Are you dreaming of spending a vacation with family or friends to discover the famous country of Morocco? Then you have come to the right place, because in this article we will help you organize a trip to Morocco. From accommodations to various cultural and sporting activities to organizing sightseeing, you will be taken care of to the fullest.
When should you go to Morocco? The first step in organizing your vacation
Thanks to its special geographical position, Morocco’s climate is shaped by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the mountain and desert regions. Are you determined to go on your next trip to Morocco, but not sure when is the perfect time? You should know that the best time to explore this beautiful country is in spring or fall. Although traveling in other seasons is not out of the question, you can make the most of your stay during these periods.
Spring and Autumn
Spring and fall temperatures in Morocco are more pleasant and avoid the oppressive heat of summer. Winter does not add to the country’s charm. The best time to travel to Morocco is mid-season. The climate is favorable for a variety of activities such as hiking in the Sahara or other places, surfing, rafting, relaxing in pools or hammams, beaches, etc. Morocco also has the most beautiful vegetation at this time of year.
Traveling to Morocco in Summer
In summer the temperature in Marrakech and Agadir can rise to 40°C. However, if you can stand the heat, you can take the opportunity to swim in the infinity pools in some coastal towns or relax on the beaches. On the other hand, trips to the desert are not recommended in summer, even though the desert is at its best at this time. You may also be bothered by rain, which prevents you from enjoying your visit.
Traveling to Morocco in Winter
Paradoxically, summer temperatures can drop below 0°C. The downside of traveling to Morocco during this time of year is that you won’t be able to enjoy the pools and beaches. However, the cooler months are ideal for excursions.
Overall, Morocco’s long hours of sunshine make it a destination worth visiting all year round, with the best of each season.
Estimate your stay and purchase airline tickets.
In Morocco, foreigners who are exempt from visa requirements are limited to a 3-month tourist stay. If you are interested, we can accommodate you for the duration of your visa. All you have to do is choose the length of your stay to enjoy the country to the fullest. There are three important factors to consider in order to purchase the best ticket at the best price. They are destination, departure time, and booking time. Remember that ticket prices are higher during high season. To get the cheapest airfare, it is best to book at least two weeks before departure. We also recommend using an online airline ticket comparison service. Depending on your route, you may land in Agadir, Marrakech, or Ouarzazate.
How to choose lodging in Morocco and where to stay?
There are several lodging options in Morocco to choose from, depending on the type of stay you are planning. You can choose from hotels, riads, casbahs, zites, guesthouses, youth hostels, and campgrounds. In any case, you will always receive a warm welcome. However, we recommend that you book at least the first two nights in advance. This will save you the trouble of looking for accommodation when you get there.
For your trip to Morocco
Choosing a Hotel
Of course, hotels are the most convenient way to stay in Morocco. Hotels in Morocco, as in other countries, are classified by stars according to service and comfort. From the most luxurious to the oldest, Morocco offers a wide range of choices according to your taste and budget. If you want to enjoy the highest level of comfort and quality service, we recommend a 5-star hotel. This usually includes multiple suites, restaurants, pools, and sometimes spas. In Morocco, there are few mid-range establishments between two and three stars.
Please note that hotels and guesthouses offer special rates per night and per person for tourists.
Riad
These are large urban-style houses in the medina, sometimes built around a courtyard that is cool in the summer. Some have a small fountain inside. Communication between the different rooms usually takes place through this courtyard and must always cross it. This riad can be distinguished by the lack of openings in the walls facing the street. Instead, the windows face the interior rooms. This type of accommodation is very popular with couples in love who prefer oriental architecture. They are often found in large cities such as Marrakech, Fez, and Essaouira.
Kasbahs
A kasbah is a fortress-like building that was once home to royalty. Because of their structure, they are very cool and the temperature inside contrasts with the heat outside. These south-facing buildings are open for tourism. They combine modern services and facilities with traditional Moroccan know-how.
Guesthouses and Youth Hostels
Travelers can choose from a variety of room types. Some stay in riads, others in the homes of locals. Hosts welcome guests into their homes and share their kitchens with them. Guest houses usually have only five or six rooms. For hostels, you must apply for a pass before departure. The advantage is that you will meet many people traveling on the same terms as you.
Campgrounds
Finally, campgrounds are the cheapest type of accommodation. However, you should be aware that you may not always have access to good facilities. Many are just basic, with showers and toilets.
Stay in one place
If you are traveling with several people and staying in the same place for a number of days, renting a flat is a good option. This inexpensive option is common in tourist destinations and major cities such as Essaouira.
Getting Around Morocco
When you come to Morocco, you want to stroll around the city center and enjoy its beauty, but you also want to visit more hidden areas. There is no shortage of transportation options for this. The roads are also in relatively good condition.
Once you arrive in Morocco, you will have a choice of transportation options for sightseeing. You can choose between buses, cabs, and hired cars. If you choose the latter, you must follow the rules.
