What is the name of the capital of Morocco. The best interesting tourist cities of morocco. Time in Morocco

Morocco is a state in North Africa. In the north it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, in the east and southeast it borders on Algeria, in the south - on Western Sahara, in the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.

The name of the country comes from the name of the city of Marrakech, which means “decorated” in Berber.

Official name: Kingdom of Morocco

Capital: Rabat

The area of ​​the land: 446.6 thousand sq. km

Total population: 34.9 million people

Administrative division: The state is divided into 35 provinces and 8 prefectures.

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: King.

Composition of the population: 60% are Arabs, 40% are Berbers.

Official language: Arabic and Berber dialects. French is the second language for most people in Morocco. It is owned by the majority of the population of the country. In the northern regions, in the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Asilah, Spanish is also common. English is spoken in tourist centers.

Religion: 99% are Sunni Muslims. 0.8% - Christians, 0.2% - Jews.

Internet domain: .ma

Mains voltage: ~220 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +212

Country barcode: 611

Climate

The average annual rainfall decreases from north to south and from west to east. The highlands of the Atlas retain a significant amount of precipitation, and in the Sahara the average annual precipitation does not exceed 200 mm, and there are years when precipitation does not fall at all. The most humid areas of Morocco - the Rif, the Middle Atlas and the peaks of the High Atlas - in favorable years account for over 1000 mm of precipitation. On the Atlantic plains, the average annual precipitation varies from 533 mm in Rabat to 254 mm in Marrakesh, but the annual fluctuations in this indicator are very large.

Temperatures also vary greatly with distance from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. In coastal areas, the climate is mild and there are no frosts, but in the interior, winters are noticeably colder and summers hotter. Summer temperatures rise sharply throughout Morocco, with the exception of the Atlantic coast south of Casablanca, where the cold Canary Current flows from north to south. It has a significant impact on the climate of this area: here, even during the day, cool weather with fogs is common.

The hottest climate is in Marrakesh: in summer days, the temperature there usually rises to 38–40 ° C, although at night it is relatively cool (18–24 ° C). In the mountains, the temperature decreases with height and at the level of 1500 m the maximum summer temperatures rarely exceed 32°C. Cyclones often penetrate from the Sahara. They cross the Atlas Mountains and collide with Atlantic anticyclones, while a hot dry wind blows on the coast of Morocco, sometimes reaching hurricane force. It is known there under the name of shergi, and in Europe - sirocco. Shergi causes suffocating heat that lasts for several days.

Geography

Earthquakes are frequent in the foothills of the Atlas. On the northern coast is the Rif Range with an altitude of about 1500 m. Almost all rivers dry up for the summer season, except for Cebu and Umm er-Rbiya. There are freshwater lakes in the mountains, but on the plains they are all salty and are called sebkhs.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

The flora of Morocco is represented by high-mountain alpine meadows, dense forests, steppes along the outskirts of the Sahara and oases in the desert. Mediterranean vegetation species include dwarf oak, thorny shrubs, as well as forbs (lavender and oregano). Morocco is characterized by Maquis - a low-stemmed woodland dominated by the dominance of holm and cork oak. In the mountains and on the plains, significant areas are also occupied by forests of Aleppo pine and juniper.

In the central part of the Reef, in the north of the Middle and east of the High Atlas, the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), highly valued for its fragrant wood, grows in abundance. An olive-like plant endemic to the southwest of Morocco, the spiny argan (Argania spinosa), also called the iron tree, produces fruits from the seeds of which vegetable oil is obtained.

The northeastern steppes in northeastern Morocco are covered with a special kind of feather grass called alpha, or esparto (Stipa tenacissima); this grass provides valuable plant fiber, and it is specially harvested for the manufacture of high-quality paper. Morocco has many plants brought from other regions with a Mediterranean climate, especially eucalyptus and cactus prickly pear.

Animal world

Many animals that lived in North Africa during the Roman era are now extinct, including the crocodile, hippopotamus, giraffe, buffalo, elephant, and lion. In the desert regions of Morocco, there are gazelles and many types of snakes, in particular vipers. Wild boars, foxes, lynxes, jackals and tailless macaques are found on the plateau of the Middle Atlas, and the maned sheep (Ammotragus) is found in the highlands of the High Atlas. Horses were brought into the country around 1600 BC, and one-humped camels (dromedaries) appeared here with Islamic conquerors in the 7th century.

