Tips for tourists in Morocco. Types of holidays in Morocco The best in Morocco

Morocco attracts tourists with Arabian and African exoticism, excellent beaches of the Atlantic and the endless Sahara desert. Ancient Fes and snow-white Casablanca, holidays in Essaouira and Agadir, colorful bazaars and delicious cuisine - all about Morocco: weather, tours, maps and photos.

Morocco is a country of temptation, an oriental beauty skillfully flirting with a spellbound guest. Located in North Africa, but not part of the African Union, it is otherwise full of paradoxes. Beautiful and amazing attracts from all over the world: in the west - the riot of the Atlantic, in the north - the gentle waters of the Mediterranean Sea, in the south - the cosmic reliefs of the Sahara. And in the heart - picturesque cities, where the hot temperament of the Black Continent, thousand-year-old Eastern traditions and modern technologies of the West are mixed.

Behind the facade of a chic hotel, there is probably an old mosque hiding, behind a shopping center familiar to European eyes, a bustling market that drives you crazy with the aromas of spices, behind a trendy spa with an exclusive thalasso menu, a secluded beach with idyllic landscapes. The traveler can only look around more carefully and be ready for endless discoveries.

Visa

The Kingdom of Morocco is located in North Africa, bordering Algeria from the east. The northern shores of the country are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the western - by the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco is separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar.

To enter Morocco for up to 90 days, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Passport requirements are also not strict: it must be valid at the time of departure. An entry stamp is affixed to the passport at the border. You will also need to fill out a migration card, so do not forget to bring a pen with you.

Weather

You can travel to Morocco all year round - the beach season here lasts without interruption. On the Mediterranean coast, the water is warmer, but there are no large resorts there. Ocean water washing the shores of Agadir and Casablanca warms up to +21°C in summer.

The best time to travel to Morocco is spring and early autumn. On the beaches of Morocco, for example, in Agadir, you can relax in the summer - the ocean breeze helps you easily endure hot weather.

Climate and weather

A cold country with a hot sun - this is how travelers see Morocco. The country's climate is characterized by hot dry summers and warm wet winters. Climatic differences in some areas are very pronounced. Under the influence of the ocean, the northwestern part of the country has the mildest weather conditions.

When choosing a time for a trip, stop in May-June, when everything will be buried in greenery and flowers, or September-October, when the intense summer heat has already subsided. During the summer in Marrakesh, temperatures can reach up to +35 °С, but in the desert since June, the thermometer does not fall below +45 °С. During the winter, the Atlas Mountains experience heavy snowfalls, cool nights and daytime temperatures ranging from +4 °С to +20 °С.

Nature

For those who imagine Morocco as an oasis with palm trees surrounded by desert, the geographical diversity of the country will be a big surprise.

There are three types of landscape in Morocco: mountains, coast and desert.

The Atlas Mountains are located in the northwestern part of the country. They form a series of parallel ridges and low-lying plains located along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point is Mount Toubkal (4165 m). In the southeast there is a desert rocky plateau - Western Sahara.

Major rivers - Muluya, Um er Rbiya, Tensift, Cebu- originate in the highlands and flow into the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Attractions

The cities of Morocco seem to have left the pictures of a fairy tale about a thousand and one nights. It is impossible not to admire the architectural monuments with elegant carvings, the finest painting and decoration, and beautiful mosaics.

In Marrakesh, head straight to the main square of Djemaa el Fna. Come here in the late afternoon and an incredible colorful spectacle will be presented to your eyes: cooking national food, performances by snake charmers, magicians, acrobats and musicians. Other sights worth noting are the Kutumbia Mosque of the 12th century, the Ben Yusuf Madrasah of the 16th century and the Bahia Palace.

Essaouira is a pirate port city. See the ruins of Sultan Ben Abdullah's palace, the former slave market and the fortress wall.

Get lost in the endless maze of narrow streets of the Fez medina. One of its parts is the quarter of tanners "shaura" where they do leather work. Don't miss the museum - Dar Bata Palace, Bu Inania Madrasah and Bou Jelud Gate.

History lovers will love the fabulous Meknes and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis (II-III century).

The most significant and major museums in Morocco are:

• archaeological museum with a collection of exhibits from the Carthaginian and Roman periods;
• museum of ethnography in Tetouan;
• museum of natural sciences;
• postal museum;
• Udaya Museum in Rabat.

Nutrition

Moroccan cuisine is characterized by the use of three elements: couscous. olive oil and vegetables. Of the latter, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and pumpkin are especially loved. For example, a very popular dish "tagine"- meat, fish or chicken stewed with vegetables.

An integral piece of kitchen utensils - the so-called "couscousier". The device consists of a pan with a perforated partition. Meat or vegetables are put down, and couscous itself is put on the partition and put on fire. The steam rising from the meat and vegetables swells the couscous and soaks in their aroma. This dish is for all occasions.

Moroccans love subtle spices and other first-class ingredients that are characteristic of the national cuisine: mint, olives and persimmons from Meknes, citrus fruits from Fes and Agadir, pomegranates from Marrakech, almonds and lamb from Sousse, dates from Erfoud ...

Three of the best Moroccan dishes: "bastilla"(layer cake with pigeon meat, eggs and almonds), "jam emshmel"(tagine with chicken, olives and pickled lemons and "meshui"(leg of lamb or whole ram on a skewer).

Tea is drunk here in a special way. Always with mint and a couple of pine nuts, giving a slightly perceptible taste of resin.

Accommodation

Morocco has a wide range of places to stay, from inexpensive hostels to luxury hotels - "riads" (traditional type of accommodation).

The largest influx of tourists falls on Easter week and in August, when almost half of the population of Spain and France spends their holidays here. Also, problems with booking may arise during the celebration of Christmas and New Year.

If you are traveling as a family or a small group, self-catering apartments may be the best accommodation for you.

