MOROCCO

After my first visit to Morocco I wanted to go back! 

It has so much to offer - mountains, beaches, hilltop villages, deserts, ancient cities and ruins, palaces and more.

Morocco is in North Africa and easily accessible by flights from Australia with one stopover, or if you are visiting UK or Europe it is a quick flight or ferry from Spain.

Arabic and Berber are the official languages, but most speak French and English. Tourism is Morocco’s 2nd largest industry with a beautiful subtropical climate drawing lots of tourist every year.

Travelling around Morocco is easy via road and I would recommend this over flying.  It is by far the quickest way when you compare the check in and flying time for the flights.  The roads between the major cities are excellent offering modern and a few lane freeways.

I would recommend at least a stay or two in the beautiful Riads.  A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard.   They are wonderful places to stay and there is nothing like sitting on the rooftops, sipping a cocktail or wine at dusk listening to the call to prayer - such an enchanting experience.

There are so many amazing places to visit, my three favourites are listed below:

MARRAKECH: Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this imperial city is noisy, atmospheric and full of history; there is so much to see and do here. I have a wonderful story about my purchase of a Moroccan door and table – you will need to contact me for that one! Make sure you stay within the medina walls in a traditional Riad for the best Moroccan experience.

FES: Medieval Fes was Morocco’s capital for more than 400 years. There is an old walled part of the city which is well worth exploring on foot. A visit to the Tanneries will be an affront to the senses but well worth it.

ESSAOUIRA: I loved this place and wanted to chill here for longer. In the 1960’s it was the seaside hippy hangout. There are beaches, cool little restaurants and you can sit on the rooftops drinking tea whilst watching the ocean.

My three must do experiences:

Have a steam bath in a Traditional Hammam. This is a public steam bath where you will be rubbed, scrubbed and massaged. Most hotels or riads offer wonderful indulgent experiences.

Take a cooking class and experience the cuisine of Morocco which has ben influenced by native Berber, Arabic, Turkish, Middle Eastern and the French. Typically, they take you to purchase the ingredients from the market, and you then cook the traditional tagine and a couscous dish.

Have dinner at the Djemma el Fna in the heart of Marrakech. It is the large central square in the old city. In the afternoon, it transforms in to an entertainer’s paradise with snake charmers, jugglers, music and more substantial food stalls.

Morocco is a wonderful destination and I would highly recommend.