Month: November 2022

Fes in Morocco; El Maghreb often known as Morocco or the land of the setting sun, is sometimes referred to as a fairy-tale Middle Ages. Only on my second attempt did I manage to stumble onto this nation. The first was crowned with absolute change because all the tickets had already been purchased, the accommodations had been reserved, and my attention were focused on experiencing Morocco. I tried my fortune again exactly one year later, and this time everything worked out.

Morocco is wonderful, and I was captivated by the country. Everything there has a magical quality, including the sights of Morocco, the mouthwatering mandarins, the mint tea served every minute, the streets of Medina, the unmatched calls to prayer, the fragrant gifts of tajine, pastila, and harira, the incredible skill of the locals in trade, the ease and accessibility of the hammam, the self-made carpets, the Berber handicrafts, the rich linguistic diversity of the Moroccans and their love of Although the nation is small, it is incredibly diversified. Morocco is rich in the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, and a small amount more ocean and sea outside of metropolitan civilisation. Additionally, every city has an own personality. Overall, a wonderful Orient that everyone will adore.

Fes in Morocco, the oldest and most distinctive imperial city, served as my introduction to the nation. And long before I set out on my trip to Morocco, I, like probably many of you, had been binge-watching “Clone” and daydreaming about seeing Fez, the capital city of Morocco. “Dreams are also intended to come true. What use would they have in that case?”

From the first minute, Fes in Morocco had my attention. Compared to other Moroccan cities, it is the most lively. It is renowned for having the largest and oldest Medina, both of which have remained almost unchanged from those medieval times. The cultural center of Morocco is the city of Fes in Morocco, which is home to artisans including potters and tanners.

Getting there

After all, Morocco is in Africa, thus the only ways to travel there from other continents are by air or sea. From nearby cities in the nation, Fez is reachable by plane, train, bus, or rental vehicle.

Foum Europe, Fes in Morocco will be considerably closer, and tickets there will be less expensive.

The most effective route to go to Morocco and subsequently to Fes in Morocco is via Spain, which once colonized Morocco. Frequent low-cost flights and ferries leave from the southern part of Spain. So you can accomplish two goals at once: learn about stunning Morocco and passionate Spain.

There are no nonstop flights from Europe capital cities to Fes in Morocco(St. Petersburg and Moscow). Iberia, Vueling, Arab Airlines, Moldova Airlines, and even Ural Airlines have connections to Europe. The majority of the connections have protracted layovers. How much time can you spend waiting in one direction even when the cost is only about 250 EUR one way?

Therefore, it would be advisable to split the journey from any country to Morocco into two parts in this instance:

• travel to Europe.
• how to travel to Fes in Morocco from European cities.

The best transportation links between Spain, which is close both geographically and spiritually, and Morocco exist. Additionally, there are numerous low-cost flights to Spain, particularly to Barcelona, departing from St. Petersburg and Moscow. All of this makes flying to Fes in Morocco via Spain an excellent choice, as does the fact that Spain is very desirable not just as a transition location.

There is a great website called Vandrouki that lists all of the current deals and discounts for international travel while also suggesting strategies for almost-free travel. There are frequently really intriguing “how to get to Morocco” deals highlighted. For instance, a flight from Tallinn to Morocco via Germany during the 2017 May holidays costs around 30 EUR. A joke, perhaps? For such locations, Ryanair offers tickets at unreasonably low prices. The final step, if you don’t already have one, is to travel to Tallinn and apply for a Schengen visa.

Sometimes the same Vandrouki posts advertisements for flights to Barcelona offered by the airline Pobeda. By the way, no Schengen visa is necessary if you merely change aircraft in Spain. Additionally, you may find the most convenient and affordable flights here.

How to get into the city from Fez Airport

The airport is where you first arrive Fes in Morocco. Although Fez airport is little in comparison to the enormous airports in Europe, it performs admirably as the only airport in the rather populated and well-liked Fes in Morocco. There are places where you may exchange dollars or euros for local dirhams at the airport. Although the airport exchange rates are typically higher than those at the city center exchange bureaus, you will undoubtedly need cash to get into the city proper, so bring some change, but only a little bit.

From the airport, there are two methods to get to the center:

• by bus number 16 for three euros each, but there is no set schedule for the route.
• By cab, which costs the same 3 EUR per person, is quick, enjoyable, and inexpensive.

Usually, only foreigners who have not yet become accustomed to the relaxed pace of the nation wait patiently for any bus at the bus stop, which is directly across the street from the airport. After waiting for a bus for around 30 minutes, which never arrived, we were mobbed by cab drivers who pushed us to ride in their vehicles. So the two of us banded together with other tourists, haggled with the bus driver over the price, and together we traveled to Medina.

via train

In Morocco, the rail system is fairly advanced. Train service connects important towns including Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Tangier to Fes in Morocco.

Train travel times from Marrakech to Fes in Morocco are 7 hours, 5 hours from Tangier, and 4 hours from Casablanca. According to reports, there are two classes of Moroccan trains:

• a certain location on the ticket.
• any seat that is open.

The price varies depending on the class, however second class costs roughly:

1. For roughly 15 EUR from Casablanca, 
2. and for 20 EUR from Marrakech.
3. just 10 EUR from Tangier.

Costs for first class will be 5–10 EUR more. Children under the age of four ride the train for free, and those under the age of twelve receive discounts.

On the website of the Moroccan railroad ONCF, you may see accurate rates and train schedules, but you cannot purchase or reserve tickets from outside of Morocco; you must do it when you arrive at the station. However, trains operate regularly and there are always enough tickets available.

The Fes in Morocco train station is really lovely, and taxis are waiting at the exit to take you into the city.

Throughout our entire trip to Morocco, we never had the chance to experience the trains, although numerous people we encountered en route said they were very happy with the comfort and speed.

By Bus

Buses are probably the most affordable and widely used mode of transportation in the nation. These exact buses were given to the Moroccans due to their unsuitability in Spain. However, ALSA buses in Spain and Morocco are actually very similar. Yes, the ones in Morocco appear to be a touch more worn, but overall they have fantastic rides, reclining seats, and functional air conditioning.

CTM and SupraTours are the two largest bus operators in Morocco. You can check the destination and the bus schedule on each company’s website. For instance, a bus from Tangier to Fes will cost 11 EUR and take about 6 hours. 9 hours and 17 EUR from Marrakech. Five hours and nine euros from Casablanca. Moroccans are cunning, and they can add a fee for placing luggage in the luggage compartment to the price of the ticket. Because of this, many people place their bags under the seats, between the legs, over the head, and even in their cuddles as they travel.

At a modest ticket counter at the bus stop, you can purchase bus tickets. Each organization has a separate ticket office. The earlier you purchase your tickets, the better. Buses operate at intervals of up to two hours, however they are nearly never empty. The most widely used mode of transportation in Morocco, after all.

Local, extremely beaten-down, jam-packed with trash and people, and cramped buses of unidentified carriers provide an alternative to luxurious tourist bus companies. These buses stop in every village, are simple to board with a wave of the hand, and cost approximately half as much as the average bus fee.

The experienced should choose this route, of course. We figured we had experience, so we gave it a shot. Simply put, a delight. After spending such a short four hours in Morocco, it is probably impossible to learn even more about the nation.

In Fes, there appear to be two bus terminals. Five minutes from the main entrance to the historic portion of the city, one is directly next to the Medina. The second one is situated on the outskirts of the city. You can easily walk from the first one, and you can grab a cab for roughly two euros from the second one.

By car

In Morocco, the roads are excellent. Driving across the nation is a fantastic idea, especially if you are taking a big family vacation.

Car rentals are widely available in Morocco, so you may do it when you are there or easily reserve one in advance on the website of any European firm you like. You may frequently bargain with Moroccans on the moment to lower the rental cost, but it’s just luck. All around the nation, there are free and toll-free roadways. And as soon as you exit the gangway or leave the deck, you can start driving toward Fes in Morocco.

The Moroccan car rental process is efficient.

There are several people that are driving. Even though we didn’t have a car, we still had time to enjoy the roads.

Ferry

Fes in Morocco is not accessible by ferry, although you can go to other Moroccan cities by one.

Ferries leave from Barcelona and from cities throughout southern Spain. You will need a whole day to go from Barcelona to any port city in Morocco, and a one-way ticket would set you back about 100 EUR. Therefore, it is best to depart from sunny places like Almeria, Motril, Algeciras, or Tarifa if you take a ferry. You can also go from Malaga to the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, which are situated in northern Africa and are encircled by the Mediterranean and Morocco. From there, you can go to Fes in Morocco by crossing the border.

The quickest and least expensive route to Tangier, Morocco, is from Algeciras or Tarifa. The journey only lasts for approximately an hour, and a single ticket will run you roughly 25 EUR. There are 8–10 ferry runs every day. On the other hand, getting to other places will take longer and cost a lot more money.

Although there are several ferry operators, the cheapest prices can be found on the excellent Direct Ferries website. If this form of trip has not been scheduled in advance, you can also purchase these exact tickets at the port. There might not be any tickets available, though, right before the ferry leaves. Despite the fact that ferries run often, a sizable number of people always wish to take them.

We took a plane to Fes in Morocco then a ferry to leave Morocco and get to Algeciras. It’s also really cool to cross a maritime border as one extremely interesting piece of land is moving away and another equally interesting piece of land is approaching. It’s extremely liberating.

The season is when. What time is ideal for traveling?

Any time of year is fantastic to visit Fes in Morocco. The climate is pleasant year-round, the Atlas Mountains’ permanently snow-capped summits are only 50 km away, and the ocean is nearby. It would be wonderful to explore the other intriguing Moroccan locations if you visit Fes in Morocco. Swim in the warm Atlantic if you visit in the summer or early fall. And if it’s essential to conquer the Atlas Mountains in the late fall and early spring. The peak travel period is from April to October, which also includes the New Year’s holiday. But Morocco, notably Fez itself, continues to be quite alluring even outside of this season. However, it is important to keep in mind that winter nights can be startlingly cold and that summer’s peak can appear overly hot. Another extremely crucial point is that you definitely shouldn’t travel to Morocco during the holy month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the lunar calendar), since the country may come across poorly due to the obligatory Muslim prohibitions.

The classic Moroccan food tagine is always in season, which is a plus. You must therefore travel to Fes in Morocco out of goodwill.

Summertime in Fez

Throughout the entire summer, Fez experiences daytime highs of +30° and nighttime lows of +17°. Since there is no sea or ocean in Fes, the summers there are extremely dry and abrasive. It’s preferable to be near the water at this time of year, because you only have a few days in Fes in Morocco to fall in love with this regal city and come back several times.

Fall in Fez

The weather isn’t all that different from summer’s at the start of autumn. The temperature reaches a low of +25 degrees in the middle of the season, and it hovers around +17 degrees in November. It’s time to get to know Fes in Morocco when the blazing sun sets and the heat subsides.

Springtime in Fez

In the spring, Fez experiences daytime highs of +15 to +25 degrees and overnight lows of +10 degrees. The best time of year to visit Fez is now. Particularly in April and the first few weeks of May, when the blossoms start and the city resembles a giant orange orchard.

Winter in Fez

Fez’s wintertime temperatures range from +10 to +15 degrees during the day and up to +5 degrees at night.

You can go outside in a dress, sneakers, and a light jacket during the day, but you should be prepared and have warm clothing for the evening. It is typically sunny and pleasant during the day, although there can also be high gusts and mild showers.

Fes is quite crowded with tourists for the New Year’s holiday, and the Atlas Mountains to the south of the city are home to a number of ski resorts that are popular in the winter.

Neighborhoods. a place to live

Fez is a small city, and the Medina, the historic center, is where you’ll find all the must-see attractions. Additionally, the city is split generally into three sections:

1. Fez el Bali, the ancient Medina, is encircled by a medieval wall and has 1,000 streets and alleyways. UNESCO has designated this enormous pedestrian area as one of its World Heritage Sites. There are several districts in the Old Medina. Potters live in some, weavers in others, and tanners in still others. Although some of its streets are quite narrow, they are also somewhat confusing. In such a big and fake Fes el Bali, it is obvious that even having a map and having superb orienteering abilities on the spot can fail.
2. The new Medina, known as Fes Jdid, is set apart from the ancient Medina by a thick, ornate wall. The crooked gate of Bab-bu-Jelud is the most significant of these. There are numerous marketplaces, stores, and eateries in this area of Fez. Although less perplexing, it is more touristy.
3. The only place outside the Medina is New Fez. It’s nothing special in this area of the city. The typical housing stock is there, as with all forms of transportation, including train and bus stations and airports. generally speaking, the standard civilization.

