Holidays in Morocco. Morocco: what you need to know before your trip Holidays in Morocco description
Morocco is a unique country where you can surf in the ocean, ski in the mountains and roam the sands of the desert at the same time of the year. And also arrange photo shoots on the streets of cities painted in an unreal blue color, try to find a common language with the Berbers and desperately bargain in the bazaar for an unusual chest or a pair of fancy shoes. A trip to this mysterious region cannot be called budgetary, but it will more than pay off with the impressions received.
Fly to Morocco - about 7 hours by direct flight. Hotels should be booked in advance - the best options are sorted out instantly.
When is the best time to go
You can come for a bronze tan in early May and stay until the end of October: no rain is expected, the temperature will rise day by day and will peak in July-August: +28...+35 °C. From the middle of summer and throughout September, people swim in Morocco: the water in the sea warms up to +24 ° C, but the Atlantic Ocean remains cooler even in the heat. April and October are ideal for excursions: dry, sunny, without precipitation (unlike November and March, which are considered the rainiest).
Skiers flood Morocco in January-February: fluffy snow lies in the Atlas Mountains, and the thermometer shows -3 ... + 5 ° C. Surfers are never transferred to local resorts: from May to September, beginners catch a wave, from October to April - professionals.
Beyond the sun and the sea
A beach holiday in Morocco is more about sunbathing than about long swims. The lion's share of the country's beaches lies in the zone of the Atlantic Ocean, and its powerful waves and long low tides negate all the pleasure of swimming. But the coating is entirely fine sand, and the entry into the water is gentle.
You can soak your feet immediately in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic in Tangier. Dive - on the Mediterranean coast, for example, in Saidia or El Hoceim, but rocky bays are more common in this region. Notably to hang out they go to the beaches of Agadir or Casablanca.
Most of Morocco's beaches are municipal. Entrance is free, sunbed and umbrella rental - from 30 MAD.
Excursion rest
The main architectural treasures of the country are concentrated in its 4 imperial cities - Marrakesh, Meknes, Rabat and Fez. Colorful medinas with winding narrow streets and ancient mosques, noisy bazaars reminiscent of Ali Baba's cave, where you can find all the treasures of the world, ancient squares filled with snake charmers, fire swallowers, jugglers, sellers of spicy potions - all this is in each of these cities .
From the exclusive in Marrakesh - Bahia Palace, in Meknes and the surrounding area - the ruins of the Royal Palace and the ancient city of Volubilis, in Rabat - the Kasbah Udaya fortress, in Fes - the quarter of tanners.
One of the mandatory items of the "excursion" is tours to the Sahara desert. They usually start from the settlements of Mhamid El Ghizlane and Merzouga (500-600 km from Agadir and Marrakech). You should also definitely visit the movie capitals of Morocco - Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou, chosen by Hollywood (and not only) directors.
Casablanca will surprise you with the Hassan II Mosque - one of the largest in the world and the Arab League Park, Agadir - the Berber Museum, Tangier - the Museums of Ancient History and Moroccan Art, as well as the Pillars of Hercules caves.
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Surfing, diving and other outdoor activities
In search of the best waves, surfers travel along the entire Atlantic coast of Morocco, but stop for a long time near Agadir. Not far from it, in the villages of Tamrakht and Taghazout, the main local surf schools operate, arrange surf camps and just ride, and all year round. From May to September, the waves are lower here, the rest of the time - up to 10 m high.
An indispensable element of equipment for surfers in Morocco is a wetsuit, both in winter and in summer: the water in the ocean is cool. Also, don't forget a strong sunscreen.
Diving at local resorts is almost not developed. Good dive sites for amateurs can be found in the northeastern part of the country, in the Tetuan region. Professionals dive in the Strait of Gibraltar, but you should beware of strong currents there. Sea and river fishing for mackerel, white marlin, sea bass and even moray eels is very popular, as are yacht and whale watching cruises.
Morocco for kids
The country can hardly be called a paradise for children: the waves in the ocean are powerful, the sun is scorching mercilessly, the streets in the medinas are narrow, replete with stairs - there is no way with a stroller. The way out, if you really want to, is hotels with a huge territory, animation and children's pools. True, there may not be a menu for kids there, but diet food is often present.
The leader in the number of hotels with water parks is Marrakech. There is also a real oasis in the desert - Oasiria Park (Km 4 Route d'Amizmiz) with slides and pools. Agadir and Casablanca also have water parks Atlantica Parc (imi ouaddar،) and Tamaris Aquaparc (Route d'Azemmour Km 15, Dar Bouazza،) respectively.
