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Coming attractions: Morocco
Morocco isn't exactly off-the-beaten-path for many Europeans-- in fact, this North African country lies only eight miles away from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. But it's a world away in terms of culture, language, religion, geography, and just about everything else.Americans, who are much more scarce in Morocco than Europeans, are missing out on perhaps the world's safest Muslim country, a small but varied landscape filled with mountains, valleys, deserts, beaches, and the most hospitable people you'll probably ever meet.
The best way to see Morocco is by spending time with the people who actually live there. Even more so than in other countries, Morocco offers a whole range of experiences to locals (and friends of locals) that are simply not available to casual tourists. The markets, for example, are notoriously labyrinthine, and only locals will know the best places to shop and eat. Going shopping with a local will keep you from getting out-haggled by a canny carpet vendor, and eating a traditional meal-- with delicious bread, olives, dates, tajine, and couscous-- in a Moroccan family's home is an experience unlike any other.
If you want to spend time with native Moroccans, I cannot recommend Couchsurfing enough. Over a thousand locals-- in the imperial city of Fes, the booming metropolis of Casablanca, in spectacular Marrakesh, and dozens of other cities-- are registered on Couchsurfing and they're eager to show you around their country.
Whether you stay with a local or not, here are some of the places in Morocco you absolutely shouldn't miss:
- Marrakesh, with its one-of-a-kind Djemaa el Fna (pictured above), a massive central square that buzzes at night with snake charmers, impromptu boxing matches, magicians, and some of the best street food you'll ever taste.
Chefchaouen, a northern hill town known for its light blue color (pictured right) and the kif (hashish) that grows in its surrounding fields- The imperial city of Fes, home to the mesmerizing medina of Fes el Bali
- The intimidating, gritty, and still sorta' charming port town of Tangier, where travelers just off the ferry from Spain disembark-- and are confronted with indefatigable taxi drivers and touts.
- The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the world's largest mosque outside of Mecca and Medina. Daily tours (except Friday) offer non-Muslims a rare chance to peek inside the usually off-limits place of worship for Muslims.
- Beautiful Essaouira and Agadir, coastal towns that offer visitors Atlantic beaches, wonderful weather, and tasty seafood. They're also great places to begin an excursion into the Sahara Desert just to the south.
GET THERE
Ferries travel daily from Algeciras and Tarifa in southern Spain to the Moroccan port town of Tangier. The ride lasts about an hour and is inexpensive.
As for air travel, Morocco's main hubs are Casablanca and Rabat. Flights are also available to Marrakesh, Agadir, Fes, and several other cities.
For more up-and-coming destinations, check out the rest of Gadling's series "Coming Attractions" here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bryan Dec 3rd 2009 12:32PM
I cannot stress enough that if you are traveling via ferry from Algeceiras (and I suspect it is the same with Tarifa) that you park and purchase your tickets from the formal offices at the port. A number of locals will attempt to lead you to a spot across the street, for example, to tempt with you free parking while tickets cost several Euros extra. I dare to say your car might be on the same ferry as you on its way into an African chopshop never to be seen again. Suck it up and pay to park within the fenced area just outside the ticket office, go inside and buy your tickets from any one of the 8 or 10? tickets sellers, then head next door (to the left looking from the outside of the tickets building) to clear through "security" and hop on the ferry.
On a side note, I recommend taking the faster ferry. It's worth the extra time it buys when you're only traveling to Tangier, etc. for the day. Enjoy!
Catie Dec 4th 2009 9:32PM
Having spent time in Morocco, mostly in Rabat, I am disappointed to not see it mentioned. Compared to Casablanca, it has much more to do and see (i.e. The Tower of Hassan, Chellah, and Oudaya, to name a few).
aureliainkaos Apr 22nd 2010 8:50PM
I loved being in Rabat but I liked Casablanca much much better. I spent a year living in Morocco and traveled all over the place though my home base was in Casa.
Parag Mar 12th 2010 3:31AM
Marrakech is one of the most fascinating cities in the world that will fascinate the hearts and minds of both parents and kids alike. Just one visit to Djemaa el Fna will make your family want to stay there forever, as you happily wander in amazement as you are entertained by an absolutely wonderful array of food, drinks, and entertainment.
http://www.airports360.net/start-your-trip-from-marrakech-menara-airport.html
James Loyd Feb 12th 2011 3:44PM
academid private guide Tangier-Morocco
I just wanted to write to let other travelers to Morocco know what a great time Our group of 12 included single women traveling together, as well as couples and individuals of both sexes all had on the trip. Tangier is absolutely breathtaking. What an extra ordinary place. It was better than I could have imagined. It was so interesting, the hotels and restaurants were fabulous and the sites and the people were delightful, most courteous and Very Spectacular. our private guide Jaouad Bennis was so wonderful to us. He is such a nice person and great guide. I can't imagine the trip without him. Whenever I dream about exploring a fascinating part of the world, I check the latest Travel Concepts International brochure. I can count on Jaouad to arrange a tour that is different from all others. the private enthuiastic tour guide in Tangier (Jaouad Bennis) is a great Cultural Ambassador for his Country, sharing a wealth of information and experiences that gave us a unique time. He went beyond the usual services, I'm sure in part due to his friendship with you and his wanting to share his country with us. Either way, I've traveled to many countries and can't remember a place where I felt more at home the first day. Perhaps I've become a new Ambassador for Morocco!
