Restaurants and Moroccan dishes

In Morocco, there are plenty of restaurants both in the city and its surroundings. There are French restaurants, Italian, Oriental and, of course, Moroccans.

Moroccan food is very unique and reflects the culinary traditions of both Arab Berber although French cuisine is widespread evidence of a strong domination of France suffered in the past from Morocco. If you are not attracted by the cuisine of other countries, there will still be possible to eat in different places that serve western cuisine.

Widely used in Moroccan cooking spices like cayenne pepper, saffron, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, paprika and chilli. The Ras el Hanout is a mixture of spices, between 10 and 30, which each store prepares own recipe traditional and which can also be an idea as a gift to friends and family travel. In Moroccan cuisine are also used mote fresh herbs such as garlic, coriander, mint and parsley.

Beware of the type of restaurant you choose, because of poor sanitation or a particular sensitivity of the stomach can be suffering from diarrhea. The fear of getting sick must not hinder the ability to try different foods.

Beware the water you drink, the better in the bottle, and remember that the cost of the restaurant does not necessarily reflect its quality.

try
Couscous, a wheat semolina end, traditional dish of Morocco, served with lamb.
Pastilla or bisteeya, is a dessert of filo pastry filled with shredded chicken or pigeon, mixed with eggs, cinnamon, raisins and almonds.
Tagine is a stew traditionally cooked on a coal fire smoldering in a clay pot: are available in many combinations such as beef with prunes, lemon chicken, lamb with dates, kefta, ie meatballs, eggs, seafood, or just vegetables.
The Tanjia consists of beef or lamb spiced, paper and tied with twine and brought the local hammam, the oven, where the pan is buried in the embers and left to simmer for a couple of hours.
Harira soup is a traditional Berber served as a starter, and consists of tomatoes, lentils, onion, Moroccan spices and chickpeas.
Along the Atlantic coast enjoy fresh produce and choose between bream, oysters, shrimp and lobster.

Moroccan cuisine, what and where to eat in Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is characterized by numerous influences that tell, through food, the long history of the North African country made up of settlers and immigrants with flavors that evoke the Middle East, Andalusia and France. The Berber cuisine is still alive in dishes such as couscous and tagines: the first is a plate of beans semolina grains served with vegetables and meat while the latter is a stew that takes its name from the terracotta dish that is cooked on embers and composed lamb, fish or vegetables.

In Moroccan cuisine play an important role also olives, citrus fruits, coffee and of course spices, such as cumin, turmeric, ginger and pepper that are used in each dish and who approach cinnamon, paprika, to chiles Sahara and saffron. Very often you will taste dishes enriched with cardamom, in this case we speak of sweets, sesame seeds and cloves. What about the parsley and coriander, always purchased together in the Moroccan souks, and the Ras el Hanout, a 20-40 mix of different spices mixed by shopkeepers own recipe traditional and widely used for cooking.

Also, dates and dried fruits are an integral part of the Moroccan diet, especially in the tagine, and are essential during Ramadan, introduced dall'harira, soup largest in Morocco, tomato with chickpeas, meat, lentils and small noodles.

The Moroccan salads can be cooked and raw. The salad consists of raw tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green pepper and coriander while zaalouk, the bakoula and choukchouka are made of different combinations of vegetables and spices cooked together in a pan.

If you are wondering where to eat in Morocco know that you can choose from various types of restaurants, including the classic ones and those on the grill where you can sample tasty and inexpensive. In markets you will find many stalls selling bread, preserved lemons, dried fruit, but also soups, stews and meat skewers. The new towns offer a wide variety of restaurants, from Moroccan to international, from pizzerias to fast food.

The Mohamed VI tower

The Mohamed VI tower

 

The tower will be built in Casablanca Mohamed VI, 540m high and 114 floors and will be a financial hub and economic and trade in the city of Casablanca.

The tallest tower in Africa and Europe. A tower that will change the future of Morocco and Africa, Morocco as a crossroads of the meeting of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, Africa and Europe. A decisive encounter, still seems fate. a fate that brings global rays of Morocco and Africa, a fate that pays tribute to all their peoples.

