Introducing Morocco
Travel advisory: Travel to the Western Sahara region of Morocco is not advised due to the presence of landmines. Check Safe Travel for current government warnings.
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For many travellers, Morocco might just be a short hop away by ferry or by one of the myriad budget airlines from Spain, but it’s a much further distance to travel culturally. The regular certainties of Europe are suddenly swept away by the arrival in full technicolour of Africa and Islam. It’s a complete sensory overload.
Tangier, that faded libertine on the coast, has traditionally been a first port of call, but the winds blow you quickly along the Atlantic coast to the cosmopolitan and movie-star famous Casablanca, and whitewashed fishing port gems of Asalih and Essaouira. Inland, the great imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez attract visitors in droves as they have done for centuries. The winding streets of their ancient medinas have enough surprises around each corner to fill a dozen repeat trips. Away from the urban beat, you’ll find Roman ruins and dramatically craggy valleys to distract you.
If you really want to escape from everything, Morocco still has a couple of trump cards. The High Atlas mountains seem custom-made for hiking boots, with endless trails between Berber villages, and North Africa’s highest peak (Jebel Toubkal) to conquer. Or if you prefer someone else to do the walking, simply saddle up your camel and ride it straight into the Sahara, to watch the sun setting over an ocean of sand.
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Travel from Casablanca to Marrakech and discover the best of Morocco
Last updated: Jan 20, 2012
Tips & articles
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Master the art of cooking like a local
19 January 2012
One of the best souvenirs you can bring back from a trip is some tasty dishes to share with your...
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When the going gets tough
16 January 2012
What are the toughest adventures on the planet? Which extreme exploits push willing participants to their mental and physical limits?...
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World’s best slow travel
24 October 2011
Vacations are always too short, even if we have the luxury of more than a few weeks a year. So...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Dades Gorge on a shoestring
by Marocfan 15 September 2011
I am always amused by people who spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to get to Morocco, then think they can/should be able to stay…
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RE: Dades Gorge on a shoestring
by daviddaoud 15 September 2011
Tototaxi, I'd be interested in knowing which Middle East countries you have visited recently, and the usual expenses involved. I'm serio…
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It’s Official: Morocco is Now Malaria-Free
by daviddaoud 14 September 2011
Malaria had not been a major issue in Morocco for decades. The very limited risk was only in rural areas of Chefchaouen Province and the…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Morocco
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Morocco
Things to do
- All things to do (937)
- Activities (75)
- Entertainment (124)
- Restaurants (286)
- Shopping (191)
- Sights (227)
- Tours (34)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Morocco
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1 Marrakesh
Get lost in the souqs and find some of Morocco's most inventive artisans
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2 Meknès
Travel by horse-drawn carriage past the architectural splendours of this compact imperial city
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3 Fès
Dive deep into the maze of Fès's ancient medina - the world's most intact medieval Arab city
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4 Tangier
Soak up the mirage-like feeling in this historic and notorious gateway to Africa
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5 Casablanca
Admire Casa's stunning whitewashed colonial buildings and take in the fast beat of contemporary Morocco
Fast Facts about Morocco
- Borders
Algeria closed; Mauritania open but no public transport
- Population
34.33 million
- Famous fans of Morocco
William S. Burroughs, Paul Bowles, Joe Orton, Tennessee Williams, Brian Jones, Talitha Getty
- Money
Dirham (Dh); US$1 = Dh8.15
- Capital
- Phrases
ssalamu’lekum (hello); shukran (thanks); insh’allah (God willing)
- Area
446, 550 sq km
- Famous for
Humphrey Bogart and Casablanca, Marrakesh, trendy riad hotels, crafts, kaftans, vegetarian delights
- ATMs
Throughout the country except in small villages
- Chief of state
King Mohammed VI
- Languages
Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French, Berber
Our favourite Morocco Blogs (beta)
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It’s True, A Kid-Friendly Boutique Hotel in Marrakech
Blog: Ciao Bambino! - 9 February 2012
Marrakech is a well-known haven for incredible luxury boutique hotels. I was determined to find a kid-friendly version of one while planning our family trip to Morocco in October. Boutique Souk, a popular upscale concierge and trip planning service, introduced us to the Beldi Country Club. We are forever grateful for this recommendation as this property is a gem for families who want an intimate hotel experience with a strong sense of place.
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The View from Fez Hits One Million
Blog: The View from Fez - 9 February 2012
On February 9th, 2012, The View from Fez passed another milestone; the one millionth first time visitor to the site. While returning visitors sailed over the one million mark some time ago, and the page view count is heading to two million, we are pleased to have notched up this milestone. The visitor came from the Netherlands and visited our story about the Crochet Safari in Marrakech.
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The Argan Oil Hype Continues
Blog: The View from Fez - 8 February 2012
