Holiday, Vacation & Tour

 

A Taste Of Moroccan Way Of Life Inside The Villas In Morocco

Unquestionably filled with abounding tourist destinations, the Kingdom of Morocco is frequently jam-packed with spirited travelers from all over the world. Beguiled by the naturally beautiful landscapes, terrific beaches, and impressive architecture of villas in Morocco, tourists would doubtlessly find their way to this little African heaven. And once they set foot on this majestic country, the first thing they should do is choose a comfortable place to stay-- apartments, lu...

Villas in Morocco

Unquestionably filled with abounding tourist destinations, the Kingdom of Morocco is frequently jam-packed with spirited travelers from all over the world. Beguiled by the naturally beautiful landscapes, terrific beaches, and impressive architecture of villas in Morocco, tourists would doubtlessly find their way to this little African heaven. And once they set foot on this majestic country, the first thing they should do is choose a comfortable place to stay-- apartments, luxury hotels, or even villas in Morocco.

Of all the types of tourist rentals, villas in Morocco are best for tourists who really want to experience the Moroccan lifestyle. Compared to traditional hotels and apartments in Morocco, villas can give you more than just a cozy resting place. They also offer features to remind you that Morocco is a gloriously peculiar country. So if you're one of the prized guests, you can be certain of living like a real Moroccan throughout your stay in this country. However, feeling like you're actually in your own home doesn't mean that you can do everything and anything you want in it. If you really want to act like a real Moroccan, you will have to go about your everyday tasks the Moroccan way. Here are some do's and don'ts to remember:

DO...take time to ask the people working in villas how they are doing

Welcome a beautiful morning by asking the person serving your breakfast how he's doing. Remember that in Morocco, Moroccans don't just give a short greeting to people they meet. Instead, they usually stop and say "Ca va?" --a sweet way of inquiring about a friend's life. Staying in one of the villas in Morocco would teach you this little lesson of concern for your neighbors.

DON'T...smoke or drink alcoholic beverages inside the villas in Morocco

Since Morocco is generally against smoking and drinking, it is advisable for you to offer some vice abstinence during your stay. You might argue that the precious villa is your home but as a visitor, you should still show respect to the anti-smoking and drinking practices in the country. Should you find it hard to resist a strong craving to smoke and drink, just make sure that you'll be polite enough to clean your own mess.

DO...invite some of your new Moroccan friends to your villa

By nature, Moroccans are one of friendliest people you'll meet. You can actually gain friends by simply walking on the street, riding a train, or window-shopping at a boutique. Moroccans value the people they meet by inviting their newfound friends for a casual dinner. As a host of one of the villas in Morocco, why not prepare a simple meal for your friends?

DON'T...do anything that is offensive to Islam

Moroccan people generally have a strong Islamic faith. Despite some Moroccan practices that deviate from the traditional beliefs of Islam, people in Morocco still value a personal devotion to their beliefs. As a guest in their country, you don't need to convert to their religion but only value their practices to fully enjoy the Moroccan way of life. Be respectful of others, especially your neighbors who are also staying in one of the villas in Morocco.

The intricate designs and the considerable array of Moroccan meals in villas in Morocco will leave you a memorable impression. But best of all, you'll also learn about Moroccan values that will inspire you even after your stay.

 

Food and Drink in Morocco

Eating out is one of the big attractions of Morocco. Morocco’s traditional, elaborate haute cuisine dishes are excellent, healthy and good value for money.

morocco food drink cuisine eating drinking

Eating out is one of the big attractions of Morocco. Morocco’s traditional, elaborate haute cuisine dishes are excellent, healthy and good value for money.

It is easy to see why Robert Carrier, celebrated cook and food writer, once described Moroccan food as among the most exciting in the world.

The variety of ingredients and spices used is impressive. Morocco’s abundance of fresh, locally grown foodstuffs creates an abundance of a meat, fish, fruit, root vegetables, nuts and aromatic spices, so integral to typical Moroccan cuisine.
With Arab, Berber, Roman, African, French and Spanish influences, the Moroccan food positively reflects the country's rich cultural heritage.
Moroccan Specialities:

• Harira - a rich soup made with chick peas and lentils

• Pastilla - a pigeon-meat pastry made from dozens of different layers of thick flaky dough, almonds and cinnamon

• Couscous - a dish based on steamed semolina that can be combined with egg, chicken, lamb or vegetables

• Tajine – a slow stew, often rich and fragrant, using marinated lamb or chicken. It is named after the conical-shaped earthenware dish it is cooked in

• Hout - fish version of the tajine stew

• Djaja mahamara - chicken stuffed with almonds, semolina and raisins

• Mchoui - pit-roasted mutton

• Kab-el-ghzal – (gazelle’s horns) almond pastries in crescent shapes and coated with icing sugar

….. are your taste buds tingling yet?

