Information about Morocco, news, updates, and interesting facts

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It is accepted everywhere in the country, but it is important to note that some establishments, especially in tourist areas, also accept other currencies, such as the Euro or the US Dollar. However, it is important to keep in mind that the exchange rate offered may not be the best, and it is advisable to exchange it for Dirhams at a bank or currency exchange before shopping. It is important to always carry cash in Dirhams, as some places do not accept credit or debit cards.

The official language in Morocco is Arabic, but French and Berber are also spoken. Additionally, languages ​​such as Spanish and English are also spoken in some tourist areas.

Morocco's climate is predominantly desert inland, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The Atlantic coast has a temperate climate with warm, rainy summers and cool, wet winters. The Mediterranean coast has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. In the mountains, the climate is cool and wet in summer and cold in winter. In short, the climate varies greatly depending on the region.

Yes, there is good internet access in Morocco. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, and most urban areas have broadband internet access. However, internet access in some rural areas may be limited.

There are several telecommunications companies in Morocco, offering mobile and fixed-line internet services. Mobile internet access is very common, and it is easy to purchase a local SIM card to use with your mobile phone.

Visiting Morocco during the holy month of Ramadan can be a unique experience, as Moroccans celebrate this month with great devotion and tradition. However, there are some considerations you should keep in mind if you plan to travel during this period.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day, and most businesses and public services may operate with reduced hours. Additionally, it is common for Moroccans to eat dinner late and begin their fasting day early, meaning that during the early hours of the day, city life can be very slow.

Furthermore, during the night of Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, cities fill with celebrating people, and there may be street congestion and traffic. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and keep these considerations in mind if you plan to travel during Ramadan.

In short, traveling to Morocco during Ramadan is safe, but it is important to be prepared to adjust to Ramadan's schedules and traditions.

The number of days needed to visit Morocco depends on your interests and priorities. If you want to see the main tourist attractions, such as the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, as well as some of the natural attractions such as the Atlas Valley and the Sahara Desert, then you will probably need at least a week.

However, if you have more time available, there is much more to see and do in Morocco. For example, you can also visit the Atlantic coast, Casablanca, Essaouira, and Toubkal National Park, among others. There are also many opportunities for hiking and climbing in the Atlas Mountains, and to experience the local culture through activities such as Gnawa dancing and traditional music.

In short, the number of days needed to visit Morocco depends on your interests and priorities, but a minimum of one week is generally recommended to get a good feel for the country and its main attractions.

Moroccan cuisine is known for its spicy flavor and culinary diversity. Some typical dishes include:

• Tagine: A slow-cooked stew cooked in a special pot called a tagine, often with meat or fish, vegetables, and spices.
• Couscous: wheat grains cooked with meat or vegetables and spices.
• Harira: Traditional soup made with chickpeas, lentils, and meat broth, served during Ramadan.
• B'stilla: a puff pastry pastry filled with lamb or pigeon, spiced with almonds.
• M'hancha: a kind of honey and spice cake.
• Pastillas: a puff pastry filled with honey and spices.
• Green tea with fresh mint herb, very popular in Morocco.

Morocco is a country with a wide variety of tourist options for couples. Some suggestions include visiting the historic city of Fes, exploring the desert on a camel trek, relaxing in a traditional riad in Marrakech, touring the coast and enjoying beach life in Essaouira, and visiting the Atlas valleys and Berber villages. Additionally, there are many opportunities to experience Moroccan culture and food, and to shop in Marrakech's famous markets.

Tea in Morocco is typically prepared with green tea, fresh mint, and sugar. Traditional preparation takes place in a samovar or "berrad," a copper vessel used to boil water and serve the tea.

The following are the general steps for preparing traditional Moroccan tea:

1. The samovar is filled with water and heated until the water boils.
2. Green tea is placed in a teapot called a "qesma" and hot water is added.
3. Let the tea steep for a few minutes.
4. The tea is poured into a jug called a "gdaa" and fresh mint herb and sugar are added according to preference.
5. Tea is served in small cups.

