TRAVEL TIPS
MOROCCO
OVERVIEW TRANSPORTATION VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES
WHERE TO STAYONDE WHERE TO EAT SHOPPING COMPRAS FICAR ONDE COMER
OVERVIEW Situated in the northwest of the African
It may be a sunset in the Sahara Desert or
continent, Morocco is absolutely charming,
the peaks over 4000 meters in the Atlas
a place where you can live incredible life
mountains or buildings Terracotta Marrakesh.
experiences. It is a country with a lot of different
There is also the market of Fez, the beaches
sceneries, but complete pleasant to any type
of Essaouira. This country is one of the most
of tourist. With endless possibilities, a journey
famous destinies in Africa.
through Morocco will challenge all your senses. Each moment of your trip will be unforgettable Morocco is simply fascinating. It is a country
with the exotic and intense cultural exchange,
that surprises those who think that will find
after all, Morocco is unique. It is a mixture
only desert landscapes. There are many
of African, European and Muslim cultures.
natural attractions, like waterfalls 60 feet
Different than what people think, these people
high, centenarians cedar forests, as well as
are very friendly. Mostly, the population is
more than a thousand miles of coastline with
made up of Berbers that means free men in
clear waters. But you can also visit, of course,
Arabic. Islam is the most important religion
the famous deserts.
in the country, but it is still possible to find a minority of Jews and Christians. Arabic is the
Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and the
official language and French the second most
Atlantic Ocean, Marocco is a kingdom with a lot
spoken language. It is widely used in business.
of different sceneries with many attractions.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MOROCCO
Spanish is also widely spoken in the north of the
It is important to remember that the use of
country. The English, now the universal language,
shorts, mini-skirts and low-cut blouses should be
is spoken fairly well by young Moroccans.
avoided. Although they are not fundamentalists, local customs must be respected.
It is conservative, welcoming and one of the safest countries in Africa. Its main cities are Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes and the capital, Rabat. All of them are historical and imperial. It is a perfect place for nature lovers. It’s spectacular contrast of the landscapes can provide this haven on earth. You can find very different landscapes, from epic historic towns to mountain ranges. There is also the warm sands of the Sahara desert and the snowy peaks of the Rif mountains. Going south there are many sand dunes where you can visit the oasis.
There are post offices at all the Moroccan cities and you can identify them by the initial PTT. You can buy stamps, send telegrams and make phone calls there. Remember that, if you enter into a Moroccan home, the first thing to do is remove your shoes. It’s also normal to eat with your hands, but do not forget to use the right hand because the left is the one used in the bath (according to local culture).
The climate varies according to each region. On the coast, winter is mild and humid and summer is moderately hot. In the countryside, at night is extremely cold and boiling hot during the day. On the coast, you will feel the Mediterranean climate, at the mountainous areas, the continental climate and the subtropical climate down south. It snows in October at the peaks of the Rif and Atlas. In Marrakesh, the average temperature in the summer (July) is about 38°C. In the spring (April), is around 24°C. It rains a little bit during the winter (February) and the temperature can reach 10ºC on the Mediterranean coast. The rest of the year is sunny and the temperature can reach 50ºC in the desert. The best time to visit Morocco is from October to April because it is winter there, so the temperature is mild. If you can, avoid the summer time (July-August), besides being too crowded, the temperature is extremely high.
TRANSPORT It is very easy to travel around Morocco. It may be by train, bus, shared or conventional taxis. Every day there are hundreds of taxis available for various destinations.
TRAIN The railway system works very well but is not fast nor on time. There are several lines, with destinations like Tangier - Marrakesh, Tangier - Fez, Tanger - Rabat, Casablanca - Meknes, and many other destinations. There are tickets
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MOROCCO
for first and second class and also cabins with
CONVENTIONAL TAXI
beds. In www.oncf.ma site (in French) you can
Also known as ‘petit’, these taxis are cheap
find the schedule, prices and other information.
and they are everywhere. It is better to
Departing from Marrakech to Rabat, first class
negotiate the price before leaving, because
is 185 dirham, about USD 22.
their taximeter often do not work. It is worth
SHARED TAXI
negotiating and bargaining.
This is known as ‘grand taxi’ in which cars
BUS
are bigger, like vans, that take several people
This service is a bit precarious, but there are
at once. These are not very comfortable, but
bus routes between major cities that are
will provide you with intense emotions on
comfortable and fairly recent. There are also
the roads. They drive through specific routes,
routes between small towns in the mountains,
with fixed prices for each route. They are
but are rather dubious. A ticket from Marrakesh
the only ones allowed to carry passengers
to Essaouira costs 70 dirham, about USD 8.
beyond the limits of cities.
