Mesmerising Morocco
THIS North African country has long been popular with tourists for its mesmerising mix of atmospheric medieval bazaars, coastal stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, cool Atlas Mountain destinations, and the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Ramble through Roman ruins dating back 2,000 years as well as legendary destinations such as Tangier, Fes, Agadir, Casablanca, and Marrakesh.
Gibraltar (just across the strait), Spain and Portugal are so close to provide elements of European life but it is Africa, which means, a magical mix of cultures and the homeland to the Berbers (official languages are Berber and Arabic).
TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS
Its dramatic and varied landscape has not been lost on movie producers who have shot movies there since the 1930s. Painters such as Henri Matisse, William Burroughs and Paul Bowles were also inspired by the coastal, desert and mountainous landscapes and the intensity of the light.
While Casablanca is the largest city and main port, Rabat is the capital. Rabat is modern with good infrastruc-
ture but built around the Kasbah of the Oudaias and the old medina. Visit Yacoub Al Mansour Square and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V just across from the 12th century minaret of Hassan Tower. Explore tranquil neighbourhoods like Oudaias Kasbah within a fortress and with striking blue and white houses.
In Casablanca, the King Hassan II Mosque, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, was built in 1993 as Morocco’s largest mosque and the world’s tallest minaret at 210m.
The Atlas Mountains are in the centre and south of the country while the Rif Mountain is in the north. Visit Atlas Mountain towns like Ourzazate (at an altitude of 1,500m) and the nearby Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, an authentic and spectacular fortress.
Fez (Morocco’s third largest city) is a cosmopolitan and modern city with wide boulevards. It is best known for its famous (and frantic) old medina (the oldest part is called Fes el Bali). It is a maze of narrow lanes and thousands of alleyways where textiles, woodwork, spices, and handicrafts are sold at a hectic pace. It is also home to the world’s oldest university, Al-Karaouine. A mustvisit is Chouara Tannery that continues age-old techniques dating back 1,000 years. The old medina in Marrakech is just as atmospheric.
HIDDEN TOURISM GEMS
Much of the southeast of the country is covered in sands of the Sahara Desert. Fabled Marrakech is the departure point for many desert and oasis adventures that last from over a week to just a few hours. Join in journeys that cover old
caravan routes to sections of the former Paris to Dakar race. Cross the dunes in 4 x 4 vehicles, dune buggies, camels, and quad bikes. Camp out under the stars on extended journeys that continue onto coastal destinations like Essaouira.
In complete contrast, the waves along the Atlantic coastline in places like Agadir, Imsouane, and Taghazout have attracted surfing nomads for decades.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Moroccan is a fusion of Moorish (Berber), European, and Mediterranean cuisines that incorporate spices and flavours such as saffron, mint, olives, oranges and lemons. Couscous and tagine are the bestknown dishes while bread is important to the Moroccan diet. Green tea with mint leaves is consumed everywhere.
Contact Moroccan National Tourist Office (www.visitmorocco.com)