Moroccan Delights

Cliona Elliott,

Correspondent (Travel)

 

Situated at the north-west of the continent Morocco is the gateway to Africa.  But due to its rich cultural history Morocco also charms the senses with exotic flavours and traditions of the Middle-East, along with a sophisticated French atmosphere along the coastal towns. Home to the native Berber people since the second millennium and invaded by the Arabs in 670 AD, Morocco is a very religious country, with Islam being practiced by 99% of the population. It is easy to see that their faith is a significant influence on the Moroccan way of life.

With sandy beaches, world-class surf, the famous Atlas Mountains, vibrant and hectic cities such as Marrakech and also home to a portion of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is the perfect travel destination for people of all ages and budgets.

If you’re a city person, head to Marrakesh. Here you will be overwhelmed by sounds, smells and tastes in a buzzing atmosphere that floats around the city all day every day. By day you can hop on a tourist bus, take a horse and carriage or walk around the city sights. These include Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque and Jardin Majorelle. By night head to the Jemma el-Fnaa, a huge square in the old medina where the city comes alive with Moroccan street food, snake charmers, story tellers, dancers and live music.

For those who prefer the steady pace of life by the coast, head to Essaouira. Jimi Hendrix loved it here, and it’s not hard to see why. Though it’s dubbed ‘windy city’, the heat and excitement of the people isn’t as intense as Marrakesh and makes it perfect for those who want to see where the day may take them. The shopping is also excellent here, and there is more sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail and quality. Essaouira is also home to a vibrant music scene, and hosts the Gnaoua International Music Festival every year in June.

Morocco’s west coast is an international surfing destination attracting surfers from all over the world. Taghazout is a lovely, lazy surf village twenty minutes from Agadir, where the only thing you have to worry about is making sure you apply the sun cream. High season is October to April when the waves get pretty big but for those who are less confident riding the waves, you can do yoga on the beach, go paddle boarding or laze around in your hostel or riad sipping mint tea and chatting to the friendly locals.

Wandering around the windy ramparts of Essaouira, stopping off for some mint tea in a local café and haggling for a carpet in the chaotic souks, you will see unusual sights and meet people (locals and tourists alike) from all walks of life. You will find yourself being enthralled by the culture, and don’t be surprised when you see whole families on motorcycles in Marrakesh, or goats in trees (yes, really). You will leave Morocco (with a sad face because you want to stay) and you’ll be hungry for more. Morocco is a country that you’ll be fascinated by and will stay with you forever.

Morocco fact file:

Population: 30,704,000

Capital: Rabat

Area: 710,850 square kilometers (274,461 square miles)

Language: Arabic, Berber dialects, French

Religion: Islam

Currency: Moroccan Dirham

Image Courtesy: Mark Fischer (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fischerfotos/7458128554/sizes/o/in/photostream/);  Wikimedia Common (By Lionel Leo); Wikimedia Commons (Hassan Ingram)