Morocco begins where the rush of the familiar world ends. From the very first steps into the labyrinth of the medina, the scent of mint rising from a glass of hot tea, and the sound of the muezzin echoing off the clay walls, time slows down and the senses take over.
Morocco is a land of contrasts: the golden dunes of the Sahara meet the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, and the modern cafés of Casablanca stand side by side with centuries-old souks, where trade still follows ancient rules. This guide is an invitation to a journey not only through places, but also through the stories, flavors, and rituals of Morocco — a country that does not reveal itself in haste, yet richly rewards the curious.
MOROCCO – DETAILED GUIDES
MARRAKESH AND SURROUNDINGS:
TOUBKAL – 4167 M – IN 2 DAYS >
MARRAKESH – PRACTICAL INFORMATION GUIDE >
SIGHTSEEING IN MARRAKESH : MUSEUMS, PALACES AND NECROPOLEIS >
MEDINA IN MARRAKESH >
Unfortunately, most of the country’s attractions are still ahead of us. If we manage to reach them, this guide will be updated.
MOROCCO – A BRIEF HISTORY
The history of Morocco is a story of the meeting of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The earliest inhabitants of these lands were the Berbers (Amazigh), whose culture and language remain an important part of Moroccan identity to this day. As early as antiquity, the coastline attracted Phoenicians and Romans. The remains of Roman cities, such as Volubilis, testify to the region’s significance in the Mediterranean world.
ARAB TIME
A turning point came in the 7th century, when Islam reached Morocco with the Arab conquests. In the centuries that followed, powerful Muslim dynasties emerged—the Almoravids, Almohads, and Marinids—turning Morocco into a major religious, commercial, and cultural center of North Africa. Cities such as Fez and Marrakesh became important hubs of learning and craftsmanship.
COLONIALISM
From the 15th century onward, the country had to face the growing presence of Europeans, especially the Portuguese and Spanish along the coast. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Morocco came under strong colonial influence, and in 1912 it was divided into a French and a Spanish protectorate. It regained independence in 1956, retaining the monarchy, which continues to play a key role in the life of the state today.
MOROCCO – BASIC INFORMATION
- AREA – approx. 446,550 km² (excluding Western Sahara; including it approx. 710,850 km²)
- POPULATION – around 37 million inhabitants
- FLAG AND COAT OF ARMS
The flag is red with a green five-pointed star (the Seal of Solomon). The coat of arms features a shield with a green star, supported by two lions, and a rising sun above the Atlas Mountains.
- CAPITAL – Rabat
- GOVERNMENT – constitutional monarchy
- RULER – King Mohammed VI
- CURRENCY – Moroccan dirham (MAD)
- SYMBOLS – green star, lion, mint tea, zellige mosaics, Sahara Desert
- ECONOMY
Based on agriculture (olives, citrus fruits), mining (phosphates – among the largest deposits in the world), tourism, automotive and aerospace industries, and exports to Europe.
LANGUAGES
- Arabic (official)
- Amazigh/Berber (official)
- Widely used: French; increasingly Spanish and English
GEOGRAPHY
Morocco is located in northwestern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar. The country features a highly diverse landscape: from fertile coastal plains, through the Atlas Mountains with the highest peak in North Africa – Jebel Toubkal, to the Sahara Desert in the south. Most rivers are seasonal, and the geography strongly influences the climate, economy, and lifestyle of the population.
MOROCCO – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Time zone: UTC +1 (Central European Time)
- Electricity: 220 V / 50 Hz, plugs type C and E.
- Calling code: +212
- Internet / SIM cards: Widely available; local SIM cards are inexpensive and offer good coverage in cities.
WEATHER
Morocco has a highly varied climate, depending on the region:
- Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts – Mediterranean climate: mild, wetter winters and warm, but not extremely hot, summers.
- Interior regions – Continental climate: hot summers and cooler winters, especially at night.
- Atlas Mountains – Snow and low temperatures are possible in winter; summers are pleasant and cooler than on the plains.
- Sahara Desert – Desert climate: very high summer temperatures (often above 40°C / 104°F) and cool nights.
The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are moderate and ideal for sightseeing. In winter, Morocco can also be appealing for travelers seeking sunshine, especially in the southern regions of the country.
CUISINE
Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most flavorful and aromatic in the world. It blends Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and French influences, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, slow cooking, and a rich variety of spices.
MAIN DISHES
A central dish is couscous, traditionally served on Fridays, usually accompanied by vegetables, chickpeas, and meat. Another popular dish is tagine – a slow-cooked stew prepared in a distinctive clay pot, with many variations such as chicken with preserved lemon, lamb, vegetables, or dried fruits. A unique specialty is pastilla, a sweet-and-salty pastry made with thin dough, filled with meat and almonds.
SPICES
Moroccan cuisine is famous for its spices, such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, saffron, and the spice blend ras el hanout. Meals are often accompanied by fresh khobz bread, which is used to scoop up food instead of utensils. An extremely important element of the culture is mint tea, a symbol of hospitality and daily social gatherings.
DESSERTS
Popular desserts include sweet pastries made with honey, sesame, and almonds, as well as fresh fruit. Moroccan cuisine is not just about food; it is a ritual and a way of sharing time together.
HOW TO GET TO MOROCCO?
You can reach Morocco in several ways – the fastest is by plane, but travel by ferry or car is also possible.
BY PLANE
This is the most convenient and popular option. From many European cities (including Poland), flights are available to Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fes, and Rabat – both regular and low-cost airlines. The flight usually takes 4–5 hours.