The Rabat Zoo (off site in English), the Bird Park and the Crocodile Park (off site in English) in Agadir invite you to stare at the birds and animals. Of the amusement parks, children will be interested in Yasmine Fun Park in Casablanca (Residence Yasmine Signature Maarif Rue El Fourat), Palooza Land Dinosaur Park in Marrakesh (31 ° 40’06. 8 ° 00’51, Boulevard Allal Al Fassi). And in Ouarzazate, moviegoers of all ages will be interested in visiting the Cinema Museum (GPS coordinates: 30.921905, −6.898899) and CLA Studios Park (GPS coordinates: 30.941952, −6.986073), which houses the scenery for famous films shot in Morocco.
Prices
The most popular package tours in Morocco are Marrakech, Casablanca and Agadir. On average, a beach holiday for two in a 3-4 * hotel with a flight and breakfast in the high season will cost from 130,000 RUB (from 140,000 RUB if you need the first line). In the low season - almost two times less. Much more interesting are the author's tours, which may include a vacation on the coast, a trip to one or more imperial cities, a trip through the desert and climbing the mountains. They usually last from 10 days and cost from 95,000 RUB/person. Plus direct flight from 40 000 RUB/person. round trip. Prices on the page are for November 2019.
In the amount of 80 000 RUB/person. individual tours will cost, the participants of which will see the most relish, including the tannery quarter in Fez, real Berbers, the filming locations of the Game of Thrones and the most colorful streets of Moroccan cities. The cost is given without flights, meals and accommodation in hotels.
Solo travelers will save a little even if they go during the low season. Unless they can book not a package of 6 nights, but more or less, if desired.
Route 13.03.19 15 208 0
In 10 days you can drive half of Morocco.
This is one of the most colorful and photogenic Arab countries. It is good to walk along the narrow blue streets, bargain in noisy bazaars, look at ancient mosques and fortresses, swim in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
We have collected the main things about traveling to Morocco in one article. If you are going on a trip, take it with you. Details and nuances -
What will you learn
📌 Input
Where is: Northwest Africa.
How long to fly: average 7 hours.
When is the season: May - October.
Where to swim: in the west - in the Atlantic Ocean, in the north - in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea.
Average temperature in summer: in the north - +28 °C, in the south - +40 °C.
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD, Dh, د.م), equal to 6.87 R.
Time difference with Moscow: -2 hours.
✈️ Visa and travel
A visa for Russians in Morocco is not needed: upon arrival at the border, they will put a stamp in the passport.
Tickets with a transfer cost from 12,000 R. Connections are in Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam.
📍 Morocco Attractions
To Marrakech go for the atmosphere of the oriental bazaar and the old city. A popular attraction in the city is the Majorelle Gardens, once restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
Chefchaouen famous for the old part of the city: there all the houses are painted blue. Tourists wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the view of the city from the Spanish Mosque.
Fes known for leather workshops. There, leather is manually dressed, processed and dyed, in order to later make bags, slippers, wallets and bracelets out of it. The visit is free.
In Tangier you can wander around the old city, look at the big bazaar and go to the Kasbah. This is an ancient fortress in the very center of the city, it offers a beautiful view of the Strait of Gibraltar. The visit is free.
The fortress houses the royal palace Dar el Makhzeh, which operates as a museum. Entrance costs 10 dirhams (69 R). The museum exhibits many ancient archaeological finds dating back to the Neolithic period.
Rabat. The main attraction of Rabat is the Kasbah of Uday. This is an ancient fortress on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Inside it is a museum and Andalusian gardens. Entrance to the fortress and garden is free, to the museum - 10 dirhams (69 R).
💸 Money
Most places accept cash only. They will be needed to buy train tickets, bus tickets, pay for a taxi, buy fruit and eat at a cafe. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs. There are many in every city. There are money changers at the airport and at bank branches in the city.
Only a few hotels and restaurants accept cards, such as Clock Cafe in Fes and Rick's Cafe in Casablanca.
🇫🇷 🇪🇸 Languages
In addition to Arabic, French and Spanish are spoken in Morocco. Casablanca, Rabat and Fez have more French. In Tetouan and Tangier, mostly Spanish is spoken, and French is hardly understood. Both languages are spoken in Chefchaouen.
