Morocco

Morocco (المغرب) is a diverse country in north-west Africa, known for its fascinating cities, the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. It combines Arab, Berber and European influences, which are reflected in its culture, architecture and cuisine and make it a unique holiday destination.

Morocco offers impressive geographical diversity, from the peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the endless sand dunes of the Sahara to the picturesque coasts of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Morocco is the only African country that has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It has a long coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in North Africa, perfect for surfing and relaxing.

The Atlas Mountains stretch over 2,500 kilometres through Morocco and offer hikers and nature lovers a breathtaking landscape.

There are four famous royal cities in Morocco: Fes (Fès) , Marrakech , Meknes (Meknès) and Rabat . These cities were the residences of various dynasties and impress with their rich history, architecture and culture.

The capital of Morocco is Rabat , where the seat of government is also located. The Moroccan monarchy is one of the oldest in the world.

Morocco has a population of around 37 million, made up of a diverse mix of Arab and Berber ethnicities. The official languages in Morocco are Arabic and Berber, while French is often used in administration and business.

Islam is the predominant religion in Morocco and the majority of the population are Sunni Muslims.

The country is known for its impressive kasbahs (fortresses) and riads (houses with courtyards), which reflect traditional architecture and Moroccan design. There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco, including the ancient city of Volubilis and the Ksar Ait Ben Haddou .

Morocco is often associated with the fairy tales from ‘1001 Nights’. The stories of djinns and adventurers lend the country a fairytale charm that stimulates the imagination.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is considered the country’s economic centre. The national currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

The Moroccan economy is based on agriculture, tourism, mining and the textile industry. Morocco is a leading exporter of phosphates and is one of the world’s largest producers.

Although the consumption of alcohol is legal in Morocco, there are cultural and religious restrictions as the country is predominantly Islamic. Alcohol is only available in tourist areas and some supermarkets (Carrefour). Consumption is only permitted in private rooms or in designated facilities.

Moroccan cuisine is world-famous and includes dishes such as couscous, tajine (stew from the tajine pot) and mint tea, which are known for their rich use of spices.

Morocco is known worldwide as the centre of argan oil production. It is obtained from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which is found exclusively in south-west Morocco, particularly in the argan forest around the cities of Agadir and Essaouira . Argan oil is used in skin and hair care as well as in the kitchen and is known for its positive effects on health and beauty.

In Morocco, legal traffic applies. The country has a well-developed transport network that makes travelling relatively easy and versatile. Entering the medinas (city centres) is generally prohibited and the police frequently carry out speed checks. For cost reasons, hire cars should be booked online in advance.

Shorter distances can be travelled by taxi (Petit Taxi or Grand Taxi). In addition to the minivans offered by travel agencies, intercity buses from companies such as CTM and Supratours are a cheap and popular way to reach smaller towns and rural areas. The state railway company ONCF operates a reliable rail network that connects the major cities.

Although the film ‘Sex and the City 2’ (2010) is set in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates most of the scenes were shot in Morocco. In Marrakech , the souk, the Hotel Amanjena , the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech (formerly the Taj Palace) and La Mamounia served as film sets. Some scenes were also shot in the desert near Merzouga and in the Atlas Studios .

Couscous: Couscous is a traditional Moroccan dish made from steamed durum wheat semolina, which is often served with vegetables, meat or fish. It is flavoured with aromatic spices such as turmeric, saffron and cinnamon and is considered a staple food and symbol of the community in Morocco.

Tajine: Traditional Moroccan dish prepared in a special clay pot (tajine). It consists of slow-cooked meat, vegetables, dried fruit and spices such as cinnamon, cumin and saffron. The tajine is known for its intense flavour and is often served with bread or couscous.

Harira: A traditional Moroccan soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and often meat such as lamb or beef. It is flavoured with spices such as turmeric, ginger and cinnamon and is a popular dish for breaking the fast, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Pastilla: Pastilla is a Moroccan puff pastry dish that combines sweet and savoury flavours. It is traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken meat, almonds, eggs and spices such as cinnamon and saffron. Dusted with icing sugar, it is a popular speciality at festivities.

Mechoui: Mechoui is a traditional Moroccan dish made from slow-grilled lamb. The meat is often cooked over charcoal or in a clay oven until tender and juicy. Served with spices such as cumin and salt, mechoui is a highlight at parties and special occasions.

Mint tea: Mint tea is the national drink of Morocco and is also known as ‘Moroccan whisky’. It consists of green tea, fresh mint and lots of sugar. It is served hot and symbolises hospitality and community. Mint tea is a central part of Moroccan culture and is enjoyed at any time of day.

