Petrovac or Budva which is better. Resorts of Montenegro: where is it better to relax and buy real estate. Bar: largest port, pine trees and strong winds

Morocco is one of the Maghreb states in northwest Africa, which in ancient times was called "the most distant country sunset ”(Al-Maghrib al-Aqsa). Complete and official name countries - the Kingdom of Morocco, in Arabic - al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya, and the shortened name of Morocco appeared thanks to one of the ancient capitals - Marrakesh, which means "red" or "beautiful". Morocco evokes different associations for everyone. So, travelers say that this is a "cold country with a hot sun", historians call it "the sheriff's state", well, and poets - "the edge of the golden sunset." Despite the fact that the state is located in Africa, it has not been a member of the African Union since 1984. The current capital of the country is Rabat. The area of ​​the country is 710.8 thousand square meters. km, population - over 35 million people.

Mysterious Morocco has long been chosen by travelers. On the one hand, it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and on the other, by the Atlantic Ocean. Land borders run in the southeast with Algeria, and in the south with Western Sahara. On the Mediterranean coast, there are two Spanish regions - Ceuta and Melilla. The country is separated from Europe only by the Strait of Gibraltar. The main rivers are Cebu and Muluya. The first flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and the second into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco hosts mountain system Atlas. The Atlas Mountains stretch from the ocean coast to the coast of Tunisia. The highest point, Mount Toubkal (4167 km), is located in the southwest of Morocco. Islam is the state religion of the country and most population are Sunni Muslims. Despite the fact that the official language of the state is Arabic, French and Spanish are spoken in some areas. So, in the north of the country, French prevails, and in the Tangier region, Spanish.

The indigenous population of the country is Berbers. The Arabs appeared only in the 7th century AD. e. In the Middle Ages, Moroccans, they are also Moors, inhabited vast territories of North Africa, Spain and Portugal. They were considered fearless warriors, brilliant scientists and architects. In the 16th century, the Moors were driven out of Europe, and the port cities were captured. In connection with an attempt at colonization in the 19th century, part of the territories of Morocco passed to Spain and France. In the 20th century, a wave of uprisings against foreign domination swept through, and on March 2, 1956, independence reigned in the country. Today, the head of state is King Mohammed VI, who has ruled since 1999. The adopted form of government is a constitutional monarchy.

Morocco's favorable climate, its strategic position, and rich resources have repeatedly attracted the attention of European colonialists, which led to eternal rivalry. Before the arrival of the Arabs, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Greeks, the Visigoths, and the Vandals tried to rule over the Moroccan lands.

Since 1649, the country has been ruled by the Alaouite dynasty, which established its own civilization and Islam. Thus, Morocco is a mixture of Berber, Arab and European cultures, which manifests itself in the way of life, architecture and even the landscapes of the country.

Current time in Rabat:
(UTC 0)

There are four imperial cities - Rabat, Marrakech, Fez and Meknes. They live in a medieval rhythm with narrow streets full of merchants, snake charmers and fortune tellers, with ancient monuments and squares. Just two hours from Rabat, you can find pristine Berber villages with their forests and measured atmosphere. Beautiful landscapes in combination with the Berber way of life open up not far from Agadir in the town of Tafraut. Another indisputable image of the Arab world is the oases of the Sahara.

How to get to Morocco

Morocco landmarks

On Tourist.ru you can go to the lists of attractions of the main cities of Morocco, as well as interesting places to visit that are located outside the cities - for example, national parks... Below you will find more detailed information for every sight of Morocco - general description, location on the map, ways of getting there, photos, opening hours, ticket price and much more.

Where to go in Morocco

sights

Museums and galleries

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Shops and Markets

Private guides in Morocco

Russian private guides will help you to learn more about Morocco.
The project Experts.Tourister.Ru is registered.

Things to do

Many believe that only historical monuments and natural attractions of Morocco can be a reason for a trip, but this is far from the case. Morocco - perfect place for lovers active rest, there are not only beaches, but also ski resorts!

Beach vacation

Snow white sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast stretched in a narrow strip along the coast. In some places there are strong ebb and flow, and in some places very calm areas in order to just swim and fully enjoy the ocean. Agadir city - heart beach holiday Morocco. A huge beach stretches along the coast with more than 40 hotels adjacent to it. Morocco has all the conditions for a comfortable beach holiday. The air temperature does not rise above 28-29 ° C, and the water temperature is 20-23 ° C, which allows you to fully enjoy your vacation. The beach season in Morocco starts at the end of May and ends at the end of October.

Surfing

Morocco's beaches are ideal for surfers, especially in January and February, when skiing is no longer so comfortable in the Pyrenees. And so - you can ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean all year round, but the most "delicious" months are from October to March. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to come for surfing during Ramadan. Life here temporarily stops, surf schools are closed and do not accept tourists. Morocco has different types breaks, including beach breaks necessary for beginners. Surfing schools are open in almost every city in Morocco, where experienced instructors can teach wave riding in just a couple of lessons. The most popular destination Agadir is considered.

Agadir is a city in the southern part of Morocco, in the area of ​​which a huge number of great spots are concentrated - from accessible for beginners like Devil's bar and Hash Point with fairly simple waves to complex ones, for example, Banana Point with a point break and an excellent Killer Point next to surf village Tangazut. The active season lasts from November to February, but those looking for warm weather and low waves can come in the summer, when surfing in Morocco is much easier and easier. Agadir has a large concentration of surf spots for both beginners and pros. A day of training with board and wetsuit rental will cost 50-60 USD.