You can pitch a tent anywhere in Morocco if you have permission from the owner of the land. There are also official campsites. The cost of living there is within $ 3.

Gites d'Etape are the names of the houses, mostly owned by mountain guides and located along popular trekking routes in the Atlas Mountains. ($5). You can still live in the mountains "refujah" that offer accommodation in the likeness of a Swiss chalet.

Major Holidays

• February. Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute.
• March. Theater Festival in Casablanca; cotton festival in Beni Mellal.
• May. Rose Festival in El-Kelaa-Mgun.
• June. Folklore Festival at El Badi Palace in Marrakech; cherry festival in Sefrou; World Sacred Music Festival in Fes; moussem at Asni, near Marrakesh; Saharan mousseme in Tan Tan; camel festival in Asrir, near Guelmim.
• July. Honey Festival at Imuzzer-Ida-Utanan; water festival at Martil, near Tetouan.
• August. Asil International Arts Festival; moussem Setty-Fatma on Ourik, near Marrakesh; moussem Sidi Allal el Hadj in Chefchaouen; mussem Moulay Abdessalem, including "Fantasy", near El Jadida; African Music Festival in Tiznit; festival of apples in Imuzzer-Kandar.
• September. "Fantasy" in Meknes is one of the largest celebrations in Morocco; festival of traditional arts in Fez; moussem of Moulay Idris II, during which Fassi artisans sacrifice a bull to the patron saint of the city; moussem of Sidi Ahmed or Musa in Agadir; matchmaking festival in Imilchil; Mussem of Moulay Idris I in Moulay Idris.
• October. Date Festival in Erfoud; music festival in Essaouira.
• December. Olive festival in Rafsai, in the Rif mountains.

Official national holidays

• January 1 - New Year.
• January 11 - Independence Manifesto Day.
• May 1 - Labor Day. July 30 - Feast of the Throne. August 14 - Day of accession of oued Ed-Dahab.
• August 21 - Youth Day (King's birthday).
• November 6 - Anniversary of the "Green March".
• November 18 - Independence Day.

State structure

A constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. Legislative power in the country is exercised by the king and a bicameral parliament (the House of Representatives and the House of Councils). The King also appoints all ministers and presides over the Council of Ministers.

Language

State language: Arabic

In mountainous regions, local dialects are used. French is the most commonly used second language. Followed by Spanish and English. Spanish is especially spoken in the Fes area.

Religion

Islam is the state religion. Sunni Muslims - 99%, Christians - 0.8%, Jews - 0.2%.

Currency

International name: M.A.D.

The Moroccan dirham is equal to 100 centimes. In circulation are banknotes of 200, 100, 50 and 20 dirhams, as well as coins of 5, 1 dirham and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes. In the southern regions and in some places in the highland villages of the Atlas, the currency unit rial (1/20 dirham) is still in use.

The dirham is not convertible, the export of currency is prohibited, so it is not recommended to exchange large amounts at once. You can exchange currency at banks, large hotels and some large restaurants, as well as at specialized exchange offices at airports. Currency exchange on the street and in unlicensed exchange offices is prohibited. The exchange rate is quite stable, it is the same throughout the country and is set by the state. ATMs are quite common and are located mainly near large retail outlets and banks.

Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, in almost all hotels and in most large stores, private merchants are extremely reluctant to work with them. American Express traveler's checks are accepted almost everywhere, checks from other systems are less likely to be cashed.

History of Morocco

The history of the region is built mainly on the relationship between the Berbers, who inhabited it since ancient times, and various conquerors. The first foreign conquerors were the Phoenicians, who founded in the XII century BC. several colonies on the Mediterranean coast. Later, these colonies passed to the Carthaginians, and from the II century BC, after the conquest of Carthage by the Romans, Roman rule began in North Africa….

Where to stay

Morocco is a multifaceted country offering tourists a variety of vacations: from the sunny beaches of the Atlantic coast to the ski resorts of the Atlas. Morocco hotels are also presented for every taste and budget - from small private hotels to representative offices of international hotel chains.

Classification of hotels - standard European. Most often, hotels are built and decorated in Arabic style and are located on the coast. Two- and three-star hotels are within one kilometer of the coastline. Four- and five-star hotels are most often not far away, or directly in the beach area. Also, these hotels have heated pools with sea water, their own fitness centers and thalassotherapy centers. Most often, hotels offer half board, but sometimes the all-inclusive system works. Business class hotels are located mainly in all major cities of the country - Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Fez. They are distinguished by a high level of service, similar to Western Europe, but significantly lower in price.

Two- and three-star hotels, according to local classification, are divided into riad - a small city guest house, auberge - a small inn, gîtes d'étape - a roadside inn. The former are most often located in cities rich in historical sights, and for the most part they are old beautiful houses converted into a hotel with several rooms, some even have a swimming pool. Auberges - provincial inns, made in the traditional style of kasbah, mostly cozy family hotels. Gîtes d'étape - roadside hotels for extreme travelers. In the mountains - these are small hotels with everything you need. In the desert - small tent cities or campsites with showers, electricity and a field kitchen.

Most of the country's hotels, with the exception of the business class, quite often experience problems with hot water supply. Some economy class hotels may not have hot water at all, or they charge an additional fee for it.

Regions and resorts of Morocco

The capital is Rabat, a city of parks, wide alleys and architectural landmarks, through which you can read the entire history of the state. Here are the residence of the royal family, the blue and white Medina, ancient mosques and museums, plunging back into the depths of centuries. Within the city there is an excellent beach on the Atlantic Ocean, the best hotels are on the central street. Muhammad V.

The rest of the imperial cities - Fes, Marrakech and Meknes - should definitely be included in the excursion route. The first one is called "African Athens": medieval quarters are not rebuilt for centuries, family crafts (the main one is leather) are passed from father to son.

Fes has two ancient centers at once: Fes al-Bali with endless labyrinths of streets (there are as many as 6000 of them here!) And Fes-Jdid with the luxurious Emir's Palace.