English is not well known in Morocco. Language problems do not arise only in restaurants and hotels.
🌵 Food
Restaurants
📌 On average, a dinner for two costs 200 dirhams (1374 R).
📌 In seaside towns, delicious fish and seafood. One dish will cost 150 dirhams (1030 R).
📌 Tajin is a traditional steamed meat and vegetable dish. The cost is from 120 to 160 dirhams (824-1099 R).
📌 Couscous is served only on Fridays: this is the custom. Together with him they bring a huge plate with meat or chicken, stewed vegetables, nuts and spices.
Cafe on the street
📌 It's cheaper and tastier there, but the dishes come with dirty forks, wasps and cats that climb on the table.
📌 Cash payment only.
Markets
📌 Fruits and vegetables are sold in the markets in the old town. Everything there is fresh and tasty.
📌 There are no price tags anywhere, you have to bargain.
📌 A kilogram of peaches costs 10-25 dirhams (68-171 R).
📌 Two kilograms of figs and half a kilo of cactus fruits will cost 20 dirhams (137 R).
Housing
In hotels clean, staff speaks english. Everything looks like Europe.
A double room costs 35-45 € (2625-3375 R). You can book at Booking.com.
Gift- Traditional Moroccan house. As a rule, it has three floors, several bedrooms, a kitchen and a roof terrace. Tourists book a room with a shared bathroom and breakfast. Basically, it's a hostel. Staying in a gift costs about 25 € (1875 R) per day.
Riad is the same gift, but much larger. It can be booked through Airbnb. A room with a private bathroom and breakfast will cost 40 € (3000 R) for two per day.
🚖 Transport
"Gran Taxi"
📌 Rides between cities and to airports.
📌 The taxi leaves as soon as the car is full. This usually takes 15 minutes.
📌 Prices for "Gran Taxi" are fixed. A taxi from Casablanca airport to the center costs 250-300 dirhams (1717-2610 R).
📌 The price does not change depending on the number of passengers in the car.
📌 It is better to negotiate the fare before you get into the car. Drivers often start to overprice at the sight of tourists.
"Petit Taxi"
📌 Travels only in cities.
📌 It is caught anywhere on the street.
📌 Each car has a counter. If the driver refuses to turn it on, agree on the price of the trip in advance.
📌 The cost should not be more than 20-30 dirhams (138-206 R) for a trip around the city for a distance of 5-10 km.
Bus
📌 There are two bus companies in Morocco: CTM and Supratours.
📌 All buses are modern and comfortable, there is air conditioning inside.
📌 CM has more departure stations and more flights.
📌 A bus ride from Fes to Chefchaouen costs 80 dirhams (549 R) per person.
Trains
📌 Each carriage has air conditioning, and prices are close to Russian ones.
📌 Tickets can be bought in advance on the website of the Moroccan railways ONCF or directly at the station. They only accept cash.
📌 Every train has first and second class.
📌 Second class tickets are sold to everyone - there is a chance that you will have to ride standing up.
📌 Ticket from Casablanca to Fez in first class costs 174 dirhams (1195 R), and a ticket to the second - 116 dirhams (796 R).
📌 Trains are often delayed by 1-3 hours.
💝 What to bring from Morocco
Argan oil is culinary and cosmetic. Good oil costs an average 500-600 dirhams (3435-4122 R).
Tagine- utensils for stewing meat. It is not always convenient to take it home: some tagines weigh up to 5 kilograms. But the meat in them is very tender. Usually such dishes cost 45 dirhams (300 R).
Amlu- sweetness based on argan oil with nuts. Packaging will cost 25-300 dirhams (171-2055 R) depending on the volume and composition. Markets are cheaper.
Saffron. Spices in Morocco are cheaper than in Europe and Russia, and the quality is better. One gram of saffron costs 50-70 dirhams (343-480 R ).
📱 Internet
Wi-Fi is available in hotels, private houses, cafes and restaurants. Often you need to ask the waiter for the password.
⚠️ Mentality
Morocco is a poor country. Locals often try to make money on tourists. Taxi drivers and sellers break the price, and passers-by offer to show the city or bring to the sights. It looks like a desire to help, but at the end of the journey the "guide" will definitely ask for money. Therefore, it is better to ask for directions from merchants: they usually do not require a fee.
🙅 Safety rules
Here are some things to keep in mind while on holiday in Morocco:
- Do not buy ready-made food in the market: they do not observe sanitary conditions there.
