Compare Morocco Holidays

Overview

Morocco is just a step away from Europe, across the narrowstraits of Gibraltar, but it is a world away in culture andexperience, brimming over with contrasts, colour and mystery. Thisis due partly to its geographical position, sited at the crossroadswhere the East meets the West, Africa shakes hands with Europe, andthe Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.Sitting at the top northwest corner of Africa and sharing twooceans, the country's main appeal for visitors has always been itsMediterranean climate, the quality of its crafts and its exoticnature. However in more recent years travellers are discoveringother hidden delights and adventures, particularly in the northernand central parts of Morocco in the Rif and High Atlas Mountains,where it is even possible to enjoy a skiing holiday. Then, downsouth, some are drawn to explore the sands of the Western Sahara,on camelback, horseback or 4X4.Whether you visit Morocco for the sunshine, or to trek throughthe mountains or the hot desert sands, it is a sure bet you willalso be enchanted by the timeless Medieval medinas of the cities,particularly in Fez and Marrakech, where the souks and squaresplunge visitors into a fascinating foreign world. Snake charmersweave their magic; the stench of the tanners' yards pervades theair; and the call of the muezzins wafts from the ancient minarets.The overall memory will be one of sweetened mint tea, brightlycoloured slippered feet and big smiles.Although most of its suburban enclaves are ultra-modern, Moroccohas more than its share of ancient monuments and magnificentbuildings, reflecting a turbulent history shaped by its strategiclocation. Since the days of the Phoenicians, Morocco has attractedforeign interest, from the Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and ancientGreeks until the coming of the Arabs in the 7th century, whobrought Islam and the Alaouite Dynasty. European powers have hadtheir day, too, trying to control this northern tip of Africa.France and Spain battled for control, until nationalism triumphedand the Kingdom of Morocco gained independence in 1956 (except forthe two small enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in the north which arestill controlled by Spain). This rich past, coupled with a timelesspresent, makes Morocco a magical mystery tour of surprises andenchantment for thousands of visitors every year.

Money

The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which isdivided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns,but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks orofficial bureaux de changes, which are also widespread in majortowns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco andreceipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, aswell as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major creditcards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants.Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas, but are notprevalent; they are best taken in Euros or Pounds Stirling.

Time

Local time is GMT.

Language

Arabic is the official language, but eight other languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is the most widely spoken.

Climate

Morocco's climate is moderate and subtropical, cooled by breezesoff the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. In the interior thetemperatures are more extreme, winters can be fairly cold and thesummers very hot. Marrakech has an average winter temperature of21ºC (70ºF) and summer temperature of 100°F(38°C). In the Atlas Mountains temperatures can drop below zeroand mountain peaks are snow capped throughout most of the year. Thewinter in the north of the country is wet and rainy, while in thesouth, at the edge of the Moroccan Sahara, it is dry and bitterlycold.

Current Weather Conditions for Rabat, , MO

Now 17°C Windchill: 17°C Mostly Cloudy

Location: Rabat, , MO Wind: 13 kph W Humidity: 63% Visibility: 0.06 km Pressure: 1,017 mb steady Sunrise: 6:20 am Sunset: 8:25 pm

Sat High: 21°C Low: 13°C Showers

Sun High: 19°C Low: 12°C Rain

Compare Holidays in Morocco

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