the atmosphere in Sidi Ifni is very relaxed, there are lively cafes and restaurants along the ocean, around the souk and the old Spanish town.

One of the main attractions is its excellent beach, which is beaten by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can surf and kite surf or just sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and spectacular coastal cliffs. In Sidi Ifni, many people also go to the nearby beach of Legzira to admire its spectacular 30-meter high rock arch.

9. Rabat

Although often overlooked in favor of Agadir, Casablanca and Marrakech, Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is worth a visit. One of the country's four imperial cities, it is located on the northwestern coast and borders the Atlantic Ocean.

With its quiet palm-lined boulevards and atmospheric old medina, Rabat is a great city to walk around, with interesting historical and cultural sites scattered throughout. While the imposing royal palace and the magnificent Art Deco cathedral have a lot to offer, the main attraction is the well-preserved Kasbah.

This houses not only a charming old mosque, but also an idyllic Andalusian garden and a magnificent museum on the history of this sprawling site. Among its sturdy stone walls, you will find many exquisite architectures, as well as a beautiful blue and white painted neighborhood. From the kasbah, you can also enjoy amazing views of Rabat, its large public beach and the ocean.

8. Meknes

Located near the city of Fez in northern Morocco, Meknes is known as the "city of a hundred minarets" for its abundance of monuments, mosques, palaces and pavilions. Founded by a Berber tribe in the 9th century, Meknes established itself as a fortified city in the 11th century. In the 1700s, the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail made Meknes the imperial capital of the country and added to the city's construction. It is the former prestige and glory of the city that distinguishes it from other cities in Morocco. Few other places offer visitors such an intimate look at Morocco's golden past. It is also the closest city to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

The Dar Jamai Palace, set in a well-kept garden, includes a museum with displays of imperial clothing and jewelry. The sumptuous palace of the sultan, Dar El Makhzen, and its mausoleum are also worth a visit. Among the many monumental gates of Meknes, the Bab Mansour is perhaps the most famous. This eleventh century gate cost the life of its architect, El Mansour. When the architect admitted that he thought he could have done better, the sultan had it executed on the spot. Featuring elegant cobalt blue tile mosaics and marble columns confiscated from Roman ruins, this remarkable gateway now bears the architect's name.

Despite the city's wealth of historical sites, Meknes has a relaxed atmosphere, mainly due to its large student population. The marketplaces are alive with jugglers, musicians, and fire-eaters, as well as friendly, laid-back merchants. Located in the fertile plains at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the city is supported by a vibrant agricultural industry. Whether you're feasting on locally grown olives and citrus fruits, visiting an 11th century underground prison, or strolling through the site of an ancient palace, Meknes is filled with must-see experiences that will surprise and delight all visitors.

7. Chefchaouen

Nestled in the Rif Mountains in northwestern Morocco, Chefchaouen is one of the country's prettiest and most picturesque cities. This is due, in large part, to the fact that all the buildings in its old medina are painted a beautiful blue, and stand out delightfully from its dusty surroundings.

Nicknamed the "blue pearl", the narrow, winding streets of the colorful old city are a delight to lose yourself in the beautiful Moroccan and Andalusian architecture that surrounds it. They will lead you to countless cozy cafes, traditional restaurants and small hotels to its centuries-old kabash and lively souk, where you can buy local handicrafts and leather goods.

While the medina is undoubtedly the highlight of Chefchaouen, the surrounding mountains and hills are also wonderful to explore, with amazing landscapes, waterfalls and views. In the Talasemtane National Park, for example, you'll find many hiking trails that take you along towering cliffs and mountains, with fabulous views everywhere you look.

6. Asilah

Now a popular seaside resort, Asilah has a glorious history that dates back to the time when it was a trading center for the Phoenicians in 1500 BC. In the 19th and 20th centuries, pirates used it as a base of operations. The fortifications from these bygone eras remain and surround the restored medina. Asilah is located on the northern coast of Morocco, about 30 km (20 miles) from Tangier.

It is a popular place for Moroccans in the summer; travelers who want to avoid the crowds should visit in the spring or fall. The whitewashed buildings complete the picturesque scene. There is a good selection of budget hotels and restaurants, as well as a thriving art scene. About 2.5 km (1.5 miles) south of Asilah is Paradise Beach, a beautiful, wide stretch of sand popular with locals and tourists alike.

5. Essaouira

An 18th-century town on Morocco's Atlantic coastline, Essaouira is one of the country's most popular beach destinations. Whitewashed houses with cobalt-blue shutters provide a picturesque backdrop for seaside adventures such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. The town's medina features crafts made using centuries-old techniques, including cedar wood carving and cabinet making. The argan oil trade is also well established here, and the women's cooperatives responsible for processing the argan nuts are instantly recognizable by their long white dresses.

Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a natural port. It has been prized as such since the 1st century, when the protected bay served as an anchorage for the Romans who came to collect the purpura shells they used to make purple dye. Roman artifacts from this period are on display in the city's Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum. The fortress walls originally surrounded the city's borders, and many sections of these walls still stand today. Built by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, the fortifications combine European military architecture with African aesthetics.

Today, the port is one of Morocco's main fishing grounds, and the city's restaurants and waterfront stalls offer an array of fresh seafood, from lobster dishes to grilled sardines.

In recent years, Essaouira has begun to develop a reputation as a cultural center. Art galleries are popping up all over town, and each year the city hosts the Gnaoua World Music Festival, a four-day event that includes many genres of music as well as traditional African Gnaoua music. Whether it's taking a camel ride along the beach or visiting the nearby Falcon Island bird sanctuary, Essaouira offers a range of great travel experiences.