El Suweira is also a good place for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. A suitable surf school can be found right on the beach. A two-hour lesson with an instructor and equipment rental will cost approximately USD 40, and just equipment rental will cost USD 20. Classes in schools are good because they provide transportation to remote corners of the coast, where you can catch the most best waves... Also, many surf schools in Morocco offer package deals for 7, 10, 14 or more days. These packages usually include airport transfers, accommodation, meals, equipment and a personal instructor. Prices range from 230 to 500 USD.

You can learn more about the world's best places to practice this exciting sport in the article "Riding the Board: What is surfing and where is the best place to conquer the waves."

Thalassotherapy

Wellness holidays are another highlight of Morocco. This includes water treatments, taking air baths, staying on sea ​​air and sun cure. The main thalassotherapy centers are located in such large cities as Fez, Agadir, Casablanca. For the procedures, air saturated with iodine and oxygen, sea water and modern technologies are used. It's no secret that thalassotherapy is the art of healing and body care. This art has been used in Morocco for a long time. Today, this is one of better ways gain energy, restore strength and health, and keep fit from year to year. Wellness complex includes: hydromassage, Charcot shower, circular shower, water gymnastics, seaweed wraps, massages, baths for hands and feet, a visit to the hammam. Depending on the duration and complex of procedures, prices vary from 200 to 1500 USD.

Skiing

A significant part of Morocco's territory is occupied by the Atlas Mountains, the peaks of which are covered with snow all year round. Ski season open from December to April. The pearl of the Moroccan ski resorts is the Ukaimeden station, located at an altitude of 2,600 meters, 75 km south of Marrakech. There are 7 ski lifts within the base, and the resort area is under constant surveillance. In Ukaymeden, there are restaurants, bars, discos, a heated pool, a fitness center, and a solarium at the disposal of tourists. Not far from Marrakech, there is another ski resort- Ifrane. The local landscape is in no way inferior to the Alpine, and the prices are quite reasonable. Geographically, Ifrane is located about 50 km from Fez at an altitude of 1650 meters above sea level.

Hammam

For Moroccans, a visit to the steam bath hammam is an indispensable ritual. There are two types of hammams in Morocco, some for tourists and others for the indigenous people. Bathhouses for tourists offer a range of spa treatments: massage, peeling, gommage, etc. They can be found in almost any hotel or riad. A visit to such a hammam will cost about 150 dirhams. Authentic steam baths can be found in every city and, as a rule, are divided into male and female sections. Sometimes it is the same hammam, but with different visiting hours. You can visit such a bath for about 10 dirhams, and use the massage service for 30 dirhams. To visit the public hammam, you must bring a towel, slippers, a sitting mat and a cleaning glove.

Horse and camel rides, safari

The Middle and High Atlas offer tourists excellent opportunities for walking on thoroughbred Arabian horses. The walks can last from an hour to several days with an overnight stay in the mountains. Purebred Arabian horses will not leave anyone indifferent, as well as camel travel to the desert to the Berbers. During such excursions, you can get acquainted with the Berber settlements, look at their way of life, culture and partially plunge into their life. And the most beautiful landscapes of Morocco are best explored by going on a jeep safari. So, in just one day, you can see sandy beaches, and lush vegetation, and ancient reservoirs.

Traveling around the country

Morocco has an extensive and well-established system of communications throughout the state. This country is ideal for domestic tourism.

Railway connection

Traveling by train in Morocco is efficient and profitable. Railway transport operated by the Office National des Chemins de Fer du Maroc. The total length of the Moroccan railways is 2,120 km. Trains here are comfortable and convenient. In general, there are three types of trains running in Morocco: ordinary, comfortable and comfortable high-speed ones. Long distance trains run with air conditioning, bars and buffets. Railway stations in central cities have excellent equipment: cash desks, storage rooms, cafes, waiting rooms, information stands. There are two types of train tickets: the first class is a compartment for 6 people, the second class is arranged like an electric train. The price of a one-way ticket, depending on the distance, ranges from 40 to 150 dirhams. In 2015, it is planned to build a high-speed railroad Casablanca-Rabat-Tangier.

Water transport

Ferries and so-called high-speed "comets" are regularly sent from Europe to Morocco. Spain and the African continent are separated by the Strait of Gibraltar. By ferry, this short distance can be covered in just 35-40 minutes. Another advantage of the ferry crossing is the ability to take personal transport with you: from a child's bike to a whole car. The following flights operate daily between Spain and Morocco:

1. Algeciras - Tangier, departs 8-10 times a day, the price of a one-way ticket is approximately 30 euros.
2. Malaga - Melilla - Nador, runs daily, the price of a one-way ticket for a seat in the common room is from 35 to 50 euros, for a seat in a cabin - from 70 to 140 euros.
3. Tarifa - Tangier, departs 8 times a day, a one-way ticket will cost about 30 euros.

Discounts are available for round trip tickets. Also, there is a regular connection between Spain and some of its African enclaves, from there it is easy to get to Morocco. Spanish visa for traveling by ferry - a prerequisite. Its presence is checked when purchasing a ticket.

Buses in Morocco

Buses are the most popular way to travel around Morocco. Transportation is carried out by the transport company CTM. Traveling by bus is convenient and budgetary. Ticket prices range from AED 30 to AED 90. Unlike city buses, all intercity buses are air-conditioned. Tickets are purchased at bus stations or directly from the driver. The buses are almost always full of people and do not stop on the highways. You can only stop at specially designated stops. The timetable of intercity buses can be found at the bus station, but city buses do not run very often and do not have a timetable as such.

