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MOROCCO
Agadir - Enjoying over 300 days of annual sunshine, Morocco’s largest beach resort is set on a vast protected beach. Once a traditional Moroccan town, Agadir was completely rebuilt as a result of a devastating earthquake in 1960. Today, a modern resort, Agadir’s beach is home to a variety of watersports, horse and camel riding, and of course relaxation. A lively resort with many bars and restaurants and a great deal of entertainment, Agadir also offers a quieter district for those in search of relaxation. Resort style hotels provide, amongst many facilities a selection of restaurants, bars, sporting equipment and plenty of space in which to relax. Agadir holiday highlights • Just south of Agadir, where the Souss river flows to the Atlantic, estuarine mud flats are home to a staggering 414 species of birds including greater flamingo, cormorants, little egret, bald ibis (in winter months) and black winged stilts. The migratory periods of February to April and September to November offer the best sightings. • Imouzzer is a paradise like valley lined with towering palms and just 35 miles north east of Agadir. The Berber village, is renowned for its honey production and is celebrated in a May festival. There is also a weekly souk or market, and spectacular seasonal waterfalls which are best seen in spring. • An hour along the Souss Valley is Taroudant. Known as the small Marrakech, it is definitely worth a visit either as a day trip from Agadir or as an overnight stop. • There are three excellent courses for golfing. Golf Du Soleil, Golf les Dunes and the Royal Golf Club host 63 holes of challenging golf. • Maybe one of the most interesting markets is the Dromedary Souk that takes place on a Saturday morning at dawn. Those taking part are called the ‘men of blue’ named after the indigo coloured wraps they wear. For details of holidays and latest offers CLICK HERE The Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s highest mountain range stretches 600 miles diagonally across Morocco and is renowned for the beauty of its remote snow capped mountains and deep gorges. Covered in snow from November to April there are a surprising number of ski resorts only sixty miles from Marrakech. Sharing the same ochre hues as Marrakech, Taroudant is often referred to as the small Marrakech. Unlike its larger twin, Taroudant doesn’t have a Ville Nouvelle or new town. The Berber town is a small treasure set against the back drop of the High Atlas it is a good base for trekking or exploring the western or Anti–Atlas. An hour drive from Agadir the town makes a good stop over en route to the Marrakech or any of the other Atlas towns and cities. For details of holidays and latest offers CLICK HERE Casablanca The setting of a Bogart classic, home to Africa’s largest port and the largest mosque outside Mecca Casablanca is a hugely important city. A mix of art deco, contemporary, and Moorish architecture contrasts the cool palm tree lined boulevards and quiet parks that surround the medina. The city’s corniche provides a break for both locals and tourists from the hustle and bustle and leads to the Hassan II Mosque. The mosque’s minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco and dominates the city’s skyline. The city of Casablanca is however very different to the studio based film that brought its fame and trade and industry mark what is a cosmopolitan city with a surrounding area that is a must see on any trip to Morocco. Casablanca holiday highlights • Completed in 1993 and located on the shores of the ocean, Hassan II Mosque is the third largest religious monument in the world. • Inland, the historical Medina is flanked to the north by the remains of the 18th century walls. The biggest park in the city, Parc de La Ligue Arabe, is French in design but African influenced in the flora. • Sixty three miles south of Casablanca is El Jadida. The city was held for 250 years by the Portuguese who built the fortress and moat around the medina. Although it was mostly rebuilt in 1815, original remains of the city still stand. Its lanes and ramparts are still visible; including the underground pillared cistern that was used as a setting in Orson Welles’ Othello. Regardless of the size of your budget, you can find a superb place to enjoy a meal in Casablanca. Generally accepted as the best place to eat when in Morocco, Casablanca has a large variety of traditional, seafood, and take-away eateries. Essaouira is one of the most enjoyable and attractive of the Atlantic coastal towns, famous for its laidback atmosphere and its long sandy beach. Intimate and romantic this seaside town is ideal for relaxation. The town has enjoyed agreat love affair with the film industry having been the setting of Orson Welles’ Othello and Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven. Frequented by the likes of Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane, Essaouira has became a ‘hip’ place to stay. Today, going through a great revival Essaouira is now home to a number of chic