Visiting Morocco
If Casa Marroc has given you a taste of Morocco, why not visit the country in person. We love Morocco (hence the theme for our B&B) and know you will love it too.
Visiting Morocco is easy, and you will find information at Casa Marroc about how we can help arrange your visit, or take a look at our Moroccan partner's website, MAROC-TOURS.NET
Below is a little information to whet your appetite.
A Brief Guide
Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range, which leads to the fertile plains and sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3000m (9850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. The ports of Ceuta (Sebta) and Melilla on the north coast are administered by Spain.
Morocco is the fourth most populous Arab country, after Egypt, Sudan and Algeria. Most Moroccans are Sunni Muslims of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber stock. The Arabs invaded Morocco in the 7th and 11th centuries and established their culture there. Morocco's Jewish minority has decreased significantly and numbers about 7,000 (See History of the Jews in Morocco). Most of the 100,000 foreign residents are French or Spanish; many are teachers or technicians and more and more retirees, especially in Marrakesh.
Tangier
More than any other city, Tangier has been Morocco’s face to the world for more years than anyone cares to remember. For half the 20th century, it was home to a shotgun marriage between Western powers who controlled the port via dubious international council. Today, Tangier is an ageing libertine propped up languidly at a bar, having seen it all.
The brigade touristique (tourist police) has cracked down on Tangier’s legendary hustlers, but the city is not altogether hassle free. If you take it head on and learn to handle the hustlers, you’ll find it a likable, lively place. The nightlife is vibrant, the population is cosmopolitan and the cultural vibe is infamous.
Fes
The medina of Fès el-Bali (Old Fès) is the largest living medieval Islamic city in the world. Nothing quite prepares you for your first visit, which can truly be an assault on the senses. Its narrow winding alleys and covered bazaars are crammed with shops, restaurants, workshops, mosques, madrassas and extensive dye pits and tanneries – a riot of sights, sounds and smells.
Marrakesh
Capital of the south and epicentre of Moroccan tourism, Marrakesh is changing fast. Once the hub of camel caravans from the south, Marrakesh remains exotic, but just as Moroccans craved modern housing, Europeans arrived dreaming of old houses in the heart of the medina. This happy exchange has transformed the place, bringing money and work to a city that lives off its looks and its wits.
The looks are still there, as the first glimpse of its 16km-long, time-worn ramparts confirm. And some things have remained – the Djemaa el-Fna and the area around remains the beating heart of the city and the greatest souq in the south.
Essaouira
The laid-back attitude, plum accommodation, artsy atmosphere, bracing sea breezes and picture-postcard ramparts make Essaouira a firm favorite on the traveller’s trail. It’s the kind of place where you’ll sigh deeply and relax enough to shrug off your guarded attitude and just soak up the atmosphere.
Getting There
Trains depart 6 times daily from Ronda (45 minutes by car) to Algeciras, and cost as little as 7€ per person one-way. They journey time is between 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Ferries to Tangier leave Algeciras more than 4 times daily.
If you don't want to go it alone, you can use the services of MAROC-TOURS.NET. In the careful hands of Gina, you'll have nothing to worry about. Take a look at her website, which has plenty of information on her services and what there is to see and do in Morocco.