Taxi in Morocco

Taxi is a popular form of transportation in Morocco. Most of the locals use it almost daily, as the fare is low. You can take a taxi on the street or at special taxi stands. The driver should immediately turn on the meter, although the price can be negotiated without the meter, not forgetting to bargain. The drivers here love to bargain and are willing to drop the price within reasonable limits. There are two types of taxis in Morocco: petite taxi - they run within the city, they can put no more than three people; grand taxi - run long distances on intercity routes, accommodate three or more people. A trip around the city costs about 40 dirhams, and you can get from the airport to the city for an average of 250 dirhams. A tip of 2-10 dirhams is appreciated.

Car rental in Morocco

It is not difficult to rent a car from Morocco. In almost all cities there are large rental offices that provide round-the-clock support. To rent a car, you will need an international driving license and a credit card with a security deposit. When renting, it is advisable to find out if taxes and insurance are included in the price, so that no additional payment is required upon delivery of the car. Also, it is necessary to inspect the car for damage. It is not recommended to sign a contract in which something is handwritten in Arabic or French. When renting a car, you should consider some of the features of Moroccan traffic:

• in Morocco, right-hand traffic;
• between cities one-lane and two-lane roads;
• v mountainous areas many serpentines;
• there is paid sites roads for 5-25 dirhams;
• locals do not like to follow traffic rules;
• there are many motorcyclists and horse-drawn carts on the roads;
• traffic jams are not uncommon;
• maximum speed on the highway - 120 km / h.

Car rental prices are different in all cities. On average, a car without air conditioning costs AED 400-500 per day, and with air conditioning - AED 500-1000. Much depends on the class of the car. The fines in Morocco are quite high. Speeding will cost AED 200. Hotel parking is best suited for parking.

National cuisine of Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most diverse in the world due to its unique location at the crossroads of civilizations: African, Arab and European. The country's geography has influenced the cuisine as well. If nature easily combines mountains, ocean and deserts at the same time, why not combine Mediterranean cuisine with Iberian, Moorish, African, Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisine. In Moroccan cuisine, salty is harmoniously combined with sweet, sour with tart. Here you can taste salty lemons, sugar cacti and many spicy dishes. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, sesame, cumin, mint, saffron are a must national cuisine... Olives, lemons and oranges are also abundantly used in cooking.

The first meal begins no earlier than 12 noon, that is, immediately after prayer. In Moroccan homes, the meal is transformed into a beautiful ritual of washing hands in rose water. Traditionally, they dine at a low table surrounded by colorful pillows. In many parts of the country, it is not customary to use cutlery, so the food is scooped up with three fingers of the right hand, while helping with a bread cake. It is not customary to touch food with the left hand, as it is considered "unclean". However, in popular places congestions of tourists restaurants, of course, offer a spoon, fork and knife. The food in Morocco is unusually satisfying, accompanying the meal strong mint tea With large quantity Sahara. It is believed that this particular drink improves digestion. Typically served in a Moroccan teapot with tiny clear cups.

Chefs in the royal cuisines of Rabat, Marrakech, Fez and Meknes have tried to ensure that today Moroccan cuisine has a separate status in the Mediterranean community. Traditionally, the menu includes thick lamb soup - "harir", chicken broth with spices - "chorba", chickpea puree - "hummus", balls of their mashed peas - "falafel", Moroccan roast with vegetables, stuffed loaf - " avzet "and many other original dishes. However, the most “Moroccan” dishes are “couscous” and “tagine”.

For cooking couscous chefs need patience, time and a variety of spices. This porridge made from wholemeal wheat flour is popular not only in Morocco, but also in other countries of Maghreb or Berber origin. But, as you know, there are so many opinions as there are chefs. Today, couscous is prepared from semolina, corn, and with the addition of seafood, and with vegetables, and with lamb. Ingredients vary by region. Couscous is steamed in a special boiler with two compartments, and before serving it is seasoned with oil and salt. Moroccans prefer to eat porridge with their hands, dipping it in a sauce of olive oil, garlic, coriander and cumin.

The most famous Moroccan dish that is prepared in families almost every day is tagine... The dish is a stew of meat with vegetables and dried fruits, cooked in a special earthenware pot, also called tagine. This container with a conical lid can also be used to cook other charcoal-based dishes such as fish or poultry. By adding all kinds of spices, nuts, dried fruits, tagine stew becomes not only tasty, but also extremely useful. The dish has a spicy taste, combining notes of sweet with sour and spicy. Moroccans also use tough meat for the preparation of tagine. Such a dish can simmer all day on coals, and before serving it will be seasoned with olives, fruits and vegetables.

It has become customary for Moroccans to combine diametrically different products. It can be chicken with olives and salted lemons, duck with dates and honey, fish delicacies with tangerines, sweet pies with fish filling and rice noodles, etc. This also applies to desserts. Moroccan sweets are not only traditional marzipan cookies, date cakes, honey and almond buns, but also spicy-sweet bushkutush cookies, similar to briuatha brushwood and, of course, bastila made from pigeon meat. Bastila served on special holidays or for the arrival of dear guests. Traditionally, this dish uses pigeon or chicken meat, hard-boiled eggs, almonds and thin layers of dough. Top of this dessert must be sprinkled with powdered sugar. Bastila is best served hot at the very beginning of the festive meal.

