Holidays in Morocco, Africa
Morocco is the tantalising lower lip on the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, a Muslim land so rich in mystique it seems to hover like a magic carpet somewhere between myth and reality. Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh...just the names of these cities and towns should stir a hint of spice in the nostrils of the most geographically challenged.
Many Moroccan destinations have been mythologised, and for good reason, but the more jaded traveller may well moan about the extinction of the real Morocco. Still others will extol the countrys unique living history, its shimmering light, its art. The truth lies somewhere in between.
Morocco is the ideal starting point for the traveller to Africa. An easy hop from Europe, it can be a friendly, hectic and stimulating place to get around in. Open-air markets throughout the country are piled high with rugs, woodwork, and jewellery. The countrys prime produce (if you dont count the hashish) is leather - said to be the softest in the world.
Travellers to Morocco should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Those planning to travel through the disputed territory of Western Sahara should note that armed clashes between the Polisano Front and Moroccan authorities are a possibility. Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined.
| No image |
Agadir Agadir, destroyed by an earthquake in 1960, is now a major tourist resort
|
| |
| No image |
Casablanca Of all the cities in all the world, Hollywood chose this one to immortalise as the classic exotic colonial outpost.
|
| |
| No image |
Fez The oldest of the imperial cities, Fèz is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco.
|
| |
| No image |
Marrakech One of Moroccos most important cultural centres, Marrakech is a lively former capital famed for its markets and festivals.
|
| |
| |
|
|
 |
 |
| Souks |
 |
| No visit to Morocco is complete without visiting the fabulous souks which sell copper, carpets, kaftans, dry fruits, aromatic spices, pots of henna, mint and musk. |
 |
| Djemaa El Fna |
 |
| The legendary market square in Marrakech is a living spectacle of Moroccan life. A busy place at any time of the day, crammed with people, hot food stalls, story tellers, magicians, jugglers, musicians and dancers, acrobats and fortune tellers. The Djemaa El Fna can be found in the walled ancient quarter with its myriad of twisting lanes. |
|
| Sightseeing |
 |
|
An oasis on the fertile Haouz Plain, this mystical settlement lies beneath the High Atlas mountains, and an excellent starting point to explore picturesque Ourika Valley. At its heart is vibrant Djemaa El Fna square where, during the day, you find magicians, jugglers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, women selling baskets. As dust falls, showmen make way for food sellers and mouthwatering aromas fill the air.
Dont miss the picturesque medina, where musicians and belly dancers entertain visitors. The city is also known for its famed souks selling copper, carpets, kaftans, dry fruits, spices, pots of henna, kohl, mint and musk. A good way to enjoy street life is a leisurely ride through them in a horse-drawn carriage.
|
 |
|