Morocco is on the path of seasonal bird migration between Europe and Africa. Here you can often see storks and their nests. Owls, cuckoos, rollers and magpies are common in agricultural areas, and herons are common in swamps. Buzzards, vultures, golden eagles, hawks, kites, kestrels and merlins are often found in the mountains.

Attractions

The path starts from Marrakesh or Agadir, runs through the Sousse valley, orange and banana plantations, palm groves, includes a pass through Anti-Atlas, inspection of mountain caves and leads to the sands of the Sahara. You will have to cross the desert along a dry river bed. On the way you will see numerous oases, local villages and nomad camps.

Worth a trip to the mountains. The most popular places in the Atlas Mountains are the picturesque waterfall `Veil of Lovers`, 150 km from Marrakesh; the peak of Toubkal, the Berber villages of Tafraut and Tiznit, where the inhabitants still walk in national clothes and observe all customs and traditions.

Fes is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in Morocco. It was built in the 8th century. For tourists, the most interesting will be the old quarter, which is framed by fortress walls and has about 800 mosques. Visit the Karaouin University Mosque (one of the oldest universities in the world), the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Idris II, the Grand Mosque and the Royal Palace.

Fez is located in the foothills of the Atlas, so excursions to the picturesque mountainous areas are organized from here every day.
Marrakech is considered one of the most mysterious cities in Morocco, located in the heart of the country. The visiting card of Marrakech is the Jem el-Fna square, which was recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of mankind. The square comes alive in the late afternoon, whoever is not here: street musicians, dancers, snake charmers, fire eaters and fortune tellers arrange all kinds of performances.

Of the architectural monuments, the Kutubiya Mosque, the mausoleum of Yusuf bin Tashfin, the Golden Apples Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the tomb of the Saadids, the royal palace of Dar el-Makhzen (the residence of His Majesty) stand out. The city is famous for its markets, and all of them are divided according to the goods offered, there is a market for antiques, fruits, oriental sweets, etc.

Banks and currency

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 11.15 and from 14.15 to 16.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off. During Ramadan, banks are open from 8.30 to 14.00. Opening hours may vary depending on the internal policy of the bank.

You can exchange currency at banks, large hotels and some large restaurants, as well as at specialized exchange offices at the airports of Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech. Currency exchange on the street and in unlicensed exchange offices is undesirable, since it is possible (and very likely) to cheat and outright fraud. The exchange rate is quite stable, it is the same throughout the country and is set by the state.

In private tourist-oriented exchange offices (especially in the Jamaa el-Fna area in Marrakesh), the exchange rate is inconvenient, and you should contact your bank. 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. Moreover, the tourist is not recommended to use a credit card for small purchases. A cast can be taken from the card without the knowledge of the cardholder, and then there will be considerable problems with the bills issued to you by the bank for services not rendered.

American Express traveler's checks are accepted almost everywhere, checks from other systems are less likely to be cashed.

Useful information for tourists

At a party, do not refuse the second and third glass of mint tea - this is considered impolite.

Answer all questions, even if they seem immodest to you (what is your salary, how much does a video camera cost, what is your wife's name) - these are courtesy and friendliness in Morocco.

Do not appear on the street in too bold clothes. This is especially true for women.

It is customary to give small tips, but often. In restaurants and hotels, even if the tip is included in the bill, it is customary to pay extra 10% of its amount. Tipping is given personally to the person who served you.

You can not drink water offered by water carriers on the streets, as well as from the tap (including in hotels). It is better to use bottled mineral water.

Morocco on Africa map
(all images are clickable)

In terms of geography, this is the most “European” state from the entire list of African countries. Only 15 km of the water surface of the Strait of Gibraltar separate the Kingdom of Morocco from Spain. Nature did not stint, endowing the country with magnificent ocean and sea coasts, beautiful mountain landscapes and a favorable climate.