The Spanish colonists did not forget to leave their mark on Moroccan cuisine. In some parts of the country, you can enjoy a seafood dish called paila. Apparently, the Moroccans liked it very much and took root forever. Main ingredients piles- these are shrimps and squids. The dish also includes fresh vegetables, rice, chicken and a range of spices: salt, paprika, ground pepper, ginger, turmeric. On the Moroccan coast, you can always taste freshly caught fish and seafood. These are sardines, and perch, and tuna, and lobsters, and crayfish. In places where tourists gather, it will not be difficult to buy a bottle of beer or wine. Moreover, good local wine is produced in Morocco. However, according to Muslim traditions, alcohol is rarely served.

Shopping in Morocco

One of the most interesting things to do in Morocco is shopping. It is inconceivable to imagine a trip to this country without visiting the local bazaars, in Arabic "suk". These are the so-called centers of city life, where you can not only eat cheaply, buy everything for your home, but also find out the latest news. You can find absolutely everything in such markets: from food products to national handicrafts. These include leather lamps, woolen carpets, local handbags, colorful grandmother slippers, national jelab robes, ceramic and copper dishes, paintings, spices, argan oil and much more.

You can track and replenish your balance using the free mobile app both in manual and automatic mode. You no longer need to splurge on service packages and subscription fees, as money will begin to be debited from the account only for seconds of conversation and spent megabytes. Dreamsim is a stable Internet access, profitable calls, transparent tariffication and prices that do not differ much from the local cost of communication. All this allows you to communicate with loved ones, share photos, build routes and learn a lot. useful information about the country without fear of spending all your money on roaming.

Security in Morocco

Morocco - relatively calm country in socio-political terms and safe in terms of crime. They treat foreign tourists well and do their best to provide them with a cloudless vacation. The Moroccan traffic police and gendarmerie carefully monitor the order in the cities and beyond. Local residents not only respect the people who work as policemen, but also fear them. The police, in turn, are very polite to tourists, but cruel to their citizens who commit misconduct. For this reason, the crime rate in Morocco is low.

Despite this, in markets or in crowded places, do not forget about basic safety rules. Your belongings should not be left unattended, and you should always keep your bag of personal or valuables in front of you. It is recommended to leave the car only in guarded parking lots or in hotel parking lots. If, nevertheless, theft has occurred, you should immediately contact the local police station, and if important documents have been lost, the Moroccan consulate-General Russia.

In Morocco, it is not recommended to drink tap water or in the markets by the water pipes. In many medina tourists are offered juices with ice, which also need to be treated with caution. Bottled water is best. As in many Islamic states, women are not indifferent here, although they do not allow themselves any excesses. Regardless, women are advised to be accompanied by a man. Hugging in public or showing any strong emotions or feelings is not accepted.

Lost in the city, you can turn to local residents... Children often come to the rescue. They will not only tell you where the desired object is, but will personally accompany you there. For this they are entitled to a reward of 5-10 dirhams. However, trusting to strangers, be careful. Now in Morocco there are many false guides, beggars and so-called "helpers". Such people should be ignored, or immediately said "no" to them. The tourist police strictly monitors this and tries to suppress any manifestations of disrespect for the guests of the country.

A trip to Morocco is like a trip to a magical Arabian fairy tale, where there are waterfalls, eternal snow on the mountain tops and tangerine trees. The famous beaches, bustling markets of Marrakech, the majestic mosques of Rabat, the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert - all this is Morocco.

Visa

The Kingdom of Morocco is located in North Africa, bordered by Algeria to the east. The northern shores of the country are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the western ones - by the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco is separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar.

You do not need to apply for a visa in advance to enter Morocco for up to 90 days. The requirements for a passport are also not strict: it must be valid at the time of departure. At the border, an entry stamp is affixed to the passport. You will also need to fill out a migration card, so do not forget to bring a pen with you.

Tours in Morocco

The prices are for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with a departure from Moscow

Weather

You can travel to Morocco all year round - the beach season here lasts without interruption. On the Mediterranean coast, the water is warmer, but large resorts there is no. Ocean water washing the shores and warms up to + 21 ° C in summer.

The best time to travel to Morocco is spring and early autumn. On the beaches of Morocco, for example, in, you can relax in the summer - the ocean breeze makes it easy to endure hot weather.

Currency

As in many Arab countries, the currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD in the international classification). There are 100 centimes in one Moroccan dirham. For 5 Russian rubles they give 1 dirham. It is most convenient to take dollars or euros with you. The exchange rate in the exchange offices of the country is about the same everywhere.

Round-trip flights to Morocco

These are the ticket prices for 1 person departing from Berlin

June

Hotels can accommodate both a group of students and couples. There are even special "youth" hotels in Morocco, where only young people go. Almost all of them are equipped with swimming pools and offer guests the services of masters from local massage parlors and beauty studios.

Resorts

Fans of relaxation on the sand are best off to a resort with long beaches, wonderful weather and a full range of sea activities.

And for those who like to spend time exploring local sights, they offer interesting excursion programs to ancient Arab cities. From Agadir or Casablanca, you can go to Rabat with a huge number of antiquity museums, beautiful Marrakech or Fez with colorful oriental bazaars. For even more exoticism, you can take a closer look at the culture of the Berber tribes. will appeal to those who love walks along the waterfront, as well as the authenticity of eastern cities at the same time as the comfort of modern hotels. Sports fans can recommend the windy shores of Essaouira.

sights

The two most visited sites in Casablanca are Mahakma do Pasha and the Hassan II Mosque. Mahakma do Pasha is a huge snow-white building that used to be the residence of the ruler of Casablanca. Many luxurious rooms, courtyards and galleries are decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics. The Hassan II Mosque is a grandiose structure, second only in beauty and majesty to the size of the mosque in Mecca.

