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traveling in Morocco

Ask about Where to learn about traveling in Morocco ?

Morocco, a land of authenticity and vibrant culture, is eager to share its riches with you. The Moroccan National Tourism Bureau (ONMT), which promotes and markets Morocco as a destination, has branches in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. ONMT on-site representatives will give you all the practical information you need for your trip.

Once you arrive in Morocco, we encourage you to visit or phone the headquarters
of the Moroccan National Tourism Bureau in Rabat.

The Regional Delegations and Regional and Provincial Tourism Boards found in Morocco's major cities will also be a precious resource for you.

Similarly, many hotel operators and travel agents will be pleased to provide documentation. Moroccan tourism professionals will spare no effort in helping you prepare for your trip and assisting you when you arrive on site.

History and geography

Its location at the intersection of Europe and Africa make Morocco a real crossroads bordered by the waters of the Mediterranean and open to the vast stretches of the Atlantic Ocean. This "farthest land of the setting sun" is rich in contrasts, a destination that beckons you to discover two millennia of history.

Here where influences converge, you will find vestiges of the great Mediterranean civilizations, such as the Roman ruins at Volubilis in the north and architectural works attesting to the old French presence in Rabat. Your curiosity will be piqued by the treasures of Muslim civilizations scattered throughout the rest of the country, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, the green expanses of the Menara gardens and many other examples of the myriad dynasties that succeeded one another.

The landscapes themselves are magnificent. Morocco features both sea and mountain and is home to the full range of Mediterranean climates, which surrender to the sands of the Sahara. The country serves up marvelous vistas that you will enjoy soaking in and discovering for yourself. With its mix of diverse, captivating panoramas and a rich kaleidoscope of culture, Morocco is an unbeatable destination.

Climat / Season

Morocco is a land of contrasts. Lapped by the water of the Mediterranean in the north and by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
to the west, it is also crisscrossed by the Rif and Atlas Mountains, which means the country is affected by a host of climatic influences.

The coastal regions are lavished with sunshine. The sun's rays are constant throughout the year and you can soak up their goodness in any season. Agadir, for example, is on the shores of the Atlantic. As the country's premier seaside resort town, it offers fans

of la dolce vita300 days of sun per year with mild temperatures and gentle breezes. Further to the north, Taghazout, Mogador

and Magazan are also worth a visit.

Because these are a bit further inland, their climate is less Mediterranean and more continental. The topography is more pronounced with splendid panoramas. This is where you find wide, open spaces where adventurers embark on treks and hikes in all seasons.

To the south, the country opens up to the vastness of the Sahara. Spring and fall are the best times to venture here. The sun gleams and reflects off the dunes in a sand-filled landscape. The desert expanses exude a sense of unreality. Climb atop a camel tofind yourself in one of the most beautiful scenes nature has ever made.

Administrative procedures

Formalities Passport, visa and length of stay
To avoid any problems when you arrive in Morocco, double-check to be sure you have a valid passport.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality.
For all nationalities, the maximum length of a tourism trip is 90 days.

Embassies and consulates
As you prepare for your trip, make note of the contact information for your embassy and consulates outside the capital.
You can go there to reissue your travel documents if they are lost and to get an array of advice (health, safety, etc.).

Each diplomatic mission usually has an emergency number to be used only if absolutely necessary. Most of the time there is a social services office to help you, even in an emergency.

Currency exchange
The currency in Morocco is the dirham. It cannot be exchanged outside the country's borders, so plan your currency exchange transactions and consider other forms of payment. There are currency exchange desks in the airports, some hotels and most banks. You will have to show your passport to exchange money.

Credit cards
Check with your bank to find out where you can withdraw cash using your credit card. Most banks in Morocco's major cities have ATMs. Exchange currency as you go. The vast majority of purchases and services are paid for in cash – afterbargaining, of course!

Transport in Marocco

Transit modes to get around in Morocco
With its colors, friendly people, customs and traditions, and characteristic architecture, Morocco is a place that compels
you to explore every last inch.

The national airline, Royal Air Morocco (RAM) operates many domestic flights. There are 18 airports to help you discover Morocco, from north to south! Visit www.royalairmaroc.com to learn more.