Morocco, so to speak, is a country with a difficult “character”. It is the only one of all African states that has not joined the African Union, opposing the membership of Western Sahara, which it recognizes as its territory. But it is a member of several important international associations: the IMF, WHO, UN, the Arab League, etc. The Kingdom has the status of the main ally of the United States (non-NATO) and has trade agreements with them and the EU.

Geographical position

On the northwestern tip of North Africa, near the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, this beautiful country is located. A convenient geographical position at the junction of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean played a significant role in the history of the state.

From the west, Morocco is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the length of the border is almost 3,000 km. This flat area is occupied by a wide strip of excellent sandy beaches. The northern border of the country is also sea (500 km). But the shores of the Mediterranean Sea are rocky and steep.

To the east and southeast, Morocco's neighbor is Algiers. The southeastern section of this border, running through a desert area, is not clearly defined.

The southern state borders run along the Free Zone of Western Sahara. But the Kingdom of Morocco does not recognize this border, since it actually controls most of the democratic republic.

There is also a small land border with Spain (about 16 km). In the north are two Spanish exclaves (sovereign territories of another country) - Melilla and Ceuta.

The Atlas mountain system stretches across the country from the southwest to the northeast. The basin of the Taza separates them from the high massif of Er-Rif, stretching along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The slopes of the Atlas, facing inland, gradually turn into a desert.

Morocco is located in the zone of the subtropical climatic zone, but, due to certain features of the geographical location and relief, several zones are distinguished on its territory, which differ significantly from each other in terms of climatic indicators.

• The north of the Kingdom is endowed with a favorable subtropical Mediterranean climate. It has warm mild winters and hot summers.
• The northwestern part of the country, adjacent to the Atlantic coast, falls under the influence of humid and cool oceanic air masses. The climate here is much cooler, close to temperate.
• The south and southeast of Morocco is in the zone of a tropical desert climate with its characteristic heat, extreme lack of moisture and large amplitudes of daily temperatures.
• In the mountainous regions of the Atlas, the effect of altitudinal zonation is manifested, when the climate depends on the height of the territory above sea level.

There is a great contrast between the rainfall in the western Atlas Mountains and the inland desert regions of Morocco. On the leeward mountain slopes, they fall up to 2000 mm, floods even occur on local rivers. And in the desert southeast, there are years when the earth does not receive a single drop of rain.

Flora and fauna

Hard-leaved evergreen forests, which were once the main type of vegetation in Morocco, now occupy only 13% of the territory. They were either completely exterminated by man, or replaced by other plants.

Olives, pistachios, and dwarf palms grow on the coastal slopes of mountains and hills. Cedar forests remained in the higher humid regions. In dry desert regions, wormwood and alpha grass dominate.

Human activity has also had a detrimental effect on the animal world. Lions and many species of antelopes have completely disappeared. In the mountains you can still meet panthers, hyenas, monkeys from the genus of macaques. Morocco has a lot of wild boars, jackals, hares. Of the amphibians, snakes and turtles are common. A huge number of harmful insects - locusts and Moroccan filly.

Valuable trout is found in mountain rivers, the coastal marine area is rich in valuable commercial fish (sardines, tuna).

State structure

Morocco map

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. But the power of the king in the state is practically unlimited, all the levers of power are in the hands of the royal family. The title of monarch is inherited only through the male line - from father to eldest son. The king rules for life or until he abdicates. Morocco has been ruled by King Mohammed VI since 1999.

The king appoints the prime minister, who leads the government, which is the executive branch of the country. Legislative power is exercised by a bicameral parliament. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is also the King of Morocco.

The official capital is the city of Rabat. Casablanca is considered the largest city in the country and its economic capital.

Population

Indigenous people Morocco are Berbers and Arabs. Together they make up over 99% of the country's population. The remaining percentage are French, Jews and Spaniards. Arabic is the official language, French and Spanish are spoken on the north coast, and English is often heard in tourist centers.

99% of the inhabitants profess Sunni Islam.

The population of the country according to the latest data is 33 million 758 thousand people.