The finest place to stay in Fez is unquestionably in the new Medina, or perhaps even outside of it but yet close enough. And this is why: Fes Jdid is situated in what seems to be a middle ground between the intriguing and required parts of the city. Fes el Bali, on the other hand, appears to be tucked away in the center of the city. When you first arrive in Fes, you must not only travel great distances but also make a valiant effort to discover an appropriate place to stay among the city’s countless winding lanes. Staying in the modern Fez makes little sense because the imperial Fez ought to be considerably closer. On the other side, the modern Medina represents the ideal.

Accommodation styles

Morocco has a fairly developed tourism industry, thus the problem of lodging for visitors is effectively handled. In addition to the standard, well-known to most people hotels and hostels, Fez also offers the Dar and Riad, the two main types of traditional Moroccan dwelling.

Dar, which means “home” in Arabic, invariably refers to a building with a courtyard inside. Riad, on the other hand, connotes the existence of an interior garden and is translated as “palace.” Both are highly prevalent in Morocco, but exclusively among the affluent citizens. However, the Moroccans are wonderful and have opened their hotels, hostels, or hostels, but in the shape of daras or riads, which is amazing for us visitors. The humility of the latter is the only significant distinction between a palace and a house, but both are exquisitely lovely and comfortable. Both are furnished with tall charming doors, vibrant lamps, patterned tiles, a sea of cushions, a fountain in the middle of the patio, and plants all around. They are both adorned in an Arabic manner. Additionally, their courtyards are ideal for tea gatherings, positive thinking, and connecting with the Arab culture. So you may fully experience Moroccan life when you stay in these traditional resorts.

On Booking, you may make advance hotel reservations. In the off-season, you can arrive without making a reservation, and the proprietors could provide a discount. The cost of lodging in Fez is extremely reasonable. You can find a luxury, pricey, and comfy room for between 5 and 500 EUR per night.

I can speak from experience

We were able to stay in two very different hostels throughout our time in Fes. The first was the modest but lovely hostel Dar Rabha. The new Medina’s main entrance is five minutes away from it. Dar is difficult to locate because it is hidden from onlookers’ view. A helpful Moroccan man assisted us. The hostel appeared pretty desolate from the outside, but inside, to my surprise, it was fantastic. The hostel offers a terrace, free breakfasts, and all the necessary local information. A shared room costs 5 EUR per person each night. One of the hostel’s drawbacks is that it is a little chilly, both physically and emotionally. Overall, however, I strongly advise it.

Riad Verus was the second. Though outside the new Medina, it is near by. The entrance door suggests that it is nondescript and hidden. Once inside, you truly feel as though you are in a palace. within a stunning Moroccan palace. You are served mint tea, the patio fountain gurgles, and you meet new interesting individuals. With a large terrace and views of the entire city of Fez, this Riad is incredibly evocative. For only 5 EUR per person, it offers delicious breakfasts and fantastic guides to the old Medina. A night in one of these riads costs 8 EUR. The owner’s poor musical taste, which he displayed by playing techno nonstop, was a stingy drawback to all the palace’s positive attributes. But over the years, there have been so many different visitors and they have all left their own thoughts, so this minus may have long since converted to a plus. Overall, I endorse it.

By the way, there are possibilities in Morocco for those who enjoy living in flats and with families. Although it is a third-world country, this type of lodging is highly developed there, despite not being especially well-liked. Getting out of your comfort zone and getting to know the city by interacting with the locals is a significant benefit of using such guest networks. We tried staying with a family in Morocco, not in Fez, and we were really happy with it.

Check out the prices for hotel rooms and apartments here.

What are the costs of vacations?

Let’s start with the Moroccan dirham. In any of the city’s numerous exchange offices, you can exchange foreign currency for local currency. But because every exchanger has a different rate and they frequently seem overpriced, it is advisable to learn what each exchange office’s rate is before choosing one that will be most lucrative. According to my observations, the most effective location for this type of cash exchange is near the entrance to the new Medina, on the right side, if you’re facing the Medina proper. During that time, in the winter of 2017, 1 EUR was equivalent to 10 AED (dirham).

Fez’s rates are comparable to those in other Moroccan cities, and the country as a whole is quite affordable. Prices for travel and lodging were already mentioned, but when it comes to eating, everything is pretty comparable. For instance, the cost of regional specialties and Moroccan presents like mandarins and dates is relatively low here (only 50 cents per kilo of each deliciousness). The price of manufactured goods is more than typical in Morocco, and they are primarily imported from Spain. It is advisable to eat locally in Fez since the price of everyone’s favorite Oreo in Moroccan expanses might reach 3 EUR. It is both strange and delightful.

Moroccan bread is roughly 25 cents, while water is 30 cents, as a pricing comparison. A sizable serving of chicken and couscous costs three euros. Moroccan tea costs around one euro.

Below, below “Food. Prices for food are listed under “What to Try,” “What to Do,” and “What to Bring as a Gift.” “prices for pertinent topics are stated.

primary draws. What to watch

The historic Medina in Fez is the city’s sole and main draw. It is filled with markets and workshops that demand a lot of attention on every convoluted street. You can traverse these little alleyways by yourself, get lost, find a tiny area where people are forging anything from teapots to jewelry, and then ask them how to leave this Fez el Bali. Additionally, you can hire a guide who will show you locations that are completely hidden from the average tourist’s view while also confidently guiding you through the Medina and imparting historical information. The tour guide might take you, for instance, to the bakery where they make exquisite Moroccan bread or the workshop where they paint wooden objects. There are several tour operators in Fesca, but it is best to deal with the trustworthy ones who frequently work in inns and hostels. Such a guide may charge 5 EUR per person for a 3-hour adventure in the fascinating Fez.

But Fez’s dye-houses, where hunched-over tanners treat and dye leather in an antiquated manner while standing knee-deep in vats full of different liquids, are its most remarkable feature. The procedure for dying leather is as follows: first, the leather is prepared by soaking it in lime baths, followed by a bird dropping solution, a lengthy rinsing in the dye, and finally, drying. The only natural ingredients used to make the colour are henna, turmeric, and other helpful ingredients.

A dye-house is uncommon to see in old Fez. As a result, Moroccan tour guides may be found anywhere along the road, willing to take you for a little price to the actual dye shops shown in “Clone.” They typically direct you to the leather goods shops, whose rooftops provide a great perspective of the world of tanners. They give you a sprig of mint to keep you fresh because the smell in these dyehouses is horrible, and they quickly explain how leather is made before persistently attempting to sell it to you in their shops.

Top 5.

1. Gateway. Both the old and new Medinas of Fez are enclosed by a wall with numerous gates, each of which is embellished with a distinctively colorful gate in Arabic design.
2. The Pretty Girls. Just above, I wrote about this important sight.
3. Al-Qarawin University Mosque. The name of this location, the religious-educational complex, refers to both the permanent mosque and one of the oldest universities, which was founded in the 9th century. Additionally, Idris II, the founder of Fez, is buried in Al-Qaraouin. Although this location is incredibly stunning, unfortunately not everyone is let inside. Only through the open doors did we catch a glimpse of its majesty.
4. the classrooms. Fez, however, is a city of artisans, and it is worthwhile to visit one of the many workshops that dot the enormous area of the old Medina.
5. Markets. The city’s markets are its heart, thus it would be foolish to ignore or avoid them. Avoid lingering, but also avoid rushing.

Beaches. which are superior?

Since Fez is located in the interior of the country and is consequently far from seas, oceans, and beach vacations, the question of beaches in Fez is not pertinent. However, Morocco is not as large as it first appears, and Essaouira, a lovely ocean city, is only 7 hours away from Fez. But it is a different story.

Things to do in a day

You may see, taste, and decide whether Fez is your city in a single day there. The most crucial thing to remember in Fez is to take your time.

• 5:00 a.m. – you hear the muezzins calling for prayer, feel it, and then go back to sleep.
• 8:00 – Definitely get out of bed, stretch, and welcome the new day.
• 8:30 – In anticipation of something exceptional, enjoy breakfast with a classic Moroccan treat on the riad patio or on the terrace overlooking the city.
• 9:30 – pack up and explore the Medinas of Fez by touch and careful observation, without maps, navigators, or other aids.
• 11:00 – Moroccan tangerines and mint tea as a snack.
• 11:30 – Purchase, personalize, and mail a postcard to yourself or family members back home to share your initial thoughts about Fez.
• 12:00 – Enjoy lunch at one of your favorite tajine or harira street restaurants.
• Find a knowledgeable guide to the old medina of Fez at 14:00, and together, see a different city that is hidden from the tourists’ gaze.
• 16:30 – Stop by one of the city’s natural wonders, with or without a tour guide, to learn about the process of such arduous labor, to be appalled by the scents, to recall Jadie from “Clone,” who ran among identical or similar vats to find love, and to take photos and make memories of the location.
• 4:30 p.m. – Take a break with some avocado juice, stock up on practical mementos, and practice your haggling.
• Return to the riad at 17:00 for dinner of marshmallows and oriental desserts on the terrace with views of the setting sun over Fez.
• Visit Cafe Barcelona at 18:30 to attend a performance of traditional Moroccan music.
• Visit one of the city’s top hammams around 19:00 to get a true taste of Moroccan culture.
• 20:30 – Take one last stroll through Fes to assess whether or not the city is charming.
• 20:30 – Encouraged by such a full and intriguing day, stay in Fez for a little while longer or purchase a bus ticket to the adjacent Chefchaouen and embark on a new adventure.

What to Try in Food

Like the rest of Morocco, Fez’s cuisine is primarily hot and fatty with little else. Moroccan cuisine is limited to just five dishes. In this article on Morocco, you may learn more about these five traditional Moroccan dishes: mint tea, tagine, couscous, harira, and Moroccan salad. And now I’ll discuss some other national culinary high points.

Moroccans typically eat fruit salad with yogurt for breakfast, a loaf of cheese and eggs with spices, a bun and cake that is similar to Soviet candies, freshly squeezed orange juice, and mint tea. Olives, olives, and delicious Moroccan bread could be another alternative for breakfast. Breakfasts like this are frequently provided in hostels as well.

The world’s most delicious mandarins, which only cost pennies, are abundant in Morocco. They can be purchased for as little as 50 cents per kilo in the endless markets of Fez. Tangerines are also frequently juiced and served on the Medina streets. A typical fruit grown in Morocco is the avocado, which is also used to salads but is even better when blended with milk and sugar to create an incredibly robust and tasty avocado cocktail. For 1.5 EUR, you can sample such a beverage at downtown eateries or street kiosks. In addition to wholesome fruits, Morocco also offers some very sweet and harmful oriental delicacies.

Another delicious and unique dish found in Moroccan cooking is marshmallow. It is a type of cake with chicken and peanuts that has a star of David-shaped topping of powdered sugar and cinnamon. You should try it. You won’t remain uninterested. Nearly all restaurants in Fez provide pastila, which costs 4-5 EUR.

Reccommended Locations

Nearly the entire area of Fes Jdid is littered with cafés and restaurants where locals and visitors may both eat and drink tea. There isn’t much of a price difference, but choosing one restaurant over another for lunch, dinner, or regular tea depends heavily on how friendly the proprietors and servers are.

We noticed the location just inside the new Medina’s main gate on the right. There is a father and son team that works there, and they both create delicious pastilles and are quite kind and multilingual.

On the new Medina’s main market street is another suggested location. A young Moroccan woman who always has a smile on her face works in the modest establishment and cooks a delicious harira.

Safety. What to be wary of

This post does a fantastic job of describing safety in Morocco as a whole. According to my own experience, Fez is not at all criminal, and safe Europe has just as many pickpockets and thieves. But as in other parts of Morocco, you should always be on the lookout and avoid placing your trust in Moroccans, who only occasionally offer assistance and only watch out for themselves. This is especially true of Fez.

Because my youthful companion and I were traveling together and he had an appearance somewhat resembling that of an Arab, he was always treated as one of us and I was not addressed directly as is customary in the Muslim world. And whenever I went out by myself, I was constantly the subject of intense, obsessional attention. As a result, traveling alone in Morocco is conceivable if you wear a headscarf, have courage, and disregard for extraneous details. However, it is safer for women to travel with male escorts in the Arab world. We encountered a couple of these brave people along the way.

In terms of exploring Fez at night, it is best to avoid doing so. In terms of cheating, I believe the Moroccans are quite shrewd and crafty, so they won’t do it right away. All relationships in El Maghreb are founded on trade, therefore finding an understanding and a compromise is always possible. It turns out that the capacity for negotiation is really strong. It is an artistic form. incredibly deft and clever. The foundation of Moroccan culture is this. Without negotiating, purchasing something can even irritate the vendor. Try to lower the price as a result, not just for profit but also for amusement.

Things to do

Hammam

In addition to taking countless strolls through ancient Fez and sampling every Moroccan delicacy, you may and should visit the hammam, or Arabian baths, in the city.

There are two distinct hammam types:

• expensive luxury baths with an Arabic design that are modeled like contemporary spas.
• Local Moroccans frequent the moderately accessible baths once a week, if not more frequently.