4. Fes

Founded in 789, Fez was the capital of Morocco for hundreds of years. Today, the country's third largest city is best known as the center of Moroccan craftsmanship. Fez is the ideal destination for visitors who want to experience the lively and intoxicating atmosphere of a Moroccan market.

The government is working hard to restore the historic old city, the Fes el Bali medina, to its original glory. With a population of about 150,000, the medina is the largest car-free urban area in the world by population. Traditional adobe houses and mosaic courtyards line a maze of narrow streets and alleys filled with souks and stores.

Much of the pleasure of visiting Fez is walking through the ancient medina to meet up close with the artisans who make and sell their products. Traffic is almost entirely pedestrian, although donkeys are sometimes used for transportation. It is in the medina that most of the famous cobalt blue Moroccan tiles are made. Located in an 18th century Moorish palace, the Dar Batha Museum houses a fine collection of ceramic tiles as well as other traditional Fez handicrafts, including wood carvings, copper objects and carved plaster.

Fez is also home to the Karaouiyine Mosque, which houses a medersa considered the oldest university in the world. With its splendid copper doors, minaret and stalactite-covered entrance chamber, the Bou Inania medersa is also worth a visit. Like many cities in modern Morocco, Fez also has a Ville Nouvelle, which offers modern and comfortable accommodations to visitors to the former imperial capital.

3. High Atlas

The High Atlas is a mountain range that stretches from the coast of Morocco to Algeria. The range includes the Toubkal National Park, which contains the highest peak in Morocco, Jbel Toubkal (4,160 meters/13,670 feet). The Berber village of Imlil is a good place to start the ascent of Toubkal. The highest mountain range in North Africa, the High Atlas offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, from snow sports in winter to hiking in summer.

One of the most popular places to visit in Morocco is the Todra Gorge, in the eastern part of the High Atlas, near the town of Tinerhir. Both the Todra and the neighboring Dades have carved steep cliffside canyons into the mountains.

The last 600 meters (2000 feet) of the Todra Gorge are the most spectacular. At the edge of the High Atlas Mountains lies Aït-Benhaddou, a traditional mud-brick town that has appeared in many films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

2. Merzouga

Located in a remote area not far from the Algerian border, the small village of Merzouga is now a popular base for exploring the delights of the Sahara Desert. It is overlooked by the enormous dunes of Erg Chebbi, which in places reach heights of over 300 meters.

It is for these colossal sandy landscapes that most people come, with hiking, quad biking and camel safaris all popular ways to explore the dunes. Many visitors also camp in the desert overnight to watch the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that give the dunes a myriad of gorgeous colors.

Once a simple stopover and transit point for Arab and Berber merchants on their way to Timbuktu, Merzouga now has a growing number of hotels from which visitors can choose. These hotels are suitable for all budgets and all offer excursions to the sites and sands of the desert around you.

1. Marrakech

Once one of the country's imperial cities, Marrakech is sometimes called the red city because of its sandstone buildings. Marrakech was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, a Berber dynasty that made the city an important center of commerce, religion, philosophy and culture. During the Almoravids' reign, red sandstone walls, lavish palaces and Koranic schools were built, much of which can still be seen today.

In the 1960s, Marrakech was known as the "hippie mecca", attracting celebrities such as the Beatles, Yves Saint Laurent and the Rolling Stones. With its beautiful old architecture and courtyards of orange, palm, apricot and olive trees, Marrakech remains one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations today.

At the heart of Marrakech is the medina, a labyrinth of old walls and narrow passageways where you'll find historic sites, museums, tempting food stalls and colorful souks (or markets). The focal point of the medina is Djemaa El-Fna, the main square, which teems with snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, storytellers, magicians and stalls selling carpets, leather, pottery, hookahs and spices. Other must-see sites in Marrakech include the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace and the Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden that blends art deco and Moorish elements.

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Dream islands all around the world

1. Providenciales, the Caribbean otherwise

2. Maui: Hawaii as in the movies

3. Roatan, Honduran nugget

4. Santorini, the grace of Greece

5. Koh Tao et ses tortues thaïlandaises

6. Madeira, the island version of Portugal

7. Bali, the Indonesian plenitude

8. Mauritius, experience the Indian Ocean

9. Bora Bora, a piece of France

10. Fernando de Noronha, so Brazil

The city of Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood

The cult films shot in the film studio in Ouarzazate

Atlas Studios, the reference film studio in Morocco

Ksar Ighnda, the luxury hotel to stay in Ouarzazate

Marvel at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

Walk in the Kasbah of Taourirt

Visit the film museum

Stay at Riad Ksar Ighnda

25. Ayuthaya

24. Stonehenge

23. Mesa Verde

22. Sigiriya

21. Masada

20. Hampi

19. Pompeii

18. Tulum

17. Ephesus

16. Ellora Caves

15. Terracotta Army

14. Chichen Itza

13. Acropolis

12. Bagan

11. Tikal

10. Karnak

9. Borobudur

10. Menara gardens

9. Saadian Tombs

8. El Badi Palace

7. Koutoubia Mosque

6. Bahia Palace

5. Jardin Majorelle

4. Ben Youssef Madrasa

3. Marrakech Medina

2. Marrakech Souks

1. Djemaa el Fna

10. Sidi Ifni

9. Rabat

8. Meknes

7. Chefchaouen

6. Asilah

5. Essaouira

4. Fes

3. High Atlas

2. Merzouga

1. Marrakech

Morocco is Hosting AFCON 2025!

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