Economy

The main economic activities in Morocco are:

• mining industry (phosphates, iron ore, manganese and lead-zinc ores);
• food industry;
• light industry (textile and leather);
• construction;
• tourism.

Agriculture brings a good income to the country. Here they grow barley, wheat, olives, citrus fruits, and vegetables.

Some sectors of the economy have in recent years moved from government to private ownership.

The emergence of Morocco on the world map dates back to the 8th century. In those days, the Berbers and Arabs conquered part of the Iberian Peninsula and created a single state. In the next century, it broke up into smaller possessions.

The "Golden Age" of the country, the flourishing of its culture, science, agriculture, the expansion of economic ties is the period from the 10th to the 15th century. Then a series of wars against the invaders begins. The Spaniards and the Portuguese conquer part of the coast, in 1844 France attacked a rich African country. By 1912, most of the territory was under the rule of the French, the rest was ruled by the Spaniards.

Only in 1956 the country becomes independent. In 1975, Morocco and Mauritania received from Spain its possessions in Western Sahara. Mauritania soon renounced its share and all former Spanish lands became part of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Attractions

The rich cultural heritage of the country attracts many tourists. Particularly interesting are the cities that were once the capitals of the Kingdom. The most interesting architectural monuments have been preserved here. In the current capital of Rabat, there are many museums, the famous Andalusian gardens, the mausoleum of Muhammad V, the ancient fortress of Kasbah Udaya.

The city of Marrakech is famous for its stunning beauty of palaces and mosques. The incomparable Fez is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world. It has over 800 mosques, a mausoleum and a former royal residence.

The Kingdom of Morocco is one of the most interesting African states with unique climatic conditions and recreational resources. With magnificent resorts and a developing economy, the country can take a leading position on its continent.

Morocco photo

“The Kingdom of Morocco is a state in North Africa,” Wikipedia says. What do you know about this country? Ripe tangerines, endless dunes and herds of camels... In fact, the landscape of the country fully reflects its character - diverse and contrasting. The Maghreb (as the locals say about their homeland) is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Mediterranean Sea - in the north. The ridge of the Atlas Mountains stretches almost across the entire country, and only in the extreme south can one touch the sands of the Sahara. What else can surprise us this distant African country?

In Morocco (read - Africa), snow is a common thing

It snows in Morocco in winter. Some places even have ski resorts.

In the homeland of the most delicious tangerines in the foothills in winter, you will not surprise anyone with snow. The locals make snowmen no worse than ours. And in the north-west of the state, 75 km from the sultry (in summer) Marrakech, there is even a Ukaimden ski station where you can go down from the snowy slopes not only on skis, but also on sleds and snowboards. Further north, entire cities are covered with snow. Due to the powdered snow roofs and its distinctive architectural style in the winter season, the Moroccan city of Ifrane looks like a Swiss foothill town.

This is a modern country

Neighborhood of the city of Tetouan, in northern Morocco

"Africa = poverty and underdevelopment" is a myth. Morocco has excellent roads, including an ever-expanding network of toll motorways (two lanes in each direction and a speed limit of 120 km/h).

Banks and mobile communication centers actively use the function of electronic queues, and utility bills for electricity and water are generated automatically based on meter readings and sent to addresses without bothering residents with calculations and registration.

Due to the lack of gas and oil fields, the government is actively developing alternative energy sources. Last year, King Mohammed VI inaugurated the first fragment of a solar energy concentrator in the Sahara. It is planned that by 2020, when all three parts of this installation will work, the kingdom will be able to provide up to half of its electricity needs from such a natural energy source. This high-tech structure of 500,000 12-meter mirrors is clearly visible even from space and in the coming years will become the largest solar station in the world.

Most of the inhabitants of the country are Berbers, not Arabs, and they now have the year 2967

Most Berbers today live in the mountains

Although Morocco belongs to the Arab countries, according to various sources, about 60% of the Moroccan population are Berbers. The word "Berbers" in relation to the North African ethnic groups has been used in Europe since the 17th century. The Berbers are a very heterogeneous ethnic group. Only in Morocco you can meet Rifians, Tamazikhs and Slohs. They have their own culture and language. It is believed that the Berber script existed for more than 2000 years ago, so it is not surprising that according to the calendar, the Berbers now have 2967 outside the window (although the kingdom itself officially lives according to the common chronology for the entire planet). Since 2011, in Morocco, Tamazikh (Berber) has become the official language along with Arabic.

