Information about Morocco, its news, updates and interesting facts

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It is accepted throughout the country, but it's important to note that some establishments, especially in tourist areas, also accept other currencies, such as the Euro or the US Dollar. However, it's important to be aware that the exchange rate offered may not be the best, and it's advisable to exchange your currency for Dirhams at a bank or currency exchange before making purchases. It's also 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 spoken in some tourist areas.

Morocco's climate is predominantly desert in the interior, 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 hot, 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 considerably 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 can be limited.

Several telecommunications companies operate in Morocco, offering both mobile and fixed internet services. Mobile internet access is very common, and it's easy to purchase a local SIM card for 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 things to keep in mind if you plan to travel during this time.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day, and most businesses and public services may operate on reduced hours. Additionally, it's common for Moroccans to eat dinner late and begin their fasting day early, meaning that during the early morning hours, life in the cities can be quite slow.

Furthermore, on the night of Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, the cities are filled with people celebrating, and there can be traffic congestion. Therefore, it's important to plan ahead and consider these factors if you plan to travel during Ramadan.

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

The number of days you need 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 like the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, then you'll probably need at least a week.

However, if you have more time, there's much more to see and do in Morocco. For example, you can also visit the Atlantic coast, the city of Casablanca, the city of Essaouira, Toubkal National Park, and more. There are also many opportunities for hiking and climbing in the Atlas Mountains and for experiencing the local culture through activities like Gnawa dancing and traditional music.

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

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

• Tagine: a stew cooked slowly 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: a traditional soup made with chickpeas, lentils and meat broth, served during Ramadan.
• B'stilla: a puff pastry pie filled with lamb or pigeon meat, with spices and almonds.
• M'hancha: a kind of honey and spice cake.
• Pastillas: a puff pastry cake filled with honey and spices.
• Green tea with fresh mint, very popular in Morocco.

Morocco offers 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, exploring the coast and enjoying beach life in Essaouira, and visiting the Atlas Mountains and Berber villages. There are also many opportunities to experience Moroccan culture and cuisine, and to shop in the famous markets of Marrakech.

Tea in Morocco is typically prepared with green tea, fresh mint, and sugar. Traditionally, it is prepared 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. The green tea is placed in a teapot called a "qesma" and hot water is added.
3. The tea is left to infuse for a few minutes.
4. The tea is poured into a jug called a "gdaa" and fresh mint and sugar are added according to preference.
5. The 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 daily life. It's a way of relaxing and showing hospitality.

Islam is the main religion in Morocco and is followed by the vast majority of the population. Islam in Morocco is rooted in the Maliki tradition, one of the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence.

It is a blend of traditional and more formal practices. Moroccans observe the five pillars of Islam: the 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 to pray and reflect. 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 ingrained in the country's culture and society.

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

Generally, Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until 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 takes place on the full moon of the following month. It's important to note that the date of Ramadan can vary from country to country depending on how dates and traditions are established.

Some of the most beautiful cities in Morocco are:

• Marrakech, with its historic medina full of 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 fortification and surfer beaches.
• Tetouan, with its unique blend of Arab, Spanish, and Berber cultures.

Sleeping in the Moroccan desert can be a truly exciting and unique experience. Desert camps are often available where travelers can experience traditional Bedouin life and enjoy breathtaking desert views.

These 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 provide traditional Moroccan dinners and live music, as well as activities such as camel rides, quad biking, and 4x4 desert excursions.

The desert night is incredibly dark and silent, allowing for exceptional 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 appreciate the desert's beauty and immerse yourself in local culture and traditions.

It's advisable to have travel insurance when traveling anywhere, including Morocco. Travel insurance can provide coverage in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen problems. However, travel insurance isn't 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 tours are usually organized by a travel company or tour guide and typically include transportation, accommodation, 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 may also include activities like camel rides, 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 insights into Moroccan culture and history. However, it's important to keep in mind that group tours can be less flexible than independent travel and may not suit all individual tastes and preferences.

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

Yes, the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga are very high. They reach heights 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 variety of activities in the dunes, such as camel riding, 4x4 safaris, and spending the night in a traditional desert camp.