BY FERRY
Morocco is connected by ferries to Spain. The crossing takes 1–2 hours and is popular among travelers with cars. The most common routes are:
- Algeciras – Tanger Med
- Tarifa – Tangier
BY CAR
This option is possible for experienced travelers. The route goes through Europe to southern Spain, and then by ferry to Morocco. Vehicle documents and insurance are required at the border.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Polish citizens can enter Morocco without a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (passport valid for at least 6 months is required).
HOW TO GET AROUND THE COUNTRY?
Morocco offers many ways to get around. From modern trains to traditional taxis and camels in the desert. Here are the most important means of transport:
TRAINS
This is one of the most comfortable means of transport. The railway network connects the largest cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh and Tangier. Trains are relatively cheap, punctual and comfortable; there is also the Al Boraq high-speed train (Tangier–Casablanca).
BUSES
A well-developed bus network also reaches smaller towns. The most popular and comfortable companies are CTM and Supratours. This is a good option for longer journeys.
CAR
This gives you a lot of freedom, especially when exploring the Atlas Mountains and the south of the country. The roads are in good condition, but the driving style can be chaotic. You can rent a car yourself, but a nice option is to hire a car with a driver.
BICYCLE
A bicycle is an interesting, though less popular way of getting around Morocco, chosen mainly by experienced travellers. In large cities, cycling can be difficult due to heavy traffic and a lack of cycle paths, but in smaller towns and rural areas, a bicycle allows you to get to know local life better. Particularly attractive routes can be found in the Atlas Mountains, along the Atlantic coast and in the south of the country, where there is less traffic and the landscapes are spectacular. However, it is important to bear in mind the high temperatures, limited availability of water and the need to be in good physical condition. Bicycle rental shops can be found in larger cities and resorts, and cycling is best used as a supplement to other means of transport rather than as the main way of travelling around the country.
MOROCCO – SAFETY
Morocco is considered one of the safer countries in North Africa, especially in tourist areas. As in any country, however, it is advisable to exercise basic caution and follow local rules.
GENERAL SAFETY
The police are present in large cities and popular tourist destinations, and violent crime is rare. The most common problems are petty theft, especially in crowded medinas and markets. Tourists may encounter pushy ‘guides’, inflated prices or attempts to extort tips. Therefore, it is advisable to:
- agree on prices in advance,
- use official guides,
- be assertive but polite.
DRESS CODE, BEHAVIOUR
Morocco is a Muslim country, so modest clothing is recommended, especially outside resorts. Respect for local customs increases the comfort and safety of travel, especially for women. Women travelling alone should expect to attract attention and comments, but these are rarely aggressive in nature. Modest clothing and a confident attitude help to avoid unpleasant situations.
HEALTH / HEALTHCARE / VACCINATIONS
Travelling to Morocco does not require any special medical preparations, but it is worth taking care of a few important issues to avoid health problems.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations are best done 4–6 weeks before departure after consulting a travel medicine doctor. There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from Poland, but doctors recommend:
- Hepatitis A (foodborne jaundice) – especially important when eating outside hotels
- Hepatitis B – recommended for longer stays
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough – it is worth checking that your vaccinations are up to date
- Typhoid fever – recommended when travelling to smaller towns.
INSURANCE
Medical care in private clinics is of a good standard, but treatment without insurance can be expensive. It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance covering:
- medical and hospitalisation costs
- medical transport to Poland
- accident and civil liability insurance
MEDICAL CARE
Modern private hospitals and pharmacies are available in larger cities. In smaller towns, access to doctors may be limited, so it is a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit with you.
HYGIENE AND FOOD
- drink only bottled water
- avoid ice in drinks
- wash your hands or use antibacterial gel
- eat well-cooked food and peeled fruit
MOROCCO – INTERESTING FACTS
- Morocco is the only African country that has not been a member of the African Union for many years (it only rejoined in 2017).
- It has some of the largest phosphate deposits in the world, which are crucial for fertiliser production.
- Moroccans drink mint tea throughout the day, and brewing and pouring it from a height is an important ritual of hospitality.
- Many famous films have been shot in Morocco, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Bond and Game of Thrones.
- In Morocco, you can ski in the Atlas Mountains one day and walk in the desert a few hours later.
- Traditional markets, or souks, have been operating for hundreds of years, and bargaining is still the norm rather than the exception.
CITIES
- Morocco is home to some of the largest and best-preserved medinas in the world, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most famous is the medina in Fez (Fez el-Bali) – the largest medieval medina in the world, with thousands of narrow streets, traditional craft workshops and one of the oldest universities in the world. Equally impressive are the medinas in Marrakesh, Meknes and Tangier, full of souks, mosques, palaces and lively squares. To this day, medinas remain the historical and cultural heart of Moroccan cities, preserving their urban layout unchanged for centuries.
- Fez is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, Al-Karawijjin, founded in 859 and still operating today.
- In cities such as Chefchaouen, entire neighbourhoods are painted in an intense blue colour, which has become a symbol of the country.
ACCOMMODATION IN MOROCCO
It takes a lot of time to see all of Morocco. It is also impossible to stay in one place and use it as a base, as the country’s attractions are so far apart that this option is out of the question, unless you are travelling to Morocco strictly for relaxation or to visit only one region.
If you decide to book accommodation in Marrakesh or any other city in Morocco, I recommend using Booking.com, which we have tested dozens of times. Use this link to book your accommodation with a 15% discount!
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