Marrakech is a huge tourist attraction: dodge souvenir vendors, street acrobats and snake charmers. Abstracting from the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy walks through the UNESCO-listed medina, magnificent gardens and parks. Meknes, dubbed the "Moroccan Versailles", is much more comfortable and intimate: the local palaces, minarets and mausoleums are full of noble grandeur.

There are also beach resorts in Morocco, the most popular of which is Agadir with 6 km of coastline covered with golden sand, comfortable hotels and all kinds of entertainment: from golf to thalasso. Essaouira is always windy and waves, making it an ideal place for surfing, while in Tangier you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea and in the ocean. Oualidia, hidden in a picturesque lagoon, is famous for its delicious oysters, and El Jadida is famous for its European architecture, preserved from colonial times.

Kitchen

Couscous and lamb dishes are highly respected in Morocco. The menu has a lot of vegetables and spices that give the dishes a unique taste and aroma. On big holidays, they serve a pie with pigeon meat and almonds. Tea drinking in Morocco is a real ritual. It is brewed with mint in a special way, poured into a glass from a teapot from a height to achieve foam. Tea is usually served with pine nuts and dates.

Transport

It is convenient to move around the resort towns either on foot or by taxi. Be prepared for the fact that other passengers may get hooked in a taxi along the way. The average price of a taxi ride in Morocco is from 10 to 50 dirhams (usually no more than 10 dirhams per kilometer). High-speed trains run between cities. You can drive to Casablanca in a sitting pasture from the capital, Fez, Marrakech. Intercity buses run more frequently and are cheaper, but due to their popularity, it is more difficult to buy tickets for them.

What to bring

As souvenirs, embroidered leather shoes (grandmothers, shoes without a back), painted pottery, teapots, lamps, bedspreads are brought from Morocco. Often they buy sets of spices and tea as a gift.

Good to know

Business climate

Today, there are excellent opportunities for business development in Morocco. Many industries are developed here, in particular, textile, food and chemical industries. Businessmen open small shops with handicrafts. The production of souvenirs is also highly developed in the country.

Before you start building your business in the country of bright sun, golden sand and gentle coastal waves, check out the main taxes that are levied in Morocco: Impôt General sur le Revenu - IGR(income tax - with income up to 2,400 euros per year - 0%, with income over 12,000 per year - up to 42%), Impot sur les Societes- IS (enterprise tax - 35%, for certain types of activities - 8, 10 and 20%.), Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoute- TVA (VAT - 20%), Taxe urbanine-TU(city tax - 13.5%), Taxe d'edilite - TE(municipal fee - 10 and 6%).

Real estate

It is profitable to buy real estate in Morocco: the tourism business is developed in the country, and a constant flow of people will bring you income.

Home prices are not very high. You can choose a villa from the simplest option for $193,700 to a building in a prestigious area with all amenities for $387,300. The most prestigious area in Morocco for building a villa is the Palmeria area on the outskirts of Marrakesh.

The acquisition of real estate takes place in several stages. After the direct selection of the object of purchase, a Compromis de Vente (preliminary contract of sale) is concluded. The next stage is the signing of the Acte de Vente (final contract of sale). This is followed by the Titre de proprietere (notarization of the deed of sale). And the matter remains small: the new owner registers with the State Registration Bureau of Real Estate and pays taxes on the purchase and registration of real estate.

If you decide to resell the property less than 5 years after purchase, the tax will be 20%. For the first 5 years, rental income is not subject to taxation for new buildings (the tax rate will be 2% if the object belongs to the secondary real estate market).

weddings

Moroccan wedding

A Moroccan wedding is an occasion for mass celebrations, when the whole town joins the rituals that precede the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the father chooses the bride for the son. The son has the opportunity to look at the girl from afar in order to express his opinion. If all is well, the father offers the family of the chosen one a ransom. If the ransom is accepted, the engagement of the young is announced for a period of one to two years. Engagement is a legally binding element of the marriage process, allowing young people to get used to each other. If desired, they can sleep together.

In cities, a wedding between representatives of wealthy families can last a week, and then each day has its own ritual. In poorer rural areas, weddings often have only one day. In any case, the wedding is preceded by numerous rituals. After a certain period of preparation, the bride is taken to the groom's house, where she is greeted with music, dancing and general jubilation. The bride is led into the banquet room, and the guests are seated for a feast, accompanied by music and dancing. At Berber weddings, the bride is brought to the groom's house on horseback and then hidden in one of the upper rooms, wrapped in carpets. Only immediate family members can visit. The groom must be able to get to her by a wooden ladder.

Like all other areas of Moroccan life, the marriage process is undergoing significant changes. Today, in the cities, the opinion of a woman when choosing a partner is no less important than in the West. And the ransom is no longer so relevant: the double income of the future family, mortgages and tax breaks are more significant advantages than gold or camels.

Routes

The diversity of Morocco makes it an ideal country for road trips. Renting a car is highly recommended: the distances are long but easily covered, so you can see most of the country in two weeks. Public transport works well, but it will take a long time to get around, and to visit more remote areas, especially the High Atlas (Haut Atlas), a car is essential. Using the services of most international car rental companies will allow you to pick up a car at one airport and return it at another.

North

The popular summer circular route attracts with the beaches of the Atlantic coast in Asil and Larache, the exotic port of Tangier. Families with children often go to the calm and clean Mediterranean coast, and adventurous tourists climb to the white cities of Tetouan and Chefchaouen or climb into the wild mountains of the Rif. Many visitors combine a week in the region with a week visiting the imperial cities and the south of Morocco.

Imperial cities

Fes is the oldest of the four imperial cities of Morocco.