The initial choice Sincerly, I found it overly arrogant and tourist-oriented, and I rejected it. And when it came to the second option, I was unsure whether I required such an experience after hearing from more seasoned individuals about their unique dual perception of this hammam. I finally came to a decision. I decided on a location, got lost getting there, but I eventually entered the storied hammam. Two doors were in front of me. Women have their own front, whereas men have their own. A large space with high ceilings and seating along the walls was located at the entry. It was a dressing area. Moroccan women were stationed at the entryway and explained what the hammam was all about to me. You can simply show up and wash there, or you can get washed and even given a massage. I naturally consented to the second one. After all, washing oneself is nothing new. I had to haggle to get it for the 10 EUR that it cost.

When I started to speak, they escorted me to a another room that had lower but still impressive ceilings. Women and girls of all ages were seated on the stone floor of the room, dousing themselves in buckets of water. They placed me next to them and began washing me with a special black soap as I was surrounded by buckets of water. They scrubbed me so vigorously that I worried about my tattoo. It went well. After being cleaned and massaged, I was let go. I was overjoyed. Honestly! To begin with, I had never felt so pure. Second, it was a cool experience that wasn’t expecting, and third, and most significantly, it was something truly Moroccan.

Cafe

Along with the hammam, Fez is home to the curiously named Barcelona, a very contemporary Moroccan café. Although it appears rather conventional from the outside, the Arabic inside is really elegant. Traditional Moroccan music performances frequently take place in this cafe. The entrance ticket includes any free drink, however concert tickets cost roughly 3 EUR. The performances bring together the entire golden generation of Fez, which, as it turns out, is very similar to the youth of Europe: equally liberated and mobile. The only other location I saw so many Muslim ladies at once sans hijabs was in this cafe.

On Talaa Kebira Street in the new Medina, it’s a cool place. You can’t miss the cafe because it is very visible. By the way, this particular Barcelona cafe has reviews and pictures on TripAdviser.

Overall, the setting, the music, and the ambiance are extremely outstanding, and Fez appears to be seen from a new angle.

Souvenirs. How to choose a present

In terms of traditional gadgets, Fez is very similar to other Moroccan cities. When you leave the Oriental fairy tale, you can take them home as a memento, use them yourself, give them as a gift, or use them yourself. One thing: As we already determined, Fez is a city of leather people. Therefore, leather and all leather goods should be significantly less expensive in Fez than in other areas of Morocco. Remember this when trading because many businesspeople call extremely high prices with confidence and joy. For instance, in Chefchaouen I paid 9 EUR for a bag-belt, but in Fez they tried to charge me at least 20 EUR for it. The variation is substantial.

The primary traditional North African mementos are discussed in this article about Morocco. But I’ll discuss those below that weren’t mentioned in that piece.

• Oriental lighting. Everything that frames light, including lamps, lanterns, and candlesticks, is breathtakingly lovely in Morocco. Such lamps are appropriately regarded as one of the magnificent traditional Moroccan objects because of the multicolored teardrops, patterns, and shapes. They can be purchased everywhere. The cost is reasonable. Takeaway is more difficult than purchase.

• Carpets. Fes in Morocco carpets are also woven. Typically, they are made in the same location where they are sold. They skillfully entice consumers, explain and demonstrate the entire process of creating gorgeous carpets, and then they force them to buy something. Investing in carpets is undoubtedly worthwhile. Even if not where they impose, still. Each size is available. Excellent quality is present. They are much more valuable and less expensive than anywhere else in the world.

• Spices. In theory, this is both a required item and a wonderful keepsake. Moroccans won’t tell you not to eat them because they can’t fathom their dish without them. In addition to flavoring every food, spices also increase its usefulness one hundred fold. Turmeric, ginger, zira, paprika, and saffron are the chief spice monarchs. You can get each one by 100 grams for 4 EUR.

• Dates. Both dates and mandarins are abundant in Morocco. Additionally, they are affordable, tasty, and healthy. You can purchase a bag of vitamins for a few euros, then use them to make candies for your friends.

Along with some of the items mentioned above, I also sent my loved ones fashionable hooded sweatshirts with Berber patterns and a ton of argan oil and lotions for both body care and cookery. additionally brought them stories, sunshine, and joy.

How to navigate the city.

The best method to navigate Fez is on foot because the city is quite small and the Medina is home to all of its landmarks and intriguing locations. Additionally, no vehicle is allowed to enter the Medina.

Cabs. What unique characteristics

If you need to go from the airport to the city center or vice versa, as well as to the railway or bus station, taxis are a wonderful option. The journey will cost little and take approximately 10 minutes. At the hotel or hostel, the airport, the train station, or the bus terminal, you can inquire about the approximate cost of cab rides in advance. But you can reach your desired location for only 5 EUR. Payment is only accepted in cash. Although there are cabs waiting at every corner, there are occasionally organized lines of cabs that may be seen from one kilometer away.

Not just tourists use cabs frequently in Fes. Locals without cars willfully hail a cab, and savvy cab drivers pick up everyone they run into along the road as a passenger. Trips in the crammed cab are thus the norm rather than the exception. The fact that it’s enjoyable and authentically Moroccan is a major benefit.

Auto rental

In Morocco, renting a car is fairly frequent and simple. And Fez is no different.

You’ll need cash and an international drivers license to rent a car. Both domestic and foreign car rental firms are excellent. Only the latter can be significantly more expensive, but they are still more trustworthy. Regular automobile rentals typically cost 45 EUR per day, without taxes, mileage, insurance, and other fees. Click the link to view the cost of the vehicle in a Moroccan rental location that is convenient for you. In comparison to Europe, gas is also less expensive.

Holidays with kids in Fez

Large families with children traveling the length and breadth of Morocco are a regular sight. Fes, on the other hand, is not at all accommodating to the young visitors: there is no regular entertainment and even no interest in the city itself. But in Fez, you may take a vacation from the road for a few days, enjoy the sunshine from the terrace, and then go snowboarding and skiing in the mountains. Even if they are still learning how to do it, they adore it.

Ski getaway

Morocco’s Atlas Mountains have a ski season that runs from December to April.

Ifrane, a ski resort not far from Fes in Morocco, is among the greatest. Both a rental car and a CTM bus are options for transportation. It is stated that the mountains there are outstanding and suited for both beginners and experts.

The opportunity to enjoy these magnificent mountains is still in front of us, though! Enjoy your visit to Fez and the surrounding surroundings.

The first images that come to mind when Tangier in Morocco is mentioned are the place where the Strait of Gibraltar meets the Atlantic, Hercules’ dream before his next feat, and Tilda Swinton’s barefoot journey through the old medina in the film “Only Lovers Live.”

In the middle of the 20th century, bohemians came here in search of bloody experiences; the location where The Naked Breakfast author William Burroughs fled from the world. Whoever hung out here, including Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote,

By the way, Tangier in Morocco provided the exact ambiance for the classic film “Casablanca,” and Tangier’s Hotel El Minzah served as the inspiration for Rick’s Café’s setting.

There is a reason why Tangier in Morocco is arguably the least Moroccan of all the Moroccan cities. It was an independent international territory until the late 1950s of the 20th century, when France, Spain, and Britain had soft governmental control over it.

In 1956, Morocco declared its independence and seized a prosperous northern region. Following that, Tangier gradually lost a lot of freaks and expats, but some of the cool vibe from those times persisted.

Today, Tangier in Morocco serves as both a transit gateway connecting Morocco and Europe and the commercial core of the kingdom’s northern region. A once-significant port is now simply a harbor that receives ships carrying tourists from Spain.

Although tourism contributes significantly to the city’s budget, Tangier in Morocco rarely qualifies as a tourist hotspot. Just for fans of the city, it is peaceful and lovely.

In truth, Tangier’s ability to blend in with the surroundings and the general lack of concern for outsiders is what made me fall in love with the city. No one will know you are a stranger if you don’t glare excessively.

Getting there

Any mode of transportation, including land, air, and ocean, can get you to Tangier in Morocco. Unless you need to change planes in Spain, regular flights are available from any location in the world at the nearby airport. It is simple to get to Spain, France, or Italy on foot, by automobile, or by sea ferry from the southern region of Morocco and adjacent nations. Tangier is primarily the northern entrance to Morocco for tourists coming from Europe.

By air

Flying to the nearby Ibn Battuta airport is the best and most practical option.

There are a few possibilities from Moscow, with the Spanish airline Iberia providing the greatest combination of cost and time. A suitable route through Barcelona requires roughly 9 and a half hours of travel time, as does a morning trip to Madrid, which will take 7 hours and 40 minutes. Depending on the season, a one-way ticket will run you roughly $300 USD, give or take. No direct flights are offered. Even yet, there are already a number of direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to the vacation destination of Agadir in the southern Moroccan country. Who knows, perhaps in the future it will be feasible to fly here as well. I believe Tangier Airport is capable of handling such a load.

Make sure to compare costs across all sources before selecting a date. On occasion, a ticket can be purchased for less on Expedia, and on occasion, as part of a seasonal deal, you can get a ticket for half-business class for the same price as an economy class ticket, which is identical to regular business class. I’ve had two occurrences like this, and I couldn’t be happier. Ticket information for Tangier in Morocco is also available here.

The city’s center is more than 15 kilometres from the airport, which is located just outside the city. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate any other reasonable transportation save a cab. You must therefore handle a transfer if you can.

Basically, there is a bus stop for route 9 at the intersection with the major road leading to Tangier, but it requires a long walk, so you have to wait and ponder whether there will be a seat before it arrives. I don’t think it’s worth it.

Greedy taxi drivers take advantage of this horrible situation and offer to carry you to the medina for 25 euros by chaining their outdated Mercedes (Downtown Tangiers). However, since we are in Morocco, we must right away shoot down. If you are persistent, you may be able to negotiate a price of 12–15 euros.

Another issue is that these drivers have no knowledge of Tangier in Morocco at all, necessitating constant route supervision. If not, you will be given a tour of the city. I once experienced the worst of luck. I was traveling with two cats and was dazed from the journey when the daredevil cab driver brought us, seemingly by accident, to a completely different location. From there, I had to catch a “small cab.” I want his tires would all lose air pressure.

Finding a low-cost aircraft to Casablanca (from 200 euros) and taking the train from there to Tangier in Morocco is the most economical option. Even if the cost of this journey will be less than that of a cab from Ibn Battuta, spending five hours in a car after a flight of between ten and fifteen hours is a unique experience.

via train

On the website of the ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer du Maroc), the country’s national rail operator, you can calculate the cost and travel time if you are already in Morocco. There are trains to Tangier from many cities. For instance, the trip will take around four hours and cost 95 dirhams ($9.5) from Rabat, the capital of Morocco (Rabat Ville Central Station – Tanger Ville).

The trains have two classes: first class, which has the designated seats, and second class, which costs half as much. There are sitting seats, six-passenger cabins, or open space. Trains with double-decker cars are available. The degree of comfort is a lottery, making it challenging to predict which train will arrive. If you’re lucky, you might get a free ride in an air-conditioned vehicle that is only partially occupied, or you might find yourself in a compartment packed with passengers who are carrying luggage and young children.

Light refreshments and snacks are passed around the carriages on long-distance trains. At train stations, unlicensed sellers occasionally appear; you should avoid purchasing anything from them.

You can always ask for assistance from ONCF staff members who are uniformed, many of whom know English.

There are no guarantees in train schedules. You shouldn’t demand timeliness from people in Morocco. They have the time, we have the clock. The train may arrive late or even early by up to an hour.

Tangier in Morocco has two train stations: Tanger Ville, which is in the city’s center, and Tanger Morora, which serves the city’s residential districts. You may stroll from the main station, which is rather clean and located in the center of the city, to respectable hotels, a residential area, and even the beach.

The station’s buffet is basic, but nearby are a “McDonald’s” and a full-fledged food court in the shopping center directly in front. Take two or three minutes to walk in the direction of the embankment from the station.

By bus

You can take an intercity bus from the major Moroccan cities to Tangier in Morocco, which can be even more affordable but also more tiresome if the bus is unlucky. It’s quite a distance from the major towns, and the road will become hell if you decide to save money and take a wreck. There are many carriers, and the costs and terms vary greatly.

Additionally in the center, close to the Mosquée Souria, is the bus terminal. You can take a 5 Dirham ($0.50) Petit Taxi or walk to the Cultural Center.

Via car and ferry

Ferries across the Strait of Gibraltar are the most romantic method to get to Tangier in Morocco. This is in case you choose to travel independently or by car from Europe to Morocco.

Ferries from Italy, France, and Spain arrive here. Prices vary based on the business and the distance. The cheapest option is from nearby Spanish Tariffs, which start at 35 euros one way (cheaper there and return), and take an hour to go.

This strategy is also appropriate for motorists; from Tarifa, a comprehensive ticket would set you back 162.5 euros.

What time is ideal for travel?

