Written by Iñigo Asis
|
23 February 2010
Posted in
Editorial -
Visitas desde Tarifa
To visit Morocco it's essential to have your passport in order. If you are taking your car, make sure you don't forget your insurance green card. If you have any doubts, inform yourself at the travel agency or your country's embassy.
The time difference in Morocco is one hour less than Spain in winter and two less in summer.
What to see in Morocco:
Tangiers: Founded by the Phoenicians around 1450 BC. Due to its strategic location, it has passed through the hands of Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths. La Casba, the former palace of the sultans, has now been converted into a museum. The great mosque, which was a church and in 1684 was converted back to a mosque. El Zoco, Tangiers' most lively market. To enjoy spectacular sunrises of Tangiers we recommend Cabo Malabata only 10 km from Tangiers Cabo Spartel 12 km away. The resting point of Hercules (El descanso de Hercules) are some caves which fill with water at high tide. Legend has it that this is where Hercules rested after opening the straights of Gibraltar. At the end May the Tanjazz festival takes place, which unites some of the world's best live jazz musicians.
Marrakech: Its meaning in arabic is the land of the gods. It is one of the most important cities on Morocco, with monuments recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Founded in 1062 by the Almoravids it was the capital of the imperial islamic empire. The Medina, which is the old town, is full of narrow streets, alleys, palaces, markets, mosques and domes. Visit the Zoco, full of fruits, vegetables, fabrics and spices. The charming medieval plaza of Jemaa El Fna, with its merchants, snake charmers, story tellers and dancers are constantly fighting to attract the attention of all the tourists. The Dar si Said museum, a rich architectural 19th century palace of Moroccan art. You can't miss El Palmeral (Palm Grove) - the plants have been watered for centuries by underground clay pipes of the 12 century. The beautiful gardens of the Majorelle. Marrakech also has an exquisite cuisine.
Casablanca: You can notice the architecture from the 1930s, the Plaza of Mohamed 5th, wide avenues with palm trees, the mosque of Hassan II, visible from miles away with its minaret which is the tallest in the world. With its beaches, gardens, marina, and golf course it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the muslim culture.
Agadir: Sun, sand and sea, beautiful beaches to enjoy a break. From the old qasabah you can enjoy some unforgettable sunsets. The amazigh museum, dedicated to the berber culture of Agadir. Surfing is one of the most popular sports practised by the tourists since the waves and the climate are ideal. To relax even more, visit one of its resorts, and do it at night time - the offering is complete - casinos, nightclubs and restaurants...
Rabat: Rabat is the capital of Morocco, what's more, it is a quiet city where you can relax and enjoy its culture and cuisine. The Necropolis of Chella was built in 1339; Chella was a former Phoenician and Carthaginian and Roman town. The Agdal mosque and the cathedral of St Peter of Rome, are situated on the Plaza de Golan designated for Christian worship, was finished in 1930. Dâr-al-Mahkzen, which is the royal palace from which the government rules has more than two thousand people living and working in it. It's Roman, Andalisian and Mereni influences make Rabat a unique city.
Fez: This city is divided into three parts. Fez el Bali is the ancient part, which is surrounded by large walls; Fez el Jadid, which is the new part; The Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the Ville Nouvelle, French district to the north of the city. Its culture is closely tied to the crafts as they are experts in ceramics, leather and wood. Volubilis, the Roman city has some fabulous mosaics, an Arc de Triomphe, wine press and dome, all well preserved.
Essaouria: A small, beautiful fishing village, with immense beaches. Surrounded by walls with european cannons it serves as a reminder of the various invasions it has suffered. It has a music festival called 'Gnaoua' which is a mixture of African slave songs and arabic Berebar music. The Mellah demonstrates that there once was a large Jewish community there in the 18th century.
Tetuan: This is a Spanish-Moorish city. You can smell the mix of cultures in its narrow streets. The old town is influenced equally by Spanish and Moorish cultures. The city, thanks to its system of canals called Skundu has spring water all over and it's free. In the Fouki, Houts and Gherza markets you can find fruit and vegetables, crafts and clothes. They are specialists in mosaics, embroidery and leather goods - discover them in the Zocos.
Asilah: During its history, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans all have left a seed of their culture here, which makes it more special. It was dominated by Portuguese, the walls that surround the city and some old guns are a testament to this. It is a beautiful fishing village with long beaches, flowered alleyways, El Krikiya, square in the old town with white houses for watching the sunset.
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