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Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate, old history

Ouarzazate is an ancient city built around 1300, even befor was a small berber village, right now it's grows into becoming a giant open-air cinema. 

Ouarzazate modern history

The modern city was Built in 1928, Ouarzazate has gone from astopover city, It is rich of beautiful adobe tan constructions, her most famous ones are the Taourirt Kasbah and the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, both (listed World Heritage Site by the Unesco). 

Ouarzazate today

From 1984, Ouarzazate is extreamlly linked to movies. the must famouses movies was  “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Asterix and Obelix mission Cleopatra” to “The Sheltering Sky”or “Gladiator”.

 

Essaouira in pictures

    Essaouira formerly known as "Mogador", Its medina has kept its authenticity both in design, shapes, and in terms of materials and construction methods. as you ca see in this those pictures, has retained the beauty and uniqueness of a late eighteenth century fortified city.

                            

Built in Morrocan coast by European (portugal) military architecture of old time.  Essaouira is also renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to strong winds that blow almost constantly.

                                       Traditional Moroccan canon on the coast of Essaouira

                                                     Essaouira military wall with canons

                                                       Old medina of Essaouira

                                                              Essaouira medina streeto

                                                                   Essaouira coast

                                                             City center or old medina

Imlil and Toubkal Mountain around Marrakech

Imlil is a small village in the Atlas Mountains, located at 1740 meters above sea level in. The place is best known as the core base for all hikers and climbers in the area. Indeed it is the breakpoint of 90% of hikers seeking to climb Toubkal.

THE MOROCCAN CUISINE

Moroccan cuisine is a cuisine of Mediterranean dishes characterized by Arabs, Berbers and Jews. It 'a North African cuisine that shares with other cuisines of the countries of northern Africa traits but which at the same time has managed to keep its special features that differ from others. We can say that is a kitchen that has undergone various influences, from Asia to the Indian spices and also from Africa. It 'a rich and tasty cuisine. And here are some dishes that you can enjoy by visiting Morocco:

1-Couscous

                                                                  couscous

2-The Tajine,

                                                                Moroccan Tajine

3-Moroccan crepes 

                                                              Baghrir Moroccan Crepes

4-the Harira

 

The soup of Harira

5-The mint tea

6-Meat with plums,

7-Moroccan olives 

 8-The Moroccan pastries

 9-The different types of Moroccan bread

Of Moroccan dishes there are so many, I have only tried to give you an idea of the major ones, and in the next post will also find the recipes :).

Erfoud

The town of Erfoud is located in southern Morocco, near the border with Algeria, 280 kilometers from Ouarzazate and 320 south of Meknes, at the foot of the High Atlas, on the road of a thousand Kasbah. Erfoud is located right at the gates of the desert and is often shrouded by heavy sandstorms that creep up to its center.

They are two of the main attractions of the city, the festival of dates and the industry of marble, known for marine fossils dating back 360 million years ago, but Erfoud is also a great base camp for exploring the desert and its extraordinary landscapes and infinite. The marble quarries are many beautiful and only 15 kilometers from the city. Here is extracted a black marble wonderful.

Not far from the city is Borj Est, a hill overlooking the valley and offers an incredible view of the oasis, the palm grove Tizini and desert dunes that turn pink at sunset.

Erfoud to make sure you try a traditional dish called Kalia, a stew of mutton or goat cooked with 40 different spices and served with eggs, vegetables and parsley.

Erfoud is reachable with a rental car by bus and taxi. Coaches CTM connect Erfoud to Merzouga. Near the post office there is a taxi rank. To reach Tinerhir, the city built in the middle of one of the most beautiful oases of southern Morocco, you can take two private lines that start at 11.30 and 15.00

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What to see in Meknes

The rich imperial past of Meknes is still easy to appreciate thanks to the many monuments that the city guards. In addition to the souq, not as large as those of Fez or Marrakech but equally interesting and lively, this city designed by Sultan Moulay Ismail, who has transformed from a provincial center for a spectacular imperial capital during the late 17th century, Meknes is full of beautiful palaces, beautiful gardens, houses with balconies of the Jewish Quarter, the narrow alleys of the old mellah and more.