Tangier in Moroccois colder in winter than the north. Consequently, April to October is the ideal period to travel. The city is better prepared for the arrival of guests and swimming is already permitted on city and rural beaches.

It should be emphasized that all improvement work is done in the off-season, making it difficult to move around the city during the winter. There are renovations going on everywhere, the houses have scaffolding, and it’s noisy.

Ramadan (the month of required fasting for Muslims) in the summer may be a little different because few shops and café-restaurants are open. However, it is peaceful and empty, no one is on the streets, so you can go for a healthy walk.

Neighborhoods. best places to live

Naturally, you must select lodging in the center. There are parts of Tangier that have never seen a foreigner because the city is extremely large. Even with all the vibrant colors of real life, the unprepared traveler will feel a little uncomfortable in the sleeping ghettos.

Like all Moroccan cities, Tangier has two main districts.

• The vampires in Jarmusch’s movie strolled around Old Medina, a medieval city with an old fortification (Kasbah) and claustrophobic streets. Personally, I never encountered any vampires, and the spirit of William Burroughs only appeared once. However, there are a lot of shady characters offering various forms of insanity, including illicit substances and transactional sex. In Medina, there are many reasonably priced private hotels and pensions (double rooms start at $25), but I’d prefer to stay somewhere calmer.
• The cultural hub (Ville Nouvelle) is located between the city’s two main thoroughfares, Avenue Mohammed V and Avenue Mohammed VI, near the coast. The Place de France is the location that is closest to the train station. In addition, getting a cab is not difficult and you may walk to the beach. Apartment rent can be anywhere from $35 to $100 per day, depending on the amenities, service, and owner’s avarice. Be ready for the pricing to change if the landlord only speaks a little English. Bargaining is a possibility and is occasionally required.

If you’d like, you can book a package deal that includes a flight and a hotel at these prices.

On Bucking, where I typically book hotels, you can compare rates from other websites.

You should absolutely check that everything functions well before renting an apartment from a private person (options may be seen at this link). This includes the electricity, running water, and filled gas cylinders. Ask to be instructed on how to manage them. Hot water is heated by gas or in a boiler. You will undoubtedly need electric heaters and warm blankets in the winter because there is no central heating in the city.

primary draws. What to watch

Tangier will be appealing to individuals who enjoy urban travel, as I previously stated. There is a spot to walk around, but the sights are numerous. Go ahead without considering the map or GPS navigator (it’s cheating nevertheless because Google Maps in Morocco is a terrible advisor, has extremely poorly processed topography, and constantly causes confusion due to the varying toponym interpretations in different languages). Go there if it appears intriguing.

Medina’s past

To begin with, you must visit the Old Medina. It is unlikely to impress you much if you have already visited other Moroccan cities, but it is worthwhile to explore the labyrinths. Additionally, of course, to reach the stronghold.

The local guides will start offering you an escort as soon as they realize you are a foreigner and do so in shoddy English. They will try to upsell you and offer you no interesting information. It’s simpler to avoid all conversations altogether. Fortunately, you won’t get lost in the medina of Tangier and you won’t need anyone’s assistance.

The tomb of the famous traveler Ibn Battouta, who was born in Tangier and traversed the entire Arab world in the 14th century, may be found in Medina. The mausoleum is difficult to identify because it resembles an ungainly bulge on an old house, and just a little plaque identifies the location.

Marketplace

Medina’s narrow lanes seamlessly transition into the Grand Souk, a market that opens into the Grand Socco and is designated on maps as Place du 9 Avril 1947. (Place du 9 Avril 1947, named after the speech of Mohammed V for the independence of Morocco).

You can purchase affordable, delectable fruit, quality meat, sweets, and nuts at the market. Some stores are stocked with domestic products, others with fake goods, and still others with a ton of bizarre trash. The more straightforward peddlers spread out their wares directly on the pavement on a newspaper.

Although there aren’t many tourist shops, each one makes an effort to stock every Moroccan item that can be imported, including carpets, scarves, leather products, souvenirs, and trinkets. The pavilions of these stores are typically spread out over many floors, with a restaurant on the top terrace, where you can have a pricey meal while taking in views of the city’s rooftops.

Museums

While exploring the stronghold, you should stop by the Kasbah Museum, which has a lovely sultan’s garden and is a nice spot to meditate. Entry costs 10 dirhams (1 dollar). Open Monday through Tuesday from 9 to 16 at Place de la Kasbah.

The Musée des Arts Marocains and des Antiquités is a great place for fans of antiquities (Museum of Moroccan Art and Antiquities). It is located in the Sultan’s Palace of Dar el Makhzen, which is on the same square as the Kasbah Museum. The palace itself is interesting to view as a superb representation of Maghreb culture, complete with mosaics, Arabic designs, and various architectural wonders. If the museum is open, you can also see antique carpets, weapons, national costumes, and ordinary items in the hallways. There are no guarantees during the official hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The museum occasionally closes without warning.

The Old American Legation Museum is located at 8 Rue d’Amerique right next to the Old Medina. It serves as a museum and cultural hub. Here, you can learn about how the United States influenced Morocco’s course in addition to viewing a number of historic maps, prints, and documents and Moroccan contemporary art. The organization hosts a variety of seminars and conferences as part of its cultural goal and awards grants to deserving Moroccans. A guided tour costs 50 dirhams ($5) and admission is 20 dirhams ($2). The museum is open from 10 to 17 on Monday through Friday and from 10 to 15 on Saturday.

Visiting Streets

Walking is enjoyable in Tangier. Start your walk on the bustling Mohammed V Avenue and proceed in whatever direction you can see. There are shopping avenues like Avenue México that are lined with a variety of amusing shops, fruits, and sweets. There are cafes and restaurants for every taste and budget on every corner.

You may reach the Route de Tetouan by ascending the uphill streets from the train station. It’s worth admiring the antique bullring while looking out over the city and the strait from the hill (Plaza De Toros). The Spanish bullfighting enthusiasts who spent ten years building it ultimately opened in 1950. However, the arena has only been in operation for a short time because the Moroccans who took control outlawed this gory entertainment. Since then, Tangier’s enormous arena—which was already in very bad shape—has merely served as one of its embellishments.

It’s pleasant to stroll along Avenue Mohammed VI’s seafront promenade. The city’s new architect has chosen to demolish every outdated waterfront enterprise in favor of brand-new, contemporary ones as part of a current, extensive restoration. Let’s see what happens.

• Malabata is a wonderful area to stroll through. Great views of the sea, lots of adorable cafes.

But the coastline on the Mercala promenade, which is behind the harbor, is the most stunning (Route de la Plage Mercala). The wealthy locals’ houses and palaces are located on one side of a steep hillside, alongside the ruins of an old fortification, while the turquoise sea is on the other. In this area, lovers wander, cyclists compete, and athletes run. The Mercala leads to the identical beach, which is small but vibrant.

Beaches

Urban or suburban, all of Tangier’s beaches have a bit of a wild feel to them. There is no infrastructure, no public restrooms, no changing rooms. You can handle it however you like. It is sometimes required to immediately agree on a price and place an order with them because the separate service may occasionally deliver a bench and an umbrella from a neighboring cafe.

However, during the season, there are a lot of private businesspeople on the beach who provide food and drinks, offer to take visitors for rides on horses, ponies, or camels, and even try to sell them illegal goods.

• From the harbor to the hotel district in Malabat, the city beach encircles the whole downtown area. It is conveniently reachable on foot as it is situated in the center of Tangier in Morocco. You can locate your favorite spot in its huge region. For instance, I enjoy going near La Veranda Cafe because it has fantastic waves, is serene, and doesn’t have a lot of Moroccans milling around aimlessly.

The natives prefer to take a quick bath while still wearing their loose clothing and sit on the shore rather than swimming. Or stroll back and forth seeing the foreigners lying in the sun.

Although these looks are not very menacing, it is nevertheless best to avoid them lest they bore a hole in you.

The beach of Merkala is a little out of the way, west of the harbor. You can take the scenic promenade in the Petit Taxi for 10 dirhams (one dollar) to get there. The beach is pretty lovely and is situated in a gorge.

All of the nearby beaches are sandy and ideal for swimmers. There are some locations where foul-smelling rivers empty into the ocean; it is best to avoid them. However, everything is generally in good shape.

For ocean waves, you must travel far from the city to Achakar, which is located around 15 kilometres from Tangier. This vast coastal beach has historically been undeveloped. Nice surf and sand. There is a slight overpopulation of locals on weekends. A number of cafes with awnings are located across the street, offering a variety of tasty snacks.

In back of the Jardin Iberia, there are taxis parked that go to Ashakar (Jardin Iberia). The color green makes them easy to spot. Six people can fit in one car, and the one-way fare is 10 dirhams ($) per person. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to get there.

something to look out for in the area

The biggest tourist destination in Tangier in Morocco, the Grottes d’Hercule, is highly recommended. Because they are close to Ashakar Beach, you can mix sightseeing with some downtime. The least expensive option is to take a “green” taxi for $1 per passenger from the parking area close to the Garden of Iberia. There should be a sign instructing the driver to drop off at the grotto, the cave before the beach.

Legend has it that the mythical hero Hercules, also known as Hercules of the ancient Greeks, slept in this cave between the tenth and eleventh exploits. After taking a nap, he walked to the lovely garden to take the golden apples.

The cave is roomy, bright, and tidy. Visitors snap photos and post them right on to social media. One may take in the ocean view from the internal observation platform. If you look closely, you may see that the hole’s outline somewhat mimics the outline of the continent of Africa.

There are eateries, gift stores, and restrooms outside. You can descend to the lake by way of a steep staircase. It costs nothing to enter the cave.

El Mnar is another location that merits a visit. Using a minibus or the bus route 16 from the train station, you can travel there from Casabarata. The small taxis won’t take you there, and the driver will rip you off if he wants to make some money. The minibus is $4; the bus is 3.5 dirhams (35 and 40 cents respectively).

The remnants of a medieval castle, a lovely lighthouse, and a well-kept park with a fantastic water park may all be found at Mnar. The water park is open all year long. Prices for tickets start at 100 dirhams ($10).

Food. Things to try

Tangier’s cuisine isn’t all that distinctive from that of the rest of Morocco. Fast food and traditional Moroccan cuisine are the two types of food served in cafes and restaurants.

Tajine, couscous, and harira soup are traditional Moroccan foods.

• Tajine: Tajine is prepared in a pot with the same name that has a cone-shaped shape, which contributes to the dish’s distinctive flavor. There are countless combinations of various meats and vegetables that can be cooked in a tagine; the flavor is dependent on the cook’s creativity and competence. Since Moroccans can name any hot dish a tagine, it is best to try to determine what you are ordering from the description.
• Couscous: Unleavened porridge called couscous is served with cooked meat, veggies, and thick gravy. Couscous is my personal favorite, and I usually order it. In restaurants, a hot dinner starts at 40 dirhams ($4″), but it is less expensive for locals in real cafés.
• Harira: A thick, spicy Moroccan soup called harira costs 10 dirhams (one dollar).
• Pizza: Pizza, shawarma, paninis, and hamburgers of all varieties rule the fast food world. Usually, the dish is served with French fries. There is no such thing as quality; even in the same location, a dish’s flavor may change. Therefore, there is no assurance that the next time you will have the same experience even if you have ever had the best shawarma. Cost of shawarma is 20–25 dirhams (2-2.5 dollars).

You must always drink spicy coffee or mint tea. It makes the meal authentically Moroccan, and you won’t find such fragrant drinks anywhere else! Traditional teapots or mint-filled glasses are used to serve tea. A glass is used to serve coffee. It’s somewhat unusual.

The server will pour tea from a teapot into a glass from a height of roughly half a meter if he wants to impress a special guest. This will cause tiny bubbles to form on the drink’s surface. The Moroccans are quite proud of them for whatever reason.

About 10 dirhams are required to enjoy all of this.

Safety. What to watch out for

Although I have heard countless horror stories about how my friends have been terrorized with penknives and one of them was stolen, I have never personally experienced Moroccans acting aggressively.

In general, the populace is cynical and narrow-minded. In general, not many people in Tangier in Morocco give a damn about visitors. Dopey beggars are the only unpleasant experiences, but it’s easy to get rid of them. Girls should probably avoid exploring the Medina alone at night.

You can call for assistance if there is difficulty because enlisted soldiers armed with assault weapons are patrolling the beaches and the historic section of the town.

However, in the most dire circumstances, shouting “Aled!” (Fr. à l’aide! – assistance) will cause the offender to disappear. The people of Morocco are cowards. You must firmly state “Safi” if someone is obtrusively bugging you with their company (enough is enough).

Taxi drivers caution against using pricey smartphones while driving. They claim that the boys took them from the open window.

However, in general, Tangier in Morocco is safe.

