Morocco the jewel of North Africa
Table of Contents
Morocco: in North Africa
Morocco is one of the countries that make up the Maghreb, the northern part of Africa, where Arab and Berber cultures mix. For centuries this enormous territory bathed by the Mediterranean has been a natural corridor through which numerous cultures and peoples have followed one another. This diverse cultural mix has given a special character to the people who inhabit it as well as providing a touch of exoticism that is very interesting for the Western vision.
Of all the countries that make up this space, Morocco can be considered the closest to Europe since it shares a border in Ceuta and Melilla with Spain and is barely 18 kilometers from the European continental shelf. Despite its geographical proximity, the country is a great unknown that is just beginning to attract more and more people who come to discover its gastronomy and spectacular landscapes, in addition to its incredible traditional architecture.
Galicia travel products
-
Rias Baixas Excursion
Price range: 30,00€ through 55,00€ Select date(s) This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Morocco | 5 days
45,00€ Select date(s) -
French Way
Price range: 360,00€ through 2.150,00€ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Sale!
Finisterre, Muxía, Costa da Morte
Price range: 20,00€ through 49,00€ Select date(s) This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY IS MOROCCO?
One of the things that new visitors ask themselves before visiting this African country is knowing what type of country Morocco is.
The answer is simple. It is one of the most politically stable countries in all of Africa. The country extends across a strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and has numerous mountain chains such as the Atlas Mountains of significant elevation, its highest point exceeding 4000 meters.
It is a country that is both urban and rural, with a good mix of cities and smaller towns and with a diverse climatic combination, although its proximity to the Sahara means that part of its territory is predominantly desert.
Among its most important cities, Rabat stands out, its political capital, Marrakech , the most visited city in the country, Casablanca its economic capital, Fez one of its most historical cities or Meknes one of the most traditional cities. In all of them the visitor can enjoy two fundamental things, local gastronomy and the exoticism of Moroccan culture, very different from European culture.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL DISHES OF MOROCCAN CUISINE?
The Moroccan cuisine is a fusion of flavors, cultural influences and unique culinary techniques that reflect the country’s varied history. Typical dishes are basically a good combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices traditionally used to preserve food and give it a touch of class.
Among the most typical dishes that are worth trying are the following:
First of all, it highlights the couscous which is the national dish of Morocco, made of wheat semolina with vegetables, meat and sometimes nuts, all steamed. It is the most international and best-known Moroccan dish.
Another notable dish is tagine which is also very well known. It is a stew cooked slowly in a clay container with meat (such as lamb or chicken), vegetables and spices. Without a doubt one of the most refined dishes of North African cuisine.
As a third option we have to talk about mechoui that It is a slow roasted lamb, which gives it a tender and flavorful texture. This is the typical dish that Moroccans enjoy at celebrations and parties, for example weddings. Along with this dish they usually eat what is known as harira which is a thick and nutritious soup, based on tomatoes, legumes and meat, often served during the holy month of Ramadan, which varies in date depending on the year.
The puff pastries stuffed with meat or seafood, with almonds and other nuts, it can be said that they are another of the traditional dishes. Perhaps it is the most varied dish that exists because of all the different condiments it can include. Without a doubt a good example of the influence of the Middle East and Arab culture in Maghrebi cuisine.
Regarding sweets and desserts, the one known as chebakia, fried dough pastries dipped in honey and generally in the shape of a flower on which sesame is sprinkled which gives it a very exotic and tasty touch. They are usually tasted at weddings and religious festivals.
In summary, the Moroccan food that the visitor can try is a very interesting mix of flavors, colors and textures that reflect the diversity and broad influences of Moroccan culture, just to taste it is worth visiting this unique African country .
Read also : THE DESERT OF MOROCCO AND OTHER SPOTS TO KNOW
WHAT PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO?
This is a very common question among travelers who visit the Arab country. Without a doubt, Morocco has many attractions but perhaps the answer is simple. Let’s divide the answer into two sections. As the country is a good combination of rural and urban, we will give two examples of each type that are worth being in.
Firstly, in the urban area we can say that the city considered the gateway to the Arab country is Marrakech . It is one of the main cities in the country and is perhaps the most visited city. A derivative of the city’s toponym is what gives its name to Morocco in its version in the Berber language, one of the official languages along with Arabic, in addition to the two working languages, French and Spanish.
The city is organized in the style of traditional Arab cities around its large souk, which is the central and commercial square of the city. From it derive an endless number of streets and alleys that form a charming labyrinth in which it is worth getting lost.
The traditional smells and flavors merge at the same time with an atmosphere that seems taken from the book of “One Thousand and One Nights” .
It is also interesting for its nightlife, there are numerous bars and clubs that are well worth visiting. Without a doubt a perfect contrast between modernity and tradition.
A very special area to visit outside the urban environment is the wonderful Merzouga . This small town near the border with Algeria is a great place to get to know Saharan Morocco, one of the most traditional.
It is a Berber location in the heart of the Sahara where you can walk among the dunes of the largest desert on the planet. In addition, it is common for visitors to take advantage of the tour to meet local families and learn about the Berber culture, one of the native cultures and populations of Morocco and North Africa.
A place that is a must stop to expand your Moroccan adventure.
Read also : 5 INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO
HOW TO TRAVEL TO MOROCCO?
From Spain it is extremely easy to go to the neighboring country. Air connections are constant and the simplest thing is to prepare your trip with an organizing company that has the maximum guarantees and has good Moroccan contacts.
In fact, for example with agencies like Galicia Travels , a company with extensive experience in organizing trips to Morocco, one can travel for a modest price and with the comfort of knowing that everything will be perfectly prepared.
Without a doubt an experience worth daring to try.