Morocco essential info
Accessible and exotic, Morocco has it all: mountain trekking, Atlantic surf beaches, boutique riads, labyrinthine bazaars and some of North Africa's tastiest food
Travel in Morocco: vital statistics
Capital of Morocco: Rabat
Population of Morocco: 34.9 million
Languages in Morocco: Moroccan Arabic. French, Berber and Spanish (in northern parts) are also spoken
Time in Morocco: GMT (GMT+1 June-September)
International dialling code for Morocco: +212
Voltage in Morocco: 127/220V 50Hz AC
Visas for Morocco: Morocco visa
Money in Morocco: Morocco dirham (Dh). ATMs are widely available. Tipping and haggling are important parts of Moroccan culture.
Morocco travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Morocco tourist board: Moroccan National Tourist Office
When to go to Morocco
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant times to visit, with warm days and cool nights. Summer (June-August) is stiflingly hot, except in the high mountains, while winter can be chilly everywhere. Ramadan sees many restaurants close during the day and transport options can be limited.
International airports
Marrackech Menara Airport (RAK) is 6km south-west of the city. Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is 30km south-east of Casablanca. Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA) is 28km east of the city.
Getting around in Morocco
Domestic flights link the main cities, usually via the Casablanca hub. Trains connect Tangier, Fez, Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech.
Buses and coaches link most towns; grand taxis (share taxis) are quick and convenient for shorter inter-town journeys. Car hire is possible, though driving in cities can be fraught.
Morocco accommodation
Morocco has some fine accommodation options. Campsites are available, especially near national parks, and camping is necessary on many treks and in the desert. Hostels are also widespread, as are comfortable and reasonably priced hotels. Many riads (now a generic name for medina houses converted into hotels) offer stylish rooms around a central courtyard.
Morocco food & drink
Moroccan food is a highlight of any visit. Small cafes and stalls serve harira soup, brochettes (kebabs) and simple couscous while swanky ‘palace’ restaurants dish up elaborate tagines (casseroles) and pastilla (flaky pigeon pastry). Mint tea is the ubiquitous drink, forced on you by carpet-shop owners but generally offered out of a genuine sense of simple hospitality. It’s a refreshing tipple on a hot day. Alcohol is rarely served outside upmarket hotels and occasional (sometimes dubious) city bars.
Health & safety in Morocco
Consult your GP or a travel health clinic for advice on inoculations. Drink only bottled or filtered water, and be wary of salads or unpeeled fruit.
Dogs in the countryside – especially shepherds’ dogs – can be aggressive. Carry a stick if possible or be ready to grab a stone to throw if one gets too close.
Pickpocketing does happen in busy spots, though violent crime is rare. Tourists are often hassled or pressured to visit shops in medinas – respond with a good-natured ‘no’ ('la shoukran' in Arabic) and you’ll be fine.