What to do

Posters posted throughout the city advertise the occasional exhibitions and events held in Tangier’s libraries, cultural centers, and art galleries. Additionally, postcards announcing activities are displayed in the windows of tourist attractions. Summertime, when the city is bustling with visitors, is the height of cultural life.

Weekend performances by local or visiting celebrities are held on a stage that is built up on the promenade near the beach during the tourist season.

Every season, the Luna Park, a popular hangout for locals and tourists, bustles and sparkles next to the train station.

The Cinémathèque de Tanger, a cinema museum of sorts for intelligent expats and smart girls, is located in the Cinema Rif on 9 April 1947. You can see vintage American movies with French subtitles on Sundays. Prices for tickets begin at 20 dirhams ($2).

Gambling enthusiasts will also have fun. There is a casino at the Mövenpick hotel in Malabat. The minimum wager is 20 dirhams ($2) for roulette and 100 ($10) for cards.

It is important to note that prostitution and gambling are both permitted in Morocco. Of course, you must exercise extreme caution in both situations.

Shops and Shopping

In Tangier in Morocco, where private enterprise is encouraged, practically every home has a small shop where you can buy things like food, cigarettes, scratch cards to top off your mobile phone, household goods, and even souvenirs. Additionally, gas cylinders can be changed here.

Along with these shops, there are a number of huge chain hypermarkets, including three “Acima” stores and two “Marjane” stores. There, you can buy practically anything.

There seems to be an odd pattern. For some reason, you cannot find particularly personal hygiene products, like condoms and tampons, in the big department stores. These allegedly shameful products must be purchased via pharmacies, of which there are plenty. Thankfully, they don’t require a prescription to give them out.

Recently, MEGARAMA, a contemporary shopping center, built across from the train station. There are numerous stores with both well-known and obscure labels, as well as a supermarket, a movie theater, a playground, and a food court.

People from Tangier and the other villages began to travel great distances to visit the mall. The location is packed on the weekends. Visitors who are well-groomed and have groomed children wander around the mall like they’re in a museum, gawking at the vibrant windows and being alarmed by the escalators.

A must-see is Casabarata in addition to the bazaar in the Medina. It is accessible via a shuttle bus that stops close to the bus hub or a small taxi.

A flea market, household products, mementos, and device repair are all available. You can, at the absolute least, take full advantage of Morocco’s retail culture. It’s difficult to barter for domestic items because they are so cheap and you have to knock down half the price when purchasing tourist goods. Traditional sweets are abundant in the food aisles. Even if you choose not to purchase anything, they give you everything to try, so you will leave satisfied.

In Tangier, there are small shops that sell alcoholic beverages, defying predictions of an outright prohibition. There are also condoms, by the way. The costs are really significant. It appears from the purchasing process that you are purchasing something really risky. The bottle is packed in an opaque plastic bag by the vendor after being wrapped in many layers of newspaper. He appears to be a part of a dreadful crime.

Being inebriated is not punishable, but you should still be aware of your limits.

Nightlife and clubs

The cultural life in Tangier is fairly confined because of its seclusion. In the clubs, amateur bands with no voices or awful DJs perform. It makes sense that the locals prefer to watch soccer games while sipping mint tea. However, there are also the odd good concerts, usually when well-known or foreign artists happen to be in town.

Some nightclubs are better avoided in order to protect your sense of attractiveness. They are filled with vice and vulgarity, and a sober person has no place there. Such locations can, nevertheless, easily be identified by their façade. Bright neon lights, grumpy security personnel, and easy-going females at the door.

Good youth organizations exist, like Tabadoul on Magellan Street (19). It’s a location where unstructured youth gather, guest bands perform, and fairs and exhibitions take place. It costs between 50 and 150 dirhams ($5 and $15) to enter.

Which present should I bring?

Everything you typically bring from Morocco is available in the souvenir shops and supermarkets in Tangier in Morocco. Perhaps the souvenirs are a touch rougher and the leather products a little more pricey than at Marrakech or Fez. However, in general, the typical selection of presents is accessible, including carpets, scarves, bags, national attire, tea sets, hookahs, ceramics, and other tourist trinkets.

Perhaps you ought to focus on locally produced goods in Moroccan supermarkets. You may purchase a tagine or a Moroccan teapot in Marjane for a reasonable price. Additionally offered are textiles and rugs. I advise purchasing the well-known Moroccan tea and coffee with spices out of all the available products. So to say, bring a little bit of Morocco with you. If you enjoyed the soup at Harira, you may purchase it from a retailer; it won’t be any worse than the soup at a pricey restaurant.

There are a lot of imitations of popular brands in Morocco. This vice is notoriously prevalent in the Third World, but in this region it has outrageous proportions. In any other nation, you would notice “Abidas” and go on your way. Real masterpieces can be found here, including massive Swatch Omega wristwatches, Apple Gucci jeans with a bitten apple on the back pocket, and Louis Vuitton wheeled shopping bags. These searches might be worthwhile if you have the slightest interest in pop art. I haven’t seen trash like it anywhere else.

How to navigate the city

Cab

Cabs are a convenient and reasonably priced mode of transportation in Morocco, unlike many other nations. This firstly relates to Petit Taxi city cabs. Small vehicles in Tangier are the hue of a sea wave (in Agadir and Fez – red, in Rabat – blue). The Petit Taxis have meters; it costs Dhs 1.60 and 2.40 at night ($0.16 and $0.24, respectively) to hail a cab in Tangier. It should be noted that rates vary in other Moroccan cities. The entry-level fare is 5 dirhams (50 cents). You may travel to any location in the city, even the most remote ones, for under 20 cents. There are three people in the car, and the driver has the option of picking up a hitchhiker.

It’s best to avoid using the big cabs (Grand Taxi), which are typically old, damaged Mercedes, throughout the city. They have outrageous prices and have no knowledge of the neighborhood at all. However, they may also be advantageous, for instance, on out-of-town travels. Six to eight persons can fit in the cabin, making a trip by rail to a faraway place reasonably priced. A car costs 300 dirhams ($30) to travel to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, which is roughly 80 kilometers from Tangier in Morocco. If you divide this cost by the number of passengers, you get a penny.

Buses

Regular ALSA buses can also get you to Tangier; a network of routes successfully connects the entire city and its outskirts. You can get a long way for the price of 3.5 dirhams ($0.35), which is the fare. You can get from Casabarata to the town of Mnar, which has a water park and a stunning lighthouse, by using bus number 16, for instance.

On some routes, particularly long-distance ones, there are unofficial shuttles. A group of enterprising men send their minibus directly in front of the bus, yelling loudly to attract possible passengers as they go. The cost is four dirhams (40 cents).

Auto rental

The range and costs of the available rental automobile.

Essaouira in Morocco—what other names could this lovely city have? However, whichever name is used, it has a stunning sound, and when translated from Arabic, it appears to imply “how wonderful.” The name of the city has been pronounced in a variety of ways as a result of the intricate and varied translations from the original Arabic into all major world languages. As an illustration, Essaouira is the name given to it by Americans, Europeans, and others. However, because I was with a European, I have decided to refer to this location as Essaouira in Morocco.

Before I met Essaouira in Morocco, all I knew about the city was that I was perplexed by its names and had seen a few pictures of the port city on Instagram. Essaouira is a port city, an Atlantic neighbor, and going forward, my preferred African city. The saying “the lower the expectations, the more the shocks” is true. Essaouira astonished and pleased me, which is precisely how it turned out for me.

The Portuguese, who once owned the city, left their stamp on the fortress’s construction and the city’s European character. By the way, Daenerys used the fortress as the city where she purchased slaves for her army. I’m sure “Game of Thrones” fans will comprehend me.

Essaouira was the “Mecca” of the hippies in the 1960s as they submerged the city in unbridled freedom.

Essaouira in Morocco is currently a mestizo: an amalgam of the East and the West.

The air in the city is easy and lovely to breathe, smells like the ocean, sounds like screaming seagulls, and tastes like fresh seafood.

One day, I want to move to Essaouira in Morocco and start practicing yoga, listening to music, and surfing. In this city, it’s also impossible to not be in love—with myself, Essaouira, and the other person!

Where are you going?

Essaouira can be reached in a number of ways, but none of them are practical unless you fly, take a bus, or drive a car your own, rented, or passing.

If you’re traveling from anywhere in the world, the ideal choice is to fly to Casablanca or another significant Moroccan city with links to or even stops in a nice region of Europe, and then take a bus or go on your own from there to Essaouira in Morocco. Flying to Spain, taking a ferry to northern Morocco, and then taking a bus or a car to Essaouira are more options.

By air

The 18 km away Essaouira Airport offers both domestic and international service. As a result, flights to the port city are available from both Eurasia and other Moroccan capital cities. Wizz Air, easy Jet, airBaltic, Meridiana, Air Moldova, Airoflot, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Carriers, and other airlines fly from Moscow alone, but they require two connections to get at least anywhere in Europe, taking 20 to 30 hours of travel time, and costing 150 EUR for a one-way ticket. Only twice a month, these flights also call for a change of airports at some transfer locations. You must acknowledge that we cannot consider this as an option! We can’t fit everything in, since it’s so brief!

Another alternative is to take a 200 EUR six-hour journey from Moscow to Casablanca and then a direct flight from Casablanca to Essaouira. The one-way ticket costs roughly 80 EUR and takes about an hour and a half. Although you’ll save time, you won’t save any money. Only Casablanca has nonstop flights to Essaouira in Morocco.

If traveling by plane is still the best option for reaching Essaouira in Morocco, the helpful website Vandrouki frequently lists fun and affordable methods to reach Arab Africa. For instance, below is a list of flights for December 2017: Only 100 EUR roundtrip for four flights from Tallinn to Milan to Morocco. However, you will be dropped off in Fez, Morocco, and everything is close by, including Essaouira at your feet and transportation options like buses and trains. For residents of St. Petersburg, Tallinn is very accessible and reasonably priced. Additionally, you may find the most convenient and affordable flights here.

Getting there from the airport

From the airport, you may catch a cab to the city center for about 4-5 EUR.

via train

Getting to the port city of Morocco by train is not an option because the country’s superb train service is only available between major towns like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier.

By Bus

Bus travel to the lovely Essaouira is a cheap and practical choice. The port of Essaouira is somehow linked to almost all significant and notable Moroccan cities. Two businesses, CTM and SUPRATOURS, provide bus service. From cities like Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech, and others, both take direct buses to Essaouira.

We traveled from Marrakech by bus. The journey lasted three hours, and each passenger’s ticket cost roughly four euros. It was inexpensive and quick. However, unlike many others, we rode a local bus instead than a commercial tourist bus, which allowed us to save 4 EUR apiece. And it turned out to be true since we had originally planned to hitchhike to the port town, but we were unsuccessful in doing so. Instead, the bus full of Moroccan revelers boarded before us, and the conductor man leaned out and yelled: “To Essaouira, 40 DH! Get in.” After exchanging glances and nodding in agreement, the bus picked us up and drove off toward the ocean.

In terms of commercial bus pricing, a bus from Marrakech costs 8 EUR, which is twice as much as a typical, jovial Moroccan bus. I’m not familiar with the costs in the other cities. However, for instance, we took a local bus from Essaouira to Casablanca again, and it cost us 7,5 EUR, whereas a commercial one would cost about 15 EUR. Overall, there is a noticeable difference, but the costs are still reasonable, and the buses, having spent some time in Spain, are quite up-to-date and comfortable.

Directions from the bus terminal

You can walk 700 meters to the ocean, the Medina, and all the delights of magnificent Essaouira from the bus terminal, where every bus stops. You won’t need a cab, and walking will be fantastic for meeting new people and getting your bearings in the city as well as asking them for directions to the places you want to see.

By car

Owning or renting a car is the most practical alternative for independent travel since it is constantly available. You can attempt to travel from Russia to Essaouira via Europe, or you can immediately get a four-wheeler in Morocco. Both possibilities are plausible, but the second is more pertinent. Many individuals in Morocco, primarily Americans, are used to this type of transportation. But this travel choice also appeals to our people. Morocco has both paid and free roads, all of which are excellent. And as for renting a vehicle, you may do so by doing it through the websites of rental businesses (like this one), or you can do so once you get in Morocco by haggling with locals for a price. cheaper rental vehicle.

Unfortunately, I don’t yet know how much gasoline, rentals, and roads will cost. I still have a driving trip to Morocco to go:

via ferry

a seaside city that is inaccessible via ferry. It’s for the best, too! Otherwise, tourists would not have been able to reach Essaouira and it would have lost its allure and seaside gifts. Let’s only a little, but this picturesque town is still inaccessible. Additionally, it is simple to go by boat from Spain to Tangier, a port city in northern Morocco. The article about Fez has more information on it.

What season is it? What time is ideal for travel?

Esauir has a subtropical climate, with summers that are frequently hot and muggy and mild winters. The period is thought to be more like summer than winter. The vast ocean and the Gnahua music festival (learn more about the event in the section below on holidays) are probably to blame for everything.