The rail network run by Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) covers the entire country and the Supratours bus company

takes over if your destination does not have a railroad station. Starting in 2018, a high-speed train will serve

the Casablanca-Tangiers route.

If you choose to travel by coach, the Compagnie de Transport Marocains (CTM) and other private companies offer comfort

and convenience for a pleasant journey.

Within cities, choose from taxis, buses and trams (in Casablanca and Rabat). Rates are regulated and all taxis have meters.

For a quaint ride, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage in Marrakesh or Taroudant.

If you decide to rent a car, there are plenty of agencies at your disposal. Cars drive on the right and most vehicles have manual transmissions. Road signs are in French and Arabic. There are national highways that run north-south to serve all of Morocco.

Morocco éco-responsable

Morocco offers up a vast variety of landscapes, ranging from beaches to mountains to desert to urban jungle. It is also a country where this diversity is matched by a real commitment to environmental principles.

Since the creation of the Moroccan Responsible Tourism Charter and the Moroccan Sustainable Tourism Awards, the country has been committed to ensuring its tourism industry is eco-friendly and sustainable with a series of standards. Each year, a growing number of businesses and tourist destinations in the country are recognized for their environmental responsibility.

To date, 13 Moroccan beaches have been awarded the Pavillon Bleu distinction. There are also many hotel and lodging facilities throughout the country that have earned the Green Key. All these eco-labels aim to highlight the environmental efforts of their owners.

When it comes to Energy, Morocco is also a stand-out with its high-profile Noor Power Station, the world's seventh thermodynamic solar power plant. This is a major public works project—though it is first and foremost Moroccan, it is also a world effort in terms
of expanding the use of renewable energy.

All these environmentally conscious efforts earned the city of Marrakesh the privilege of being chosen to host COP 22 in November 2016, another major challenge for the planet's environment.

Art of life Tradition is alive and well

Morocco has been around for thousands of years and has inherited centuries of tradition. And yet this kingdom is not the least bit frozen in time. It has a vibrant culture that is expressed each day in the little details that make up daily routines and habits,
as well as in celebrations and rituals. Spend some time here and soak up Morocco's irresistible lifestyle.

The best approach is to walk through her cities and villages and experience the narrow alleys of ancient neighborhoods.

This brings you close to the people: talk to them! They are certain to invite you to have a cup of Moroccan tea, a time-honored

ritual of hospitality and ceremony.

You should also experience day-to-day life. Morocco and its inhabitants espouse an enviable Mediterranean lifestyle that has been recognized by UNESCO. This lifestyle comprises practices, foods and symbols that bring pleasure to every day and are sure

to captivate you as well.

The kingdom loves its celebrations, which punctuate the calendar. One of the types of events that bring Moroccans together

are its famous moussems, festive religious events. Do not miss the Tan-Tan moussem, which is especially well known and has

been listed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage register since 2008. The Essaouira Gnaouas festival is also highly recommended. These gatherings are opportunities for you to interact with and immerse yourself in the different cultures that make Morocco

such a rich, diverse country.

This is but a glimpse of the myriad cultures that still thrive in Morocco. Work your way across the country and get to know these treasures of Morocco's intangible cultural heritage.

Modern Society

A modern society focused on the future
Through rooted in its traditions, Morocco offers all the conveniences of modern times

Morocco is a firmly future-focused country that has succeeded in preserving its traditions and promoting its cultural heritage
by harnessing them to drive development. The city of Marrakesh is a perfect example: the Medina district and its souks have

an unmatched old-fashioned charm, while Guéliz and Hivernage are decked out with the most modern infrastructure and facilities. Far from being in conflict, modernity and tradition together are what makes Morocco strong.

As a visitor, you will enjoy every modern convenience and pleasure. For your accommodations, Morocco is full of hotels in every price range from the major international chains. Plus it also has the biggest international ready-to-wear shops, which are taking advantage of the ideal opportunity for positioning in a fast developing country.

Morocco is striving to avoid the pitfalls of modern life, especially when it comes to the environment, by favoring tourism practices that are respectful of the Earth and local communities. As the author of a sustainable tourism charter and host of COP22, Morocco

is on the front lines to preserve our planet.