They go to Marrakech to get to the Jemaa al-Fna square with many magicians and snake charmers, fortune-tellers and traders of all stripes. After shopping, you can go to the Menara Garden at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.

Kitchen

Couscous and lamb dishes are highly respected in Morocco. There are many vegetables and spices on the menu, which give the dishes a unique taste and aroma. On big holidays, a pie with pigeon meat and almonds is served. Tea drinking in Morocco is a real ritual. It is brewed with mint in a special way, poured into a glass from a teapot from a height to achieve foam. Pine nuts and dates are usually served with tea.

Transport

It is convenient to get around the resort towns either on foot or by taxi. Be prepared for other passengers to sit in the taxi along the way. The average price of a taxi ride in Morocco is from 10 to 50 dirhams (usually no more than 10 dirhams per kilometer). High-speed trains run between cities. You can get to the seated pasture from the capital, Fez, Marrakech. Intercity buses They run more often and are cheaper, however, due to their popularity, tickets for them are more difficult to buy.

What to bring

Embroidered leather shoes (grandmothers, mules), painted pottery, teapots, lamps, bedspreads are brought from Morocco as souvenirs. Spice sets and tea are often bought as a gift.

Good to know

• Time in Morocco is two hours behind Moscow time in summer and 3 hours behind in winter. During Ramadan (floating date, in 2017 - May 26 - June 25), winter time is in effect.
• The plane flies from Moscow to Casablanca for about 6 hours.
• Sockets in Morocco do not differ from Russian ones, an adapter is not needed.
• Many stores in resort towns arrange a long break from 13:00 to 17:00. They close after midnight.
• There are a lot of pickpockets in Morocco, watch your belongings.
• To enter the water, you should take special shoes - sea urchins can be found near the coast.

Official name: Kingdom of Morocco. Total area: 446,300 sq. km
Location:in northwest Africa.
Capital:Rabat - has been the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco since 1912 with a population of almost 1.5 million inhabitants
Time: Time difference with Moscow: 3 hours behind in winter, 4 hours behind in summer

Largest cities:
Casablanca -(Casablanca - Dar el-Beida) - is the economic capital of Morocco (3,631,061 people);
Rabat - the administrative capital of the kingdom, the imperial city (1,721,760 people);
Fez - the spiritual capital of Morocco, the imperial city (1 001 798 people);
Marrakech - imperial city, tourist capital (872,015);
Tangier - main city the region of Tangier - Tetouana, the second economic capital of Morocco (730,849 people);
Meknes - small Paris, imperial city, agricultural capital of Morocco (576,152 people);
Agadir - the second tourist capital
Tetuan - the summer capital

Geography: Morocco is washed in the north by the Mediterranean Sea and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. strait of Gibraltar separates Morocco from the mainland of Europe. In the east and southeast, it borders with Algeria, in the south - with Western Sahara. The southeastern border in the Sahara Desert is not precisely defined. On the northern coast of Morocco are the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The country is divided into four physical and geographical regions: Rif, or a mountainous region, which lies parallel to the Mediterranean coast; the Atlas Mountains, stretching across the country from southwest to northeast from the Atlantic Ocean to Rif, from which they are separated by the Taza Basin; the region of the vast coastal plains of the Atlantic coast; valleys lying south of the Atlas Mountains, turning into the desert. Highest point the country - Mount Jebel Toubkal (4165 m) - is located in the Great Atlas Range. Rif rises to (2440 m) above sea level, Sebkha Tah is the lowest place in Morocco - 55 meters below sea level. The main rivers of the country are the Muluya, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, and Cebu, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Land boundaries:1559 km with Algeria (its border line is not officially recognized) 443 km with Western Sahara 16 km with Spain.

Climate: On the Mediterranean coast of the country, the climate is mild, subtropical, the average temperature in summer is about + 24-28 C (sometimes reaches + 30-35 C), and in winter + 10-12 C. Further to the south, the climate becomes more and more continental, with hot (up to + 37 C) in summer and cool (up to + 5 C) in winter. In winter and summer, the daily temperature difference can reach 20 degrees. To the northwestern part of the country big influence air masses from the Atlantic Ocean - the climate here is cooler, and the daily temperature drops are much lower than in the rest of the country. In the mountainous regions of the Atlas, the climate is highly dependent on the altitude of the place. Precipitation falls from 500-1000 mm. per year in the north to less than 200 mm. a year in the south. It rains mainly during the winter months. The western slopes of the Atlas get up to 2000 mm from time to time. precipitation, even local floods are not uncommon, while in the southeast of the country there are years when precipitation does not fall at all.

Population: The approximate population of Morocco in 2002 was 31,167,783, with a population density of 69 per sq. km. The original population is Berbers and three quarters of all modern Moroccans are of Berber descent. Arabs, who make up the majority of the inhabitants of large cities, form the second largest ethnic group. A significant number of mixed marriages in the country between Arabs, Berbers and black Africans have broken down differences among ethnic groups. Morocco is home to approximately 100,000 Europeans, most of whom are French. The rural population of Morocco in 2000 is 44 percent of the total population of the country.

