Morocco has earned a double spotlight in the latest ranking of top destinations in Africa and the Middle East by Travel + Leisure, one of the most respected names in global travel journalism. Two of the country’s most iconic cities—Marrakesh and Fez—secured spots in the magazine’s 2025 reader-voted top ten, standing proudly alongside regional giants like Cape Town, Dubai, and Istanbul.
Marrakesh clinched fourth place, once again affirming its position as a favorite among international travelers. With its vibrant old city, a wide variety of accommodation options, and a lifestyle that effortlessly blends deep-rooted tradition with refined modernity, the city continues to captivate. This year, Marrakesh was also inducted into the magazine’s “Hall of Fame,” a special mention reserved for destinations that consistently earn top marks from readers year after year.
Fez, often seen as quieter but no less essential, landed in sixth place. Known as Morocco’s spiritual heart, Fez leaves a strong impression with its dense historical legacy, thriving artisanal scene, and the timeless charm of its UNESCO-listed medina. While it may fly more under the radar than Marrakesh, its unique energy and authenticity clearly resonated with the magazine’s readers.
This dual recognition cements Morocco’s rising influence on the regional tourism stage. It is the only African or Arab country to place two cities in the top ten—beating out travel heavyweights like Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. Voters praised the Moroccan cities for their cultural richness, welcoming atmosphere, and sense of authenticity. The rankings are based on a broad set of criteria including food, architecture, safety, accessibility, and value for money.
The ecological garden “Anima”, located about twenty kilometers from the city of Marrakech, will be the only Moroccan garden to be featured in the book entitled “150 gardens you need to visit before you die” by the internationally renowned American writer, Stefanie Waldek.
The book, scheduled for release in October, features 150 must-see gardens profiled by Stefanie Waldek, also an editor who writes for several high-profile magazines, says a statement by the garden’s management.
It is a selection of the 150 most beautiful gardens in the world, each with a unique story to tell, renowned for their exceptional flora, imaginative designs and inspiring locations, the same source explains.
The ecological garden “Anima” has become in just a few years a famous tourist attraction of the city and one of the high places of meeting of cultures and artists of various horizons.
This botanical garden, which covers more than 8 hectares, is a privileged place for both artists and Moroccan and foreign tourists in search of a change of scenery and who have come to recharge their batteries or discover the unique charm of one of the most enchanting and mystical gardens of the Ochre city.
Designed and built by the eclectic Austrian artist André Heller, this open-air museum is a source of coolness during the summer heat wave and a magical place of contemplation and inspiration for all those who wish to live an unforgettable experience.
