Morocco resort information

Agadir

Agadir is very different from any other city in Morocco because it is much more modern. It was built after the tragedy of the earthquake in1961. It was then rebuilt as a totally different city with different culture and architecture from the rest of the country. It is not as traditional or oriental as the rest of the country but it has fantastic beaches to visit and many tourists target it every year.

Today, Agadir is an important fishing and commercial port, the first sardine port in the world. It is also a famous seaside resort with a long sandy beach. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, Agadir is not a typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town. Agadir is famous for its sea food and agriculture.

A main feature to visit in Agadir would be the fish market, where there has never been so much fish in one place. Also the port has become a main attraction for the tourist. For families it is recommended to visit the zoo, even though it is very small it has a nice variety of exotic birds to see. In the evening a nice walk to the markets for the best bargains and then you can relax with the local music and a nice traditional meal in one of the many restaurants.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a symbol of the old and new Morocco. The streets of the old city of Marrakech have been too narrow to allow cars, and tourists searching for the Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into good business.

The most worthwhile tourist areas in Marrakech are inside a very small area, starting in the north with, continuing through the town square of Jamaâ El Fna with its crowd of storytellers, musicians and the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque which is visible from practically anywhere in Marrakech. The famous town square in Marrakech is not so great to look at but it brings the people in by the herds trying to find the best bargains in town. At night the stalls turn in to food stalls and freshly cooked food is prepared for you while you watch. You can even choose the amount of each ingredient you want as long as you remember the golden rule, eat where the locals eat they always know the best place to eat from.

The suugs are like a big maze turning corner after corner and never being sure of where you are. The locals use ever available space to dry their fabrics which brightens up the place with beautiful colours. It won’t be long before you will see the wonderful designs of Moroccan carpets but be careful a lot of bargaining needs to be done before you get the price you want.

Casablanca

The city of Casablanca is a brand new modern city with big buildings and lively music. As soon as you step out of the center you will get your first insight of poverty to an extreme, on one side the rich and the other the poor.

While walking around you will notice that the French colonial authorities gave most of their attention to this town by the beautiful architecture. You can visit the Marche Market where the standard of food are of the highest quality and you can even buy live turtles to try turtle soup which is a traditional delicacy.

The city walls of Casablanca have an unusual feeling to them. A change from many other cities of Morocco, where the city walls often provide the image of the city. The Mosque is worth taking a visit to see the beautiful architecture the locals visit daily.

Rabat

Rabat opens up only slowly to you. At the first day of your first arrival you will notice that there is another atmosphere here, and compared to other Moroccan cities people are more held back and tend to mind there own business and not pay too much attention what is happening around them.

This is a very clean town and has the remaining of some very beautiful Moroccan historical architecture. The Royal Palace is another beautiful sight that attracts many visitors all year round. Beware not to get too close to the guard as he might start to feel a bit uneasy. The real impressive part is behind the walls. There are many similar ruins to visit such as the Oudaia gate, Chellah – the sanctuary and the gate. Last but not least a nice stroll in the gardens.

Meknes

The royal palace is a wonderful attraction in this old town. The palace was built during the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who reigned in 1700, who was a true tyrant.

An historic city whose splendour attracted architects, engineers and artists, Meknes and its surroundings have remained unchanged for centuries. At sunset the Imperial city glows as the ramparts reflect the fading light. You can relax in the col of its lush gardens. Or you can lose yourself in history at Moulya Idriss, by the tomb of the founder of the first Arab dynasty and among the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis.

Tangier

This is where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean, Tangier has beautiful mountains behind and the sea in front. From the "Place de la Kasbah", the highest point in the medina, you can visit the sultan's palace where every aspect of Moroccan art can be seen in the rooms round the courtyard. Or you can stroll down alleyways of the medina to the terrace overlooking the straits of Gibraltar. Close by, various excursions can be made including Cape Spartel -the extreme north- westerly point of Africa, close to the famous Caves of Hercules and Cape Malabata.

It is at a wonderful position at the peck point of  Morocco, and you can see Gibraltar opposite. Tangier is the first town of the African continent, looks across at Europe from the shores of Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Tangier is also renowned for the Mendoubia gardens, with their eight-hundred-year-old trees, the Sidi Bouabid Mosque, its minaret decorated with multi-hued faiences dominating the Medina, the Kasbah Square with its portico of white marble columns, and the great Mechouar where the pashas were once wont to give audience.