Morocco is closer to Europe than we think

Ceuta is located on the northern coast of Morocco, directly opposite Gibraltar.

The narrow 14-kilometer strip of Gibraltar separates Africa and Europe. Standing on the African coast of Morocco, you can easily watch the movement of cars in European Spain. And two Spanish enclaves (the cities of Ceuta and Melilla) are located on the territory of the kingdom itself. So you can get to Europe with a Schengen visa without leaving Morocco.

The oldest university in the world is located here

Al-Qarawiyyin University is one of the spiritual and educational centers of the Islamic world

Since 859, a university has been operating in Fez, founded by the daughter of a Tunisian merchant, Fatima. This oldest institution of higher education in the world bears the name of her family - Al-Karaouine. Diplomas in the traditional European sense began to be issued here only in 1947, but within the walls of Al-Karaouine such famous philosophers and scientists as Ibn Khaldun, Maimonides, Al-Idrisi, Lion of Africa gained knowledge at different times. Presumably, Pope Sylvester II studied mathematics here.

Argan oil is produced only in Morocco

Argan oil production

Argan oil (or liquid gold as it is often called) is produced from the seeds of the prickly argan tree exclusively in Morocco, but has already gained connoisseurs around the world. Today, even major cosmetic brands have launched special lines for hair and skin care based on argan oil, and its popularity is not surprising. By its properties and even production technology, which has not yet been automated, it is unique. To obtain 1 liter of argan oil, it is necessary to process about 50 kg of fruits (from about seven trees). First, the argan fruits collected from the tree are dried in the sun, then they are cleaned of fibers, after which, breaking the shells of the fruit seeds with a stone, they extract the same argan seeds, from which argan oil is obtained using a mechanical press (it is worth noting that only the process of obtaining nucleoli from the seeds of the argan fruit requires about 12 hours of hard physical labor).

In addition to cosmetic products, argan oil is added to food. Ground almond paste with the addition of argan oil in Morocco is served during tea parties.

Moroccan Sultan Ismail is considered the most large father in the world

The legendary Sultan Moulay Ismail

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the legendary Sultan Moulay Ismail, who ruled Morocco from 1672 to 1727, is recognized as the largest father in history. The energetic ruler, who had a harem of half a thousand concubines, is credited with a record number of heirs - 888 (700 of which are boys). At the same time, the French diplomat Dominique Busno, who arrived on a visit to the Sultanate in 1704, claimed that the ruler at that time had 1,171 children.

First travel blogger - Moroccan

Ibn Battuta

Few people know that the first travel blogger was born in the distant 14th century in Morocco. The northern city of Tangier became the cradle of the author of the works “A gift to those who contemplate the wonders of cities and wonderful wanderings” Ibn Battuta. Battuta began his lifelong travels at the age of 22. And for 28 years he visited North and West Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India and China, Andalusia, Turkey, Iraq and Iran, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. “Traveling leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a better storyteller,” said Ibn Battuta. The name of the famous fellow countryman in Tangier is named after the airport.

There are good salaries and reasonable prices.

The price level here is lower than in neighboring Spain

A doctor in the Kingdom of Morocco is perhaps one of the most respected and prestigious professions. And this is expressed not only in relation to the population, but also in the corresponding material remuneration for the work of the followers of Hippocrates. So, the salary of a young doctor in state medical institutions is not less than €800. According to 2016 data, the average salary in the public sector per month is about €750.

At the same time, a liter of gasoline in Morocco fluctuates within €1, for electricity they pay about €1 per 10 kWh, water is estimated at €3.5 per 10 m³. (For comparison: in neighboring Spain, gasoline - €1.2, €1.5 - for 10 kWh, water supply - €10 for 10 m³). A liter of milk can be bought in Morocco for €0.8, a liter bottle of olive oil for €5, a dozen eggs for €1.2, and a kilogram of chicken or ground beef will cost €4.4 and €8, respectively. Property is expensive in Morocco, but there is also the so-called "social housing" (a small apartment with two bedrooms and a living room can be purchased for €28,000 - 30,000).