The route of an exciting journey through the four imperial capitals of Morocco begins with Marrakesh, in the south, passes through Fes and Meknes and ends in the majestic capital on the Atlantic coast - Rabat. The route includes excursions to the High Atlas, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas (Moyen Atlas), the ancient Roman city of Volubilis and the Muslim holy city of Moulay Idris. Located on the coast, the first-class resorts of Mohammedia, Temara and Skhirat attract with beautiful sandy beaches. When planning a trip, keep in mind that Marrakech is very hot in summer, it is best to visit this city in spring and early autumn. During the winter months, due to bad weather, some passes of the High Atlas, from Marrakesh to Fez, may be closed.

South

For many visitors, visiting the south of the country is the most impressive stage of their stay in Morocco. The High Atlas gives way here to dry plains and lush oases. This is the so-called African Morocco. Camels graze in the valleys of the Dra and Ziz rivers, near Erfoud, sand dunes seem to rise to the very sky (height 150 m). Dates are the main agricultural crop of the region: mainly date palms survive on the poor soils here. On the coast, the modern resort of Agadir has an excellent infrastructure that guarantees a good rest. To the north, Essaouira is a more traditional seaside town with a fishing port and charming beaches. The peak season in the south is from September to May, but even then the air temperature often exceeds 40°C.

We all tried Moroccan tangerines, but, alas, not everyone was lucky enough to visit this interesting country with a rich history. Once its territory was much larger. Today, other modern states are located on it, such as Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, part of the Portuguese and Spanish territories.

What to expect as a solo traveler?

Let's figure it out. Let's start with a small selection of thematic articles.

Season by month

Morocco, on the one hand, is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and on the other hand, by the Atlantic Ocean, so the climate throughout the country is very diverse.

In winter, from the Mediterranean coast, the average air temperature is +10 C ° - +13 C °. And from the side of the Atlantic Ocean it is not higher than + 5 C°. Perfect time for sightseeing.

In spring, the tourist season begins in the country. This time is also great for excursions, as it gets warmer during the day, the average temperature is +20 C° - +23 C°, however, the nights are still cold, the temperature drops to +10 C°. And the water warms up to +17 C°.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

Summer is a great time for beach activities, as the temperature does not drop below +24 C° - + 32 C°, sometimes it rises to +37 C°. Water warms up to +24 C°.

If you catch an infection, then drink only bottled water from the supermarket.

If suddenly in Morocco you are invited to visit for a cup of tea, it is considered bad form to refuse. It will be possible to refuse the offered tea after the third cup. And one more thing, in no case do not blow on hot tea, by doing this you can offend your new friend. The aroma of tea should be inhaled and enjoyed.

If you are invited to eat, then be prepared for the fact that in the country it is customary to eat with your hands from one cup. And do not lean too much on bread, as it is considered a luxury.

In order not to get sunburned under the bright sun, be sure to take sunscreen with you, and just in case, if any part of the body tans badly, a tube of panthenol.

And one more thing, if you dine in a restaurant, about 15% will be added to your bill.

So, the traveler has planned a vacation trip to Morocco. As they say in Arabic: "Mabruk" (Mabruk) which means - congratulations! Now what? Before getting on a plane, there are a few things that every tourist needs to know.

Morocco, Morocco, Morocco? How right?

In English, the word is spelled: Morocco. In Russian: Morocco. But in Arabic, things aren't so simple with vowels, so it's really just anyone's guess. In this case, it is much more important to pronounce correctly than to write correctly.

Are any vaccinations required before departure?

While it is always a personal choice, the answer is that there are no mandatory vaccines in Morocco. Many people try to protect themselves by being vaccinated against rabies and hepatitis A and B. But in fact, no one has had health problems during their entire stay in the country.

What is the local currency? Are credit cards accepted?

Moroccan dirham (DEE-rahm). The exchange rate is about 12 cents per dirham.

Relatively speaking, the dirham exchange rate is quite stable, so there should be no surprises. Of course, you can find goods at Western prices, but for the most part, Morocco is a place where you can and should bargain.

It must be remembered that cash from ATMs is issued in dirhams, and when withdrawing, a bank commission of about 3 percent will be withheld. Some credit cards do not have international transaction fees, though. Please contact the credit card issuing bank for advice prior to departure. Most major outlets accept credit cards. Bazaars (suk - open-air markets) and small shops are likely to require cash, and especially if the tourist is in the mood to haggle, cash is a bargaining chip.

What language do they speak?

Moroccans speak a fascinating mixture of Arabic, Berber, English and French. In one sentence, it is likely to hear several languages, such as: “Mabruk! Welcome, haltu redu cafe? e th??".

While English is most likely to be understood in large cities, communication problems may arise in smaller and rural areas. In this case, Arabic and French are the salvation of the intrepid traveler.

What rules must be followed?

There are two rules that are very important to follow while in Morocco. The first is not to use the left hand for any purpose. For example, eating with it or shaking hands with someone else as a sign of greeting. Muslims, among them Moroccans, consider this an unclean gesture, in Islam only the right hand is considered clean. It is important to observe this first of all in public places, it does not matter if you are right-handed or left-handed.

The second rule concerns women's clothing. In Moroccan culture, women always dress very modestly, contrary to Western trends. Nobody forbids tourists to wear short tops, skirts or shorts, but for reinsurance and as a tribute to the traditions of Morocco, it is still better to buy clothes in a local store. In addition, it is always very light, flowing and will serve as a wonderful souvenir in the future. Swimwear is also preferred piecework. Traditions are especially strictly observed in small settlements and in rural areas. In big cities and in major tourist centers, the attitude is more loyal.

Features of religion

Propaganda of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. This violation is punishable by both a fine of up to 500 dirhams and imprisonment of up to 3 years.

What is the food like in Morocco? Can I eat fresh fruits, vegetables and drink water?

Food in Morocco consists exclusively of local products. As a result, the choice may be smaller, but most of the vegetables and fruits for the table are grown on site and are delivered very quickly and without any chemical treatment. Local cuisine in Morocco must be enjoyed, it is tasty and healthy and brings a certain flavor to your trip. It will not be superfluous to use coal and yogurt. Also, for safety reasons, it is better to use bottled water and wash fruits and vegetables well.