In the western corner of the Medina is the Plaza el Hedim where legend has it that the buildings were demolished by the sultan to make way for this massive square that was to serve as the entrance to his residence built, yet always narratives, with building materials coming from the nearby archaeological site of Volubilis.

Meknes

The imperial city of Meknes is located in the plain of Saiss, between the mountains of the Middle Atlas and the Rif in northern Morocco, 130 kilometers from Rabat. Inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage monuments, Meknes is also known as the Versailles of Morocco or the city of a hundred minarets.

Established in 1061 as a military stronghold, named after the Berber tribe Meknassa that dominated the eastern part of the country since the eighth century. The whole city is a wonderful example of the blending of architecture Spanish and Arabic, and part of the city, such as the large doors were built with materials looted from archaeological site of Volubilis.

The city of Meknes was the first great work of the Alawite dynasty and is now considered an exemplary witness of the fortified towns of the Maghreb. Surrounded by thick walls, 40 km long and with bulwarks that reach 15 feet high, carved from 9 monumental gates, inside stroll through beautiful Spanish-Moorish style buildings dating back to the 1600s.

The fabric of the city of Meknes is unique and is made from the Medina, the Kasbah, 25 mosques, 10 hammams and several barns and buildings.

Do not miss
A 31 km north of Meknes is the largest Roman site in Morocco, Volubilis. The magnitude of this settlement is testified from the Arch of Triumph, the capitol and the house of Bacchus.
The Bab Mansour, incomparable beauty.
The El Mansour palace, built in 1800 and now a bazaar.

How to Move in Morocco

Moving in Morocco is not as difficult as you might think. There are, in fact, many alternatives to choose for discover this magical North African country.

the Train
Trains in Morocco are very comfortable and little loved ones, the railway network covers a limited but still reach the main cities of the country. The train remains the best option after the car for trips, reliable, fast and efficient.

Shared taxis and hitchhiking
The shared taxis are characteristic of the Moroccan transport, public buses are faster and cover a wide network of roads. Prices are modest but will travel aboard big mercedes that can carry up to six passengers.

Buses
Buses are cheaper than shared taxis and cover urban roads. The taxi will take you to your destination faster but buses are much more comfortable and confident.

Rent a car
For those wishing to explore Morocco's driving a rental car, there are no problems. The speed limit in the city and 50 km / h while out of town, on highways is 100 km / h. By law, both the driver and passengers must wear a seat belt. Be careful if you drive at night as it is legal to drive without lights at a speed of 20 km / h, therefore caution against cyclists, animals and hitchhikers. There are several car rental agencies inMarocco to choose from and if you want to get your car ready when you arrive you just need to book safely from the comfort of your computer thanks to one of the modules in the pages of this site. Gasoline prices in Morocco are below the European average.

Motocycles
The number of motorcycles in Morocco is increasing every year. Although at night you'll have to be very careful, move in motion to visit various places of interest in Morocco is definitely exciting. Bring still with you a tool kit, you never know.

Merzouga

At the edge of the Sahara desert, just 50 kilometers from the border with Algeria, and 30 kilometers from Erfoud, lies the small town of Merzouga, an oasis surrounded by giant sand dunes that reach up to 250 meters high and stretch for over 20 kilometers.

Merzouga is located along the road of the caravans, near Erg Chebbi, the highest dune in Morocco, and is the ideal destination for anyone wishing to make a camel safari in the desert, in order to have a taste of life Berber, and spend a night in the Sahara. Sunrise and sunset gives travelers a wonderful spectacle of light that fades from yellow gold, honey and ocher.

A Merzouga you will have the opportunity to enjoy a dinner of traditional tagine, bread and vegetables, end the meal with fresh fruit of the desert and sleep in a Berber tent. An inevitable stop on every trip to Morocco!

