The most authentic places to stay in towns in Morocco are located in the heart of the Medina and are called Riad or Dar, which are characterized by for being built around a central patio with a fountain. Many also have an external living area protected by a wall. The large terrace on the top floor was used to communicate with the neighbours and the household chores. Nowadays the terrace has a more “European” purpose and is used as dining room or leisure area. Unlike Dars, Riads also have a garden. In our selection you can choose between a Dar or Riad in Essaouira, a Riad in Marrakech or a Riad in Fez.

Local Customs:

The Moroccans are an extremely hospitable people. Following some basic guidelines will further enhance your enjoyment of Morocco: Avoid provocative clothing, accept mint tea when offered, this a sign of hospitality. Avoid drinking, eating, and smoking in public in daytime during the period of Ramadan.

It is not unusual to be invited by a Moroccan family for a meal. In this case wash your hands, as a symbolic gesture and wait for the master of the house to intone the bismillah (in praise of God).

Access to mosques and holy places is forbidden to non-Muslims (exceptions include the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, the Moulay Ismaïl mausoleum at Meknes and the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum at Rissani).

Entry Requirements:

Anyone visiting Morocco requires a passport. EU, US, Australian and New Zealand citizens do not need VISAS.

Language:

The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but French is widely spoken, whilst English is becoming an increasingly popular language, particularly in the major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat.

Weather and when to go:

Pretty much all year round is the simple answer, especially on the southern coast where the weather is generally pleasant for the 12 months of the year. In the lowlands cool months last from October to April, but even so, we are talking pleasantly warm days and night time temperatures of 15º. However, winter in the north and the mountain regions is much cooler and wetter. The skiing season lasts from December to March.

Religion:

Islam, the official religion of Morocco, has coexisted peacefully with other religions for many years and there is a sizeable community of foreigners in the country, including French, Italian and American. As with other Muslim countries Ramadan is the most important religious festival and is observed by the vast majority of people. During the month-long festival Muslims refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking from sunrise to sunset.

Health:

There are no compulsory vaccinations for visitors to Morocco although doctors may recommend protection. Anti-malarial tablets are NOT necessary. Avoid drinking water from rivers and streams. When buying bottled water, always ensure the seal is unbroken. It is always wise to wash and peel fresh fruit. The summer sun in Morocco can be very harsh. Take precautions against sunburn by packing plenty of suntan oil and sun block - Only swim in hotel pools and safe stretches of coastline.

Money:

The official Moroccan currency is the Dirham, denominational in 20, 50, 100 and 200. Please note the following: It is illegal to change Money in the street. The best places to do so are banks, bureaux de change (indicated with a gold sign) and hotel cashiers. No commission is charged and you will receive a slip allowing any unspent currency to be changed back at the end of the trip. Cash dispensers can be found in most large towns and cities. Credit cards are generally accepted in major hotels, shops, and restaurants and sometimes even in the souks.

How to get around in Morocco:

Public transport in Morocco is efficient. You can use trains and buses to travel between cities. Taxis may or may not be common, and it is always advisable to agree on a price before you start your journey. It is always best to arrange a transfer to the airport with the Riad you are staying at, stating your arrival time and flight number; it's always cheaper than taking a taxi. Parking your car depends a lot on each city. In Marrakech, for example, you can enter the medina, but park only in certain places where you will have to pay a daily fee. Again, it is advisable to check with the accommodation you are staying in. In Essaouira, you are not allowed to drive into the Medina and will have to pay for parking outside, next to the city walls.

Moroccan cuisine is one of the most varied and interesting in the world and is heavily influenced by North African cuisine. Its essence is fundamentally marked by the mixture of sweet and savoury and by the use of couscous, vegetables, meats, and spices.

One of the typical dishes you must try on your trip to exotic Moroccan cuisine is tajine, made with couscous, vegetables and meat or fish over a base of spices, all served in a baked earthenware bowl covered with a conical lid. Tajine can combine the above foods with less conventional ones such as plums or quince. Another of Morocco's best-known foods is harira, or Moroccan soup, made with meat, vegetables, and tomatoes, seasoned with the intense flavours of coriander, parsley, ginger, and pepper. Couscous is undoubtedly another major player. Made from wheat semolina, it forms the basis of Moroccan cuisine and is often combined with meat and vegetables. Travellers visiting Rabat should try the seven-vegetable couscous, which is typical of the region.

The country's sweets are also known for their delicacy. Moroccan "beghrir" or "crêpe" will delight the sweet-toothed. Served hot, with honey or olive oil and accompanied by almond paste or butter, it is famous for being the first food traditionally eaten by Moroccan women after giving birth.

Tea is another of the great ambassadors of Moroccan gastronomy. The most famous is mint tea with mint and sugar (known as "Moorish tea" in Spain). In this country, tea is a symbol of hospitality and has an interesting ritual when it is served. According to Moroccan custom, in order to taste this tea, you have to sit on a carpet and drink three cups: the first, without sugar, is bitter like life; the second, with sugar, is sweet like love; and the third, with a lot of sugar, is smooth like death. The cups are usually alternated with sweets, made mainly with walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and honey.