Morocco Travel Guides
Morocco offers a whole host of major cities, each with their individual character and charms. While Tangier’s beautiful buildings may captivate you, the souk at Marrakech

is sure to delight in a different way, gripping you with its allure. The great variety

of historical, cultural and leisure opportunities available in Morocco’s cities tempts

most travellers to visit more than one destination country-wide.

Agadir

This coastal city is one of Morocco’s most popular, with strings of bars, discos

and restaurants lining the waterfront. Although the newer parts of the centre are not altogether attractive and the beach is lacking, Agadir has a charm of its own that draws many visitors. The old Medina offers a glimpse back in time, with its fort, turrets and Portuguese-era walls. The industrial city produces large amounts of pottery, making

this the place to pick up your terracotta souvenirs. A stroll through the Colline

des Potiers (Potters’ Quarters) will reveal some fine examples.

Casablanca

Immortalised in Hollywood’s Casablanca, this is Morocco’s party resort, with nightclubs and bars lining the coast. The centre is modern while the old town offers more traditional delights and winding alleyways that you can easily lose yourself in. Characterised by wide boulevards and tall colonial houses, the city has some good markets. The Marche Central is the primary food and handicraft market and is great for exploration. Surfers and beach babes will love it here, with the beach attracting the crowds with its waves and golden sands.

Fez

Fez is Morocco’s medieval delight, with its ancient beauty mesmerising many visitors. Coming here is like stepping back in time, with the exception of the French-built Ville Nouvelle, which has more modern appeals. The Medina is rich with history, having been the cultural and religious centre of Morocco since as far back as the 10th century up until the French transfer of administration to Rabat. Residents of this city have a reputation

for their intelligence, with many Fassis being powerful government leaders.

This developed centre of learning will appeal to all sorts of visitors with its unique offerings.

Marrakech

Home to one of the most famous souks in Morocco, Marrakech is a highlight of most people’s visit to Morocco. In pastimes the city had significant status as a cultural

and political centre, and the architectural reminders of the city’s former kudos are

still evident, with the Koutoubia Mosque, Kasbah, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Saadian Tombs

and Place Jamaâ El Fna all being must-sees. The pre-Saharan Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou provides visitors with even more earthen architectural wonders.

Tangier

As one of the country’s busiest entry points, visitors flock to Tangier from Gibraltar

and Spain, with regular ferries servicing these routes. While the many tour groups and day-trippers that plague the town can be off-putting, Tangier has a number of attractions, with its port area, winding alleys, markets and cafés. While the snake charmers may have more luck charming their snakes than the tourists and the noisy streets are full of chaos, there is a magical appeal to this centre of trade that has caused a number of visitors, including famous ones, to set up home here after becoming awe-struck with its beauty. Visit the souks for some real bargains.

Discover Historic Meknes
A must for historians and archaeologists, this ancient capital dates back to the 11th century. Its Spanish-Moorish architecture and walls are still partially intact, providing some excellent photo opportunities.

Visit Essaouira

With an interesting port area and excellent surf at the beach, visitors can wander

through the streets of Essaouira and get a taste of this friendly and busy city.

It is host to the annual Gnawa festival and many foreigners are attracted by its pretty

white-washed buildings with blue shutters, while there are also a few small art galleries here for those with an eye for Moroccan art.

Explore Ancient Salé

Situated across the estuary from Rabat, this town contains some of Morocco’s oldest monuments. The ancient leftovers of the Almohad dynasty can be explored on foot, with these architectural reminders sure to leave you with a lasting impression. Local beaches provide a pleasant alternative for those with little interest in the local history.

Explore Roman Volubilis

Volubilis was once the capital of Mauretania and an important Roman military outpost, with its beginnings dating back to the 3rd century BC. Extensive ruins remain, including

a well preserved Roman gate, making it possible to imagine the city’s former glory.

Wash the dust off

Wash the dust off after a hard day’s sightseeing at a public hammam. Similar

to a Turkish bath, these are social places to come and get clean, ideal for those travellers who are covered in a coat of Moroccan dust. Bathers warm themselves up in a heated room, similar to a sauna, before entering an even hotter room prior to jumping into a cold tub. This process is then followed by a scrub down by one of the attendants and a period of relaxation in a tepid room. A Moroccan institution – the hammam are not to be missed.