A huge number of popular films and series are filmed in Morocco

Favorable climatic conditions and the beauty of local landscapes made venerable directors look towards the Maghreb. Starting with the legendary film of the 60s "Lawrence of Arabia", hundreds of films come to life here every year. And created in 1983 in the vicinity of the city of Ouarzazate, the Atlas film studio with an area of ​​​​20 hectares is by far the largest in the world. It was here that the films "Gladiator", "Alexander", "Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra", "007: Spectrum" and even the third season of the cult TV series "Game of Thrones" were filmed.

When you travel to Morocco, the best places to visit are the imperial cities of Marrakesh, Fes and Meknes. Here you will find beautiful bazaars, palaces and bustling city blocks.

Morocco is also famous for its beaches, some of the best are in the cities of Essaouira, Tangier and Asilah.

Morocco is a place of natural beauty. You can rent a camel and trek across the Sahara, climb North Africa's highest peak, or stay in a traditional Kasbah in the charming Dades Valley.

We bring to your attention 10 "top" cities in Morocco:

1. Marrakesh is a city interesting for tourists with its rich history

Nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the imperial city of Marrakesh is big, bustling, beautiful and full of history. The main events take place in Djemaa el Fna Square. The Saadi Tombs, the Majorelle Gardens and the souqs are also worth seeing. Staying in a traditional Riad will really make your visit to this city fascinating.

2. Fes is a popular tourist city in Morocco

The Arab world's most complete medieval city, Fes is a strange and inviting mix of middle ages, in keeping with the modern world. It's worth spending a few days there. See the Merenid Tombs, the Royal Palace, and the Mellah (Jewish Quarter). Fes was the capital of Morocco for 400 years and is still considered the religious and cultural center of the country.

3. Essaouira - a tourist city with beaches

This is one of the favorite cities for tourists who want to get away from the heat and bustle of big cities. Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley vacationed on the local beaches in the 1960s. Relaxation here includes walking through the narrow streets of the city, beautiful houses filled with red and blue paintings, ramparts, the beach and listening to traditional Gnawa music.

4. Chefchaouen is a beautiful city in the mountains, very popular with tourists

Nestled in the mountains, this is a small town with beautiful scenery. Very popular among travelers (perhaps because it is the "capital" of hashish). Here you can go hiking, swim in streams, drink invigorating drinks in the main square of the city (Aouta el Hamam) and enjoy the beauty of white houses with brightly painted doors.

5. Merzouga - a tourist city in the desert

Merzouga is a small town that is a few steps away from the impressive sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, which are the largest dunes in Morocco. It’s incredible that you don’t even need to go anywhere, you can walk to the very real Sahara desert! In Merzouga you can rent camels to go to the desert and feel like a real Bedouin. The landscape around Merzouga evokes classic images of the Sahara Desert and will not disappoint.

6. Jebel Toubkal - visit Africa's highest peak

It is the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 m (13,667 ft). It belongs to the Atlas Mountains, located 60 km south of Marrakesh in the Marrakesh National Park. Jebel Toubkal is relatively easy to climb, and the view from there is wonderful. In good weather, you can even see the beginning of the Sahara Desert.

7. Meknes is one of the best imperial cities in Morocco

It is a small city that has preserved the imperial history. The main attractions here are well-preserved bazaars, which can be easily navigated without a guide. The imperial city, built by Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, is a showcase of Moroccan architecture. This is a set with huge gates and impressive carvings. Next door are the ruins of the Roman Volubilis, so a trip to Meknes is well worth the money spent.

8. Dades Valley - the best scenery in Morocco

The valley runs between Jebel Sahro and the high Atlas Mountains in Morocco and offers several picturesque landscapes to tourists. Deep red cliffs flanked by impressive Kasbahs - traditional Moroccan built forts. The best way to appreciate the beauty of the valley and the Berber settlements is to walk to Tord's Pastures and Dades Gorge. Several Kasbahs have been turned into hotels where you can stay if you wish.

