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It is just a hop away from Europe, across the narrow straits of Gibraltar, but those who take flights to Morocco will testify to the fact that it is a world away in culture and experience, brimming with contrasts, colour and mystery. Flights to Morocco in north Africa arrive in one of its three main international airports, Casablanca, Tangier or Agadir, but it is also possible to book flights to Morocco direct to the cities of Fez and Marrakech from some European cities. Budget and charter airlines offer plenty of discount flights to Morocco for those wanting to take advantage of its sunny Mediterranean beaches. The Moroccan holiday experience is spiced with the chance to explore Medieval medinas (walled city-fortresses), enticing souks (bazaars), or take a camel safari into the Western Sahara. In the north hikers who take Morocco flights delight in the High Atlas Mountains, where there also some ski resorts. Magical Morocco is where East meets West, Africa shakes hands with Europe and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.

Cities in Morocco

Marrakech

Fez

Rabat

Tangier

Destination Overview

Morocco is just a step away from Europe, across the narrow straits of Gibraltar, but it is a world away in culture and experience, brimming over with contrasts, colour and mystery. This is due partly to its geographical position, sited at the crossroads where the East meets the West, Africa shakes hands with Europe, and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.

Sitting at the top northwest corner of Africa and sharing two oceans, the country's main appeal for visitors has always been its Mediterranean climate, the quality of its crafts and its exotic nature. However in more recent years travellers are discovering other hidden delights and adventures, particularly in the northern and central parts of Morocco in the Rif and High Atlas Mountains, where it is even possible to enjoy a skiing holiday. Then, down south, some are drawn to explore the sands of the Western Sahara, on camelback, horseback or 4X4.

Whether you visit Morocco for the sunshine, or to trek through the mountains or the hot desert sands, it is a sure bet you will also be enchanted by the timeless Medieval medinas of the cities, particularly in Fez and Marrakech, where the souks and squares plunge visitors into a fascinating foreign world. Snake charmers weave their magic; the stench of the tanners' yards pervades the air; and the call of the muezzins wafts from the ancient minarets. The overall memory will be one of sweetened mint tea, brightly coloured slippered feet and big smiles.

Although most of its suburban enclaves are ultra-modern, Morocco has more than its share of ancient monuments and magnificent buildings, reflecting a turbulent history shaped by its strategic location. Since the days of the Phoenicians, Morocco has attracted foreign interest, from the Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and ancient Greeks until the coming of the Arabs in the 7th century, who brought Islam and the Alaouite Dynasty. European powers have had their day, too, trying to control this northern tip of Africa. France and Spain battled for control, until nationalism triumphed and the Kingdom of Morocco gained independence in 1956 (except for the two small enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in the north which are still controlled by Spain). This rich past, coupled with a timeless present, makes Morocco a magical mystery tour of surprises and enchantment for thousands of visitors every year.

Time Zone

Local time is GMT.

Money

The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change. Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas.

Currency

US$1 = 8.9907

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round plugs are in use.

Health

No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco, but most travellers to Morocco will need vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid fever, as well as medications for travellers' diarrhoea. It is advisable to drink bottled water outside the main cities and towns, and avoid street food. Medical facilities are good in all main towns. Health insurance is essential.

Tipping

A tip of 10 to 15% is expected in the more expensive bars and restaurants, though some establishments include a service charge. Most services are performed with the aim of getting a few dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be rewarded. Visitors should note that tips are the only income for some porters and guides.

Climate

Morocco's climate is moderate and subtropical, cooled by breezes off the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. In the interior the temperatures are more extreme, winters can be fairly cold and the summers very hot. Marrakech has an average winter temperature of 21ºC (70ºF) and 100°F (38°C) in summer. In the Atlas Mountains temperatures can drop below zero and mountain peaks are snow capped throughout most of the year. The winter in the north of the country is wet and rainy, while in the south, at the edge of the Moroccan Sahara, it is dry and bitterly cold.

Safety

Customs

Morocco is a Muslim country and it is preferable to keep the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or poolside. Smoking is practised widely, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.

Business

Business in Morocco has been influenced by France and therefore tends to be conducted formally, with an emphasis on politeness. Dress is formal, and women in particular should dress conservatively. Most business is conducted in French, although some English is spoken. It is best to ascertain before hand what language the meeting will be in, and arrange an interpreter as needed. Visitors are expected to be punctual, though meetings may not start on time. Moroccans are friendly and enjoy socialising; trust and friendship are important bases for business dealings and be prepared to engage in small talk. A handshake is common when arriving and departing. Women may encounter some sexism in business, although this is starting to change. Most Moroccans are Muslim and therefore one should be mindful of Islamic custom, for instance only give receive and eat with the right hand as the left is considered unclean. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, though some businesses close on Fridays.

Duty Free

Travellers to Morocco over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; and perfume up to 5g.

Communications

The international access code for Morocco is +212. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)44 for Marrakech and (0)37 for Rabat. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making long international calls. Two mobile GSM 900 networks cover the north of the country. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.

Airports

Name	Casablanca Airport
City
IATA Code	CMN
Location	Casablanca Airport
Contact	Tel: +212 (0)2 253 9040.
Transfer Terminals
Transfer City	Taxis are freely available outside the airport terminal, operating on set fares. Regular bus and train shuttles connect to the city and the port.
Car Rental	There are numerous car hire companies represented at the airport including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Europcar.
Airport Facilities	The airport has shops, restaurants and bars, ATMs and currency exchange services. There are some disabled facilities, but those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Airport Hotels
Website	www.onda.org.ma

Name	Marrakech Airport
City
IATA Code	RAK
Location	Marrakech Airport
Contact	Tel: +212 (0)4 444 7865.
Transfer Terminals
Transfer City	Taxis are available for transport to the city (15 minutes).
Car Rental	Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Budget are represented at the airport.
Airport Facilities	Facilities include banks and bureau de change, duty free shopping and a variety of general shops, restaurants and snack bars, and tourist information.
Airport Hotels
Website	www.onda.org.ma