Introducing Morocco
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.
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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: Apr 4, 2012
Tips & articles
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World’s best slow travel
3 May 2012
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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Two weeks in Morocco this summer
by therimgreaper 28 May 2012
I want to backpack through Morocco right before my friend and I head off to college. Ideally it would be perfect to go at the beginning…
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Camel Trekking Tour
by exfox 28 May 2012
Camel Trekking Tours. Perhaps you are inspired to travel to exciting Morocco. My husband and I just returned from a fabulous 11-day trip…
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Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Morocco
Browse more cities in MoroccoFeatured property
See all hotels and hostels in Morocco
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Morocco
Things to do
- All things to do (939)
- Activities (75)
- Entertainment (124)
- Restaurants (286)
- Shopping (191)
- Sights (227)
- Tours (36)
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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Fez Fashion Day
Blog: The View from Fez - 27 May 2012
Saturday evening’s Fez Fashion Show went off without a hitch. Planned to be the first of many, it was attended by a crowd of around 200 and was held in the luscious surrounds of Jardin des Biehn in the Fez Medina.The show featured the work of three designers – Karina Duebner from Fez; Mahmoud Benslimane from Tangier and Bangkok-based Anan Sorsutham. It was co-sponsored by the French Institute in Fez, Fashion Maroc.com and Mode magazine.
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Behind the Scenes at a Triumph of Fez Fashion
Blog: The View from Fez - 27 May 2012
On Saturday The View from Fez was granted access behind the scenes at the first fabulous Fez Fashion Day. Our fashion contributors, Paulo Giglio from Rio and Laetitia Bissette-Brodeur from Paris, report.
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Omar and the Lawyer
Blog: The View from Fez - 27 May 2012
Dr. Omar was called to give expert evidence in a recent court case.Lawyer: Dr. Omar, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?Omar: No.Lawyer: Did you check for blood pressure? Omar: No.