9. Tangier - Gateway to Africa

It is the gateway to Africa for many travelers. So far, the city doesn't have the charm it had in the 1940s and 1950s, when you could talk live with Truman Capote, Paul Bowles and Tennessee Williams. But still, there is something to see here: Medina, Kasbah and the Big City are worth your attention.

10. Asilah is a popular city with beaches

An amazing city located on the Moroccan North Atlantic coast. It is very popular among Moroccan vacationers, as it attracts with the beauty of its beaches during the summer months. The houses here are mostly painted white or decorated with beautiful frescoes, which makes the city look like Ancient Greece. Every summer a cultural festival is held here. Other notable innovations include small tea shops, ramparts and a medina.

A distant country of sunset ... That's what they called Morocco many years ago the inhabitants of this country were Berbers. In Arabic it sounds like a mysterious spell: Al Maghrib al Aqsa. Arriving in this African kingdom, you find yourself in a fairy tale. Watching the rapid sunset that looks like an orange orange, breathing in the smells of spices and the ocean, admiring the bright blue sky over cities that retain the atmosphere of deep antiquity, tasting mint tea and walking through the intricate cramped streets of the medina, or old city, you understand that Morocco - one of the most exotic places in the world.

From the north, this blessed land is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west - by the raging waves of the Atlantic. The capital of the Kingdom of Morocco is Rabat. Now Morocco is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations. Morocco has it all: a king descended from the Prophet Mohammed, ancient fortresses, chic hotels that attract the wealthy, the eternal sands of the Sahara, goats that can climb trees like cats to feast on the fruits of the argan, a unique tree that grows only here. , oriental bazaars, languid beauties, snow-white Atlas Mountains and a constant feeling of celebration.

How it all started

Actually, the whole history of the country consists of clashes between the indigenous population of Morocco - the Berbers - with the conquerors from the north and east. The Phoenicians were the first to pay attention to a tidbit of land near the sea, they appeared here in the 12th century BC. e., looked around in a businesslike way and decided that there was no better place for their settlements. Then Carthage drew attention to the ready-made colonies, after some time they aroused interest among the Romans, who gave this area a sonorous name. Mauritania Tingitana. The Romans held out here until 429. For a hundred years, the Berbers lived quietly until Byzantium heard about the western African lands.

After the Byzantines, power over the territory of modern Morocco passed to the Arabs. In the 11th-13th centuries, under the rule of the Almohad dynasty, Morocco was the greatest state to which the countries of North Africa and Southern Europe were subject. The Almohads did not last long on the throne. Without the strong hand of the ruler, the vassal principalities began to express discontent and rebelled against Morocco. The empire crumbled like a house of cards. Sultans were replaced on the throne, and only one of them - Ahmed al-Mansur al-Dhahabi - managed to revive his country in the 17th century. The next two centuries were quite tense for the people of Morocco. Many villages were dominated by pirates, who for a long time were kings and gods of the Mediterranean Sea. And in 1859-1912, both Spain and France considered the territory of this African country to be theirs. And only in 1956, France declared the independence of this kingdom, in April, Spain joined this decision, however, it left behind a couple of cities: Ceuta and Melilla.

Now Morocco is a country in which everything is done for the convenience of tourists.

Country for tourists

Around the 1960s, the Moroccan government realized that the potential of a country that has access to the sea and ocean, and also provides the opportunity to see historical and cultural monuments of distant antiquity, is very high. In 2010, a program was developed, according to which optimal conditions are created for the reception, accommodation and provision of tourist services to all visitors. The result of these efforts is visible to the naked eye: over the past year, Morocco has discovered more than 10 million tourists from other countries. The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism plans to at least double these figures by 2020. Considering that almost everyone who has visited this country is going to come there again, and also tells all friends and acquaintances about paradise in North Africa, then such goals are quite achievable.

The tourism sector is considered one of the most profitable in the Moroccan economy. A very large percentage of the local population is employed in the tourism business.

By car in Morocco

Autotourism is quite developed in Morocco. Thousands of travelers who come to this country prefer to move between cities not by public transport, but by rented car. Ideal conditions have been created for this: the road network covering the country has 1.5 thousand km, while the road surface is impeccable, which is rarely seen in Africa.

