Morocco » general info

A lot has been said about Morocco, and it is no surprise really for a country with such an impressive history, fine art, and a cultural influence spreading all over the Arabic world, African continent, and Southern Europe. Her stunning landscapes, from the mountainous and snowy Atlas, to the effervescent Marrakech with its’ hundreds of kilometres of fine sandy coastline and staggering dunes, will make you feel like the Petit Prince! Morocco is at the gates of the Mediterranean Sea, but fully open to the Atlantic Ocean and at the head of Africa, ensuring a rare and harmonious mix of nationalities, languages, musical and cooking influences.

Some privileged places in this incredible country seem to have attracted and collected it all, as if to display its very finest sides in a long lost treasure chest of the Berber civilization.

One of these places is Essaouira – formerly known as Mogador. It is at the top of the list and will enchant you with historical fortifications, a busy and traditional fishing harbour, fine architecture, souks, and the wonderful Médina (Old town). The Médina alone is worth spending a couple of hours wandering through every day, with hundreds of winding little paths and covered streets, hidden boutiques full of hand made local arts, crafts and jewellery, and always the spontaneous good humoured welcome of the locals and their compulsory “Thé à la menthe” (fresh mint tea) - a must at all hours of day or night. A vivid collection of colours, smells, tastes, sights and sounds will meet you at each step, and time will quickly lose meaning as you surrender to the utmost pleasure of all your senses.

The multitudes of points of interest and overall charm has seen Essaouira celebrated by the likes of Orson Wells and Jimi Hendrix – an ancient and historical place that became one of the hippy points of focus of the world after having been a French colony for centuries. It has now become a booming center of focus of the tourist world, renowned for international art & sports events, music festivals and expositions, having something to delight everyone.

A trip to Morocco will see you coming back elated, enriched and changed forever. Morocco is a land of tolerance and beauty, passion and intrigue, and she will make your wildest dreams of evasion and comfort come true.

WE RECOMMEND:

Visit a Hamman – Let off some steam (and a layer of skin) with a rub down followed by an essential oil massage.  No better way on earth to recover from and enjoy the aftermaths of a hard core session on the water. 

Souks – the bustling souks will keep you fascinated for hours, and negotiating over mint tea is a great way to spend some time. A true paradise for all shoppers seeking authenticity and hand made local crafts.

Gnawa International Music Festival – the famous music festival held in Essaouira at the end of June, attracting more and more celebrities and public every year! (300000 last year).

Essaouira – the town is a must see with the historical fortification, busy traditional fishing harbour, souk and wonderful Medina (Old Town)

Camel Trekking – through the dunes and around the old broken Fort  towards Cap Sim .