Tetouan

In the northern part of Morocco, just 60 miles southeast of Tangier and a few miles from the Strait of Gibraltar, in the fertile valley of Martil, lies the city of Tetouan, a bustling port famous especially for its Medina, among the best preserved in Morocco, a UNESCO world Heritage Site in 1997.

Immediately above the city, built on a rocky plateau, is the Roman settlement of Tamula while the Spanish city still has the look of an imperial city. The Medina of Tetouan, considered one of the best examples of historic cities of the eighth century, is surrounded by three sides by walls, equipped with 7 ports, and includes 36 religious buildings including mosques and shrines. The great Mellah, the Jewish quarter, was called Little Jerusalem and is the liveliest area after sunset.

Very beautiful exposure of the Archaeological Museum of Tetouan which traces the history of prehistoric and pre-Islamic Morocco. You will discover interesting facts about the Romans, the Phoenicians, the Mauritanians, the Carthaginians and the influences that these populations had on the country.

Due to its proximity to the beaches of the Mediterranean, the city is a popular tourist destination especially among Moroccans.

To reach Tetouan can embark on one of the domestic flights that serve the civilian airport Sania Ramel, 6 kilometers to the east of the city.

Spend your New Year's holiday in Marrakech

When the column of mercury falls to values close to zero, it's official, it's time to pack your bags and leave for other places where abundant sunshine, beaches and good food.

But where to go this winter?
It would be easy to answer Australia or Fiji but if you are not very likely to spend an endless day in the air, I suggest you perfect destinations reached in half the time.

MARRAKECH - 2 ---> 5 hour flight

Why Marrakech?
If you love the holidays of intense emotions then Marrakech is certainly your goal. Full of endless, labyrinthine markets, vibrant colors, exotic music and mysterious scents, Marrakech in Morocco is perfect for those who enjoy short breaks. I recommend that you take with you double bag for everything you spend irresistibly markets.

Where to spend New Year's Eve in Marrakech?
If the hustle and bustle of the city there is tight, a good solution for the last night of the year is a luxury "glamping" in the wilderness of Agafy. A small hike a few kilometers from Marrakech, enabling you to relax and enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the desert and in the background the snow-capped Atlas mountains.

Escape from european winter! come to enjoy Moroccan sun!

Today i would like to share with you the travel's history of my friend who visited Morocco on christms 2002, and she wanna give some advises if you are planing to do the same ;).

"Morocco is one of those mete. who makes you think again, and so on perception of time.
In 2002, along with my best friend, we decided to go to Morocco, we organized the tour of the imperial cities, spending December 31 and Christmas in Fes.. a suspended city between the present and the paste..colma of all the magic.

Marrakech
we visited Marrakech our second destination a beautiful city ... just the Ibiza of North Africa, with the neo-hippies sitting at the terrace of the "Café de Paris", to see the sunset, plain below the Square of sounds, colors, snake tamers, jugglers, water sellers ... Do not worry, check out this experience ... it's really beautiful.
If you have time, this is my advice, try to visit all Morocco (Rabat, Fez, Meknes, Volubilis, Casablanca, Ouarzazate, etc. leaving MARAKECH for the last last.

About temperatures
With the phenomenon of climate change, it's really unpredictable, also considered the position in relation to the Atlantic ocean.
I was lucky, Marrakech, with 27 ° C, the pool was further valid attraction !!! Be careful though to sudden changes of temperatures between day and night ...you will pass from bikini at the sweater!!

Tourist attractions to don't miss if you are visiting the capital of Rabat

There are many tourist attractions in Rabat, a city that will not disappoint the traveler. Much more relaxed and quiet compared to other cities of Morocco, Rabat combines a cosmopolitan atmosphere with elements of great historical and architectural interest.

Located between the sea and the river, the Medina of Rabat is small but has some beautiful white buildings and is full of cafes and shops of Moroccan handicrafts among which are worth a visit for those Berber carpets and fabrics. To access the old town past the door Bab El Alou and Bab El Had that cut the walls in the twelfth century, 5 km long and 263 meters, and go west to the Kasbah of the Oudaïa and Makki Mosque.

