Whether tourists come to relax in family-style riads (guest houses), shop for distinctive handicrafts, or stretch your imagination on treks to distant Berber villages, thet’ll meet Moroccans who go out of their way to exceed your expectations. As you relax in your hammam (steam bath), tuck into your tagine (stew), bargain in the souks or slide into your comfortable caftan and notice refined minarets and rugged mud-brick fortifications, a sparkling coastline with silken sand and striped canyons carved out of the High Atlas Mountains.
Tourists may be surprised how easily they slip into another culture and another century. In these small signature moments of pleasure, Morocco warps all sense of time and place.
Geography
Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of North Africa, bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the southwest and southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. The long stretch of Atlantic coast down Morocco’s western side features cool breezes and long sandy beaches. It is separated from the mountainous region by wide swathes of fertile plains. To the north, is the Mediterranean coast, just a stone’s throw from Europe. Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range and The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. The Sahara is the largest desert in the world is In the south of the country. Far from being featureless, it is dotted with fascinating traditional villages and cool oases.
Cities
- Rabat – Rabat, the present capital of Morocco, was founded in the 12th century. It is a town of trees and flowers, and many monumental gateways, including the Gate of the Ambassadors and the Oudaias Kasbah Gate. There is a good selection of hotels and numerous pavement cafes.
- Casablanca– Founded at the beginning of the century, it is the country’s principal commercial town, the second-largest town in Africa and one of the continent’s biggest ports in the Atlantic coast. the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s largest mosque with one of the world’s tallest minarets is in Casablanca
- Fez – Fez is the former capital of Morocco and is the most exciting of the imperial cities. Built in the eighth century, it has more history and mystery than anywhere else in Morocco. Officially encompassing two cities – El Bali and Jadid – Fez is famous for the the Er Rsif and Andalous (Al-Andalus) mosques, Nejjarine Square and Fountain, the Royal Palace, the Kasbah and Karaouine (Al-Qarawiyin) University, which is older than Oxford University. The Dar Bath Museum is also worth a visit.
- Marrakech– Marrakech is a perfect combination of old and new Morocco. Called the ‘Pink City’, Marrakech was once the capital of an empire and it is a city of labyrinthine alleyways, secluded palaces, museums, mosques and markets. The Djemaa el-Fna (Place of the Dead), the city square, comes alive after nightfall. Koutoubia, the 12th-century mosque, is as tall as the towers of Nôtre Dame and dominates the Marrakech skyline. The Ben Youssef Medersa, with its mosaics, marbles and carved woodwork, is the largest theological site in the Mahgreb. It forms part of Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed medina. Other interesting places to see are the sumptuous Bahia Palace; the beautiful Saadian Tombs housing the remains of rulers of the Saadian Dynasty; the Dar Sisaid Museum; the Menara and Aquedal gardens
- Tangier –Tangier is the starting point for most visitors arriving by ferry from Spain. The city is the country’s most cosmopolitan town and no less than 12 nations have occupied the city at one time or another since the fifth century. The city has a charming and active market called the Grand Socco. Other places worth visiting include the Mendoubia Gardens; the Sidi Bounabib Mosque; the Moulay Ismail Mosque; the Forbes Museum; and the Merinid College.
Other destinations
- Agadir – The leading seaside resort in Morocco deserves its title. A 10km-long beach of fine sand and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. With its amazing climate, providing a minimum of 300 days of sunshine a year, Agadir has all you need for a great seaside holidays. Take the local bus for a few cents and go 2 or 3 villages North, where there are additional beaches
- Amizmiz – The city is a popular destination for travelers looking for a day trip that is easily accessible (about an hour) from Marrakech. Nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, This is not a town filled with attractions such as museums, monuments and public parks, and even on a Friday night most places are closed by eight. Rather it has become increasingly popular for its breathtaking mountain ranges, photographic opportunities and hiking. There are several hiking trails for visitors to follow, ranging from short to long distance routes.
- Chefchaouen – Chefchaouen is clean as a postcard and a welcome escape from Tangier, evoking the feeling of a Greek island. Powerful charm that visitors really can feel in the Outa-el-Hammam square, in the cobblestone medina. Sat on the terrace of a cafe, they can enjoy the attractive view of the grand Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque whose octagonal minaret is inspired by that of the Torre de Oro in Seville. This Andalousian architecture can be found in the kasbah and its gardens, at the center of the medina.
- Essaouira – An ancient sea-side town newly rediscovered by tourists. No longer has a mid-1960’s hippy hangout, Essaouira evolved into a still-undiscovered gem of unspoiled beaches, great windsurfing, laid back nightspots and warm restaurants.
- Merzouga and M’hamid – From either of these two settlements at the edge of the Sahara, ride a camel or 4×4 into the desert for a night (or a week) among the dunes will be exciting experience. Watching the sun rise or set over the sand dunes of Merzouga may be the most spectacular experience you have on your trip to Morocco. The Erg Chebbi, the name of these sand dunes, is said to have some of the highest dunes in Morocco about 160 m alt.
Money
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (Dh or MAD), which is divided into 100 centimes (c). The dirham is the only currency officially accepted in Morocco, some hotels may accept your EUR/USD unofficially. As of August 2010, £1 is worth around DH 13.20, $1 is worth around DH 9 and 1€ is worth around DH 10.90. Don’t expect to see many banks in the souqs or medinas, however in larger cities there is often an ATM near the main gates, and even one or two inside the large souqs. Major post offices provide exchange, and work until late hours. There are several exchange offices in Casablanca airport.
Tempt your senses with delicious Moroccan Cuisine and Recipes
Moroccan cuisine is often acknowledged to be some of the best in the world and has been enriched by the many aspects of its long and eventful history. Over the centuries, it has been refined into a fascinating blend of Arab, Berber, Middle Eastern, Moorish, Iberian, Mediterranean, African and Jewish influences which is uniquely Moroccan. Moroccans have always been praised for their exceptional spice combinations resulting in incredible taste sensations.
Traditionally the main meal is enjoyed at midday, with the holy month of Ramadan being the exception. Bread is offered at every meal and a meal may start with salads that are followed by a traditional Moroccan tangine, a savory dish of chicken, fish, beef or lamb and vegetables which are slow-cooked to perfection in an exclusive pottery container. Mint tea will be served either with the meal or at the end. On special occasions a pastry stuffed with almond paste and dusted with sugar known as kaab el ghzal (gazelles horns) may be served or Seasonal fruits may complete a meal. Halwa shebekai, a pretzel shaped piece of deep fried dough, dipped in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, is also popular.
The variety of Moroccan dishes seems never-ending, but they all have something in common – they are all appetizing. So when you are in Morocco, be sure to test traditional favorites such as the triple-layered savory pastry known as Bisteeya, or Mechoui slow-roasted lamb. Visiting Morocco is always exciting, and enjoying the food of the local people you meet during your travels completes the experience, so be sure to try out the many flavor-filled aspects of Moroccan cuisine.
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