Morocco, on the north western coast of Africa, is a country with vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains and a government that is one of the most stable in Africa. The Moroccan government has a well organised tourism department that welcomes visitors to enjoy the natural and cultural attractions in the country.
Morocco through the Ages
The ancient cultural attractions include Roman and Islamic sites. Over the centuries, many different cultures and civilizations have lived in Morocco and had an impact on the society. The 16th century walls that enclosed Essaouira in western Morocco can still be seen as well as the 9th century town of Meknes with the famous Bab el-Khemis Gate and the Agdal Gardens. Near Meknes is Volubilis which has a roman archaeological site.
The University of al-Karaouine, established in 859, is considered by UNESCO to be the oldest continuously active university in the world. Located in Fes, it was vital for the spread of knowledge during the middle ages between the Islamic world and Europe. Most of the maps that helped the early explorers during the Age of Discovery came from a cartographer who most probably worked in the university during the 12th century. Influential scholars from both the Muslim and Jewish communities have an academic history in Al-Karaouine.
The Famous Cities
Casablanca, on the Atlantic Ocean, is the largest city in Morocco and its primary port. It is also the industrial centre of the country and home of the Royal Moroccan Navy. The Hassan Il Mosque has the tallest minaret in the world and is the third largest mosque in the world. It is located on a small cape on the Atlantic Ocean. Casablanca Cathedral, built in 1930, no longer functions for religious purposes, but is a splendid example of Moorish Revival architecture and borders Casablanca’s largest public park.
Tangier is on the northern coast where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean on the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. Starting from the 5th century BC, Tangier has been the location for many different civilizations. With a new Mediterranean port, city centre and stadium for some of the 2015 African National Cup championship football games, this city is fast adding international status to its already impressive historical characteristics. Tangier had a profound impact on American and European artists and writers throughout the 20th century.
Marrakesh is in south western Morocco near the foothills of the majestic Atlas Mountains. With an old fortified city as well as modern areas, it has the largest souk or traditional market in Morocco. It also has Djemaa el Fna, the busiest square in the world. At night the square becomes a huge open-air restaurant with food stalls serving the delicious traditional cuisine and local Moroccan dishes.
The Mountains
The Atlas Mountains reach from Morocco to Algeria and Tunisia. The highest peak, Toubkal, is in south west Morocco at 13,671 feet. The plant and animal species that developed in these mountains are unique in Africa. The Middle, Anti-Atlas and High Atlas mountains are in Morocco.
Ifrane in the Middle Atlas area is called Little Switzerland. It has a ski resort and was a hill station where the French colonialists escaped the heat of the city during the summer months. There is also a Royal Palace built for Sultan Muhammad. It is called a garden city because it was designed in a Western European style, and many trees and flowering plants were imported to give the colonials a feeling of their home country.
With snow from November to April, the ski resorts of the High Atlas Mountains are within 60 miles of Marrakech. There are also many charming and ancient villages clinging to the foothills and sides of the hills as well as excellent trekking opportunities throughout the beautiful mountains and deep gorges.
The Beach
One of the most popular holiday destinations is the pristine beaches of Morocco. Agadir, located on the Atlantic Ocean near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, has several popular beaches for Europeans. North of the city there are dozens of clean beaches and they continue up the coast. This is the city where the night life is the most exciting and where Europeans like to gather.
On the Mediterranean Sea beneath the red crags of the Rif Mountains is the wild coast of Morocco also with many beautiful beaches. There, visitors find Chefchaouen with blue buildings and red tiled roofs beneath the peaks of the Rif Mountains, and Fes considered the true heart of Morocco.
There is such diversity and contrast possible for Morocco Holidays including the beach and water sports, mountain trekking, camel caravans in the entrancing Western Sahara and all the friendly locals who make each person feel welcome. It is an inexpensive holiday destination with resorts, boutique hotels, villas and riads for every type of budget.
