Morocco Travel Guide | Trip to Morocco | Morocco Vacations

Morocco, is officially known as the Kingdom of Morocco, and is one of the last few countries in the world to have an old style of ruling through a monarchy. It is located in North Africa and is not yet a member of the African Union. Rabat is the capital, where as Arabic and French are the two languages widely spoken here. It is believed that Morocco has had inhabitants on its lands from 8000 BC. This kingdom was the subject of much dispute among the European powers. However, in the 19th century France became its colonial ruler and even Spain had control over a few of its areas. In 1956, Morocco finally gained its independence from its rulers.

Morocco is the third most populated Arab country in the world. There are however, besides these, many Jews who stay here, as well as Europeans who have stayed on for generations. Thus the culture of this kingdom is rather mixed in nature, and is reflected in the cuisines and customs. However, the Arab- Jewish cultural heritage also has many French and Spanish customs, intermixed in between. While even the music played here, is predominantly Arab in nature, Morocco also gives importance to the Berber folk music of yesteryears.

The feel of Morocco is distinctly Arab. One can spot many souks selling traditional wares throughout the kingdom. Rabat, the capital was founded in the 12th century, and is spoken of as a town of great flora and monumental gateways. The Mamora Forest, the minaret of a 12 century mosque called Tour Hassan, The Archaeological Museum, National Museum of Handicrafts, and the old Roman ruins, are some of the spots to visit here. Meknes, a World Heritage Site, is a city which is the brain child of King Moulay Islamil, who ruled the kingdom for 55 years.

Also, not to be missed out are the Roman ruins at Volubilis, which date back to the third century. Fes, which was built in the 8th century, is a storehouse of history. The Nejjarine Square and Fountain, mosques, Royal Palace and the Dar Bath museum are some places which are a must see. The two renowned mosques called Al- Qarawiyan and Al- Andalus attract many visitors. The markets in Fes sell world famous rugs, carpets, ornate metalwork and other artifacts. Marrakech, another city here can be said to be the soul of Morocco.

The Djemaa ef Fna or the Palace of the dead and the city square are two places which come alive after midnight strikes, with fortune tellers, musicians, snake charmers and dancers to enthrall tourists. The Koutoubia, is a 12th century mosque here. The Ben Youssef Medersa, which has many mosaics, marbles, and many carved woodworks, is a large theological site. An hour away from Marrakech, one can go skiing in Oukaimeden. Or you could visit the highest mountain here called Jebel Toubkal. The Mediterranean coast between Tangier and Nador, has many beaches, cliffs and bays which make swimming, fishing, and boat rides a possibility.

Morocco has retained its old charm and flavour, while modernizing itself at a fast pace too. A trip to this country is sure to amaze you.

1. Tangier Cruise Guide | Travel to Tangier Morocco | Tangier Cruises Destination Information: Located in Morocco, Africa, The cruise destination of...
2. Bhutan Travel Information | Trip to Bhutan | Bhutan hotels and vacations Nestled amongst the Himalayas is the quaint, peaceful and not...
3. Vietnam Travel Information | Trip to Vietnam | Vietnam hotels and vacations It is sad but it is a fact that the...
4. Thailand Travel Information | Trip to Thailand | Thailand hotels and vacations The Country’s official name was “Siam” but later changed to...
5. South Korea Travel Information | Trip to South Korea | South Korea hotels and vacations Talking of a trip to South Korea is sure to...