- Do not drink water from the tap and in fountains: you can get poisoned.
- Do not walk around the city at night.
- Keep track of things in crowded places.
- Girls are not recommended to wear short skirts and shorts. Suitable dresses, skirts below the knee, pants and tunics with long sleeves.
We all tried Moroccan tangerines, but, alas, not everyone was lucky enough to visit this interesting country with a rich history. Once its territory was much larger. Today, other modern states are located on it, such as Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, part of the Portuguese and Spanish territories.
What to expect as a solo traveler?
Let's figure it out. Let's start with a small selection of thematic articles.
Season by month
Morocco, on the one hand, is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and on the other hand, by the Atlantic Ocean, so the climate throughout the country is very diverse.
In winter, from the side of the Mediterranean coast, the average air temperature is +10 C ° - +13 C °. And from the side of the Atlantic Ocean it is not higher than + 5 C°. Perfect time for sightseeing.
In spring, the tourist season begins in the country. This time is also great for excursions, as it gets warmer during the day, the average temperature is +20 C° - +23 C°, however, the nights are still cold, the temperature drops to +10 C°. And the water warms up to +17 C°.
Are you planning a trip? That way!We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.
Summer is a great time for beach activities, as the temperature does not drop below +24 C° - + 32 C°, sometimes it rises to +37 C°. Water warms up to +24 C°.
If you catch an infection, then drink only bottled water from the supermarket.
If suddenly in Morocco you are invited to visit for a cup of tea, it is considered bad form to refuse. It will be possible to refuse the offered tea after the third cup. And one more thing, in no case do not blow on hot tea, by doing this you can offend your new friend. The aroma of tea should be inhaled and enjoyed.
If you are invited to eat, then be prepared for the fact that in the country it is customary to eat with your hands from one cup. And do not lean too much on bread, as it is considered a luxury.
In order not to get sunburned under the bright sun, be sure to take sunscreen with you, and just in case, if any part of the body tans badly, a tube of panthenol.
And one more thing, if you dine in a restaurant, about 15% will be added to your bill.
TOURIST ANSWERS:
For many years, Morocco has been in great demand among tourists from different countries. Relatively recently, this direction has become popular among Russian tourists, thanks to carriers that have launched direct charter flights. Morocco really deserves to come here to rest - here is the highest level of service, comfortable hotels, ready to satisfy any whim of the most capricious and demanding guests. Many hotels provide spa services, thalassotherapy, which is especially popular with the beautiful half.
Also, it is worth noting the national cuisine: couscous, fried young lamb meat, marshmallow, marinated beef in sauce and much more. Not one dish will leave you indifferent.
The national dish is couscous.
Pros of living in Morocco
1. Visa-free entry into the country. In order to fly here on vacation, there is no need to obtain a visa, the country does not have any restrictions for tourists to enter its territory.
2. Favorable and comfortable climate for year-round recreation. However, for beach tourism in Morocco, it is better to come between May and October.
3. Rich excursion program. The country is rich in historical values, many of which are under the protection of UNESCO.
4. Great place for a beach holiday. Morocco has two coasts to choose from: the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
5. The opportunity to plunge into the oriental flavor, visit a large number of markets. The main center of trade is the city of Marrakech. What they don’t sell there, it is here that you can find something very rare and interesting. Or buy memorable souvenirs for home and gifts for friends.
6. Excellent conditions for surfers.
Cons of traveling to Morocco
1. The staff at the hotel speak little English, those who speak French will definitely be much easier to express themselves.
2. Most hotels do not have their own beaches, and therefore all equipment is purchased for an additional fee.
3. Once in the trade zone, you will definitely encounter annoying sellers, who are not always easy to get rid of.
4. Local cuisine is often very spicy, because Moroccans like to add a lot of spices to their dishes.
5. While in a hotel, you should definitely keep all valuables in a safe. The country of Morocco is quite poor, thefts among the staff are not excluded.
Helpful answer?
Morocco is one of the most beautiful and mysterious countries in the world. This is a country of deserts and fairy tales, with an ancient and rich history. In the west, Morocco is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, not in the north - by the Mediterranean Sea. And in the south, the country borders on the endless Sahara desert. Rest in this country can only be compared with a complete immersion in an Arabian fairy tale with palaces. And tourists can enjoy this traditional Arab exotic without leaving civilization in comfortable conditions. But until quite recently it was a closed country. But now its inhabitants have hospitably opened their doors and are glad to everyone. Tourists are waiting for such ancient cities as Fes, Tangier, Rabat and Marrakech.