National and religious composition:Sunni Muslims 98.7% (Islam is the state religion of Morocco), Christians 1.1%; Jews 0.2%.

Official languages:The official language is Arabic. Second official language in Morocco is French. In mountainous areas, local dialects are used. Berber and Spanish are also widely spoken. Some of the specialists who once studied in Russia speak Russian.

Currency unit:Morocco currency: Moroccan dirham. You can exchange currency at banks. Official exchange rate against the US dollar: 1 $ approximately 10 Dh. Morocco has a wide range of banks where you can easily change your currency, exchange your traveller's checks for cash or withdraw the required amount from your credit card. Currency rates vary slightly from bank to bank. One of the best banks is Banque Marocaine du Commerce Extrieur (BMCE). You can cash out money using your card at an ATM, although your account will be charged approximately 1.5% for services.

Embassy of Morocco in the Russian Federation:
Moscow, Prechistensky per., 8
Consular Section: 201-73-51
Chancery: 201-72-84
Fax: 230-20-67

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Rabat:
Rabat, 4 km, Route des Zaiers, Maroc
(8-10-2127) 75-3509, 75-3609
(8-10-2127) 75-3590
Email: [email protected] , [email protected]

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Casablanca:
Casablanca, Rue Soumania, 31
(8-10-2122) 25-5708, 25-1873
(8-10-2122) 98-9357

Shopping and souvenirs:

In Morocco, you will find a huge variety of products, but you should always pay more attention to the product you choose. You can always buy traditional oriental woolen carpets as souvenirs. Traditional carpets are presented in a wide range and for every taste: large and small, heavy and light, bright colorful and stylish black and white. Be careful to beware of counterfeits: a quick test of the quality of real wool is to pluck a small patch from the carpet and set it on fire, the artificial one will smell like plastic ...

From the Arabic language (al-Maghrib) is translated as "west", or, in other words, Maghrib al-Aqsa, which means "far west". There is another official name: al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya, which means "Kingdom of Morocco".

More information about this stunning, with unique natural landscapes, African country and its cities can be found in this article.

The state of Morocco is magnificent and surprisingly beautiful! The cities in it are exotic and attractive, each of them represents a peculiar culture and an interesting history of the country's centuries-old development.

Before we start talking about this African country and its cities, let us recall some information about it. Since May 1963, it has been part of the OAU (Organization of African Unity), which since 2002 has been renamed AU. Since November 1984, the state of Morocco withdrew from this organization.

Morocco

Its cities are located in 16 administrative regions, into which the entire territory of the state is divided.

The country is located on the African continent in its northwestern part and belongs to the region called its capital - the city of Rabat (population over 1 million 720 thousand people), located off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This Northern part Moroccan kingdom.

The state, thanks to fairly even favorable climatic conditions, especially in coastal areas, direct access to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and due to internal stability and the absence of any conflicts, it is one of the most comfortable, favorable places for tourism and recreation on the entire continent. And the government of this state invests a lot of money to create conditions conducive to further development exactly this direction in Morocco.

Largest cities

• Casablanca- the economic capital of the state over 3 million 630 thousand people).

• Fez- an imperial city, a spiritual capital (population over 1 million people).

• Tangier- 2nd economic capital, center of the Tangier-Tetouana region, (over 730 thousand people).

• Marrakesh- the tourist capital (population over 850 thousand).

• Meknes- a kind of small Paris, an agricultural capital (more than 570 thousand people).

• Agadir- the second capital for tourism.

Although the official capital is Rabat, the most Big City countries - Casablanca. Morocco, in addition to magnificent landscapes, has many historical sights in its cities. I would especially like to note in Casablanca, which has the highest minaret in the world, as well as the Russian necropolis at the Ben Msik (Christian) cemetery, created in 2007. The most famous Russian figures who lived abroad are buried in the latter.

sights

A special place in the Moroccan kingdom is given to the most ancient and rich history of the state. Here you can see an abundance and a huge variety of architectural and historical monuments different eras... Casablanca occupies a special place in this regard.

Morocco is a state that has changed several capitals over its history. They are of particular interest to tourists. For example, in today's capital there are many museums, the mausoleum of Mohammed V, famous gardens Andalusian, Kasbah Udaya (ancient fortress).

In the city of Marrakech, there are famous, amazingly beautiful palaces and mosques.

One of the most beautiful oldest cities world is Fez, in which more than 800 stunningly beautiful mosques were built, the mausoleum and the former residence of the king are located.

The Kingdom of Morocco, with a favorable climate, excellent resorts and a well-developed economy, occupies one of the leading positions in the continent of Africa.

Beni Mellal town

This is one of the former capitals of Morocco in the Middle Ages. The city was shopping center South Africa, on the site of which 6 major roads converged, leading from Europe itself and from the center of the Sahara Desert. This contributed to the prosperity of the entire region.

V geographically Beni Mellal is located at the bottom of the Middle Atlas ridge, which allows the city to hide from strong hot winds coming from the desert. And the climate here is quite humid.

The city is famous for its numerous orange and banana orchards, which bring huge profits to the state.

There are wonderful natural and architectural attractions, such as the fortress-palace of Hadi Pasha on a steep cliff overhanging the city. It contains interesting museum representing numerous household items and weapons of previous centuries.

City of beaches

The port city of the state of Morocco is El Jadida. It attracts numerous beach lovers.