Going on a trip to Morocco, you need to be prepared for a sudden change in landscapes. One day of travel through the territory of this African state can take you from winter to summer. In the Atlas Mountains, it is usually snowy all year round, but in the settlements in the Sahara Desert it is always hot.

Entertainment for every taste

The high mountain ranges, which seem like an amazing sight on the African continent, offer a lot of entertainment for the most demanding tourists, up to skiing all year round. The village of Merzouga is famous for its unusual landscapes, reminiscent of Martian ones. Here you can ride all-terrain vehicles on the huge red dunes. When the sun sets, it seems that the world around disappears, and only these sandy hills that have seen eternity remain.

There are often mirages in the Moroccan desert. These optical illusions appear in very hot air and make a lasting impression. Real travelers believe that every tourist must see a mirage in the desert once in a lifetime.
Among visitors who prefer a beach holiday, Morocco is famous for its Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
The most famous resort of this state is Agadir- a place of "pilgrimage" for both foreigners and wealthy Arabs. Even a prince from Saudi Arabia bought an estate here with a zoo and a marina. Agadir is famous for its nightlife and free morals: on the streets you can meet a frightened Arab woman wrapped up to her eyes in a black robe, and a girl in a miniskirt. Casinos, restaurants, souvenir shops are reminiscent of any European resort, but you still have to look for beaches like here! A wide beach with soft golden sand is 10 kilometers long and is the pride of Morocco. It is considered the most luxurious on the entire Moroccan coast. Add to this 300 sunny days a year and you will understand why this resort is so attractive for tourists.
It is good to relax in Agadir, sometimes making forays into the very heart of the country - the city Marrakesh, Fes, Essaouira because the real Morocco begins outside the tourist zone.

Souvenirs and gifts

Many Moroccan cities were created in ancient times, so the Romans, Spaniards, and Portuguese are remembered. All newcomers brought something new to the culture and life of the indigenous people of Morocco. Therefore, a modern traveler has the opportunity, studying ancient buildings, walking around the medina (old city), examining items in souvenir shops, to try to determine where the original Moroccan patterns and ornaments are, and where - alluvial. Moroccan paintings are characterized by bright colors and patterns, which makes this country related to Ukraine and Russia.

As gifts, you can bring home textiles, clothing, unique hand-painted ceramic dishes, the likes of which you will not find in Europe. Various chased items are sold at local oriental bazaars: lamps that look like Aladdin's property, pots for brewing coffee. Of great interest are women's jewelry, made in oriental style, but having its own unique charm. An amusing souvenir will also be grandmothers - mules, decorated with national embroidery.

Holidays all year round or at what time of the year which cities of Morocco are better

There is something to do in Morocco at any time of the year. In winter, when you want outdoor activities and snow fun, you should go to Ifrane, which somehow subtly resembles the villages of distant Switzerland. In spring and autumn, it is better to go to the Mediterranean and Atlantic Moroccan resorts, as well as visit the ancient cities located in the interior of the country for this time. In recent years, it has been very popular Casablanca, which is called the economic capital of Morocco.

Here, too, there are well-maintained beaches, as well as stunning nightclubs where you can have a good time until the morning.
Summer is perfect for a lazy, unhurried vacation, during which you do not want to go anywhere and explore uncharted lands. Best place for summer time Tangier, where it is not as hot as in other resorts. Tangier is preferred by European travelers. It is located on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar, so getting there from Europe is easy. This amazing city has inspired many famous artists in the past. To see in the city what fascinated Henri Matisse and Eugene Delacroix, and maybe create your own masterpiece, all tourists can afford.

Leaving Morocco is sad. Many rich people (for example, Alain Delon, Madonna) bought houses there so that at any time they could watch the sunset, the most stunning on earth, with a glass of mint tea, breathe in the smell of the ocean and flowering orange trees, contemplate the leisurely movement of life. Is this not happiness?

We, mere mortals, cannot stay there forever. Therefore, when leaving, we swear to ourselves that we will return here at least one more time!