The Bab Oudaia is famous for his bow made of 3 different models and the Bab Rouah, also known as the Port of the Winds, is striking for the majesty of its 28 meters long, 12 high and 27 deep.

The Hassan II Avenue separates the new city of Medina. The Hassan Tower was part of a large mosque built from 1195 and destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. Nearby is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, decorated with finely carved stone and ceramic tiles.

The Archaeological Museum of Rabat is probably the most important of its kind in Morocco. The collections include artifacts that date back to the Paleolithic and the Neolithic: of particular interest are the bronze sculptures of pre-Roman times.

On the outskirts of Rabat are the remains of the necropolis of Chellah, final resting place of the kings of the dynasty of Marinids. Protected by imposing walls and topped by a minaret in stone, so to remember a Medina, in the Chellah there are also the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala, dating back to 200. C., which survive a triumphal arch and spas. In the gardens are the elaborate medieval tombs. The best time to visit the gardens of Chellah is the spring when the flowers literally flood the area.

FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014

From 10 to 20 December 2014, Morocco will host the biggest stars in world football during the FIFA Club World Cup. Seven teams from around the world will meet in Rabat and Marrakech. Do not miss the opportunity to see in action the stars of Real Madrid, Cruz Azul, San Lorenzo, the Maghreb Tetouan and many others.

Hostes cities:

Marrakech stadium

Rabat stadium

If you are in Morocco don't miss this amazing event.

Berber Valleys: Asni And Ourika in Marrakech

The exceptional duo of the mountains’ verdant beauty and the valleys’ freshness,is a point of unique calm at the doorstep of the red city, Marrakech
all that amazing things you will found it on:
Berber Valleys in Asni And Ourika south of Marrakech

do you wanna go to the heart of the Middle Atlas’ Berber culture?

do you wanna see a valleys and villages of a spectacular nature?

are you excited to live a traditional mountain lifestyle?

Agadir Airport

The international airport of Agadir (AGA) is located 25 kilometers east of the center and there are many airlines serving the airport of the city in the southwest of Morocco with some Italian places, for example, fly from Milan with Atlas Blue, and Europe.

The airport of Agadir has a number of domestic flights that connect it with the rest of the country thanks to the Moroccan carrier Regional Air Lines covering routes to Casablanca, Dakhla, Las Palmas, Laayoune and Marrakech.

To and from the airport of Agadir
  At the airport of Agadir you can take delivery of your new car in one of the many car rental agencies available at the airport.
Taxis can be found just outside the arrivals hall. To reach the center of Agadir is a journey of about 20 minutes.
The Local bus services serving the airport is the number 22, departing from the main road not far from the airport, but did not reach the city center but Inezgane, a suburb of Agadir, the main public transport hub, and once here you can go up on the numbers 20, 24 and 28 to the heart of the city.
In Morocco, are widely used and even shared taxis outside the airport of Agadir you can find some on hold.

Fez Airport

The international airport of Fez (FEZ), is located in the suburb of Sais about 15 kilometers south of the city. The national airline Royal Air Maroc operates daily flights to Casablanca flights and some Italian places. Excellent links carrier airline Atlas Blue Coast.

To and from the airport of Fez
The major car rental agencies have offices at the airport of Fez. We recommend booking in advance for your car so that once landed will not have to waste time to find the best deal.
A regular bus service connects the airport to the train station Oncf with departures every 35 minutes.
You can reach the city by grand taxi. The stand is just outside the terminal building.

Marrakech Airport

The international airport of Marrakech Menara (RAK) is located 4 kilometers from the city center and is a modern structure that serves the region of central Morocco Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz. The terminal of the airport are 2 but it is already working for the realization of a third terminal.

Inside of the airport you can find cafes, restaurants, shops, a book store and a tobacco shop, duty free shops, souvenir shops and two Moroccan currency exchange points.

