Areas and Town Information for Morocco
Tangiers
Tangiers is a cosmopolitan city with an ancient history. It is situated on the coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Tangiers has the most important Moroccan port in the north of the country and has more than 1 million inhabitants. The popularity of Tangier is also due to its beaches and climate, summer temperatures rarely exceed 26C yet the town is warm well into October when the minimum is around 16C.
Tangiers has a rich history reaching back to 5 AD. Founded by the Carthaginians, it was then ruled by the Romans and the Byzantines, before the Arabs took it over in the 7th Century. In more recent years it has become a haven for artists, authors and actors, who seek inspiration from the magical sights and sounds of this Arabian city.
Chaouen
An enchanting Moorish town situated one and a half hours inland from Tangier, perched on the side of a mountain overlooking valleys of farms and forest covered mountains.
Chaouen could be mistaken for an Andalucian village painted in every shade of whites and blues... with friendly locals and a sand coloured Kasbah in the centre of town where the red-hued walls enclose a beautiful garden and a small folk museum.
The main square in the centre of the medina ( Plaza Uta el-Hammam ) is a delightful place to sip fresh orange juice and look at the mountain peaks, the Grand Mosque and the 17th century ruins of the Kasbah walls that run along one side of the square.
Marrakech
Marrakesh lies in a spectacular setting against the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Known as the Red City on account of the original clay colour of the houses, Marrakech with over 1000 years of history, is a must see for all travellers, backpacker and discerning traveller alike.
The famous Djemaa el-Fna square provides one of the greatest open-air attractions found anywhere in the world. Snake charmers, fire eaters, carpets and lamps, leave you in no doubt that whilst only a couple of hours away from Europe, you are in Africa!
As well as being a great destination for a cultural trip, Marrakesh is a excellent for shopping, encompassing spectacular old markets and thousands of shops selling everything you need to give that exotic sparkle in your home decor.
Marrakesh and the interior of Morocco are hot in summer, without doubt exceeding 40°C. Winter and Spring temperatures are a more pleasant 20 to 25°C.
Fez
Surrounded by orchards, Fèz is a maze of alleys, houses and shops. stone marble and plaster surrounded by orchards. With the modern part of the city given French influence following many years of occupation, the Medina of Fez is the most complete medieval city still in existence. Ancient trades are still carried out within these walls, producing goods of the highest quality, from wood, leather and metal work to clothing and food. One thing not to be missed is a visit to the famous tanneries of Fez where the worlds softest of leather is manufactured using ancient methods.
Essaouira
Essaouira is a quiet coastal town on the country's central Atlantic shores. It is also a well renowned centre for surfing and windsurfing, hostting a number of world class competitions. There are long sandy beaches and plenty of interesting shops and eateries.
The town is a picture postcard of whitewashed houses shining brightly in contrast to the blue of sea and sky, and the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is growing in popularity and whilst development is underway, care is being taken to preserve the atmosphere of this amazing stretch of coastline. |
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