MUGFOUNDRY

A new golden age of train travel has dawned, and it’s safe to say we are now in the thick of the rail renaissance.

For the first time in a century, trains are the It-girl of transport, and over the past few months, a slew of ambitious projects have been announced.

These include a £99 European Sleeper service from Brussels to Venice, and a new train that will directly link the Spanish and Portuguese capitals of Madrid and Lisbon.

Morocco is the latest country to join the slow (and sustainable) travel club. The North African jewel is launching an extended rail line linking three of its most spectacular cities for the first time in history.

The Al Boraq line, which currently runs between Kenitra and Tangier, will add stops in Morocco’s capital, Rabat, plus the tourist hotspots of Casablanca and Marrakech.

Currently, Al Boraq is Africa’s only operating high-speed railway system. The planned 430km extension will make it the longest on the continent, too.

Aside from making Morocco more accessible, the updated route – set to cost close to £4 billion – is expected to drastically cut travel times.

For example, the journey from Tangier to Rabat will take one hour. From Tangier to Casablanca it will be one hour and forty minutes, while Tangier to Marrakech will take two hours and forty minutes.

Those travelling to Rabat from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International airport and vice versa will reach their destination in just 35 minutes.

The construction connecting Kenitra and Marrakech was officially launched earlier this month by King Mohammed VI, who welcomed a new era of ultra-modern rail infrastructure across the country.

He said in a statement: ‘This project demonstrates Morocco’s firm determination to continue developing the national rail network,’ and noted that this transformation will serve as ‘the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive transport system.’

While news of the project is exciting, locals and visitors alike will have to wait a few years until they can travel on the new lines.

Currently, completion is expected to be operational before the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Things to do in Rabat

Rabat, a city of about one million, has been Morocco’s coastal capital since 1912.

Despite its status, it’s a less intense experience than Marrakech and a calmer introduction to the country as a whole.

Defined by Islamic and colonial heritage and laid-back pace, Rabat is the best of both worlds for every type of traveller.

Founded in the 12th century, every stone is steeped in history. The Kasbah des Oudayas neighbourhood provides obvious Andalusian influence, with whitewashed buildings and dominant blue doors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the charming medieval fortress district has become a hotspot for artists and creatives from all over the globe.

Hassan Tower – considered the symbol of Rabat – is one of the most famous sites in the city. Marvel at its Moorish architecture while soaking up the sun.

Summer in Rabat – and Morocco in general – can reach 40°C, so it’s worth visiting in the shoulder seasons when temperatures aren’t as strong.

Things to do in Casablanca

If you’re into a mix of modern and historical, Casablanca is for you.

The city is widely known as Morocco’s chief port, as well as being one of the largest artificial ports in Africa.

Whether you visit the Hassan II Mosque, an elaborate oceanfront mosque, or head to the Arab League Park, famed for its lush gardens and palm trees, Casablanca offers a unique Moroccan experience.

Just over a 90-minute drive from Casablanca is El Jadida, a chaotic but authentic Moroccan port city that’s yet to be invaded by tourists.

Nicknamed the ‘Hamptons of Morocco’, the medina of this UNESCO-listed old town is said to be the most European-looking in Morocco. No visit is complete without a walk along the city walls, which capture panoramic views of the ocean.

Metro‘s Alice Giddings spent a week at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a luxurious hotel on the Atlantic coast just outside the city walls that boasts 7km of private beach and lavish suites dotted around a swimming pool.

Read her full report here.

Things to do in Marrakech

Nowhere does it get more quintessentially Moroccoan than in Marrakech, with its bustling bazaars, street food tours, and a melting pot of culture.

For history, head to the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace. For a taste of daily life, it’s all about Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with music, traditional storytelling and food vendors. For culture, check out the Ben Youssef Madrasa to admire centuries-old Islamic architecture.

And, as Millennials and Gen Z continue to popularise the sober tourism trend, Metro’s Gergana Krasteva found that Marrakech is the perfect choice for teetotal travellers. In January, she spent 72 hours in the ‘Red City,’ soaking up culture instead of alcohol.

Noting that it’s a ‘place that doesn’t need booze to be interesting,’ Gergana explored opulent palaces and atmospheric souks with aromatic cuisine.

She said: ‘All are making the city known as the Jewel of the South an increasingly popular choice for sober travellers.’

However, if Morocco has always been on your bucket-list, but the chaos of Marrakech doesn’t appeal, Gergana recommends a visit to Fez.

Around two hours and twenty minutes from Rabat, Gergana reports that the city nicknamed the ‘Athens of Africa’ has held onto much of the traditional culture that defines it.

With none of the crowds and a spiritual and cultural focus, it’s also cheap to get to: at least four direct flights depart from London every week, from as little as £27 one-way.

‘It’s never been easier to visit the ancient tanneries, stunning architecture, and royal palaces that make this city so fascinating,’ Gergana adds.