This country has unusual natural conditions that leave no one indifferent. In addition, Morocco has a beautiful and varied landscape. This is explained by the fact that the country is located on the border of different natural zones - the sea and the desert. In Morocco, tourists go not only for a beach holiday, but many are also attracted by the opportunity to study the history of the country and see the sights. And shoppers will also find what they want in Morocco. Trade in this country usually happens in the markets. These are real oriental bazaars, where the eyes run wide from the assortment of goods. There you can buy ceramics, clothes, souvenirs and much more. Particularly impressive are walks through the bazaar to the sounds of adhan, which are heard from numerous mosques. And in different cities the range may vary slightly. But most importantly - everywhere you have to bargain to the last.
Agadir
There are several resorts in Morocco. The most famous is Agadir. 
It is located in the Su Valley on the Atlantic coast. But people go to Agadir not only to swim and enjoy the sun. Many tourists go surfing, golfing and horseback riding there. And in May there are even competitions in surfing and water skiing. In this resort town, the best beach in Morocco is about 6 kilometers long. It is from Agadir that the main excursion programs originate, especially trips to the south of the country.
But, of course, the main attraction and pride of Agadir is its amazing beauty of the beach. And although this is a Muslim country, you can walk in the city in ordinary European clothes.
Marrakesh
This city is one of the most attractive for tourists in Morocco. It is rich in history, sights and places of interest. 
One of the most famous and interesting sights is the Medina. As you know, this is an old city with narrow streets. Namely, the medina of Marrakesh is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This city is rich in its traditional markets. You just have to try not to get lost there.
Another interesting place in Marrakech is Djemaa el Fna square. This is the busiest place in the city. But during the day it is not very comfortable to be on it. Another thing is in the evening, when you don’t see anyone there - there are Moroccan women doing henna tattoos and acrobats and snake charmers. The best pastime on the square is to visit a cafe with a viewing platform, which offers a good view of the square. And there, eat delicious Moroccan dishes and watch people passing by.
The Ali Ben Yusuf Mosque is also interesting to visit. This is an ancient mosque, but appropriate clothing is required to visit it. 
You can also visit the madrasah, which is located at this mosque.
In Marrakech, you can't help but visit the Bahia Palace, which impresses with its luxurious architecture. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es9-qPOun48 The name translates as the Palace of the Beauty and despite the fact that it has only one floor, it is very intricate and large. In this palace, as if you find yourself in the fairy tale of Scheherazade, or as the Arabs call Scheherazade. There you can see very beautiful fountains and elegantly decorated walls and ceilings. Only the palace is completely uncomfortable, I would not want to live in it.
In the museums of Dar si Said, tourists can get acquainted with folk crafts. And also in Marrakesh you can visit very beautiful gardens and parks.
Rabat
To go to Morocco and not visit the capital of the country means to commit an unforgivable mistake. In addition to being the political, cultural and industrial center of Morocco, Rabat is also an ancient city located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The Moroccan capital strikes the imagination with its original architecture, which breathes both West and East at the same time. But Rabat has managed to maintain its national flavor despite the high status of the capital.
One of the most famous sights of Rabat is the Kasbah of Udaya. The fortress itself is located on a rock and actually the history of Rabat began from it. Although in appearance it is not very similar to the Arab structure. It was built by the Moors, and they are from Europe and are familiar with European architecture. It is very interesting to visit this fortress and even a guide is not needed.
And, of course, as in any Moroccan city, Rabat also has a Medina. But if I may say so, then this is the medina of all Moroccan medinas and a sample of what it should be like. Everything is very clean, beautiful and well-groomed. It can be used as an example for other cities.
In general, there are other attractions in Rabat. But even walking around this city you can see a lot of interesting things. For example, he is not as noisy as Casablanca, as if a little proud and arrogant. Still the capital. All signs and shop names are written in Arabic and French. Few people speak English there, and it seemed to me that this language is parallel in general. But the locals are generally quite friendly people. There are also very beautiful white buildings and wonderful fountains.
You can talk about Morocco for hours and sometimes it doesn’t fit in your head that this country is located on the black continent and it’s still Africa. This continent is very diverse and Morocco is one of its pearls, and very beautiful. You can come there again and again to enjoy the amazing beaches, walks in the desert and the noise of the incomparable medina. Many fall in love with this country and come there again and again.
