Morocco: Introduction

A holiday in Morocco has something to offer everyone. Its rich and ancient history and many cultural influences that are packed into this diverse country make it a fascinating destination. You may decide that you would like a beach holiday, well Morocco with its all year round sunshine, is an ideal location for you. On the other hand, you may like to enjoy an adventure holiday, such as trekking in the Atlas or Rif Mountains. Morocco would be an excellent location for you. Perhaps you are interested in culture and archaeology? Well, with its thousands of years of human habitation, its settlement by Berbers, Phonecians, Romans, Arabs, French and Spanish, Morocco has more than enough to satisfy the enquiring mind too. If Morocco's culture has many facets, then so does its landscape and geography. There is, of course, the Sahara Desert with its romantic oases, but there are also the Atlas and Rif mountains and the atmospheric and exotic cities that seem so far away from contemporary Europe, but which are within such easy reach, with most flights from the UK being only 3 or 4 hours. Although it is geographically diverse, you will find travelling in Morocco relatively easy too. Recently, several budget airlines have opened for business, making internal flights a more cost-effective option for getting around. Morocco also has an excellent, if limited, rail network that links the northern cities and runs as far south as Marrakesh. Although car hire in Morocco is relatively expensive, you will find long-distance buses both cheap and relatively reliable and Morocco's famous grands taxis are also an option for travel in the country. Eating out in Morocco is an exciting and rich experience. There are many different styles and traditions of Moroccan cuisine, with thousands of great restaurants in all of its major cities and towns. Each town seems to boast about one chef or another, so you will never be short of choice if you want to savour a taste of Moroccan tradition. You can also find cuisine from all over the world, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other international tastes. All in all, you will not be short of options for eating, whatever your budget. Shopping in Morocco will offer you a very different experience from the UK, but you will marvel at the vibrancy, sights, sounds and smells of the souks (markets) and you may find one or two hand-crafted bargains too, provided you are prepared to haggle!