Thinking about Morocco

[pax 0]

Even though it's still a looooong way off, Ewen and I are starting to think about where we'd like to honeymoon (we probably won't be able to have one until '08). Somehow we got the idea in our heads that Morocco might be cool.

I know a lot of you ladies have been to Morocco, sometimes more than once, so can you share your thoughts on travel to Morocco? Ewen and I aren't into "package"-y type vacations and prefer spontaneous, non-tourist-y type things to do. I will most definitely require a beach, however. How affordable is it? Any places to particularly avoid, or any places you'd especially recommend?

Thanks very much.

[Dixie_Peach 1]

Pax

Jamal and I stayed in Kenitra at a villa there... it was not very expensive... and the beach is beautiful!!! We also went to the beach in Rabat... but not sure how much it would cost to stay there. Wishing you the best!

Blessings,

Lynne

[sara535 15]

There are a LOT of bed and breakfast type places in all price ranges all over morocco, lots of renovated riads and stuff like that. I found a lot by doing searches on the web, I can't remember right now (I'm at work) but when I get home I will try to find those sites.

[~kiyah~ 14]

Na'am...Morocco is a beautiful country! There are many places to visit in Morocco. If you are not fond of the 'touristy' type, there are many places which are very affordable and fun to visit. I would definitely look for the list of places and bed and breakfast from Sara.

My fiance is from Kenitra...not a tourist town at all. The beach there is very beautiful and there are many villas to rent on the beach as well as farther away. The beach in Rabat is also wonderful...the old market is a wonderful place to shop, there really are many things to do. We alway make trips from Kenitra to Rabat for shopping, and I absolutely love it.

~Kiya~

[honeyblonde 0]

The only place I'd recommend staying away from if you aren't into touristy is Agadir. It is a beatiful huge resort that caters to the rich, so it is very pricy. Abdel really wanted to take me there because one of his friends worked at the resort there, but even with his friend there it was over $200 a night for a room.

I wanted to go to Tangier, but he said that is pretty touristy also. He recommended Fes if you prefer history and beauty, but that doesn't have a beach. I loved his city, Taza, since it is still unaware of it's hugely touristic attractions.

I think some have been to Essouria and found it to be very beautiful. Maybe some of them will log in later and give you some input on it.

[morocco4ever 63]

How can you go wrong in Morocco!

[kerewin21 2]

I love Marrakesh... It has a side that's very touristy, but it's also beautiful and romantic, and if you choose wisely is very affordable. I think it'd be a great place for a honeymoon! It's easier to get around if you speak French or Arabic, or Spanish in the North.

[noura 0]

I have been once to Morocco and loved it - all of it, from Casablanca to Rabat to Mohammedia to Martil to Tangier to Marrakech to Tetouan. Altho, my faves for return visits (vacationing) would be Marrakech (a little touristy, but lovely and wonderful - so much fun) and Martil (gorgeous beaches on the Mediterranean). Casa is wonderful for me b/c of family. However, in one month I will go for my second time and we will go to some places I have not yet been, so I'll report on those upon my return. This trip I plan/hope to see Fes, Essouria, maybe Safi, and definitely Marrakech again. Of course, Casa and Rabat b/c those are home base....

Feel free to PM me for details on any of these places... and as Sharon (kerewin) said, knowing French and/or Arabic definitely helps and Spanish if you're going to be up north.

I don't think you could go too wrong in any of these places!

Noura

oh yea... if you go to Tangier, you can take a short ferry ride across the straight of Gibraltar to Southern Spain. We didn't have time, but I'd love to check that out sometime...

[jennieh 0]

I have been to Morocco twice but we never really went many places besides Rabat, Casabalanca, and Agadir. Mostly cause everytime I went my husband was still working. I wish I could go back and see him but I dont see how he can get time off and I cant get time off and I cant get the money to go. But Id SO love to go and be able to see my husband again. Im so sick of chatting online I want to see my real live husband!!

[karotte 0]

If you like getting around on your own, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Lonely planet - Morocco. I lived in Morocco for 18 months and toured every corner of the country with the help of that guide.

Like others mentioned, the most popular cities are definitely Fez and Marrakech. I never had a good experience in Tangier, but the hardy might like it. As far as beach towns go, I'd recommend Essaouira in the relative south or Asilah in the north. Both are pretty and mostly quiet. The desert is also really gorgeous, but it totally depends on what you're looking for.

I'd be happy to help if you have any other questions.

Have fun!