Morocco
Morocco is surprisingly accessible from Europe – the flights I got through RyanAir were so incredibly cheap. I really enjoyed travelling through Morocco, although I do have to admit that I don’t think I would have enjoyed it anywhere near as much if I had been travelling alone, or even with another girl. I found the men in Morocco to be quite leery; as a woman with blonde hair I found myself to be heckled with a lot more than I felt comfortable. I had been forewarned to wear a ring on my wedding finger, but that didn’t really seem to stop them (or if it did, I would hate to see what it would have been like if I didn’t!). It was a super awesome two weeks though; definitely one of the coolest things I have ever experienced.
- Capital: Rabat
- Population: 32 million
- Currency: Moroccan dirham
- Language: Arabic and Berber. Although French is surprisingly popular and English is on the increase.
- Highlights:
- Marrakesh: Centred around a big market, Marrakesh is a labyrinth of shops, food stalls and dusty streets. There are workshops and religious sites to visit, and plenty of locals are willing to give you walking tours (at a small cost). Prepare yourself for the regular prayers that come blasting over speakers from mosques in Arabic – I got more than a few frights!
- Chefchouen: The blue city, I would definitely recommend a few days here to appreciate the beauty of this charming spot, and the mountainous terrain all around. The majority of the buildings are blue; supposedly it deters mosquitoes.
- The Sahara Desert: Surely a bucket list activity, it is possible to ride camels into the desert and sleep out under the stars. One of the most incredible memories I have ever made.
- Essaouira: wind-surfing capital of Morocco.
- Did you know?
- There are so many mountains in Morocco: the Atlas Mountains run from northeast to the southwest through the centre and the Rif Mountains are located in the north.
- Morocco is an extremely religious country. Mosques are super common.
- Market areas are called bazaars and the old city centre is known as a medina.
- Morocco tea is delicious! It is very sweet.
- Useful tips:
- If you are a female, wear a ring on your wedding finger.
- Package tours are definitely worth looking into. Morocco can be quite hard-going and a package tour sometimes reduces the amount of stress! In saying that I didn’t do a tour and it was absolutely fine, but of any country to do it in this is probably one I would think suitable.