In the 15th century, part of the territory of Morocco came under the protectorate of Portugal, including El Jadida. In order to protect this land from the local population, the Portuguese built a fortress, which they controlled until 1769. Mohammed Abdallah (Moroccan sultan) took over this fortress in the 18th century. During the reign of the city by French colonists, it was called Mazagan. Modern name El Jadida returned in 1956.

The main attraction of the city is the same Portuguese fortress Mazagan, from where an amazing view of the coast opens. The fortress itself consists of four bastions that have survived from those times:

In the eastern part there is the Angel's Bastion;

In the north - the bastion of St. Sebastian;

Bastion of St. Antoine in the west;

In the south - the bastion of the Holy Spirit.

A cistern, which was once used as a city reservoir, has also survived in the city. Also here you can see the Great Mosque and the Church of the Annunciation.

Conclusion

In terms of geography, Morocco is the most "European" state of all African countries. Cities, each with its own history and splendor, fabulous nature, close location of Spain (15 kilometers by water, fantastic sandy oceanic and sea ​​coasts, beautiful mountain landscapes and a favorable climate - all this is inherent in this amazing exotic corner of the Earth.

To experience all these delights, you should go and relax in Morocco.

brief information

You can get from Spain by ferry to Morocco in just one hour, however, it seems that you are arriving in some completely different world. This world is dominated by Islamic culture and traditions, there, despite the cosmopolitan cities of Rabat and Casablanca, everything reminds of the distant past. In turn, Fez is considered the most beautiful Arab city. In addition, Morocco has many seaside resorts along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.

Geography of Morocco

Morocco is located in North Africa. In the north, Morocco borders with Spain (water border through the Strait of Gibraltar and land border with three Spanish exclaves), in the east - with Algeria, and in the south with Mauritania (through Western Sahara, which is not a de facto state). In the north, the country is washed Mediterranean Sea, and in the west - Atlantic Ocean... The total area of ​​this state is 446,550 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 2,017 km.

Most of Morocco is occupied by the Atlas Mountains, located mainly in the center and south of the country. The north is occupied by the Rif Ridge. In the south, the valleys gradually turn into desert. The highest local peak is Mount Jebel Toubkal, whose height reaches 4165 meters.

Capital

Rabat is the capital of Morocco. More than 1.8 million people now live in this city. Historians claim that a small Punic town once existed on the site of modern Rabat, which was then expanded thanks to the ancient Romans.

Official language of Morocco

There are two official languages ​​- Arabic and Berber.

Religion

Almost the entire population is Muslim.

State structure

According to the 2011 Constitution, Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The Moroccan king is a secular political leader and "ruler of the faithful" as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The king presides over the Council of Ministers, appoints the prime minister from the political party that won the majority of seats in parliament in the elections. In addition, the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, appoints members of the government.

The bicameral Moroccan Parliament consists of the Assembly of Representatives of Morocco and the Assembly of Councilors.

Administratively, the country is divided into 16 regions, which in turn are divided into 62 provinces and prefectures.

Climate and weather

The climate on the north coast and on the central plateau is Mediterranean. It is noticeably cooler on the Atlantic coast in winter. In the Atlas Mountains, the climate depends on the altitude. In the south, where the Sahara is located, the climate is desert.

You can relax in Morocco all year round. The peak beach season is between July and August.

Seas and oceans in Morocco

In the north, the country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and in the west - by the Atlantic Ocean. Length coastline is 1 835 km. average temperature waters near the coast in January-March - + 17C, and in July-September - + 23C.

Rivers and lakes

The Muluya River (520 km) flows through the territory of the eastern part of Morocco, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, and in the north of the country, the Cebu River (458 km) flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

History of Morocco

Moroccan history goes back many thousands of years. The first people on the territory of this country, as proved by archaeologists, lived more than 75,000 years ago. In the modern era, people began to settle in Morocco around 5000 BC. The ancestors of the Berbers appeared there in about 3000 BC.

Around 800 BC. the Phoenicians arrived there, and this radically changed the history of this country. Several centuries later, Morocco became an integral part of one of the colonies of Ancient Rome.

In the 6-7 centuries. AD Arabs appear in Morocco, bringing Islam with them. Some of the Berbers were forced to convert to Islam. After the Arabs were driven out of Spain, the Portuguese appeared on Moroccan soil, making this country their colony for a long time. In the 1800s, France and Spain began to show great interest in Morocco.

Morocco is now an independent state headed by a king. It is part of the UN and the Arab League.

The culture

For Moroccans, honor and dignity are very important concepts. For them, these are not just words. Residents of this country value not only their reputation, but also the reputation of their family. The worst thing that can be for a Moroccan is to dishonor himself and his family.

It is difficult for Moroccans to understand when a foreigner travels alone, without his wife, children, brother or sister, since the family is very important to them.

According to Islamic law, any man in Morocco can have up to 4 wives, providing equally to each of them. However, the economic reality in the country is that polygamy is rare.

Morocco celebrates every year a large number of holidays, almost all of them are of a religious (Islamic) or folklore nature. The most important of them are Ramadan, Eid al-Sagira, Folk Arts Festival in Marrakech, Rose Festival in El Kela M Guna, Cherry Festival in Sefru, Camel Festival in Gulimin and Equestrian Festival in Tisza.

Moroccan cuisine

The formation of Moroccan cuisine was influenced by the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, Arabs, Jews, Persians, inhabitants West Africa and Berbers. One can only imagine what kind of kitchen the result is.

