Looking for incredible places to visit in the Middle East & North Africa? With so many stunning gems to be discovered, we’ve picked out five to add to your bucket list adventures. Check them out…
1. Shiraz, Iran
Why you’ll love it: One of the most popular travel destinations in Iran has it all: history, poetry, nature, intoxicating bazaars. Exploring Shiraz is like taking a journey through civilization, with its deep cultural roots on display around every turn. Haggle in the city’s main market Vakil Bazaar before immersing yourself in a kaleidoscopic at the Nasir ol-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque — Shiraz has a way of enchanting even the most well-traveled.
Don’t miss… a visit to the mausoleum of the beloved 14th-century poet Hafez.
2. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Why you’ll love it: You’ll know Chefchaouen as the famous ‘blue city’ of Morocco — considered to be one of the most beautiful (and photogenic) towns in the country. With its labyrinth of narrow blue alleyways and walls covered in striking shades of blue, Chefchaouen is small enough to navigate comfortable by foot. It also offers travelers a chance to experience North African hospitality without the hectic crowds that typically converge on bigger cities like Marrakesh and Casablanca.
Don’t miss… the waterfalls of Akchour just 40 minutes away.
3. Salalah, Oman
Why you’ll love it: Salalah has long been a popular escape for inhabitants of the Gulf looking to escape the sweltering summer heat. During the monsoon season from June to September, rainforests pop up amidst stunning waterfalls, wadis and emerald green hills — it’s like a different world. Shop for local frankincense at Haffa Souk and enjoy cliffside sunsets at Fazayah Beach… what makes Salalah truly memorable is the unfailingly kind locals keen to welcome you.
Don’t miss… a stop-off to see the blowholes at Al Mughsayl Beach.
4. Faraya, Lebanon
Why you’ll love it: The small mountain village of Faraya is a great source of pride for the Lebanese people, and rightly so. Less than an hour from Beirut’s warm Mediterranean beaches, the area is home to frosted peaks, world-class ski resorts and unspoilt countryside. In the winter, Faraya can get up to five metres of snow, making it a winter wonderland that’s unmatched in the region.
Don’t miss… a weekend on the slopes at Mzaar Ski Resort.
5. Tataouine, Tunisia
Why you’ll love it: Star Wars fans have been making pilgrimages to Tataouine ever since director George Lucas was inspired to name Luke Skywalkers’ home planet after the Berber Town. With many nearby villages and sets featured in the iconic movies, Tataouine is breathtaking for its incredible cave-dwellings and ‘desert igloos’ that look like something out of this world.
Don’t miss… a night in a cave hotel at Matmata.