With its exotic landscape, vibrant culture and thriving population, Morocco is a hotspot for travellers. The country is divided into sixteen regions, and the capital is Rabat, with Casablanca as its largest city.
2. WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT?
With its exotic landscape, vibrant culture and thriving population, Morocco is a
hotspot for travellers. The country is divided into sixteen regions, and the capital
is Rabat, with Casablanca as its largest city.
In terms of geography, Morocco is the only Arab country with both an Atlantic and
a Mediterranean coast, and has the highest mountain range in North Africa,
known as the High Atlas.
This breath-taking region of Morocco is a favourite with hikers, and encountering
the Berber community dotted around is like stepping into the past – the villagers
have no running water, electricity, or schools!
Discover more about Morocco’s history by visiting famous landmarks such as
Essaouira’s walled medina; famous for its 18th Century European military
architecture, which provided the background for Orson Welles’s Orthello. The
Roman ruins of Volubilis are also worth a visit!
3. ATTRACTIONS
Marrakesh: Marrakesh, where you can haggle for bargains in the maze of Souqs
(where Berber tribes previously traded slaves), explore art galleries and boutiques in
the new town or watch street performers and storytellers in the lively Djemaa el-Fna.
Fez: The most intact medieval city in Arab culture; it is estimated that a quarter of its
population live in Fez el Bali, an old town with only a few influences of the modern
world. The Festival of World Sacred Music is a nine day long festival each June,
featuring top global musicians, choirs and dancers. For a relaxing day trip, Moulay
Yacoub is worth a visit; a village famous for its sulphur-rich spa waters.
Tangier: The Caves of Hercules are one of the main attractions, 16km outside the city
and worth a few days at the beaches - perfect for surfing. Glimpse The Kasbah of
Tangier, beautiful remains of the old city, where you gain an insight into the history of
the Tangiers and their occupations.
Meknes: It’s not a tourist dominated city which gives it a more relaxed atmosphere.
Visit the magnificent Royal Palace, with the extravagant Royal Golf Club, well-kept
gardens and eating places on the terrace with a view. The Dar Jamai, an old palace
converted into a museum, exhibits artefacts and jewels.
4. WEATHER
The weather in Morocco can be characterised by a Tropical climate, reaching up
to 35 degrees, or plummeting to 5 degrees in the Sahara. It is particularly varied
depending on the location and the season.
Coastal regions of Morocco generally have a Mediterranean climate, with hot
summers and mild winters; further inland, conditions are more extreme with the
Atlas Mountains and Plateaus; and the Southern area presenting dry, desert
conditions.
It is perhaps best to visit in spring or autumn, when the temperature is not too
hot, but Morocco can be an all year round holiday destination.
For up to date weather in Morocco visit our partner site World Weather
Online.
5. CLOTHING
The locals are generally very friendly and tolerant, but tourists should be
careful not to offend those with conservative religious views by wearing
revealing clothes or kissing/cuddling in public.
For women, travelling in Morocco is different to that of western
countries, since the sex roles are more defined. In villages and small
towns, women might still wear the veil, although this is different in more
urban areas: in large cities women rarely cover and might even drink in
high-end bars.
In terms of dress, most famous is the Kaftan or Tunic, which has been
adapted for Western fashions.
6. IDEAL FOR…?
Morocco is so diverse that it generally has something for any
kind of visitor.
If you want an active holiday full of water sports and hiking
Essaouira is the place to go, while relaxing or surfing on the
beach is great in Tangier.
If you want to explore the country’s vast culture and shop for
bargains, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Meknes or any lively city is
the place to go!
7. WHAT NOW?
Want to read the full travel guide?
For access to all the top destinations, all you have to do is visit our website
or hit the link below!
Morocco