The exoticism and the patrimonial and artistic legacy of Morocco, together with its marvelous culture, are the main attractions of a country that deserves to be known. Beaches and deserts, cities where the typicality of its neighborhoods and medinas mixes with the Europeanizing influence of its long boulevards and avenues, Morocco is a singular oasis of beauty and tradition.
A country located in North Africa, and that has beaches both towards the Mediterranean and towards the Atlantic Ocean, barely separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar. Besides beaches, Morocco is also a mountainous country, with four mountain ranges in total. With more than 33 million inhabitants, its people and landscapes are also part of its unique attraction.
A pèsar of his recent independence, in 1956, the legacy that this country offers is tremendous. A trip through some of its main cities leads us to discover all the essence and heritage that keeps in its bowels.
TOURISTIC DESTINATIONS
In the heart of Morocco is located Marrakech, historical city that sleeps behind its walls, to the murmur of mosques, minarets and gardens. Its horizon appears delimited by the minaret of Koutoubia, symbol of the city. At its feet, a few steps away, the famous Djemaa el Fna Square, one of the most crowded and amazing squares in the world. Do not miss the chance to visit its medina, the Jewish quarter, the souk and the Ben Youssef madrza.
Northeast of Marrakech is Fez, with its beautiful walls and one of the most beautiful medinas in Africa. Originally it was the imperial seat, and now houses a large number of monuments, such as the Qarawiyyin Mosque, which can not be entered by non-Muslims, but which is immense. It is essential to get lost, never better said, by its medina, a labyrinth of narrow streets in which there are some two hundred mosques.
Rabat is the capital of Morocco. Coastal city, has a wall of five kilometers in length and a series of doors, arches and medinas. From here it is easy to find other destinations of great interest, such as Meknes, Safi or the famous Casablanca, which really does not have much to do with what we see in the famous film. Of course, the coastal route that descends from Rabat and passes through Casablanca, Safi, Essaouira and Gadir, is essential.
To these destinations you have to join Tangiers, the gateway from the Strait of Gibraltar, and the landscapes that come together in the Sahara Desert, the valleys of Dra and Dades and the Souss-Massa National Park. Impossible not to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the coastal strip between Agadir and Essaouira.
WEATHER
Subtropical, the climate of Morocco is influenced by both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. In the interior of the country the temperatures are very extreme, with hot summers and very cold winters. Even in mountain areas it usually snows and there are strong frosts. As we get closer to the coastal cities, the climate softens, with milder summers and not so harsh winters. It rains much more in the north, which is more humid, than in the south, with a rather dry Sahara.
CURRENCY
The official currency in Morocco is the dirham. Currently 1 euro equals 11.29 dirhams. Usually it is normal that, especially in the north of Morocco, when making purchases the euro is accepted, or in some of the main cities.
GASTRONOMY
Moroccan cuisine is increasingly known. Meats and sweets are mixed with the classic couscous and the baisara or mashed beans. Traditional tajine (stewed chicken or lamb with many spices) are also very traditional, as well as kebabs, lamb mechuí, grilled skewers and minced meat kefta. Needless to say, you have to try the exquisite Moorish tea, especially mint tea, and the fish and seafood from coastal cities.
More information: The art of Moroccan good eating
LANGUAGE
The official language is Arabic, although several dialects are spoken, among them Berber, and also French. In the north of Morocco it is possible to understand easily in Spanish, especially in Tangier and the surrounding cities.
PURCHASES
Nothing better than getting lost in the souks of the main cities to find everything and haggle a bit. There you will see carpets, ceramics, basketry products, wood crafts, wicker, leather, iron, brass, etc … Around the markets of the souks there are also shops, and even in those that are on the outskirts of the souk you will find maybe higher quality and cheaper products. When bargaining never accept the first price that they tell you, as they will go to the top.
ACCOMMODATIONS
In Morocco there are a lot of accommodations, both exclusive and luxurious hotels, including the riads, with their Arab baths and other traditional attractions, even more modest hotels, pensions and middle class hotels.
To book a room and hotel in Morocco: Hotels in Morocco
AIRPORTS
In Morocco there are several international airports, although the most important ones are Casablanca (to travel to the coast and also very close to Rabat Airport), Marrakech, Tangier (to travel to the north of the country) and Agadir if we want to travel to the coast Atlantic of the country.
This post is also available in: Español