What souvenirs to buy in Morocco?

We recommend reading the article What to buy in Morocco. And it is best to bring traditional local products from Morocco: carpets, leather products (bags, shoes, clothes), wood products, ceramics, forged products made of copper and brass, grandmothers, bathrobes.

A useful phrase in Arabic: "Laa, shukrAn" - "no need, thank you." Stubborn sellers, beggars and self-proclaimed guides immediately lose interest in you. If you want to say: "thank you" - respectively - "shukrAn" (emphasis on "a").

If you accept outside help from a local guide - a fee is automatically assumed!

A few Moroccan words in Arabic:

Morocco you have seen for sure, even if you just learned about its existence. Many films were filmed here - "Gladiator", "Alexander", "007: Spectrum", "Game of Thrones". This is a very ancient kingdom, whose history can be studied along with the cities: Rabat (there is a royal residence, many parks and architectural monuments), Fes (this is the cultural and religious center of the country, where medieval quarters are still inhabited), Meknes (which is not in vain called "Moroccan Versailles") or Marrakesh - it is more flooded with tourists and entertainment for them.

The city of Tangier is shrouded in mythology: in the view of the ancient Greeks, it was the edge of the world, where only true heroes could get. 70 km from it, in the city of Larache (in ancient times it was called Lyx), there was once the very garden of the Hesperides, from where Hercules stole the apples of immortality.

Well, if you are looking for a beach holiday, go to the most popular resort - Agadir, windy Essaouira, where surfers go, picturesque Oualidia or El Jadida - a port city.

Casablanca

Marrakesh

Mohammedia

El Jadida

Essaouira

Holidays in Morocco

Everything is possible in the Maghreb: a luxurious beach holiday, excellent ski slopes and a rich excursion program.

Of course, many tourists prioritize a beach holiday in Morocco. The swimming season here lasts from the end of May to the end of October, at this time the air temperature is up to 30 ° C, water - 20-25 ° C. Due to the proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the choice of resorts is very wide. In Agadir, you will have at your disposal 20 km of beaches with the purest sand, a gently sloping bottom and a variety of infrastructure (there are playgrounds, equipment rental, cafes).

The beaches of Tangier are surrounded by parks with luxurious subtropical greenery, where it is pleasant to relax from the hot sun. For swimming, it is better to choose the Achakar beach - the water is cleaner there. The quiet lagoon of Oualidia, the gentle ocean waters of Mehdia are good for families. On Legzira Beach near Sidi Ifni, tourists appreciate the landscape: everyone is photographed there against the backdrop of picturesque sandy arches that the ocean currents have “sculpted” for thousands of years. It is a pity that one of them was destroyed by the tide in 2016. But the second arch is in place!

If you like to alternate a beach holiday with a cultural one, choose El Jadid: the colonial era left many monuments of Portuguese architecture there. And without even leaving the capital - Rabat - you can relax on the ocean shore: on the city beach, of course, it is crowded, but you can go to the suburban and calmer Sale.

But the stormy temper of the Atlantic in Essaouira is just a godsend for surfers, also because it is combined with a lack of tourist excitement. 6 km of the beach and perhaps the most impressive waves on the entire coast - it is not without reason that international competitions are held here.

Surfing is possible in Morocco in winter - at this time even the biggest waves are caught.

For beginners, there are surf schools on the coast. And there are diving schools too - but only in large resorts, because in general diving in Morocco is not very popular.

The offer to ski in Africa can be considered a joke, but in Morocco there is such an opportunity. The most popular ski resort is Ukaimeden, 75 km from Marrakesh. The season here lasts from December to April, the height difference reaches 1000 m. There are seven lifts, there is a good rental of equipment, but there are not enough ski patrols.

In the summer, Morocco hosts many festivals dedicated to local saints - by visiting such a festival, you can get to know the culture and history of the country better.

And, of course, you must definitely see the sights of Morocco.

The pride of Morocco is its cities, which amaze with their unique architecture and oriental luxury.

Marrakesh impresses with its mosaics and interlacing patterns on the walls of houses and mosques. In the evenings, snake charmers, magicians, acrobats and musicians arrange theatrical performances in Jemaa el Fna Square. Above all this action float indescribable smells of local food, which is cooked right there.

The Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, built by the vizier Sidi Moussa for his beloved wife, surpassed even the palaces of the Sultan in its beauty - it still remains luxurious and impresses with its original architecture, frescoes and mosaics that adorn the walls and floors.

In Essaouira, you seem to go back in time and see the port where pirate ships came and the slave market. Walking along the fortress wall, you can visit workshops where local craftsmen make masterpieces from lemon wood and decorate them with mother-of-pearl and silver. Here you can see the ruins of the palace of Sultan Ben Abdullah.

The city of Fes will whirl you with narrow streets and the noise of the oriental bazaar, show you the most beautiful buildings - the Bou Jelud gate and the Dar Bata palace. In the leather tanning quarter, you will see with your own eyes the process of dressing and dyeing leather, honed to perfection by many generations of artisans.

Ait Benhaddou is a fortress on the southern borders of Morocco, built to protect the trade route along which caravans passed. Rectangular buildings with flat roofs, arranged in tiers, retain the authentic atmosphere of the ancient Maghreb. In the "city of white houses" - Casablanca - there is the mosque of Hassan II, which has the highest minaret in the world: 210 m. People of all faiths, and not only Muslims, can visit it. The building of extraordinary beauty is located on a cape jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The roof can be moved apart, and the floors and walls are made of rare varieties of marble, onyx and granite. The room is illuminated by 50-ton chandeliers made of Italian crystal. And all this luxury is built on donations from the Moroccans.

And the most remarkable attraction of Morocco is the Sahara desert in the southeast.

