The Mediterranean coast
between Tangier and Nador has
a string of creeks, sheltered beaches, bays and cliffs along the
shore, ideal for boating and swimming and fishing. Mdiq,
Al Hoceima, Taifor and Smir-Restinga are
all new resorts, offering a wide range of accommodation.
The Atlantic coast is rocky, with some long stretches of fine sand
and peaceful bays.
Tangier
Tangier, gateway to Africa, is the Morocco’s most cosmopolitan
town, a place where – surviving from the days when Tangier
was a free port – the street signs are in 3 languages. In
fact, no less than twelve nations have occupied the city at 1 time
or another since the 5th century. The city has a scenic and active
market, the Grand Socco. Places worth visiting
include the Mendoubia Gardens, the Sidi
Bounabib Mosque, the Moulay Ismail Mosque,
the Forbes Museum, and the Merinid College.
Excursions
Excursions in the region include visits to the mountain town of
Chechaouen, the Caves of Hercules at Cape
Spartel and the fishing village of Asilah. Located 40 kilometres
(25 miles) southeast of Tangier, the city of
Tetouan has a reputation for minor crime, however, the
town is beautifully set on a hillside with a view over the Mediterranean
and its medina (market) in the old part is a listed UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Casablanca
The newer city of Casablanca is situated on the
Atlantic coast. Founded at the beginning of the century, it is Morocco’s
principal commercial town, the 2nd largest town in Africa and 1
of the continent’s biggest ports. Here stands the Hassan
II Mosque, the world’s largest mosque with the world’s
tallest minarets.
Excursions
Just south of Casablanca, in a striking location along the banks
of the Oum er-Rbia, is Azemmour,
with its profusion of violet bougainvillea and its purple ramparts.
Further south is El Jadida which has an outstanding
Portuguese fortress and 1 of the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic
coast. The Church of Assumption, an enormous underground
Cistern and the ‘Gate on the Sea’ and
fortifications are additional sites at El Jadida.
Elsewhere
Travelling south along the coast brings visitors to Safi,
a fishing port with a Portuguese palace, a medina and pottery shops.
Agadir is a modern holiday city with
good beaches, excellent resort hotels and self-catering accommodation,
which offers various sports activities.
From here, there are excursions to the towns of Tiznit,
Tafraout, Taroudant, Goulimine and, of
course, Marrakech.
Essaouira
is a laid-back fishing port with narrow streets lined with whitewashed,
blue-shuttered houses. Mohammedia is also a popular
resort in this region. |