boutique hotels, maison d'hotes and riads, quickly becoming Morocco’s sought after beach destination. Frequented by photographers, artists, the rich and famous the cooling winds of the Atlantic, its proximity to Marrakech, and the great atmosphere amongst the many medina cafes have helped put Essaouira on the map. Fes The first of the Imperial Cities, Fes is the seventh most important city of the Arab–Muslim world, and the spiritual and cultural centre of Morocco, yet remains of the beaten track for most visitors. The most ancient of the imperial cities, it was the first capital of the kingdom, in 808AD. It became the capital again in the thirteenth century under the Merinides and once more, in the nineteenth century. Fes is a city of enormous variety and contrast and in our opinion unrivalled in its splendour and authenticity. As you walk through Fes soukhs and mosques, dye pits and tanneries, restaurants, workshops and markets vie for your attention and assault your senses. Fes holiday highlights • Lively cafés provide welcome spots to people watch, while enjoying a mint tea and a pipe! • The structure and design of the buildings in Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are clearly discernible from the ruins. One of the capitals of the 1st century Mauritania, the town prospered under Roman rule thanks to a thriving trade in olive oil. • A holy city surrounding the tomb of it's namesake, Moulay Idriss, is a city which survives on business provided by pilgrimages. Viewing the city from above on the surrounding hills provides excellent photo opportunities. • Another UNESCO world heritage site, Fes El-Bali is the world's oldest intact medieval city and can only be visited on foot. Visit Dar Bartha museum, Souk el Attarine and Kairaouine Mosque which, founded in 859AD is the oldest centre of learning in the western world. The handpicked accommodation are set in key locations in the city allowing easy access to the exotic sights that Fes offers. Marrakech Nestled between mountain and desert, it is perhaps not surprising that Marrakech is a city of contrasts. The bustling atmosphere of the Djema el Fna could scarcely be further removed from the tranquillity of the many beautiful gardens, and the intricate medieval streets of the medina are at bewildering variance with the wide, tree-lined boulevards of the New Town. Everywhere though, the city's character and infectious charm shines through. Marrakech holiday highlights • The fascinating history of a city considered the 'heartbeat' of Morocco, particularly the spectacular, 12th Century Koutoubia Mosque, towering benevolently over the Old Town, dates back as far as the 12th Century, the bizarre El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. • Private riads, where more recent, French colonial history comes to life - these elegant, whitewashed villas, remain peaceful and cool even in the bustle and heat of the day...the ideal base from which to discover the ancient gems and modern-day excitement of Marrakech. • Excursions to the intriguing Berber villages of the High Atlas and the breathtaking kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, star of numerous Hollywood epics. Tangier A crossroad of two seas and continents, Tangier is one of Morroco's oldest cities and is steeped in history. A fascinating mix of Mediterranean and African influences, Tangier and its surrounding area offer a great contrast to the ‘traditional’ tourist trails as well as the chance to explore the region’s sights and wonderful beaches. Hugely popular in the early part of the 20th century the city was a tax free playground for the rich and famous attracting artists and writers from as far afield as America. Today Tangier is just as vibrant and exciting as it was then, and as a regional capital it is well located for exploring the Rif Mountains. Interestingly Spanish is widely used throughout the region. Tangier holiday highlights • Located on the northern Atlantic coast is the Portugese portal town of Asilah. Whitewashed walls combined with shutters and doors painted in blues and greens give this enchanting town a real European feel. The highlights are the beautiful beaches, the old medina, local fish dishes, and the August art festival. • Tetouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was largely built by refugees expelled from Spain during the inquisition. Whilst one of the smallest medinas in Morocco, it is arguably the most complete and uninfluenced by the outside world. • Chefchaouen is forty miles south of Tetouan. The town's beautiful blue and whitewashed buildings are amongst the most recognisable images of northern Morocco. A must see during any visit to Morocco, it is a religious town with some 20 mosques and sanctuaries. Short stays can be arranged at Casa Hassan, available on request. • Recommended beaches are those at Marina Smir, Cabo Negro, the Bay of Tangier and Al–Hoceima, one of the most beautiful spots we’ve seen in Morocco. With so much to see and do, we recommend that you hire a car. |
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