Moroccan drinks:

• Mint Tea - an integral part of Moroccan life. It is extremely refreshing and made with green tea, fresh mint and plenty of sugar

• Coffee - Arabic style, is very strong, thick and black

• Freshly-squeezed fruit juice – from local oranges or lemons

• Local lager – 3 locally produced lagers are Flag Special, Stork and Casablanca

• Local wine – this is excellent. Labels to look out for include Guerrouane, Beau Vallon and Gris de Boulaoune

Restaurants: usually serve French, Italian or Spanish cuisine as well as typical Moroccan dishes. The three-course fixed menus are inexpensive.

Bars: can have either waiter or counter service. Laws on alcohol are liberal for non-Muslim visitors and in most tourist areas bars will stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are widely available, while the Moroccan versions offer the best value for money.

Many of the souks have stalls selling kebabs (brochettes) often served with a spicy sauce. Other Moroccan dishes can be eaten in small, basic restaurants within the souks or medinas. They are cheap, simply served but mouth wateringly delicious.

 

Major Tourist Resorts in Morocco

For now, Morocco remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, however there are some spots on the tourist map that are particularly well served for visitors.

morocco tourism resorts visitors tourist

For now, Morocco remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, however there are some spots on the tourist map that are particularly well served for visitors.

Agadir: Morocco’s Number 1 Tourist Resort
Situated towards the south of Morocco on the Atlantic coast, Agadir boasts 9 Km of superb white sandy beach and all the amenities of a modern seaside resort.

Agadir boasts 300 days of hot sunshine, which is also especially prominent in winter months. Here you can find many five star hotels and a huge supply of hotel beds, reputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco.

Initially, there seems little sign of the rich history and tradition to be found in other Moroccan cities, although if you search it out, you will find it within the depths of the town. This is largely due to an unprecedented earthquake that shook Agadir in 1961. It has now been re-modelled as a popular package holiday destination, as well as a major fishing port.

Once dubbed the Miami of Morocco, Agadir offers a wide range of activities - along the beach, camel rides, parascending, scooters and speed boats, as well as horse riding, tennis and an 18-hole golf course.

Nightlife in Agadir is typically European in style, being the number one tourist resort in Morocco. Moroccans see this as fantastic, compared to the lack of night clubs in most Moroccan towns. Most dicos and clubs form part of hotels, but normally welcome outside guests. Unfortunately, Moroccan girls do not usually frequent night clubs unless they are out working.

Agadir offers the latest laser light show technology in many of its clubs. Casinos at Club Valtur and the Sheraton Starwoods Hotel are very popular. Cafés abound with live music, cabarets and international and local entertainment.

Agadir is one of the best resorts to enjoy Moroccan and international cuisine; Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese as well as of course, the famous Mac Donalds and Pizza Hut.

Agadir allows you to discover the region. Places on the tourist trail are Taghazout, Tafraout, Taroudant, Tiznit, Essaouira, Inezgane, Marrakech Ouarzazate, Zagora, Erfoud, Tinerhir and the Imperial Cities Fes, Meknes and Rabat.
Other Main Resorts:

Marrakech

Despite its great number of European visitors, Marrakech makes you feel like you have been transported back in time to the “Arabian Nights”. It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities.
The Medina buzzes with noise, hustle and bustle while tradesmen and craftsmen go about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating, sewing or leather working.

Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze. The ski resort within the mountains is at Oukaimeden, about an hour’s drive from Marrakech.

Nearby Asni is an excellent base for visiting Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain, set amidst spectacular scenery.

Essaouira

This popular resort dates from the 18th century, and is easily reached by bus from Marrakech.
Surrounded by a fortified wall and facing a stunning beach, the town consists of whitewashed houses, boat-builders’ workshops and art galleries. Visitors come for the laid-back atmosphere and the high wind that makes it a very popular centre for wind- and kite-surfing.
Essaouira is also famous for its wood carving tradition, mainly using local, fragrant Thuya wood. The harbour is a hive of activity at all times, particularly during the daily fish auction, attracting as many onlookers as buyers and sellers.
Fez
Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco.
The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the colourful old city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying and selling, veiled women going about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.
Chefchaouen
Located in the Rif mountains about an hour’s drive from Tangier, Chefchaouen was first settled by Spanish Muslim refugees in the middle-ages. It has retained a distinctive Spanish character with its beautiful white washed houses and mountain setting.
Asilah
Located south of Tangier on the Atlantic coast, Asilah is a very poplular seaside resort, famous for its nearby Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is a short taxi or a fun horse and cart ride from the village and is famous for its enormous expanse of unspoilt white, sandy beach.
Despite growing numbers of visitors, Asilah has retained a relaxing atmosphere. Asilah is known as the Artists’ Village and each year hosts a famous arts festival. Here you can find many locally painted canvases adorning the souks of its 15th century medina.
Last but not least, the town is also renowned for its great seafood restaurants