Summertime in Essaouira

The season is summer. merely warmer. Essaouira can reach +33 °C during the day and only drops to 28 °C at night. Additionally, the ocean is currently roughly +25 °C warm. Only the wind, the Gnahua festival, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and a positive attitude can save you.

Essaouira in the Fall

Essaouira experiences a gradual dip in daytime temperatures from +30°C to +25°C during the fall, while nighttime lows hover around +25°C. In the meantime, the ocean warms, to the delight of both surfers and the typical American who doesn’t surf. Esauir, in my opinion, is fantastic in the autumn.

Springtime at Essaouira.

Essaouira has a three-month spring: 20 degrees in March, 25 degrees in April, and 30 degrees in May. That is the temperature during the day; the evenings are only five degrees cooler. In the spring, the Atlantic heats to a comfortable +20 degrees, and swimming is possible. Essaouira can be explored at its best in the spring, and the Gnahua music festival frequently takes place in May.

Wintertime in Essaouira

What a wonderful winter we have—17 degrees! In addition, Essaouira offers perpetual joys in the shape of the city’s summertime mood and access to the seaside nearby.

Essaouira, we entered winter exactly, really enjoyed it, and I even overheated in the sun.

Swimsuits are rare, but sandals and dresses are essential. Even though the ocean was warm (+18 °C), we did not dare to swim in it.

The winter is also extremely nice at night, with a temperature of +10 °C and no heating, but with the sound of the sea and the birds, one may fall asleep soundly and sweetly.

Neighborhoods. Where is the ideal location for living?

If you trust the symbolism on the maps, Essaouira, one of the lesser Moroccan cities, is the only one that resembles a seagull with its wings open. Similar to how Spain is represented by a shirt or Italy by a boot, Essaouira is likewise represented by the seagull, which serves as its own unique symbol.

Seagulls are everywhere in the city because it is a seaport, but for economic reasons, people choose to live closer to seagulls than seagulls do. Essaouira’s riches include two expansive, luxurious beaches, and the remaining portion of the coastline is populated by homes and people yearning for the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean.

As for the city’s districts, they are only split into the ancient and new areas of town, exactly like most other Moroccan cities. The new section is still relatively young, while the first half has long been known as the Medina.

The most essential features of the Medina are its long history and all aspects of city life. It also has many unique and lovely things. The new one has a lot of avenues, residences that are fairly tall, roads, a bus stop, and the typical urban bustle.

The Medina, whether in Fez, Chefchaouen, or Esauir, draws all foreign visitors for whatever reason just because they are in Morocco. And until the very last second of their stay in the city, this force remains in effect. So it appears that discovering a new area of the city is simply impossible. And whether it stems from a strong desire to return to the city more than once and then to see everything, including every avenue of the new Essaouira, or from the fact that we, as civilized people, want so much to be in silence and calm for a while.

Everything is carefully considered when it comes to urban dwelling. There are accommodations for all preferences and abilities in both the new and the old. A double room costs 16 euros, a mansion costs 350 euros, and a hostel costs 5 euros per night. On Booking, you can make a reservation in advance and compare prices.

The beaches, the harbor, and the bus terminal are all close by, and if you’re visiting Esauir for the first time, stay in the Medina to really immerse yourself in the ambiance of the city.

based on my own experience.

In Esauir, we stayed at the cool and mysterious Atlantic Hostel. This hostel is reasonably priced, quite well-liked, but its most notable quality is its extreme energy. Local bystanders who pass by in Medina can help you locate it because it is situated there.

In actuality, this hostel is a part of another, whose name I’ve forgotten but which is located directly across the hall. Initially, we were staying there, but the circumstances were completely different from those of Atlantic Hostel; specifically, the hostel was more of a place for sleeping, which meant that it was only occupied at night. With music, chess, cards, a guitar, and the terrace, the Atlantic Hostel was bustling with activity and good times. With its small terrace, a hammock, and a person’s sleeping space right on the roof, the neighboring hostel appeared deserted and lonely. Although overall it seemed good, this hostel was also a sort of warehouse for surfers, so we moved to Atlantic Hostel.

The hostel’s staff members are kind and outgoing. The accommodations are cozy and nicely furnished in traditional Moroccan design. The hostel also has a kitchen, and once a week or so, Moroccan meal is prepared there. They prepare tajine, couscous, or something else, which is subsequently distributed among the group. It’s a terrific way to meet new people and learn about Moroccan culture. The hostel also runs a surf school with qualified instructors and all the necessary gear. Although we haven’t yet learned how to surf or tried it, we have a long way to go!

The patio at Atlantic Hostel is also a standout feature. It is large, fashionable, sunny, and equipped with a sea of sofas and cushions as well as a small bar with stunning views of the entire Essaouira In Morocco. The terrace is truly amazing, the coolest I have ever encountered, and if I had my way, I wouldn’t want to leave.

There is a breakfast available on the terrace every morning for 3–4 EUR, but you can also have breakfast on your own by purchasing adjacent fresh fruit and oriental sweets, then eating it all while observing the seagulls and enjoying the sunshine. In fact, we did exactly that.

In fact, even if you don’t like staying at Atlantic Hostel, you will undoubtedly find its patio to be interesting to visit.

How much does a vacation cost?

Prices! How much weight we give this subject! Additionally, Morocco is not a place where everything is permanent and stable. Morocco is a place where you may exchange or bargain on anything. Although there isn’t a system there, there are tourists, and certainly, that is what truly differentiates it. What costs pennies to residents costs rubles to visitors. And although it seems right, it’s not at all equitable.

One thing you must realize is that if you behave like a tourist, you will pay like one, and if you behave like a local, you will save 99 kopecks for more essential things. Arabs, after all, always get what they want and, with the aid of negotiation, arrive at a compromise. Really, there’s no need to complicate matters; both the seller and the buyer are interested in one another, so why shouldn’t they get to know one another? Overall, the vendor and the customer come to an agreement on the price in Morocco, and it is quite helpful and interesting to study such a system on Moroccan land.

And if everything else is equal, it is reasonable to pay for housing in the range of 3 to 5 EUR per night with the barest necessities and facilities, and you can eat filling and delicious food for the same price in any well-known but not too opulent Moroccan restaurant (about this below in the section what and where to try).

primary draws. Things to See

The best way to navigate Essaouira, the lightest city in Morocco, is to walk, breathe deeply, and keep your eyes open. The most crucial thing is to take your time, snap a ton of beautiful pictures, and smile at everyone you see. And the appeal can be found in even the smallest of particulars, like a particle of sand beside the Atlantic, a local child’s shoelace, or a seagull’s flight path. Keep an eye out and trust your gut!

Top 5

1. Port. Esauir Port is the quintessential real life of the city. There is a sea of blue boats, cheeky seagulls, fresh fish and Moroccan shouts. It’s a must-see, must-hear, must-feel!
2. Garden. Othello’s Garden Esauir is the only green area in the city, providing plenty of oxygen and energy for your upcoming walks.
3. Street vendors selling a wide variety of Moroccan crafts that are more beautiful to look at than they are to purchase.
4. The strange streets are hidden from sight. The best way to learn to know Essaouira in Morocco completely is to just go around the city and let yourself get lost in it.
5. Beaches. Where can you go without the Atlantic and the sands brought in from the Sahara? You can surf, swim, kemarize in the sun, picnic and count the stars there.

Beaches. which ones are the top.

Long, sandy beaches in Esauir have a gradual ocean entry and a constant breeze of freedom and change.

There are two such beaches in the city: one, known as Tagart, is close to the port on the Medina’s right side if you’re looking out to sea toward America, while the other is, if you believe the google map, virtually outside the municipal limits. To get to the second one, we had to walk for about 20 minutes past a local flea market, desolate beaches, and stunning ocean views. The beach was wild and empty when we visited in January, but it was also extremely lovely. All you can do at this moment on the beach is listen to the ocean, The beach was wild and empty when we visited in January, but it was also extremely lovely. On the beach right now, your only options are to enjoy the sun, grin at the sun, and fly in the wind. You can still surf (more on that below), catch waves, and have a driving picnic.

The beaches are undoubtedly altered and filled with various infrastructure at other seasons of the year, not to mention the influx of tourists looking for exotic African beaches.

But in my opinion, vacations on the Moroccan Atlantic are only worthwhile if you surf because the water is typically too chilly and windy for swimming and the sun is typically highly abrasive. It appears that in certain regions, an extreme ocean holiday is required rather than a traditional beach vacation.

By the way, camels frequently graze on Essaouira’s beaches and promote peace.

Things to do in a day

Essaouira in Morocco was our home for only five days, which was far too little time. Essaouira is one of those cities where you have to stay for several months or perhaps years to fully experience what it has to offer. But if you suddenly find yourself with just one day and one chance to fall in love with Essaouira forever, then follow the plan:

1. 6:00 a.m. – Welcome the dawn from the patio of Atlantic Hostel while getting to know the individual seagulls and identifying the proper wave.
2. Leave for the goat-climbers at 7:00. (read more below).
3. 9:00 – Make yourself a decent breakfast with local fruits, yoghurt, and a warm Moroccan bun outside on the terrace.
4. 10:00 am – Time to relax in the sun by the Atlantic on the city’s left beach while learning to surf or honing your skills.
5. 13:00 – Arrive at Essaouira’s port, purchase fresh seafood, and deliver it to the neighborhood smokehouse. Feel the sweetness of hunger and enjoy the flavor of the cooked fish.
6. 15:30 – Go back to Medina to stroll the streets and take pictures of the people there.
7. Following the buzzing sound, head to cane juices at 16:00 to relieve your thirst and go souvenir buying.
8. 17:00 – go around the town and follow the Esauir cats to the arcade (read more below).
9. Rent a bike, stock up on falafel pita and oriental sweets, and head to the beach on the right side of town for a lavish picnic to bid farewell to the blazing sun at 18:00.
10. The unending bright day in Esauir comes to an end at 21:00 when you return to Medina for a concert of Moroccan music at the magnificent central cafe (read more below). To ask myself why I would travel anywhere if I could stay in a city forever.

What to do and see in the area

Ever come across a goat climber? I haven’t either, but they claim it’s significant.

Goats in Morocco consume the rich argan berries that grow on the trees since the soil there is so dry. By the way, argan tree fruits are also very beneficial to humans. They are used in Morocco to create edible and cosmetic oils, as well as creams and other beneficial products.

And in the towns of Afra and Imzi, which are situated between Essaouira and Agadir, you can find these Moroccan goats grazing on trees (100 km from Essaouira). Although I’m afraid I can’t tell you how much time and money it will take, the best method to go there is either by car or cab. However, don’t forget to haggle the price of the journey.

Any hostel in Essaouira can actually advise you on the best possibilities. Sometimes they are closer to such communities than “how and how much to go to the goat-climbing attraction,” but there is no way to be certain.

The goats are free to be observed and there are no time restrictions, but you may only take pictures of them with the shepherd’s consent. In addition, be wary because some Moroccan shepherds may use such an attraction to make a sneaky profit.

What to Try in Food

Eating seafood is a smart move in a city by the sea! Essaouira in Morocco is incredibly generous with her seafood offerings, including rare species of fish and sea urchins. Have you ever had sea urchins for dinner? This is delightful, odd as it may be. For a penny, you can sample these urchins in taverns by the sea or in the city’s port. Although not everyone will enjoy such opulent delicacies, like me, you should definitely try them and enjoy them.

Like other Moroccan cities, Esauir also produces and sells cane sugar-based juices in addition to the sea. Although they are highly sweet, they are excellent for quenching thirst and improving mood. Juicer carts from those bygone eras are still present along the main street of the city’s medina, facing the ocean, and long green canes protrude from them on all sides. These machines whirr loudly, but they handle the canes quickly; after a few minutes, you have the juice for about 0.4 EUR in your pocket.

Esauir’s falafel is also excellent. They cook it everywhere, but the square in front of the port has the best. It cost me 1 EUR in a pita with vegetables.

A tiny bakery is also located somewhere in the medina. There are therefore delicious Moroccan cookies there. Even though we had a lot of stuff packed, we only paid 0.3 EUR for it all.

In addition to the bizarre Esauir cuisine, there is also the customary classic Moroccan cuisine, about which you may read here and here.

preferred locations

The most crucial aspect is to allow yourself enough time to sample the local fish. Additionally, pick only the most recent fish urchins, fish, and other living things that can be discovered in the Atlantic, straight from the sea, while they are still breathing. All of this is occurring in the port of Essaouira in Morocco, which is the city’s busiest and pungent-smelling area. A sea of different kinds of fish, an unceasing swarm of ravenous seagulls, and Moroccan traders attracting customers make this harbor special. Hone your trade abilities by picking the fish with the most alluring smile and the merchant. We spent about 3 EUR on three large, delicious fish.