How to get there?

Direct flights from Russia to Morocco are carried out only from Moscow: Sheremetyevo-Casablanca or Sheremetyevo-Agadir, fly 6-8 hours. A flight with one or two transfers will cost less - this is how you can get from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Rabat. The most economical, but the longest flight from Moscow - with one or two transfers. It takes about 22 hours, landings can be made in Paris, Lisbon or Barcelona.

You can also fly with a transfer from St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk.

And if you suddenly travel around Spain, you can sail to Morocco by ferry - from Tarifa to Tangier. Ferries run frequently and the journey takes only an hour.

Currency

You can bring any currency with you - euros, dollars, rubles, but in the end you will have to exchange money for Moroccan dirhams, because payments in foreign currency are not conducted in Morocco.

It is very difficult to exchange Russian money, there are practically no exchange offices for this. With the transfer of dollars and euros to dirhams, there will be no problems. It is especially convenient that the exchange rate of these currencies is the same in all banks, hotels and exchange offices.

Credit cards are accepted in large shopping centers, but in small shops and in the market it is better to have local money of small denominations.

It is impossible to export Moroccan dirhams outside the country, therefore, upon departure, the balance of funds must be exchanged again for dollars or euros - only for this you need to provide a certificate that you have already exchanged them for dirhams.

Tipping is accepted, or "baksheesh" - a little bit, but often.

Communication and Internet

There are three mobile operators in Morocco: Meditel, Wana and Maroc telecom. A SIM card costs 20 dirhams, which are immediately credited to the subscriber's account. For this amount, you can talk for about half an hour inside Morocco or make a ten-minute call to Russia.

Internet access can be obtained through the Wi-Fi network in the hotel or in the Internet cafe.

Under the yellow signs PTT or La poste are post offices, and under the blue signs are private firms where you can call payphones.

Behavior and safety

Morocco is quite safe for tourists - both in terms of health and in the "criminal" sense. But it is better not to tempt fate and follow some rules:

• do not carry a lot of money and valuables with you, leave the original passport at the hotel, and take a copy with you;
• do not walk alone around the city at night (ladies without a companion need to be especially careful);
• do not take pictures of people without their consent;
• during Ramadan - a Muslim fast (it happens in May-June, lasts for a month) it is not recommended to eat and drink in a crowded place, especially smoking and drinking alcohol: this can cause a negative reaction among Moroccans;
• local residents are very intrusive in offering their services on the streets, markets and in shops - their help must be refused as firmly and politely as possible (if you do not want to pay for it);
• it is better for women to wear long dresses with sleeves or wide trousers, men are not recommended to wear shorts (they remind Moroccans of underwear);
• lovers should not show their feelings in public;
• if you are invited to visit - do not refuse: this is a reason for resentment;
• at dinner, do not touch food with your left, “unclean” hand, and get ready to drink at least three cups of tea (so as not to offend the owner);
• drink only bottled water;
• public toilets in Morocco are paid: the cleaning lady at the entrance must be given a couple of coins; - in Morocco they speak Arabic, French here is the language of business communication, in the north you can speak Spanish, but there are problems with English;
• you can swim in ordinary swimsuits;
• but in winter it is cold in Morocco: from October to April, stock up on fleece and windproof clothing, especially if you are going to the coast or to the mountains.

Souvenirs in Morocco

If you don't visit the local souk, you won't see half of the world's treasures. Here you can spend the whole day choosing decorations, carpets, unusual dishes, hookahs, fabrics, spices and much, much more.

The largest markets are in Marrakesh and Fez, in other large cities the bazaars are smaller, but the prices are lower there. Bargain without hesitation - this is a ritual, a type of communication and an opportunity to drop the price five to ten times.

You can buy oriental shoes with upturned toes and a traditional Berber robe, leather bags and shoes, silver jewelry, natural cosmetics - for example, black bath soap or the most delicate glycerin soap with natural dyes and fragrances.

Choose something for interior decoration: local ceramics, bedspreads or Berber carpets with unusual ornaments, lamps made of leather, colored glass or openwork bronze that will fit into any interior, arborvitae souvenirs with a pleasant smell, mirrors.

And be sure to grab something from Moroccan gastronomy: spices, the choice of which is huge (and you can talk about taste merits for hours); the freshest olives of all sizes and grades; cookies with almonds, orange or nuts (a great souvenir for relatives and friends); local tea or coffee and argan oil - it is produced only here.

Climate in Morocco

Africa is Africa, but the Atlantic Ocean does not warm up very quickly, so in May-June the water will be quite cool on the beaches of Casablanca, Agadir and Essaouira. Travel at this time to the resort of Tangier, where the Mediterranean waters have already warmed up and do not raise large waves. And from July to October, the peak of the holiday season on the ocean coast. The air temperature rises to +35 °C, there is little rain, and the water is very comfortable - up to +25 °C.

To visit the numerous sights of Morocco, come in the fall, when the heat already drops to 23-25 ​​° C and you can walk in comfortable conditions. You can no longer swim in the ocean, but you can still swim in the hotel pools.

In winter, cold and harsh winds blow in Morocco, high humidity, but January and February are the time for those who go to Africa to go skiing.

Entry Features

Morocco is a hospitable country in the east, so Russian tourists arriving here for up to 90 days do not need a visa and even pay an entry fee. In addition, Morocco is one of the few Arab states that freely admits travelers who have a stamp in their passport about visiting Israel.

Upon entry, you only need to present your passport and migration card - it is filled out on the plane (for all family members, including babies) and includes 13 simple questions on the merits. We’ll tell you more about two: “Address in Morocco” - you just need to write the name of the hotel (at least some); "Profession" - it is better not to report that you are a journalist, photographer, correspondent or blogger. Communication with the border guard will be short if you indicate something neutral.

If you enter Morocco by ferry from Spain, then passport control passes right there.