Traditional Moroccan dishes - Tagines (aromatic stew of meat, vegetables or fish), Harira (spicy tomato soup), Pastilla (puff pastry with cinnamon and sugar), Couscous (dishes with semolina and with meat and vegetables), Tajine (aromatic stew with onions, olives, almonds, tomatoes, herbs or dried fruit), Mechoui (baked stuffed beef or lamb).

Traditional soft drinks - "mint tea" (often called "Berber whiskey"), coffee.

It should be remembered that Morocco is a Muslim country, however, for tourists the laws are liberal in this regard. Local beer and wine is sold at an affordable price.

Morocco landmarks

In relatively small Morocco, a huge number of various sights have been preserved. In every Moroccan city, tourists have something to see. So, in Rabat, for example, this is the Hasan tower, which they began to build in the XII century.

In Casablanca and its environs, the main attractions are the markets, the Great Mosque of Hassan II, the Schlech Mosque, the residence of the Pasha Mahakma du Pasha, the Sacre Coeur Cathedral, the ruins of the city of Anfa.

In Marrakech, tourists will certainly be interested in local markets, the Koutoubia mosque, the mausoleum of Yusuf bin Tashfin, the Golden Apples Mosque, the ruins of the El-Badi palace, the Muasin fountain, the Dar-El-Mahzen palace, the Muasin mosque, the Sidi al-Suheili mausoleum ...

In Fez, the religious capital of Morocco, we recommend paying attention to summer palace King, Bab-Dekaken gate, Moulay-Idris mosque, Bu-Inanya madrasah, Gazlean mosque, Attarin madrasah, Karaouin mosque, Tsetaunin caravanserai, Dar-Batha palace and Andalusky mosque.

Cities and resorts

The largest cities are Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, Tangier, Menes and Agadir.

The country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches near the cities have a well-developed recreation infrastructure. However, there are hundreds of secluded beaches where nature has remained completely untouched. The beaches of the Atlantic coast will be interesting, of course, and amateurs aquatic species sports, especially surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

On the Mediterranean coast, the beaches are more secluded, the water is warm and calm. In recent years, new ones began to appear there. seaside resorts such as Tamuda Bay.

The most famous Moroccan beach resorts- Agadir, Casablanca and Essaouira. A big plus of these resorts is that there are a lot of ancient attractions (mosques, fortresses, palaces, etc.).

Souvenirs / shopping

Markets in Morocco often lead tourists to go home with an extra suitcase in which to put souvenirs. We bring to your attention a list of the 10 best souvenirs that you can buy in this country:

1. Carpets. There are two types of carpets in Morocco - made in the city and Berber. Urban carpets are usually made near Rabat, and Berber carpets are usually made in rural areas by Berbers. Usually, Berber carpets are thinner than carpets made in the city. We recommend buying Berber carpets from women's cooperatives.
2. Moroccan tea set. Tea drinking is a national Moroccan treasure. This is already a real ceremony and tradition. You can buy silver plated teapots and multiple cups in any big city.
3. Women's belly dance costume.
4. Wood products (boxes, vases, chess).
5. Musical instruments (for example, Moroccan oud and several types of drums).
6. Henna paint (we recommend buying at Suka).
7. Leather goods - Moroccan slippers, wallets, etc. (we recommend buying in Fez).
8. Pottery (the most famous blue and white pottery is made in Fez).
9. Scarves and shawls.
10. Silver jewelry (it is best to buy them in the south of the country and in the city of Tiznit located there).

Opening hours of institutions

Banks:
Mon-Thu - winter
08: 15-12: 00 and 14: 15-17: 15
Fri: 08: 15-11: 30 and 14: 45-17: 15

Mon-Thu - summer
08:00-15:00

The shops:
Mon-Sat: 09: 30-13: 00 and 15: 00-19: 30

Visa

Ukrainians need a visa to visit Morocco.

Currency in Morocco

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency in Morocco. Its international designation is MAD. One Moroccan dirham = 100 centimes. Credit cards widely distributed.

Customs restrictions

Local currency (Moroccan dirham - MAD) can be imported in an amount not exceeding 1,000 MAD. Foreign currency can be imported without restrictions, but an amount equivalent to more than 15 thousand MAD must be declared.

You can take out no more than 1,000 MAD, and as much foreign currency as was declared upon arrival in the country.

For the importation of dogs and cats, a veterinary certificate and a medical certificate of their health condition are required. Importation of falcons and hawks requires prior permission from the Moroccan authorities.

For the export of archaeological, antiquity and cultural items, you must obtain the appropriate permission.

Useful phone numbers and addresses

Embassy of Morocco in Ukraine:
ZIP: 04070, Kiev, st. I. Fedorova 12
T: (8 044) 284-33-26

Embassy of Ukraine in Morocco:
Cité OLM, Villa 212, Souissi – II, Rabat, Maroc
T: (8 10 212) 37-65-78-40
Email mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Emergency telephones
15 - Fire department
19 - Police
777 - Ambulance

Time in Morocco

It lags behind Kiev by 2 hours. Those. if, for example, in Kiev it is 13:00, then in the city of Rabat - 11:00.

Tips

A service charge is usually included in the bill. However, additional tips, albeit small (up to 10%), are always welcome.

The medicine

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to travel to Morocco. Recommended vaccinations: against diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, tetanus and typhoid.

In some rural areas, there is a very small risk of contracting malaria between May and October.

Safety

Morocco cannot be called safe country for tourists, but if you follow reasonable security measures, then you can relax in this country without problems. It should be remembered that this is a Muslim country.