Marrakech Airport is connected with many flights to and from the Casablanca airport, reachable in just 45 minutes. The airlines serving the airport are Air France, Atlas Blue, British Airways, easyJet, Iberia, Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair and Swiss.

To and from the airport of Marrakech
To and from the airport can take a taxi, before getting on the car make sure you agree with the taxi driver the exact fare to your destination.
The number 19 bus runs every 30 minutes to and from the airport. You can take the public bus number 11, which runs every 20-30 minutes from the central square of Djemaa el-Fna square in the old town.
There are several car rental counters at the airport of Marrakech, in the arrival area of both terminals.

What to see in Casablanca

Casablanca is a modern city and a little 'out of the box than the other places in Morocco but still manages to combine urban life with the traditions. The contemporary architecture blends with the traditional hosting important Islamic historical sites.

From the great Hassan II Mosque, also open to non-Muslim visitors, Art Deco and neo-Moorish architecture, Casablanca has more to offer than you might expect. This energetic, modern city, with a huge port and a host of commercial activities, such as the Casablanca Twin Center, has its heart in Place Mohammed V, which is overlooked by beautiful buildings dating back to 1930.

For a refreshing break, head to the Parc de la Ligue Arabe and then head towards the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and then marvel at the creations of Moroccan and international artists housed in the Villa des Arts.

For the more mundane, do not miss the beach club and restaurants frequented by the elite of the city of La Corniche and, if you have a few days available, explore the beautiful surroundings of Casablanca.

The most famous Cities in Morocco

Morocco has many lovely cities, all to discover and enjoy. We decided to post in this article the most desirable locations in Morocco. so dont miss to visit it :D

Agadir

Agadir is the most visited city in southern Morocco, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with a coastline of 10 kilometers. The region is full of small towns not far from each other, very beautiful and worth visiting. The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days a year and offers a number of hotels, apartments and resorts to choose from for your stay and rooms that rent umbrellas and sunbeds.

Casablanca

Also known as Casa or Dar El Baida, Casablanca is located along the western coasts of the country, is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, and is considered the economic capital of Morocco. Casablanca looks like a city of southern Europe, a metropolis of modern architectural buildings, but with a few historical buildings. Each European citizen will feel at home here and will understand immediately the kind of life that takes place in a city like this. Regardless of your budget, Casablanca will not be hard to find a good restaurant to eat.

Erfoud

Erfoud is a town located on the border of the Sahara desert and is, of course, the starting point of the tour in the desert, camel rides in a vehicle or 4 × 4. Home of the traditional "kalia" will not disappoint but rather will charm you with its historic red dust. Very beautiful scenery in the surrounding area as Er - Rachidia wing with its Berber fortress surrounded by the palm trees.

fez

Surely the most admired cities of Morocco is Fez, 300 kilometers from Marrakech, a city where the atmosphere is medieval with its winding streets. Your senses will be lost among the beautiful landscapes, colorful special sounds and smells. Fez el-Bali the old walled city is the main attraction, a masterpiece of sacred places. If you stay here, good to see it will take 3 to 4 days, you will see mosques, medersas, fondouks and monuments.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the second largest city of Morocco and its population is growing. It has an industrial area very active and represents the most significant market and organizational center of the whole southern Morocco. To visit Marrakech is not necessary to have a guide, there are in fact comprehensive maps. The souks are very interesting, with their narrow streets and small squares, some dedicated to a specific discipline of craft and often you can watch the production of the product.

Rabat

Rabat is the capital of Morocco since 1912 and is the second largest city after Casablanca turnover. Rabat is famous for its historical monuments, for its carpets and luxury for the rich embroidery. One thing particularly well Rabat is that you can easily explore the city on your own, without the help of a guide and chat with the locals in the cafes that do not depend on tourist money.

Tangier

Tangier, known as the White City, is developed around its beautiful harbor, a place of great trade of import and export, where you can enjoy luxury yachts. Tangier is the precise point where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet and is very famous for its beautiful beaches. It 's definitely a lively and very characteristic to include in your tour in Morocco.