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 Morocco is just a step away from Europe, across the narrow straits of Gibraltar, but it is a world away in culture and experience, brimming over with contrasts, colour and mystery. This is due partly to its geographical position, sited at the crossroads where the East meets the West, Africa shakes hands with Europe, and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.
Sitting at the top northwest corner of Africa and sharing two oceans, the country's main appeal for visitors has always been its Mediterranean climate, the quality of its crafts and its exotic nature. However in more recent years travellers are discovering other hidden delights and adventures, particularly in the northern and central parts of Morocco in the Rif and High Atlas Mountains, where it is even possible to enjoy a skiing holiday. Then, down south, some are drawn to explore the sands of the Western Sahara, on camelback, horseback or 4X4. Whether you visit Morocco for the sunshine, or to trek through the mountains or the hot desert sands, it is a sure bet you will also be enchanted by the timeless Medieval medinas of the cities, particularly in Fez and Marrakech, where the souks and squares plunge visitors into a fascinating foreign world. Snake charmers weave their magic; the stench of the tanners' yards pervades the air; and the call of the muezzins wafts from the ancient minarets. The overall memory will be one of sweetened mint tea, brightly coloured slippered feet and big smiles. Main Morocco Resort reviews
Agadir The city of Agadir, south of Marrakech, is totally new and modern, and is fast developing into Morocco’s major resort town chiefly because of its magnificent sandy beaches. The city was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1961 that killed 15,000 people and wiped out most of its historic heritage as an important sea port and centre for caravans traversing the Sahara. The rebuilt city has been modelled to be a tourist destination and fishing port, favoured by package tours particularly as a starting point for excursions into the desert to the south. Agadir also offers visitors golf courses, tennis clubs, horse riding and boat trips out to sea, where schools of dolphins and whales can be spotted. In the evening tourist head for the promenade, which is lined with restaurants, cafés and music bars. The city boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, and claims to have 20,000 hotel beds (a quarter of the total in Morocco).
Fez is the cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco, oldest of the three imperial cities, founded in 790 BC by Moulay Idriss II. The main attraction in this ancient city is the medieval Medina, the old part of the city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century and still bustles with a bewildering throng of colourfully costumed tribal people, from olive-dealers and veiled women on their way to the baths, to industrious merchants and traditional bell-ringing water-sellers. The Medina of Fez is the most complete medieval city still in existence, it's preservation having been instigated under French occupation, and it forms a working model of the way life was lived when the world was still young. The more modern part of the city is known as Ville Nouvelle, and has a decidedly French influence.
Marrakech Traversing the alleyways and souks of Marrakech, particularly in the Medina (Old City), it is easy to believe you have been transported back in time or stumbled onto a movie set for a medieval 'Arabian nights' production. It is this enchanting fairy tale quality that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Morocco's three Imperial Cities. The heart of the Medina is Djemaa el-Fna, an irregular 'square' where everything seems to happen and the place to which tourists are drawn again and again to soak up the carnival-like environment. Tourism, though, has not spoilt the atmosphere, but seemingly rather added to it. The modern side of Marrakech with its luxury hotels, banks and streets bursting with motor scooters, blends well with the past in a metropolis made up of the peoples of the Berber Atlas tribes, Mahgrebis from the plains, and Saharan nomads.
Morocco Travel Facts: Time:
Local time is GMT.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round plugs are in use.
Money: The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change. Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas. Language: Arabic is the official language, but eight other languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is the most widely spoken.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months, providing the passport is endorsed British Citizen.
Passport/Visa Note: Sufficient funds should be held for maintenance for the period of stay. Entry may be refused to travellers with a 'hippy' appearance.
Health: No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco, but most travellers to Morocco will need vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid fever, as well as medications for travellers' diarrhoea. It is advisable to drink bottled water outside the main cities and towns, and avoid street food. Medical facilities are good in all main towns. Health insurance is essential.
Tipping: A tip of 10 to 15% is expected in the more expensive bars and restaurants. Most services are performed with the aim of getting a few dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be rewarded. Visitors should note that tips are the only income for some porters and guides.
Safety: Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Morocco, it is regarded as one of the countries where there is an increased threat from international terrorism and it is wise to be vigilant in places like hotels and restaurants. Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities. Visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake as the country is prone to tremors, although usually minor ones.
Customs: Morocco is a Muslim country and it is preferable to keep the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or poolside. Smoking is practised widely, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
Communications: The international access code for Morocco is +212. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making long international calls. Mobile GSM 900 networks cover the north of the country. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas. |
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