Once the fish is in your possession, all that remains is to locate a harbor restaurant where the fish will be prepared. For a complete rack, they charge roughly 2 EUR. On the image below, you can see our fish with hot water. All three of our fish fit into one grill. Bread and water are delivered right there, and you may also request other Moroccan specialties, teas, and soft beverages. However, this location has two crucial features:

1. There are always a lot of people there, both locals and visitors, and it appears to be the sole location in the port. A table will become available for you with a little patience and some additional waiting.
2. The issue is that despite being cooked in a clean state, the fish doesn’t appear to have been washed and cleansed. When should you wash it? Since there is only one grill and we frequently have guests, it is simply not worth it. Nevertheless, don’t feel bad; omit the fish skin; you’ll save time and your stomach.

However, if you don’t want to go to the port or you don’t have much time, you can eat lunch or dinner in one of the ten (as far as I can recall) bars that are located near the port’s entrance. The waiters and cooks in the tenth tavern will all beg you to enter as soon as you approach the first establishment. Every Moroccan wants to make money off a foreigner, and there is fierce competition. In the taverns, everything is typically simpler but much more expensive. There are, however, numerous excellent discounts there. For instance, a basket containing a little bit of everything (fish, squid, shrimp, urchins, etc.) costs 10 EUR. The urchins we sampled there were extremely tasty, but the port and its regional quirks continue to rank highly.

Festivities

One must attend the Gnahoua Music Festival while in Esauir!

A blend of all things African, Berber, and Arabic, Gnaoua is a black culture that weaves together traditions, practices, and rhythms.

Every year, the celebration is held on the beaches of Essaouira in Morocco, in the Medina, and throughout the city’s cozier neighborhoods. Every year in May and June, Essaouira in Morocco bursts into music and revelry for three to four unforgettable days, for which people travel from all over the world.

With the beats of the drums, guitars, djembes, and other ethnic instruments, trance chants, and dancing all over the place, it must be very spectacular.

I already knew about this festival in Esaura, but I made the decision that I would return someday and take in this wonderful Gnaua.

The festival allegedly used to be a public, free event, but like many other things in the modern world, it has since turned into a business. Because of this, entry is not as affordable; a ticket for the entire four-day festival, for instance, costs roughly 60 EUR. Although it appears to be quite inexpensive, the essential thing is worthwhile! Additionally, it occasionally occurs for the spirit of the event to vanish as a result of commercialization. In any case, you must visit the Gnahua Festival to experience it for yourself.

Safety. What to be wary of

Morocco is not about 100% security. And you should exercise caution in Esauir as well as other African-Arab cities. Arabs can steal, but only with your express permission. It is obviously not worth it to leave stuff unattended or to have money sticking out of your pocket. He won’t stop to consider, he’ll just accept that an Arab is not a Korean. Things left abandoned are obviously nobody’s, thus they may be mine. I need it if you have money sticking out of your pocket because it’s not that pricey and significant. Essaouira in Morocco isn’t a bad person, but there is a lot of thievery.

Particularly with visitors and Moroccans selling hash browns, the city comes to life at night. Nearly reminds me of Amsterdam! The sellers, especially the Arab vendors, are constantly demanding and clingy. So simply practice patience and continue.

Things to do

Here are some other activities to engage in off the Atlantic coast in addition to daily strolls in the enchanted village of Esauir, surfing, eating seafood, and curiously observing rock climbing goats:

• Discover live music in a multi-story esauir bar every night. The bar’s name escapes me, although it is well-known and impossible to miss. A sign Live music will direct you. The music in this location is excellent and organic and melodious, despite the fact that it is a little touristy and obvious. Though it won’t be as inexpensive as at the dock or on the esauer streets, you can eat at the bar. Additionally, refreshments there such mint tea start at 2 EUR. The bar’s top also features a small terrace. You can hear the sounds and see the nighttime city lights from the terrace. Don’t let the chance pass you by!
• to locate the neighborhood casino, which was hidden in one of the city’s winding streets. There are constantly screams of victory coming from inside, and its doors are always open. There are often people playing billiards, foosball, and all types of machines there. Bright colors are used for the walls’ painting, but it has probably been a while since someone gave them a fresh coat. Nevertheless, the location’s style and toughness are enhanced by the peeling paint. While the local children and elderly men enjoy themselves there, we only visited once and by accident. Hundreds of thousands of cats were leading us there as they prowled the city looking for food and shelter. They are the best guides in town, so follow them. Who knows, maybe you too will be able to feel the energy of that magnificent arcade.

Extreme sport

Essaouira in Morocco treasure is the Atlantic, and a surfer’s paradise with its powerful winds and enormous waves. It’s all here in plenty, which explains why surfers from all over the world, including novices, amateurs, and experts, swarm the city from November to April.

In Esauir, traditional surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing are all trendy, well-liked, and quite cool.

Unfortunately, I don’t know much about surfing yet, but I do know that the best time to go surfing is from November to April, and that the best time to go kite- and windsurfing is from March to October, when the waves are smaller and the wind is stronger and sweeps everything away. To be able to fly and float at the same time must be incredibly wonderful!

On the beach in Essaouira, you can also surf or take surfing lessons, but the best spots, Moulay and Sidi Kaouki, are about 25 km away. I’m not sure how to get there, but it’s most likely only by themselves, either in a car or on a bike.

There are many surf schools in Esauir, one of which is at Atlantic Hostel, for individuals who, like myself, are novice to surfing. Everyone who attends this school is completely satisfied, the surf guys are extremely friendly, and all the equipment is available for rent. Unfortunately, I’m not aware of all the pricing either, so contact the hostel.

There are a number of surf shops in the Medina of the city, including one called Gipsy Surfer, where you can not only buy cool surf gear but also rent equipment, get a fantastic instructor, and even mend your surf, if necessary. By calling the shop directly, you may learn the costs for all of these treats.

Additionally, Esauir frequently hosts surf camps and trips. You can find helpful information on this subject here and here.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

From Essaouira, you can bring something with an ocean or musical theme, whether it’s a surfer board, albeit in the form of a craftsman keychain, or one of the classic Moroccan musical instruments.

• Surfer stuff.
• Musical instruments.

Additionally, I’m sure those who enjoy sticking stickers and patches to their laptops and backpacks will agree that the Esauir stalls offer the best selection. They cost 0,50 EUR each, and in my opinion they make great keepsakes from the continent where surfing and music originated.

• Essaouira style stickers and patches.

Essaouira in Morocco is also teeming with stores selling a variety of hippy and boho apparel. Essaouira in Morocco was once a paradise for hippies. So, fans of these fashions will find mementos of this kind to be quite appealing.

• Bohemian and hippie attire.

Additionally, Esauir has magnificent book stores with tales in every language spoken on earth. If you have a buddy who unexpectedly picks up Arabic, French, or any other language, bring him one of the countless Esauir books, and he will be overjoyed.

• Esauir writings.

Of course, there are a ton of other wonderful things in Esauir, but are they truly unique and Esauirian? There are flying carpets, alladin lamps, paintings, henna, a sea of spices, and dates, yet all of these things are also valued and well-liked in other regions of Morocco. By the way, you can read more about traditional Moroccan souvenirs here and here. Additionally, the argan trees—where the local goats graze—must be brought from Essaouira in Morocco(I wrote about it in the section “What to see in the area”). In addition to being sold as creams of every description, argan is also sold as oils, both cosmetic and culinary. The fruit’s value lies in its ability to regulate blood cholesterol levels, saturate a large amount of fatty acids, and impart the flavor of almonds and hazelnuts to dishes. Generally speaking, discussing the advantages of argan oil is like philosophizing; you should just try it and make it a regular habit as part of your eco-life. What a practical keepsake of the Esauir ocean, even though argan oil is readily available and only costs 1 EUR for a half-liter bottle!

• Argan.

How to navigate the city

How do I navigate the city? There isn’t a better way than on your own or by bike. The Medina is where the city’s most fascinating attractions are located, and as is customary, driving is not permitted there. As for renting bikes, it’s simple to do so at hostels and the main rental shop. You can also borrow a local Moroccan’s bike if you become friends with him, or you can get caught up in crime and steal one of the numerous fashionable bikes parked in the area’s winding streets. Of course, I’m joking, but who knows:)

Cab. What peculiarities are there?

In Morocco, using a cab is fairly easy and reasonably priced. Additionally, in Esauir, you generally won’t need one. Unless you want to take a cab and have it drop you off outside the city limits for hitchhiking, which is precisely what we did, to travel from the local airport to the city center or vice versa. You don’t need to worry about finding and waiting for a cab since as soon as a foreigner leaves Medina, a sea of cabs surrounds him. Additionally, there are always retinues of recognized yellow cabs close to the airports.

Only cash may be used to pay for cab rides, so it’s best to ask how much the journey will cost before you let yourself inflate the price. The Moroccans frequently overcharge, yet nobody cancels the bids here either. The short answer is that our “trip out of town to the highway” cost 3 EUR for two people. By the way, hitchhiking in Morocco is a great idea, so if you decide on the spur of the moment, do it anyway and you won’t regret it:

Auto rental

In Morocco, you can rent a vehicle. There, the car rental system is efficient and well-developed. You only need an international driving license and around 50 EUR each day, ignoring taxes, insurance, and other crucial factors, to join this system. Compared to European standards, Moroccan gasoline is comparatively less expensive. You can use this page to find out how much the car you’re interested in costs in any Moroccan city.

The most fabulous Moroccan town is said to be chefchaouen blue city, stretched between the Rif Mountains. I first got to know it in another sunny and wonderful Andalusian town, Frijiliana, a year before my Moroccan trip, when I bought there a very authentic notebook with pictures of blue beautiful doors on the cover and wondered where they were. So my curiosity led me to chefchaoune, the city of blue.

On the present site of the town, in the second half of the fifteenth century, Muslims established a fortress to protect their land from invading Portuguese. And later the place became a refuge for the Jews who had been expelled from Spain. It was they who enriched chefchaouen blue city with the emerald color. According to the Talmud, the Jews painted their houses blue, “the color of the sea like the color of heaven,” and thus brought them closer to the Almighty.

Now there are almost no Jews left in chefchaouen blue city, and the houses are still painted in all shades of blue, which attracts tourists.

And we were among the majority, so we came to this much-promoted town. Only it is not a city at all, but a small charming village. It’s very cozy and sunny, and people are incredibly smiling. If I were to live in Morocco, I would settle in one of the many blue houses in the vastness of chefchaouen blue city, trust in the measured sunny life and would definitely become an artist.

chefchaouen, as the locals call the town, is itself as if painted and rich in creative spirit, so you can often find people drawing, making something or just being inspired in the town.

We could not help feeling the overwhelmingly positive emotions of those who had already been in chefchaouen, and on the second day of our Moroccan trip we were in this legendary city and fell in love with it right away.

How to get there?

chefchaouen, as we have already established, is a village. And villages are notoriously tiny and exist through the nearest large towns, which one way or another must be crossed to get to glorious chefchaouen blue city.

There’s no way to get to chefchaouen blue city itself by air because the city has no air connections even with other Moroccan settlements. However, if you have winged acquaintances willing to give you a lift, then yes, this option will work. But from Europe… you can fly to Fez, Casablanca, Rabat, and from there it’s a stone’s throw from the long-awaited Emerald City. By the way, how to fly to Fez or Casablanca read here and here. On average the flight from metropolitan Russia (St. Petersburg and Moscow) to Morocco (Rabat, Casablanca, Fez) will cost about 200-250 Euro per one way and it will take you about 6 hours without regard to connection, complications, waiting. You can see the ticket prices for the actual dates here.

By train

Train service in Sheffshown is a problem, too. The town is in the mountains, and that was probably an obstacle for the construction of the railroad in those parts.

By bus

Bus is the best, and perhaps the only, way to get to Shefshauen.

CTM bus services connect the blue village with Fez, Casablanca and Rabat, as well as the small town of Tetouan.

There are no bus routes from Agadir or Marrakech to chefchaouen blue city. In this case, from these cities, it is best to go to Casablanca first and from there to chefchaouen.

• From Fez it will take three hours and 7,5 EUR for a one-way ticket.
• From Casablanca about 6 hours and 12 EUR.
• From Tetouan just over 1 hour and only 3 EUR.
• From Rabat it is 4 hours and 9 EUR.

Buses from Casablanca go only once a day, from Tetouan once five times a day and from other cities up to three times a day. You can buy tickets at the ticket office of the bus station of the respective city, and an hour before the departure of the bus itself you have to be at the place appointed by the ticket seller. Buses, however, always come exactly on Moroccan time, that is, late as they can, but this has its advantages: you can really anticipate what it really is chefchaouen blue city: a peaceful and harmonious. There’s no hurry in the villages!

The Moroccan buses are quite comfortable, the roads are excellent, but the views on the way to chefchaouen blue city are not so good, but they are worth seeing to compare them later with those you meet somewhere in the Atlas Mountains. The country is one, but the views are many, and each one, unlike any other, deserves attention.