Orange juice: Orange juice is a refreshing drink made from freshly squeezed, sweet Moroccan oranges. It is a popular refreshment, especially at markets and in cafés, and is appreciated for its intense flavour.

Buttermilk (Lben): Lben is a traditional Moroccan buttermilk with a slightly sour, refreshing flavour. It is often served with savoury dishes or as a thirst quencher on hot days and is an important part of Moroccan cuisine.

Moroccan coffee: Moroccan coffee is a strong, aromatic coffee that is often flavoured with spices such as cardamom or cinnamon. It is traditionally served in small cups and is a popular drink in Moroccan cafés, enjoyed alone or in company.

Rose water: In Morocco, rose water is extracted from the blossoms of the Damask rose and used as a refreshing drink or to flavour food. It is often mixed in small quantities with water or tea and is known for its floral, slightly sweet flavour.

Chefchaouen – The ‘blue city’ is famous for its blue houses and alleyways, which offer a unique photo opportunity. The town is picturesquely situated in the Rif Mountains and is an ideal place to relax and explore.

Fes (Fès) – Fes is the oldest of the four royal cities and is famous for its well-preserved medina (Fes el-Bali), one of the largest car-free zones in the world with over 9,000 narrow streets, traditional craft workshops and historic buildings.

Meknes (Meknès) – The royal city is known for its magnificent city gates, the monumental city wall and the impressive mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail.

Ruins of Volubilis – This ancient Roman city near Meknes offers a fascinating insight into Morocco’s Roman heritage with its well-preserved mosaics, temples and columns.

Hassan II Mosque – This impressive mosque in Casablanca is one of the largest in the world and is famous for its ornate design. Its minaret is the highest in the world.

Essaouira – Essaouira is a historic harbour town on the Atlantic coast, known for its well-preserved medina, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ‘City of Wind’ offers a unique blend of Moroccan and Portuguese architecture, a lively art scene and a relaxed atmosphere. Essaouira is also famous for its beaches, which are ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and for the annual Gnaoua music festival , which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Marrakech – Also known as the ‘Red City’ because of its reddish buildings, is known for its lively markets, magnificent palaces and the famous Djemaa el Fna (Jemma el-Fnaa) , a square full of jugglers, musicians, snake charmers, food stalls and juice stands. Marrakech is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Executions used to take place on this ‘Place of the Dead’.

High Atlas and Toubkal National Park – The Atlas Mountains offer breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails and, at 4,167 metres, the highest mountain in North Africa, the Djebel Toubkal (Jbel Toubkal) . A paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Ait Ben Haddou (Aït Ben Haddou) – The UNESCO World Heritage Site is an impressive adobe settlement on the edge of the Atlas Mountains that has served as the backdrop for numerous films and series, including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962), ‘The Mummy’ (1999), ‘Gladiator’ (2000), ‘Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra’ (2002), ‘Alexander’ (2004) and ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011).

Ouarzazate – Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Sahara and is known for its film studios (Atlas Studios and CLA Studios ) and the impressive Kasbah Taourirt , a historic fortress high above the desert.

Sahara Desert and the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi – The sand dunes of the Sahara near Merzouga are among the most beautiful desert landscapes in the world. Camel tours at sunset and overnight stays in traditional desert tents are unforgettable experiences.

Morocco has a varied climate that varies greatly depending on the region – from Mediterranean coasts to mountainous landscapes and the hot Sahara. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit most regions of Morocco.

Northern Morocco, including Fes , Meknes and the Rif Mountains , has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, humid winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the temperatures are pleasant and the landscape is in full bloom.

Along the coastal regions, both on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the climate is Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The best time to visit is from March to November, as the temperatures in summer are a pleasant 20 to 30 °C and remain mild in winter.

In the interior of the country, especially in cities such as Marrakech , the climate is continental with very hot summers and mild winters. The best times to visit Marrakech and similar places are spring and autumn, when temperatures are a pleasant 20-30°C. In the summer months, however, it can get very hot, often over 40°C.

The Atlas Mountains are characterised by an alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The spring and autumn months are ideal for hiking and mountain tours, while winter is ideal for winter sports such as skiing.

The Sahara desert with the well-known towns of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi has an extreme desert climate with hot days and cool nights. The best time to visit the desert is autumn and spring, when the temperatures are pleasantly warm during the day and the nights are cool. In summer, it can get extremely hot in the desert, with temperatures of over 45°C.