I learned so much about a part of the world of which I was ignorant. Much of the early information you provided on the country and Culture has evolved. Even the books I read now seem outdated. You might be surprised how much has changed over the past few years. our private tour guide in Tangier Morocco Mr. Jaouad Bennis is a generous person and kind human being, Jaouad Clearly uses his job to get travellers close to the local community..he even invited us to his brother wedding! Knowing Jaouad Bennis has enriched our life and touring with Jaouad was like Visiting with family. "What distinguishes Jauad from other private guides is his selflessness and generosity"; "His soul is beautiful, gentle and pure." Jaouad can be contacted via e-mail at: academictourguide@gmail.com We often see guides who come from humble beginnings. But they don't get much humbler than "Jaouad's kindness and warmth jumps out from the testimonials."!
James Loyd
Portland, Oregon,
Susan Tabetinez Feb 12th 2011 5:04PM
Morocco is a beautiful place in Africa which is separated from the rest of the African continent by Atlas Mountains as well as the Sahara desert. It is in northwest of the African continent. So, it is being influenced by culture of Arab and Europe. It is an ethnically diverse with rich mixed culture. Because of these, tourism takes an important place in the economy of Morocco. The beautiful sunny beaches, ancient museums, historical places and art galleries are very attractive places to visit in Morocco. It is great to see the mountain in the north and desert in the south of Morocco. Rabat is the capital of Morocco where we can see lot of historical monuments in the museum. Also, the doors of Kashab of Qudaia, the mosque Hassa are the most popular places in Rabat among tourists. As the capital of Morocco, Rabat plays an important role in country’s economy. The next popular city in Morocco is Casablanca where we can see the largest artificial ports. It is known as the economic city of Morocco. We can see the largest mosques of Africa here. Marrakech, is another city of Morocco which is the center of trade and tourism as well as the destination of the culture. Koutoubia minarel and Koutobia gardens are the best tourist places here. There are no words to express about the charming of those places. The markets of Morocco are filled with the carpets, statues and jewels. Morocco is the land of arts and emotions.
Essaouria has a place which is good for windsurfing. Museum of Morocco such as the Dar Batha of fez and the Qudaia museum of Marrakesh are appealing. They reflect the wealth of Morocco.
Let’s visit Morocco and have a great time there with the nature and the sweet people over there! for more info and tours please Contact by Email Mme Meriam Bacalado: moradmultitour@gmail.com
Sofia Andrianaz Feb 12th 2011 5:06PM
Private Guide-Tangier(Morocco)
I We used the services of a wonderful guide for our 2 days in Tangier. Her name is Meriam. She is in her late 23's, speaks excellent English, is very knowledgeable and her prices are reasonable. Her email is: meriamorocco@gmail.com .
Michelle Connery
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA
Larry Obrien, Memphis state of Tennessee Feb 12th 2011 4:36PM
Guide Needed for Morocco
We have recently had the pleasure of a visit to Morocco. our private guide Habibi was a real professional, he is knowledgeable about the culture, customs, geography, history, and archeology of Morocco. He knew the answers to almost all the questions we had, but if he didn’t know, he said so. he is an excellent teacher and presented the information he shared with us in ways that made us remember what he said. Habibi treats his tourists as if they were his personal guests. he does everything needed to provide for everyone’s comfort. he is courteous and respectful at all times and has good relationships with the many people he needs to do business with to insure the Morocco experience is a positive one. We highly recommend Habibi as a superior guide. Morocco could not have a better representative. You can reach Habibi at: moradmultitour@gmail.com
Larry Obrien, Memphis state of Tennessee, USA
Suzanne Aug 24th 2011 7:19PM
we were in Tangier in March with an Exceptional tour guide for Tangiers and would absolutely say you will feel safe and will be glad you did it.. We took the FRS ferry over, we purchased tickets at ferry station the night before our trip, from Tarifa, purchased roundtrip tix. I set up a guide before we went by email with Jaouad, We ferried to Tangier where we were met by a wonderful guide we found mentioned on Travel forum, Jaouad Bennis at the ferry and for the next 5 hours, he took care of us. He drove us to the important sites outside of the city and then walked us thru the old city, introducing us to very special local food in a small family restaurant we would never have found and then personally put us on the ferry to Tarifa, I absolutely would recommend using him - wonderful gentlemen. He is very personable and really Takes Care of you. He can be reached at: academictourguide@gmail.com
Suzanne Zaccour North Carolina, USA 06/10/2011