Morocco is a country on the African continent that has long attracted Europeans. Its architecture, customs and crafts have features of many cultures: Arabs, Berbers, travelers from other continents. Bright, abundant, enchanting with the piercing blue of the sky, reflected in the narrow streets.
Morocco is a land of temptations, a country that, like a magical peri from an oriental fairy tale, hiding sultry features under luxurious veils, enchants the traveler and makes him fall in love forever. This country is located in North Africa, but is not part of the African Political and Economic Union. She amazes and conquers, surprises and makes you admire. From the west, its shores are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, from the south, the scorching sands of the Sahara serve as a natural border, and in the north, the waves of the Mediterranean Sea soften the heat.
The rhythms of sultry Africa, the ornate patterns of the East and the achievements of modern Western innovations are intertwined in the cities of Morocco. In large cities, a few steps separate a gleaming shopping center from the slender minaret of an old mosque, a bustling and colorful oriental market from exclusive spas with thalasso therapy, massage and the wonders of rejuvenating techniques. In small settlements, the atmosphere and life of ancient times reigns - the country has recently opened its borders to tourists and much has still retained its authentic features. The Moroccan guest should open his eyes wider, prick up his ears and absorb with all the senses and souls the amazing beauty of this region.
Interesting addresses
Morocco is a kingdom and offers tourists a truly regal service. However, fans of "wild tourism" and budget vacations will also be able to enjoy exotic pleasures in this country. A host of resorts offer all spectrum of experiences from just relaxing on the beach to a variety of excursions:
- Rabat is the capital of Morocco, a city of ancient civilization and unique historical sites;
- Agadir - Moroccan Florida;
- Essueira is the cultural center of the country;
- Casablanca is brilliant and legendary;
- El Jadida is a surf and diving paradise;
- Marrakech - a culinary paradise
- Fez is the center of religious culture.
Those who love the silence and coolness of museum halls, appreciate ancient history and know how to hear the speech of ancient stones go to Rabat. The city was once the largest port on the coast and has experienced many battles and battles. Numerous museums and ancient buildings keep the memory of his difficult fate. Charter flights from Russia most often go here, as well as to Agadir.
Agadir - "White City" - from the moment of its foundation was considered a center of culture and education. However, people come here not for study, but for a luxurious vacation on the white sands of ocean beaches, exquisite golf and horseback riding, extreme water sports. This city seems to be specially created for sunbathers and swimmers - sunny weather reigns here 300 days a year.
Essueira is a modern center of cultural life, bright, active, developed in a European way and comfortable. White houses lined with narrow streets keep cool even in the midday heat. His panorama and landscapes are loved by representatives of bohemians, fans of creativity and creativity in all its manifestations.
Casablanca is a bustling, cramped city that won two Oscars. It is the economic capital of the country, the epicenter of business life. The old part of Casablanca is called Medina and attracts with exotic oriental markets. The new Corniche is an exhibition of wealth and vanity, a place where luxury villas and luxury hotels are concentrated.
El Jadida is another port city on the Atlantic coast. He was chosen by surfers, yachtsmen, divers. However, vacationers with less extreme hobbies will find a lot of interesting things here, especially in the excellent local restaurants and cafes.
Marrakech - the name itself sounds like a bewitching oriental melody. The city is good with an abundance of bazaars and shops where you can buy souvenirs with a local flavor for all those close and not very familiar. It is worth trying Moroccan cuisine - they cook well and tasty here.
Fez is a city in which it is especially clearly seen how different cultures have intertwined, creating an indescribable cocktail of colors, forms and traditions. You should not take pictures of passers-by without first asking permission to do so. Otherwise, the locals are friendly and welcoming with tourists and guests.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mekenes resembles the revived oriental tales of the Thousand and One Nights.
Entertainment and attractions
Visiting Morocco, it is impossible to remain indifferent to its ancient architecture. The sights of this African country keep memories of oriental culture, and some of them are remembered even before the Islamic period. The main airport is located in Casablanca, so it is from here that it is most convenient to start your route. The main part of the city is quite young, for example, the mysterious and intricate oriental architecture of the Habus quarter was created by the hands of French builders in the thirties of the twentieth century. The main thing that everyone should see in this city is the majestic Hassan II Mosque with a 210-meter minaret.
History lovers can touch the ancient stones in Rabat. Here are the Moorish fortress Kasbah Udaya, the preserved ruins of the ancient mosque of Yakub al-Mansur, the picturesque mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan tower, which was not completed by the architects. It is in Rabat that the Museum of Moroccan Art, Antiquities and Crafts is located.
Once in the eternally young and energetic Marrakech, head to Djemaa el-Fna Square. Here, as in the Middle Ages, fakirs, acrobats, and snake charmers perform right on the street. Back in the 20th century, this square was a place where crowds of people gathered for bright shows, however, executions were carried out on it for years. From the square it is worth walking to the Bahia palace, where the young wife of the vizier lived, the Koutoubia mosque, the majestic ruins of El Badi.
Souvenirs from Morocco
The oriental bazaar, of which there are many in Morocco, is capable of ruining an inexperienced traveler. It makes no sense to buy everything in a row, despite the fact that the counters are bursting with all sorts of unusual and attractive gizmos. Copper products, ceramics, Moroccan carpets, artifacts from thuja (special wood) and things made of camel wool are valued. Fez is a city where you should buy gold jewelry, in Rabat look for leather goods, for example, original lamps.
Local kitchen
Cuisine in Morocco is closest to the eastern, but you can find restaurants for every taste and budget. The country receives a lot of income from tourism and knows how to treat anyone the way he loves and is used to, as well as surprise with national flavor:
- Moorish cuisine;
- Mediterranean dishes;
- Arabian treats;
- Jewish cuisine;
- Berber treats and sweets.
You can try authentic local food in any oriental market throughout Moroccco. Rest in this country conquers with a wide range of entertainment and magnificent natural conditions.
Morocco Accommodation
In Morocco, there are hotels of the largest world chains, traditional for Western civilization, and local hotels with an exotic flavor. Experts recommend choosing the "riad" - a traditional guest house. It is worth looking for them in the old districts, and if you do not rush, you can find options at quite modest prices.
Safety
The locals in Morocco are friendly towards tourists and the city streets are quite safe. You should not walk in the old districts remote from the center after sunset, but many people cannot afford to risk this way even at home. Moroccans cannot be photographed on the streets, especially without asking permission in advance. Passers-by are smiling and friendly, but you should not leave your wallet and personal belongings unattended in a conspicuous place.
The medicine
Medical insurance for traveling to Morocco is a prerequisite, since there is no free medicine here. As elsewhere in the East, any treatment is very expensive here. If you have to see a doctor, keep all documents. Checks, receipts and notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Conclusion
To calculate the number of days that you plan to comfortably spend in this exotic country, make a detailed program of your stay, a schedule of excursions and trips, do not forget to take into account the route to the airport and the flight. The hospitality of Morocco in an oriental way is endless and open to everyone! Prices in the country are pleasantly surprising with modesty, and the level of service is very high.