ATTRACTIONS There are countless attractions that you cannot miss. This quick and efficient Moroccan Top 10 can help you:
1 - VISIT THE SAHARA DESERT The Sahara Desert is a very special place that will provide unforgettable moments during your vacation in Morocco. It is important to choose an agency for local tours so that everything goes perfectly well and there shouldn’t be no worries.
2 - WALK THROUGH A KASBAH Kasbah are impressive buildings and they hardly go unnoticed. They played for a long time the role of castles, like fortresses, they were places of refuge. Nowadays, many of them became hotels, others remain as residences.
3 - RIDE A CAMEL Not one of the most comfortable experiences that you will have in your life, but worth a try. Especially if you take a local guide, he will surely cheer your journey up with the joy of a typical Berber.
4 - ADMIRE THE CASCADES D’OUZOUD One of the most spectacular sceneries are the Cascades d’Ouzoud, which attract many visitors. The waterfall is particularly impressive. The water falls from the top of the red cliffs and hit several bumps to get to the canyon of Wadi el-Abid, a hundred feet below. Visitors can admire the majestic succession of waterfalls and the permanent rainbow through the mist. It is situated 150 km from Marrakech, in the province of Azilal.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MOROCCO
5 - VISIT MAZAGAN On the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO,
7 - VISIT THE FAMOUS MOVIE STUDIOS IN QUARZAZATE
stands out with its ancient church of the
Known as the ‘Star Path’, it is famous for its
Assumption in Manueline architecture.
movie studios where many movies have been
However, the fortress shows the mix
shot, such as the scene of Lawrence d’Arabia,
between European and Moroccan cultures,
Gladiator, and many others. Quarzazate is
in architecture, the technology and urban
considered the Mecca of Morocco. The city has
planning. It is located in El Jadida, 230 km
many good hotels. This town is charming, and
north of Marrakesh.
every corner is a new mystery.
6 - ENJOY THE LEGACY OF TANGIER Known as the “Gateway to Africa”, it is one of
8 - VISIT ONE OF THE BEACHES OF TETOUAN
the most vibrant, mysterious and interesting
From the north, along the Mediterranean Sea,
cities of Morocco. This city attracts people from
Rif Crescent is the name given to a beach
around the world with its magic and charm.
situated on the eastside of Tetuan. This beach
Make sure you visit the traditional bazaars,
is known for the contrast of the Rif mountains
snake charmers, musicians and do not forget
and the sea. Farther east is the bay of Al
the gardens of the Sultan.
Hoceima which offers a magnificent beach
them mixed with the heavy traffic people and scooters, under the smoke emanating from the booths of Djemaa El-Fna square and the sound the so-called ‘muezzin’ for the five daily prayers. It is a true exoticism of Morocco, with the palm oasis, beautiful gardens and imposing mosques, where the souks (markets) are the protagonists of the party.
called Blue Pearl. It is known for its beauty and delicate sand. On the Atlantic shore, the beaches are even more numerous.
9 - VISIT FEZ A truly museum of medieval architecture, Fez is the oldest imperial capital of the country. World Heritage Site, the city is divided into three parts, Fez el Bali, the old medina with its mosques, markets, dry cleaners and museums; Fez el Jedid, with its ancient Jewish quarter and the Royal Palace, and the Ville Nouvelle, built by the French where is located many hotels and restaurants.
10 - ENJOY MARRAKESH This is the country’s third largest city. It is where you can find snake charmers, monkey handlers, rug weavers, Berber musicians, all of
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MOROCCO
WHERE TO STAY
with an interior garden). A room in a hostel can cost between 13 and 40 dollars. In the countryside down south, the hotels may be
You can find many good options of comfortable
less comfortable. For those who are more
hotels in Morocco. Many tourists visit the cities
adventurous, choose the hostels in the desert.
thoughout the year, therefore the country offer a good infrastructure of hotels. There are
Do not worry about the hotel rating, because
hotels of all categories, hotels, riads, campsites,
some that say that is the four and five star
guesthouses and even private homes.
hotels do not match exactly to the rate. However, you will also find hotels with
There is accommodation for any taste and price. You can pay $ 4 to stay in a terrace of a hotel in Marrakesh or spend $ 130 a night in a riad (traditional Moroccan house or palace
magnificent swimming pools and great service.
DINING OUT There are many restaurants in Morrocco. Everytime you get to a city there will be dozens of small cafes and restaurants that can prepare meals, small salads and omelettes. It’s almost impossible not to find a place where you can get something to eat. The Moroccan cuisine is one of the only that can unite all the senses at once, because it has a vibrant color, unmistakable aroma and a surpassing flavor. The cuisine in Morocco is very rich in flavors, combining fresh ingredients, especially vegetables, fruit and almonds, with exotic spices. This occurs because of the influence of other cuisines, such as Middle Eastern and French, for example.