It's important to mention that tea is a very important tradition in Morocco, and its consumption is very common in everyday life. It's a form of relaxation and hospitality.

Islam is the main religion in Morocco and is followed by the vast majority of the population. Islam in Morocco has its roots in the Maliki tradition, one of the four Sunni schools of Islam.

Islam in Morocco is a blend of traditional and more formal practices. Moroccans practice the five pillars of Islam: profession of faith, daily prayer, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, annual charity, and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

There is also a strong sense of devotion and prayer in mosques, and it is common for people to visit mosques for prayer and reflection. Furthermore, the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are very important in Morocco and are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Overall, Islam in Morocco is an important part of daily life and is deeply rooted in the country's culture and society.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and its beginning is based on the observation of the lunar cycle. Therefore, the exact date on which Ramadan begins varies each year on the Gregorian calendar.

Generally, Ramadan begins with the appearance of the new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical pleasures. Fasting is considered a form of spiritual purification and is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which falls on the full moon of the following month. It is important to mention that the date of Ramadan can vary from country to country depending on the way dates are established and traditions.

Some of the most beautiful cities in Morocco are:

• Marrakech, with its historic medina filled with palaces, gardens, and colorful bazaars.
• Fes, with its labyrinth of medieval streets and its famous Koranic university.
• Chefchaouen, with its picturesquely painted blue old town.
• Meknes, with its impressive monumental gates and palaces.
• Casablanca, with its modernist architecture and lively nightlife.
• Essaouira, with its historic fortifications and surfing beaches.
• Tetouan, with its unique blend of Arab, Spanish and Berber cultures.

The experience of sleeping in the Moroccan desert can be very exciting and unique. Desert camps are often offered where travelers can experience traditional Bedouin life and enjoy beautiful desert views.

Camps typically offer traditional tents called "canvas tents" or "moon tents," which are comfortable and well-equipped with beds and pillows. Some camps also offer bungalows or riad-style rooms.

Most camps also offer traditional Moroccan dinners and live music, as well as activities such as camel rides, quad biking, and 4x4 desert tours.

The night in the desert is very dark and quiet, allowing for clear stargazing. It can be cold, especially in winter, so warm clothing is recommended.

In short, sleeping in the Moroccan desert is a unique and exciting experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the desert and experience local culture and traditions.

It's advisable to have travel insurance when traveling anywhere, including Morocco. Travel insurance can provide coverage in case of a medical emergency, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unforeseen issues. However, travel insurance is not mandatory for traveling to Morocco, but it's best to be prepared for any unexpected situation.

Group tours in Morocco can be an exciting and convenient way to explore the country. These trips are usually organized by a travel company or tour guide and typically include transportation, accommodations, and scheduled activities.

Group tours often include visits to iconic sites such as the Medina of Marrakech, the Bahia Palace in Marrakech, the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the Sahara Desert, and many other locations. They can also include activities such as camel trekking, 4x4 excursions, and visits to Berber villages.

Group tours can also be a way to meet other people interested in exploring the country, and the tour guide can provide valuable insight into Moroccan culture and history. However, it is important to note that group tours can be less flexible than independent tours and may not suit all individual tastes and preferences.

Tailor-made tours in Morocco offer the opportunity to customize your travel itinerary to suit your individual interests and preferences. Some tailor-made tour options include visiting less crowded and less touristy locations, combining different activities such as hiking, biking, and nature exploration, and planning a specially designed and personalized itinerary. Guided tours with local guides can also be arranged to gain a better understanding of Moroccan culture and history.

Yes, the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga are very high. They reach an altitude of over 150 meters in some places, making them one of the region's main tourist attractions. These dunes are one of the highlights of the Sahara Desert in Morocco and are famous for their beauty and impressive size. Travelers can enjoy a wide variety of dune activities, including camelback riding, a 4x4 safari, and spending the night in a traditional desert camp.