Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco located in the northwestern tip of Africa has been in recent years becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking an exotic vacation. Morocco represents one of the easiest ways to experience the magic of the Orient.

Formerly a French colony, Morocco blends African, Arabian and European culture together, while keeping its uniqueness mainly due to the Islamic religion. The tourism industry is well developed with the sector of services at a good level. Most of the population lives on the coast and in the northern part of the country. The area of Western Sahara is mostly desolate, inhabited only by nomadic tribes. Moroccans are very hospitable and friendly, the strong traditional laws of hospitality can be encountered especially in remote areas.

The original inhabitants of Morocco are the Berbers, who live in the mountains and rural settlements. Another group of the population are Arabs who live mainly in the cities.

Climate

Morocco has a subtropical climate, mostly of the Mediterranean character with hot summers and mild winters. When traveling to the mainland, be aware of large differences in temperature between the day and night. This applies primarily to desert areas

Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is full of condiments and vegetables. The Berbers usually offers meals prepared from wheat and barley, served with mutton or lamb. Appetizers include Harira (tomato and lentil soup) orBriouat (sweet puff pastry). The main meal you will most likely encounter in different variations is the Tajine. This Berber traditional food cooked and served in heavy clay pot consists of different kinds of vegetables stewed together with chicken or lamb. Alcoholic beverages are almost unavailable in Morocco.

Casablanca

It is the largest city of Morocco with over 3,000,000 inhabitants, and also the most important port of the country. Casablanca has all characteristics of western metropolis, with French boulevards and many fashion stores. The real symbol of the city is mosque of former King Hassan II. Its 210 m (688 feet) high minaret stands like a beacon above the city, so that it anyone who comes from afar can see it.

Marrakesh

Marrakesh is the uncrowned capital of southern Morocco, but not as cosmopolitan as Casablanca or Rabat. Marrakesh is more African, Berber and desert-like. The city is on one side surrounded by desert and on the other side by snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh is truly one of the most fantastic cities in Morocco.

Tangier

Thanks to its favorable location, many civilizations have been forming the city and left their cultural imprints. Due to this fact, Tangier isn’t neither African nor European. Today Tanger is a modern Mediterranean city with many museums such as Old American Legation Museum, Musée de la Lorin Foundation or Musée d’Art Contemporain. Visit the famous Grand Socco market with musicians and stallholders selling local food.

Agadir

Agadir is a modern tourist town full of luxurious hotel complexes and with a gold-colored beach. Agadir lacks the atmosphere of other big Moroccan cities and is closest to the nature of Spanish resorts, but it’s a good starting point for further exploration of the country. A few kilometers south of the town lies the Souss-Massa National Park.