You can freely bring into Morocco a bottle of strong alcohol and wine, up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars. If you have professional photographic equipment, you will have to declare it.

Where to stay in Morocco

Morocco is waiting for travelers with different levels of finance, and for everyone there is accommodation to taste and afford.

But we recommend that you at least once feel like a padishah and stay in a riad: this is a kind of 4-5 star hotel, decorated in Moroccan style and offering personal service for residents. There can be from four to 12 rooms (each with its own unique design), the doors of which open onto a patio with a fountain, garden or pool. The most unusual riads are in Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira; in them you can celebrate a birthday, a wedding or organize a party for friends.

Those who go skiing in the Atlas Mountains are waiting for houses owned by local guides - the cost of living is about $ 5. And you can also stay in redfuji houses, reminiscent of Swiss chalet villas.

If you travel with a large family or company, you can rent an apartment and cook your own food. And for young people there are Youth hostels - youth hotels.

And let's not forget about campsites: a parking spot there costs about $3, and if you agree with the locals, you can put up a tent on their land for free.

When booking a hotel in Morocco, keep in mind the difference between Eastern and Western mentality. European concepts of cleanliness and beauty are more in line with interiors, where there is a minimum of textiles and a maximum of tiles. Perhaps there will also be more mutual understanding with the European host. You also need to keep in mind that Moroccans are noisy people, they communicate loudly and love music very much. Therefore, when choosing where to stay, make sure that there are no banquet halls nearby.

Transport in Morocco

To quickly and inexpensively travel around the north of the country and the central part, pay attention to the railway: it connects Fes, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech.

Trains are different in comfort, they can be ancient and completely new, and the cars in them are divided into first and second class. Trains depart very frequently, approximately every two hours, and tickets can be bought (at affordable prices) online or in advance.

Most travel to Morocco by bus. For long-distance trips, Grand Taxi is used - minibuses, which are beneficial for a large company of up to eight people. The price of a trip to them (20-50 dirhams) is negotiated in advance with the driver. Buses do not stop on the highways.

There are few buses in cities, they run infrequently, so the most convenient transport for a trip is Petit Taxi, small cars that have their own color in each city. For example, in Agadir such taxis are red, and in Tangier they are turquoise. Landing costs 1.4-1.6 dirhams, and the minimum price for a trip is 5 dirhams. There are no counters, discuss the price in advance with the driver, who will also be very happy with the tip.

Can you rent a car in Morocco? Requirements - as in Europe: international rights, credit card and age over 21 years. A middle-class car will cost at least 450 dirhams per day. Just do not settle for "street" offers - there are enough official rental companies in Morocco. Keep in mind that seat belts are mandatory here, and no one follows the rules on the city streets, so you need to be very careful.

A liter of gasoline costs about 1 euro. There are no free parking lots. You can leave your car in the underground parking of the shopping center; in street parking, which can be fenced with anything (pebbles, rope) or anywhere where there are no prohibition signs. As soon as you start parking, a person in a "uniform" (reflective vest) will run up to you - this is the "valet" who collects money. 2-5 dirhams will be enough.

Cuisine in Morocco

Consider that you have not been to Morocco if you have not tried tajine, the main national dish. Tender meat stew with vegetables and fruits seasoned with a mixture of exotic spices. The meat in the dish can be replaced with seafood.

Some more popular Moroccan dishes:

• bastilla - layer cake with pigeon meat, eggs and almonds;
• emshmel jam - tagine with chicken meat, olives and soaked lemons;
• meshui - ram or leg of ram baked on a skewer.
• harira - thick meat soup with pasta.

The local cuisine is distinguished by an abundance of cereals and legumes, fish and poultry, spices, mint, olives and olive oil, couscous. And favorite Moroccan drinks are mint sweet tea (served with pine nuts) and strong coffee.

To get acquainted with Moroccan cuisine, you can go to Djemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech, along the perimeter of which there are dozens of cafes and restaurants where you will be served national dishes and a large selection of seafood. Try kebab or grilled sardines, the average price of both is 25 dirhams.

Fans of gourmet cuisine will love the Dar Essalam restaurant (in the same place, in Marrakesh), and you can try local fast food in the bazaars - street food in Morocco is safe and tasty. If you like the usual food, there are plenty of European restaurants in resorts and big cities, including McDonald's. You can eat in fast food for 25 dirhams, in a cafe - for 40-60, in a restaurant - for at least 70.

Just do not go to the cheapest eateries, even if they are filled with locals - in such places it is easy to catch the virus.

Route 13.03.19 15 208 0

In 10 days you can drive half of Morocco.

This is one of the most colorful and photogenic Arab countries. It is good to walk along the narrow blue streets, bargain in noisy bazaars, look at ancient mosques and fortresses, swim in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

We have collected the main things about traveling to Morocco in one article. If you are going on a trip, take it with you. Details and nuances -

What will you learn

📌 Input

Where is: Northwest Africa.
How long to fly: average 7 hours.
When is the season: May - October.
Where to swim: in the west - in the Atlantic Ocean, in the north - in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea.
Average temperature in summer: in the north - +28 °C, in the south - +40 °C.
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD, Dh, د.م), equal to 6.87 R.
Time difference with Moscow: -2 hours.

✈️ Visa and travel

A visa for Russians in Morocco is not needed: upon arrival at the border, they will put a stamp in the passport.

Tickets with a transfer cost from 12,000 R. Connections are in Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam.

📍 Morocco Attractions

To Marrakesh go for the atmosphere of the oriental bazaar and the old city. A popular attraction in the city is the Majorelle Gardens, once restored by Yves Saint Laurent.

Chefchaouen famous for the old part of the city: there all the houses are painted blue. Tourists wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the view of the city from the Spanish Mosque.

Fes known for leather workshops. There, leather is manually dressed, processed and dyed, in order to later make bags, slippers, wallets and bracelets out of it. The visit is free.

