Tourist information

Documents required

A valid passport is always required, and the expiry date must be after the date of your planned return to Italy. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be asked to fill out a form indicating your personal details and an address in Morocco: it is, therefore, essential to have already booked a hotel, otherwise you will be temporarily detained by the airport authorities. Italian citizens do not require a visa if their stay does not exceed 3 months.

Dress code

There are no particular obligations, however, it is advisable to dress decently, especially during the summer months, avoiding clothes that are too low-cut or short.

Climate

During the summer months, temperatures are very high in cities such as Marrakech, which is not influenced by the ocean, where in July the mercury often reaches well over 36°C, while they remain pleasant in coastal areas.

In winter, it is essential to travel equipped with heavy clothing. especially if you cross the High Atlas mountains. where it is absolutely normal to find snow until March. The night in the desert is very cold and, if you want to admire the stars. It is best to be well covered.
Almost all Riads do not have a heating system, only heat pumps. So remember to bring heavy pyjamas for the night. For women, a hairdryer is also useful. In spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are generally very pleasant, but in the early morning and evening. It can be very cool, so it is always useful to bring a jacket.

Local currency and mobile phone networks

In Morocco, the Dirham is used (1 EUR ≃ 11 MAD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in big cities. But if you are travelling to less urbanised areas it is a good idea to always have cash. Almost all Riads and Hotels have a Wi-Fi network available to customers, so in my opinion. It is not absolutely necessary to buy a local SIM card (in any case I can give you directions on where to find them).

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations. However, I would encourage you to check with the Department of Prevention about vaccinations, as hygiene and sanitary conditions are good. However, I refer you to the following Farnesina website: Viaggiare Sicuri, which is constantly being updated.

Health Insurance Policy

Even if you are in perfect health conditions, never travel without adequate private health insurance, which covers possible hospitalisation and/or repatriation by plane with a doctor on board.
There are no agreements between the Italian and the Moroccan SSN and the expenses could be very high compared to a derisory expense with appropriate insurance.

Best season to visit Morocco

In Morocco there is not a better season compared to another, each season has its own characteristics with its merits and defects. In winter, we will encounter pleasant daytime temperatures with fairly low night-time temperatures. During the summer months, temperatures are always quite high and in the cities can exceed 36°C during the day. Fortunately, the climate is always very dry, so you won’t feel the unpleasant sensation of dampness on your skin.
Otherwise, equip yourself with appropriate clothing and enjoy your trip!
For more information on the climate, see the following link: The climate in Morocco

Single women travelling

Morocco is a quiet country, where even women can travel alone without any problems. It is essentially important to travel around the country with common sense, as is the case everywhere in the world. Try to enjoy the wonderful Moroccan hospitality and leave without preconceptions.
Don’t look at the people around you with mistrust: often they just want to give you a smile!

What to see in Morocco

Morocco changes so much as you move from north to south. You leave the coast and the Marrakech area and the further you move, the more you get into the heart of ancient traditions. With such a diversity of landscapes and situations, it’s really difficult to choose the places to include in a Moroccan travel plan. We’ve made it easy for you: we’ve picked out the 5 must-sees for you.

Marrakech

The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s symbol A trip to Morocco must include Marrakech, the city which, although not the country’s capital, attracts the largest number of visitors, the heart of the city is enclosed within the walls of the medina: inside, an intricate network of narrow streets and alleyways, colourful markets where you can haggle to the point of exhaustion, sumptuous palaces and tombs of sultans, and finely decorated mosques await you,the nerve centre of the medina is the vast Djemaa El Fna square, a unique place animated by street artists, vendors, snake charmers and Berber musicians, when the noise of the medina becomes deafening, seek peace and coolness in one of Marrakech’s gardens, starting with the magnificent Majorelle Garden.

Fez

The typical tanneries of Fez After Marrakech, the second most visited of Morocco’s four imperial cities is Fez (or Fes), considered by many visitors to be the highlight of their holiday. The medina of Fez is the largest pedestrian area in the world, decidedly more labyrinthine than that of Marrakech and imbued with a very special atmosphere somewhere between romantic and decadent. Getting lost is guaranteed, but it’s also part of the fun. Be curious and let yourself be guided by chance: unexpected treasures are hidden at the end of what apparently seems to be a dead-end street or around the corner of decrepit buildings.

Desert

Tour Not to be missed The top attraction in Morocco is the Sahara Desert. It is an endless expanse where you can lose yourself in astonishingly varied landscapes that include typical sand dunes, palm oases and rocky areas. There are many ways to visit it. The most fascinating is a trek on foot, which takes you on a slow walk along the Bedouins’ ancient routes. If you don’t think you can make it, you can book a camel tour. For those who don’t want to give up comfort, there are also air-conditioned 4×4 tours.

If you are short on time, you can book a day trip, but it is better to stay overnight in the desert for at least one night so you can admire one of the most beautiful starry skies of your life. The duration of tours in the Sahara varies greatly. You can choose between short tours of 1-2 days and full holidays of up to 7 days and more. Prices depend on the duration of the tour and the services offered.

Atlas Mountains

Dades Gorge The other scenic wonder of Morocco is the Atlas Mountains. A mountain range that seems to almost cut the country in two. It is divided into the High Atlas, in the heart of Morocco, and the Anti Atlas in the south-eastern hinterland. Fertile valleys with traditional Berber villages alternate with high peaks, with summits that are well over 3,000 metres high (Toukbal, the highest mountain in the whole of North Africa, reaches 4.167 m) and are constantly covered in snow in the winter months. The contrast with the warm colour of the traditional houses, all made of stone, is breathtakingly beautiful. Experienced hikers can explore the region’s hiking trails. While tourists looking to relax can admire the beauty of the landscape from the panoramic terrace of a guesthouse over tea.

Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco’s economic centre: the ultimate business city, with modern buildings, services and wide boulevards. Its name is inextricably linked to the famous Hollywood film, of which you will find very few traces. It is the most ‘European’ of Moroccan cities. A little out of the typical Moroccan mould. Interesting to visit in order to understand the current reality of the country. Much more modern than many Italians think. It is easy to get around – no labyrinthine medinas – and is sunny and full of opportunities for fun. The attraction not to be missed in Casablanca is the Great Mosque of Hassan II. One of the very few religious buildings that are also open to non-Muslim visitors.