The first place you’ll reach in Chefchaouen by bus is the bus station, which is located at the foot of the most interesting part of the city, the Medina. You can get to the city center either by cab or on foot. It will take you about five minutes by cab and will cost about 3 EUR, and about 20 minutes by foot because of the constant rises. We sticked to the second option and did not regret a bit. But when you leave the city (we found out that you can do it the same way you got to the city: only by bus) it’s like you are leaving the city by bouncing down the sloping streets from Medina to the bus station.

By Car

If you travel in Morocco by car, it’s very, very cool. The country is tiny and the roads, as I recall, are excellent. So it turns out that getting to Chauvin by car is the best alternative to the bus. There are roads to Chefchaouen from all Moroccan villages, but most often drive from Fez.

Ferry

You can not get to Chefchaouen by ferry, because the city is rich with mountains and a small river with a waterfall, but the sea and oceans are not about Chavin. But there are ferries to the coastal Moroccan cities (Tangier, Ceuta, Melilla) from which you can get to Chefchaouen with connections in large cities (Fez, Casablanca, Rabat) overland.

chefchaouen in summer

It can get pretty hot in the summer in chefchaouen, but even so, there are plenty of visitors at this time of year. On their way to the ocean, travelers also stop by chefchaouen to see if it’s true that it’s completely blue. They are surprised, convinced, and create proof in the form of lots of stylish photos of blue doors, blue walls, and even blue cats, and decide that the city is indeed beautiful and worth seeing. So then all these travelers come back to chefchaouen more than once or twice, but not in summer, to walk more in the city, not to hide from him in the shadows. Summer is summer, and not everyone is immune to it.

chefchaouen in the fall.

I don’t think the Chefchaouen blue city has any autumn in it. And there is no autumnal weather as such, when it rains, everything fades and the sun disappears until the next summer. And the mood, the kindest and most radiant, only increases. Perhaps the city is very good in autumn, but not because it’s autumn, but because it’s a city that doesn’t care about anything.

chefchaouen in spring

In spring, the city warms up to +30 degrees, but it can sometimes drizzle a little rain, refreshing Chefchaouen from that clear, hot sun. The local river and narrow streets allow you to hide from the heat, and at night it gets fabulously warm after beautiful sunsets. This time of year is one of the best times of year to explore Chavin.

chefchaouen in winter

Winter in chefchaouen is certainly cooler, but even at this time of year it is quite possible to get a tan. It’s up to +15 during the day, but the sun is always very welcoming and warming. And the nights are surprisingly warm and comfortable, which we lacked in Fes.

We had a chance to visit chefchaouen in winter, the deepest in January, but 100% it felt like we were in May.

Neighborhoods. Where is the best place to live?

chefchaouen, like many cities in Morocco, consists of an old and a new town. The old is always called Medina, but the new is so new that it does not even have its own name yet.

The Medina is the heart of chefchaouen, the most curious and charming place of this city. Everything that will make your impression of the city is in the Medina, so it’s best to stay in this area of chefchaouen.

You should definitely stay in a traditional Moroccan house called Dar or Riad. Both are very beautiful, cozy, with patios, terraces and a welcoming atmosphere. Another such accommodation in chefchaouen is often called just a house, which in Spanish sounds like Casa, and in French – Maison. Used in this case, mainly in Spanish and French, apparently, due to the past of the city, and at the expense of many immigrants from southern Europe.

In Chefchaouen accommodation prices range from 8 EUR to 150 EUR. For the first price you can stay for one night in a shared room with 6-10 beds in one of the hostels of the city called Dar, Riad, Casa or Maison. For the second price you can rent a house for one night with all the amenities and maximum comfort.

View the prices of apartments can be found here, and compare the cost of hotel rooms at the link.

From personal experience

During our stay in chefchaouen we stayed at a very nice family-run Moroccan house, La Casa Amina. Finding it among the emerald tangled streets wasn’t easy, but it was real. The house is quite modest, but very stylish in the Moroccan way: yellow and blue walls, wooden ceilings, patterned tiles and everywhere stunning photographs of the life of chefchaouen, taken by the eldest son of the owner of this house. The patio serves mint tea and interesting stories about the town 24 hours a day, and on the terrace you can bask in the sun and wonder what’s out there on the neighboring terraces. The place is really very homey and that’s why it is so sincerely recommended.

To stay at Casa Amina for one night in a room for two people costs 8 EUR per room, but without toilet and shower. The latter seems to be shared by everyone, but is quite comfortable. The house itself is small but always full of guests, so if you still look at this place to sleep, it’s still better to book, because wishing to live in Casa Amina is always quite a lot. Of the minuses of this house – the lack of breakfast, but one of the many pluses – the owners tell the most delicious budget places in chefchaouen, where you can and have a good breakfast and just eat good food. And the atmosphere of the house is still very warm and beckons to go back there again and again.

Main attractions. What to see

The whole town is one big attraction. In Chefchaouen blue city you have to walk a lot, notice everything and take a lot of pictures. The city is very photogenic. The doors alone are worth it!

Top 5

1. Plaza Uta el-Hammam. This is the main square of the city, dotted with restaurants, cafes, and in the center of the square there is a Christmas tree, around the axis of which local locals and tourists mixed up on the benches. The square is not so much remarkable, except for the people themselves, who now and again want to be photographed on the camera.
2. Kasbah. This is the same fortress that the Arabs built to defend their land from the Portuguese and around which Chefchaouen later grew up. The fortress settled on the main square and now serves as a museum of artifacts, the entrance to which costs about 2 EUR.
3. Ras el maa Park. The park is located outside the gates of Medina by the river. The park has mills, laundromats, a waterfall and arched bridges over the river. The place is very domestic, always lively and mischievous, and so strongly attracts all the curious.
4. Moroccan street graffiti. You can only find it by exploring every street in Chauvin, but it’s definitely worth it.
5. Viewpoint with a view of the entire Emerald City. It is located on the mountain, within walking distance of the river, next to the Spanish Mosque. All roads lead there, so you will not get lost.

What to see in 1 day

We stayed in Chefchaouen for three days, and that turned out to be as much as enough. But if you have only 1 day in this fabulous city, you need to walk around it, soak up the sun, take tons of amazing photos, get inspired, and come back again someday. And for one day, here’s the plan:

• 6am – greet the sunrise from the terrace of the house, sipping warm mint tea and smiling at the sunny day.
• 7 a.m. – get out on the emerald streets and wander around at will, fueled by tangerine juice from the stall.
• 10 a.m. – have yourself a brunch, snacking on Moroccan sandwiches and oriental sweets at a movie theater stall (read more below).
• 11 a.m. – find all the cats of Chefchaouen and capture them on camera.
• 12 noon – have tea and chat with the artists at a local cafe (read more below).
• Day 13 – find local street graffiti and take pictures of all the city’s most beautiful doors.
• Day 14 – eat couscous or something tasty at a local homemade restaurant (read more below).
• Day 16 – stock up on souvenirs, honing your trade skills.
• Day 17 – go out to the river, to Ras el maa park and dissolve in that atmosphere of life, childhood and freedom. Taking pictures of everyone smiling and basking in the sun at a cafe with colorful chairs, sipping avocado juice.
• At 7 pm to climb the observation deck, on the way to meet all the mountain goats, and at the very top to be amazed by the beauty of Chavin, so similar to the Albaicín of the Spanish city of Granada, say goodbye to the sun and the city until soon and go to meet new impressions.

Food: What to Try

Moroccan delicacies are well written about here and here, and you can try them all in Chefchaouen. Another must-try in Chefchaouen is avocado and tangerine juices. They are a great energy boost not only for the day, but also for the whole city. With that kind of energy, all the up and down the streets of Medina are effortless. Juices like these are good in a cafe by the river for 1,5 EUR and in the heart of the city, strolling with take-away juice from a stall for only 1 EUR.

For breakfast in chefchaouen, you can buy pre-packaged food in the streets of Medina or in any street café you like. You can have a hearty lunch or dinner in one of the city’s famous restaurants for an average of 10 EUR per person. It is also cheaper, but not as nourishing and tasty.

Recommended places

In our experience, in chefchaouen blue citywe found two highly recommended places to eat. The first is a house restaurant, very modest, delicious, quite for locals, but therefore so attractive to visitors that for lunch and dinner at this restaurant long lines are lined up. But it turns out that the upper floors of the building also belong to the restaurant, so there are enough places for everyone. What is the name of the restaurant and how to find it, I’m sorry, I will not tell, but all the locals know it, you will be recommended and told all where and how. Every Sunday there seems to be a couscous day, and there’s a great terrace at the very top.

Another place is a stall with Moroccan sandwiches and oriental sweets, very tasty, made by the stall owner’s mother. There are tables and benches in front of the stall on a slope and give the impression of an open-air movie theater with an endless movie of Moroccan fast food. The place is cool and the sandwiches are nourishing and even quite tasty and one of them costs 4 EUR, and sweets 0,10 EUR apiece.

Safety. What to beware of

About Moroccan security in general you can read in the article about Morocco. The article on Fez has a good description of Moroccan security by personal examples. And as for chefchaouen blue city, not only does the city seem safe, but it is actually very safe. chefchaouen turned out to be one of the few cities in Morocco where even night walks were quite pleasant and comfortable. The only thing that might be disturbing or annoying are the Arabs obsessively selling hashish. So Morocco teaches patience.

What to do

Outside of the usual walks around town, you can snuggle up with a cup of tea in a spacious, cozy cafe, the only one in town that has live music in the evenings and artists working wonders during the day. We found this place on Catholic Christmas Day and planned to go back there for music and fun for the evening. We went back, but the musicians didn’t show up, but what do we care about musicians, we had a concert anyway: playing guitar and singing songs by all those who came for the music. That’s how the fun came out, we all improvised. Chefchaouen is inspiring, after all.

The cafe is very conspicuous: there’s an easel at the entrance, friendly artists and cats. Come on in and you’ll be delighted.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Here and here is already well written about what and for what should be brought from the fabulous Morocco. And specifically from chefchaouen need to bring all sorts of krafters, handmade things and paints, paints, and something traditional, such as clothes of the townspeople of Chefchaouen.

Pictures. chefchaouen is a city of artists, and they’re really good at drawing. One of the many pictures you should definitely take with you.

Paints. You can use them to paint your house in all the colors of the rainbow or to create your own little Chefchaouen somewhere in the country.

A traditional Sheffshawan hat. They are very rainbow-colored and so similar to Peruvian hats. At the river they offer to take pictures in these outfits, and everywhere in the Medina they sell them, but, alas, I don’t know how much they cost.

How to move around the city

It is possible and necessary to move around the city on foot. The city is as small as the palm of your hand, and to us, as residents of the vast expanse of Russia, some insignificant kilometers, overcome by many in the name of cab, does not seem longer than the road from home to the nearest grocery store. The only thing: due to the fact that Shefshauen is located on the mountainous terrain, the streets now and then weave up and then down, but in this is the joy and the benefit. And all that is really worth going to chefchaouen is the Medina and the stunning views from the observation decks. And to the first and second, except for your own way, and there is no way to get. So equip yourself with comfortable shoes, optimism, conquer and conquer the eternal good chefchaouen.

Cab. What are the peculiarities

Cabs in chefchaouen, as throughout Morocco, are very even common. However, the only reason you will want to use it is to get from the bus station to the Medina or vice versa in a hurry. In that case, a one-way cab ride might cost about 3 EUR and take a couple of minutes. Cabs don’t have meters, they don’t take credit cards and you won’t even have to hitch a ride, there will probably be a line of cabs waiting for you, willing to give you a ride.

Renting Transportation

chefchaouen y is a tiny town, developed at the expense of nearby major cities, so transport rentals in the emerald city is either completely absent or too expensive.

It is better to come to chefchaouen with a pre-rented car in Rabat, Casablanca or Fès. Read here and here and here in the appropriate sections on how to rent a car in other Moroccan cities. See examples of rental prices at the link.

chefchaouen – holidays with children

chefchaouen is full of joy and laughter just because there are so many children in the city. Wandering the streets of the Medina or relaxing by the river, you come across little Moroccans everywhere, frolicking under the clear sky or in the river itself. However, during our entire stay in chefchaouen blue city, we never once encountered any of the little kids who came to visit us, and that’s a shame. In my opinion, kids would love a sunny town like Shefshaven. Although the city is not rich in all sorts of civilized entertainment such as a water park, amusement park and others, but how many other, more true and real joys the city can give its little guests: mountains, mountain goats, river, sun, fruit, soccer field and even maybe new friends.

chefchaouen is a very comfortable city, no matter who you come with: with children, without, with friends, without, and even if you find yourself in this city all alone.

If you miss the sun, friends, and inspiration, then chefchaouen is the place where you have more than enough of these things. Go there and let chefchaouen keep you happy and warm.