In Tangier you can wander around the old city, look at the big bazaar and go to the Kasbah. This is an ancient fortress in the very center of the city, it offers a beautiful view of the Strait of Gibraltar. The visit is free.

The fortress houses the royal palace Dar el Makhzeh, which operates as a museum. Entrance costs 10 dirhams (69 R). The museum exhibits many ancient archaeological finds dating back to the Neolithic period.

Rabat. The main attraction of Rabat is the Kasbah of Uday. This is an ancient fortress on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Inside it is a museum and Andalusian gardens. Entrance to the fortress and garden is free, to the museum - 10 dirhams (69 R).

💸 Money

Most places accept cash only. They will be needed to buy train tickets, bus tickets, pay for a taxi, buy fruit and eat at a cafe. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs. There are many in every city. There are money changers at the airport and at bank branches in the city.

Only a few hotels and restaurants accept cards, such as Clock Cafe in Fes and Rick's Cafe in Casablanca.

🇫🇷 🇪🇸 Languages

In addition to Arabic, French and Spanish are spoken in Morocco. Casablanca, Rabat and Fez have more French. In Tetouan and Tangier, mostly Spanish is spoken, and French is hardly understood. Both languages ​​are spoken in Chefchaouen.

English is not well known in Morocco. Language problems do not arise only in restaurants and hotels.

🌵 Food

Restaurants
📌 On average, a dinner for two costs 200 dirhams (1374 R).
📌 In seaside towns, delicious fish and seafood. One dish will cost 150 dirhams (1030 R).
📌 Tajin is a traditional steamed meat and vegetable dish. The cost is from 120 to 160 dirhams (824-1099 R).
📌 Couscous is served only on Fridays: this is the custom. Together with him they bring a huge plate with meat or chicken, stewed vegetables, nuts and spices.

Cafe on the street
📌 It's cheaper and tastier there, but the dishes come with dirty forks, wasps and cats that climb on the table.
📌 Cash payment only.

Markets
📌 Fruits and vegetables are sold in the markets in the old town. Everything there is fresh and tasty.
📌 There are no price tags anywhere, you have to bargain.
📌 A kilogram of peaches costs 10-25 dirhams (68-171 R).
📌 Two kilograms of figs and half a kilo of cactus fruits will cost 20 dirhams (137 R).

Housing

In hotels clean, staff speaks english. Everything looks like Europe.

A double room costs 35-45 € (2625-3375 R). You can book at Booking.com.

Gift- Traditional Moroccan house. As a rule, it has three floors, several bedrooms, a kitchen and a roof terrace. Tourists book a room with a shared bathroom and breakfast. Basically, it's a hostel. Staying in a gift costs about 25 € (1875 R) per day.

Riad is the same gift, but much larger. It can be booked through Airbnb. A room with a private bathroom and breakfast will cost 40 € (3000 R) for two per day.

🚖 Transport

"Gran Taxi"
📌 Rides between cities and to airports.
📌 The taxi leaves as soon as the car is full. This usually takes 15 minutes.
📌 Prices for "Gran Taxi" are fixed. A taxi from Casablanca airport to the center costs 250-300 dirhams (1717-2610 R).
📌 The price does not change depending on the number of passengers in the car.
📌 It is better to negotiate the fare before you get into the car. Drivers often start to overprice at the sight of tourists.

"Petit Taxi"
📌 Travels only in cities.
📌 It is caught anywhere on the street.
📌 Each car has a counter. If the driver refuses to turn it on, agree on the price of the trip in advance.
📌 The cost should not be more than 20-30 dirhams (138-206 R) for a trip around the city for a distance of 5-10 km.

Bus
📌 There are two bus companies in Morocco: CTM and Supratours.
📌 All buses are modern and comfortable, there is air conditioning inside.
📌 CM has more departure stations and more flights.
📌 A bus ride from Fes to Chefchaouen costs 80 dirhams (549 R) per person.

Trains
📌 Each carriage has air conditioning, and prices are close to Russian ones.
📌 Tickets can be bought in advance on the website of the Moroccan railways ONCF or directly at the station. They only accept cash.
📌 Every train has first and second class.
📌 Second class tickets are sold to everyone - there is a chance that you will have to ride standing up.
📌 Ticket from Casablanca to Fez in first class costs 174 dirhams (1195 R), and a ticket to the second - 116 dirhams (796 R).
📌 Trains are often delayed by 1-3 hours.

💝 What to bring from Morocco

Argan oil is culinary and cosmetic. Good oil costs an average 500-600 dirhams (3435-4122 R).

Tagine- utensils for stewing meat. It is not always convenient to take it home: some tagines weigh up to 5 kilograms. But the meat in them is very tender. Usually such dishes cost 45 dirhams (300 R).

Amlu- sweetness based on argan oil with nuts. Packaging will cost 25-300 dirhams (171-2055 R) depending on the volume and composition. Markets are cheaper.

Saffron. Spices in Morocco are cheaper than in Europe and Russia, and the quality is better. One gram of saffron costs 50-70 dirhams (343-480 R ).

📱 Internet

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, private houses, cafes and restaurants. Often you need to ask the waiter for the password.

⚠️ Mentality

Morocco is a poor country. Locals often try to make money on tourists. Taxi drivers and sellers break the price, and passers-by offer to show the city or bring to the sights. It looks like a desire to help, but at the end of the journey the "guide" will definitely ask for money. Therefore, it is better to ask for directions from merchants: they usually do not require a fee.

🙅 Safety rules

Here are some things to keep in mind while on holiday in Morocco:

1. Do not buy ready-made food in the market: they do not observe sanitary conditions there.
2. Do not drink water from the tap and in fountains: you can get poisoned.
3. Do not walk around the city at night.
4. Keep track of things in crowded places.
5. Girls are not recommended to wear short skirts and shorts. Suitable dresses, skirts below the knee, pants and tunics with long sleeves.