One of the traditional dishes is the famous couscous (semolina-based boiled to steam, with a stew of lamb or chicken with vegetables). Almost all restaurants serve Moroccan couscous on Fridays. There is also the mechoui (roast lamb), the tajine (stew of lamb, veal, poultry or fish, served with various trimmings) and the Bastille or pastilla (phyllo pastry stuffed with meat and almonds). They usually begin their meals with the harira (a soup made of lentils, chickpeas, lamb, tomatoes and vegetables). The desserts are equally rich and the local drink is tea. Strong,
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MOROCCO
sweet and seasoned with mint, the tea is
shapes. They are produced in various regions
offered as a welcome drink in the homes of
of Morocco. The gold or silver is sold by
locals. Even when it is warm, it can be very
the weight. Essaouira has a wide variety of
refreshing. At least once a day every tourist
sculptures and other crafts. It is worth to
will b invited to have a cup of tea. Although
remind you that you need to bargain, dealers
most of the time it is to invite you to come
will never tell the true price of the product,
into a store or just a nice gesture, it is polite
they often ask ‘how much it is worth to
to accept. It is very rare to serve alcoholic
you? “And still get offended if you do not
beverages. It is recommended to drink only
negotiate the price.
bottled or boiled water. Even in hotels, because it contains large number of minerals. This is
Casablanca is the industrial and commercial
no problem for locals, they are used to it, but
in Morocco center, it’s the largest and busiest
for tourists, drinking tap water can lead to an
port. The enormous Hassan II Mosque, the
uncomfortable stomachache.
third largest in the world after Mecca and Medina is one of the two of Morocco open to non-Muslims Mosque. But this city is even
SHOPPING
more popular when it comes to religious shopping. Besides the traditional Moroccan souvenirs,Casablanca has many stores. In
Shopping in Morocco can be really fun! Bargain at the booths will be a very unique souvenir of your trip. There are souvenir shops from the government in the major cities, called the Ensemble Artisanal. This country preserves the traditional handcraft, passing from generation to generation, that can be proven in large markets. Besides the traditional tourist souvenirs, you can find: dates, leather garments, ceramics, wood, Argania oil and products made from it, such as soaps and cosmetics. There is also the birad, traditional Moroccan teapots. The djellabah is the classic tunic. These are pieces with different textures due to temperature variation. There are rugs that represent the beauty of ancient weaving colors and
Maarif you can find some famous brands. Ghraleef Derb is a cluster of small tents that offer from cell phones to designer clothes. The famous Marché Central or Central Market is great for buying seafood, pasta and condiments, in addition to handicrafts and souvenirs. There is only one department store, at avenue Mers-Sultan.
STREET MARKETS All markets of Morocco are fulfilled and you can find everything. The most amazing thing is that all goods are divided by specialties. There are specific regions for each kind of craft, brass artifacts, clothing stores, spices, leather goods and carpets, an unbelievable excitement. A word of advice: make purchases in the morning. A Muslim
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MOROCCO
superstition says that if the seller loses the first sale of the day he won’t have good luck for the rest of the day. They will do anything to sell, even at very low prices. The souk in Marrakesh is a place north of the square Jemma El Fna, where people sell everything. Souk means market in Arabic. It can be seen as a fair or a daily market where they sell everything: there are linens, teapots and tea cups, handmade rugs, natural herbs, leather bags, flashlights and even copper bathtubs. It is an atmosphere of color and smells that no image can show what it really is. The Medina Fes-el-Bali, Fez is a huge labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys with crowds of people dressed in colorful tribal clothing, olive merchants, women with veils on their way to a Turkish Bath (steam bath), merchants and sellers. This is the city known for the typical handcraft and the artist show their work in an organized exhibition in Medina. The streets are so narrow that people usually ride donkey or bikes, that is also how the objects are delivered.
CURRENCY The local currency is the dirham (Dhs). There are notes of 10, 50, 100 and 200 DH and coins of 1, 2 and 5 HD and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
The most common credit cards are accepted in
The exchange, such as traveler checks can be
many hotels, restaurants and shops, and only
done in airports and at most hotels (the official
in theBanque CrĂŠdit du Maroc operations can
rate) and it is important to keep the receipt
be done with them. The euro check is more
of the currency exchange so that, when you
difficult because they are accepted at only one
leave the country, it may be requested the
bank in each major city.
exchange rate for foreign currency dirhams.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
212 177 15 19
COUNTRY CODE EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD FIRE STATION POLICE
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RABAT
05 37 80 80 90 MARRAKESH
05 24 44 79 10 TOURIST INFORMATION
05 24 43 61 31