Renting a car for your trip to Morocco
Renting a car is a traveler’s first choice to make the most of your stay in this city. However, even if you are leaving for the Spanish enclaves of Melilla or Ceuta for a day, you cannot rent a car. To rent a car, you must be at least 25 years old and have a driver’s license that is at least two years old. A credit card in the name of the main driver must be presented at the time of reservation to receive the car. For international bookings, please e-mail us as much information as possible. For example, prices including VAT, mileage limits, cleaning, etc. Renting a car in Morocco is certainly complicated. For example, if you leave the pavement in a touring car and drive on unpaved roads, you are no longer covered by your insurance policy.
Cabs
There are two types of cabs in Morocco. The “big cabs” are usually limousines, parked in front of hotels and used only for long, expensive trips. They have a large monopoly, especially at airports. Unlike small cabs, they are allowed to leave their own towns. There are also smaller models of older cars called “small cabs” everywhere, usually equipped with a cab meter. For a modest price, expect to pay 8-15 DH per trip. At night, however, a legal surcharge of 50% will be added to the price indicated on the meter. These small cabs are not allowed out of town and can only carry no more than three passengers, including children.
Buses
If you wish to travel to more remote areas, you can always take an inexpensive bus. Be sure to get a receipt for each trip, as they are usually checked. There are three main bus companies in Morocco, all of which have stops in major cities. However, there are also smaller local companies that offer services to the same destinations at lower prices. However, comfort, service, and reliability are not the same.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is common among Moroccans, but often not for tourists. Hitchhiking is the practice of asking for a ride from a gas station attendant or a tourist using another automobile. As a motorist, you are allowed to hitchhike, but you must always be careful. Note that hitchhiking is not recommended for single girls.
Railroads
Trains connecting the country’s major roads are an interesting and inexpensive way to travel through Morocco.
You can rent your suitable car
Driving in Morocco
Driving in Morocco is a prerequisite for obeying traffic rules. All speed limits must be observed. The speed limit is 100 km/h on highways, 60 km/h in urban areas, and 40 km/h in city centers. However, there are some roads where the speed limit is 120 km/h. In any case, Morocco’s road network is satisfactory, although there are some unpaved roads.
Driving is not particularly difficult outside of large cities such as Marrakech. Driving at night during your stay is not recommended, as most roads are not illuminated. Outside of the city, the main risk factors are donkeys, sheep, cattle, and dromedaries. Be especially aware that there are also many overloaded large trucks.
Preparing for a trip to Morocco: Stages of Activities and Visits
Now comes the most important stage: preparing for activities and visits. It may not be well known that Morocco is a country rich in cultural heritage. It is a good example of how water and desert can coexist. The country’s main attractions are the magnificent cities of Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakech.
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Cities
Morocco’s major cities have a rich history and cosmopolitan life that attracts many tourists. Among the most famous cities are Fez and Marrakech, which are rich in history and charm.
The unrivaled city of Fez
A visit to the iconic city of Fez, 180 km east of Rabat, is an essential part of any visit to Morocco. It is also a cultural and spiritual metropolis, which adds to its tourist appeal. Fez is a colorful city with a rich history and long traditions. It is divided into three distinct areas: the Medina district, the Royal Palace district, and the New City. As for accommodations, Fez offers a wide variety of accommodations with surprisingly high quality receptions.
Medina
The Medina of Morocco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Today, it is one of the most majestic and best preserved in the Arab world. Its appearance has changed little since the 12th century. When traveling in Morocco, be sure to walk through the medina and admire the magnificent architecture of Medersa Bu Inania, where the medieval cityscape is still intact. You can also visit the Karawin Mosque, one of the oldest and most majestic mosques in the city. For the arts, visit the Bar Bata Museum. Walking through the narrow alleys of Souk Medina, you will be impressed by the work of the city’s many artisans.
Leatherwork
What else is there to see in Fez?
The district lined with tanneries also offers a unique spectacle of leatherworking. The Shoura tannery, located between the two banks of the medina, is one of the most impressive. In Morocco, admire the skills of the people working in the various manufacturing processes. Be prepared, however, that the smells are intolerable to those who are sensitive to them, and they will reduce the attractiveness of the tour by half. However, a mint drink is offered on the way out to help mask some of the smell.
Marrakech.
Marrakech, the land of change, is one of the most popular cities in Morocco with many attractions. For example, the Jamaa el Fna square, with its many sights, is one of the most popular tourist attractions. You can see snake and monkey charmers, learn about Gnawawaw music, and make argan oil. If you are staying in Marrakech, you will also have the opportunity to leave the city and visit the fortress of Ait Ben Haddou.
Then we will visit Ouarzazate, the Valley of the Roses, and the Todoga Valley. If you visit during the dry season, you can take a dip in the pool, or if you prefer to relax in a particular corner, you can visit the Majorelle Gardens. This botanical tourist park covers an area of 1 hectare, and its central building was painted blue by the French painter Jacques Majorelle.