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Just last year, Gordon Ramsay announced Moroccan food as the best in the world, the results of an internet survey, in which 2.5 million people voted. If you enjoy trying local food when you travel, you'll love the rich flavours of Morocco, that blend together Mediterranean, Berber and Middle Eastern influences. So what can you expect to eat while travelling through Morocco? Tajine Tagine is Morocco’s signature dish, and you'll find it on the menu in every Moroccan restaurant. Named after the earthenware dish with a conical lid that it's cooked in, a tagine is a slow-cooked stew that combines meat or fish, vegetables and/or dried fruits, nuts and a variety of spices, including cumin, turmeric, ginger, and saffron. The slow cooking produces a dish that is rich and aromatic.  Some of the classic tagines include chicken with olives and preserved lemons and beef with prunes and almonds. If you've never had a tajine before, you're in for a treat! Couscous If it’s Friday, it must be couscous . Couscous is another cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine, traditionally served after the Friday midday prayer. Moroccan couscous, made by steaming semolina (coarsely ground wheat), is light and fluffy and a far-cry from the packaged couscous we buy in the supermarket. Couscous is served in different ways in different regions but is usually garnished with zucchini, carrots, pumpkin and other root vegetables. Sometimes, it's topped with a mix of caramelized onions, raisins and cinnamon, sometimes meat or chicken is added and, on special occasions, look out for Royal Couscous which has a selection of several different meats and vegetables. Pastilla Pastilla is a unique Moroccan dish, combining sweet and savoury flavours in a round pie. It’s made from flaky pastry, and traditionally filled with pigeon, although chicken or fish is now more commonly used. Almonds, egg, saffron, and fresh herbs are added to the filling and the top is usually dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, giving a touch of sweetness. Pastilla is a speciality of Fes.   Soups Often eaten during Ramadan, when it is served to break the fast at sunset, harira is a tasty and filling soup, made from a rich blend of tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas, flavoured with spices. Harira is typically served with dates and chebakia, a sweet sesame cookie. Another popular soup, bissara, is made from broad beans and topped with olive oil and cumin. Fish and seafood With a coastline stretching for over 3,500kms, it's no surprise that fish and seafood feature highly on Moroccan menus. In coastal cities, like Agadir, Essaouira, Casablanca and Tangier, fresh catches are landed daily. Local fish markets in these cities are a great place to choose your favourite fish and have it cooked at a nearby restaurant. Shakshuka Sometimes referred to as Berber omelette, there are many variations on this egg dish, served sizzling hot in a skillet or tajine, at breakfast or lunch. It's sometimes garnished with olives or with dried meat, called khlea. Eat it like a local by scooping it from the serving dish with chunks of fresh bread. Khlea Morocco’s take on preserved meat is khlea , somewhere between beef jerky and slow-cooked confit. It's usually made from strips of beef or lamb, marinated in a mix of garlic, salt, coriander, cumin and sometimes vinegar. The meat is dried in the sun for a few days, simmered in rendered fat and then stored in the fat, in sealed containers. It keeps like this for months without having to be refrigerated. Khlea is often added to eggs for breakfast or to lentil or bean stews. Brochettes Kebabs of skewered meat or chicken, rubbed in salt and spices, are known as brochettes . Cooked over a charcoal grill, this simple dish is often served with a Moroccan salad. Mechoui For meat lovers, mechoui is a must-try Moroccan speciality: lamb, cooked whole, in an underground clay oven.  The lamb is marinated in a blend of garlic, cumin and other spices, then slow cooked until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Today, mechoui is cooked in a conventional oven but visitors to Marrakech can check out the traditional cooking method along Mechoui Alley, a narrow laneway at the northern end of Jemaa El Fna (the main square). Here, in a row of small restaurants, whole sheep and goats are roasted in a large clay pit, built into the restaurant floor. Join the locals as they choose their preferred cut, buying the meat by weight. Moroccan salads are much more than a few mixed lettuce leaves in a vinaigrette dressing. Usually made from cooked vegetables and served warm or cold, they are a meal in themselves. Think sweetened carrots, chick peas, beans, eggplant (aubergine), capsicum (peppers), potatoes, zuccini. .. the list goes on.  My favourites are zaalouk , made from cooked eggplant and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, cumin, paprika and olive oil; and smoky taktouka, a mix of charred green capsicum (peppers) and tomatoes, cooked with garlic and cumin. The most simple Moroccan salad , served as an entrée or as an accompaniment to a meal, is a mix of chopped fresh tomatoes, cucumber and onions, garnished with herbs and dressed with olve oil. Dates and olives Both dates  and olives  are grown across Morocco and are used extensively in cooking. Dates from the southeast are considered the best in the country - if you're visiting Rissani, on the way to the Sahara, check out the stalls selling Medjool dates and if you're there in early October, you may catch the dates festival. Olives come in many varieties and are often served in a restaurant while you’re waiting for the meal to arrive. Amlou If you like nut butter, you'll love amlou ! Made from ground almonds, argan oil and honey, it's a great topping for bread and pancakes and is often served at breakfast. Fruit There are  fruits  galore in Morocco and they make a refreshing dessert - oranges sprinkled with cinnamon or strawberries with a dusting of sugar are common. Freshly squeezed fruit juice is also widely available.  Sfenj Sfenj  are Moroccan donuts, and they are the best! Buy them freshly cooked from a street vendor, dipped in honey or sugar. You might be lucky enough to have them served at breakfast. Sweet Treats Patisseries across Morocco sell many different types of pastries and sweet treats. Chebakia  is a deep-friend pastry, soaked in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, traditionally eaten during Ramadan. Kaab el Ghazal , or gazelle horns, are a crescent-shaped cookie, filled with almond paste and sometimes coated with chopped nuts or dipped in orange blossom water. The perfect accompaniment to a Moroccan tea. Mint Tea Referred to by the locals as 'Berber whisky,' mint tea is the national drink of Morocco. It is made by brewing green tea with fresh mint leaves and sugar – lots of sugar! If you don’t like sweet tea, ask your host to skip the sugar or serve it on the side. Mint tea is usually served in small colourful glasses, and the act of pouring the tea from a height into the glass is a ritual in itself, meant to aerate the tea and improve the flavour. ~ Regional specialities Many regions in Morocco have their own signature dishes that are not commonly found elsewhere. Here are just a few. Tanjia Not to be confused with tajine,  tanjia is a traditional dish from Marrakech. It is usually made with lamb or veal, cooked for many hours in a terracotta pot, in the ashes of hot coals, so the meat is soft and tender.  It is usually served with bread. R’fissa , A Casablanca staple, r'fissa is made with flaky pancakes (msemen), spiced chicken and lentils and seasoned with herbs and spices. Medfouna Otherwise known as ‘Berber pizza’, medfouna is a speciality from the southeast of Morocco, in and around Merzouga. It is a flat bread, filled with ground meat, often lamb, and vegetables. Goat's cheese If you're visiting Chefchaouen, or Tetouan, in the Rif Mountains, be sure to try the local goat's cheese . Although you'll find goat's cheese on the menu in many restaurants across Morocco, it's especially good in the Rif. Try it spread on fresh bread, in salads or on its own. Alcohol Alcohol is forbidden in the Quran, so it's not a big part of daily life in Morocco: it's more common for locals to while away the evening in a cafe, sipping a coffee, than propping up a bar. That's not to say that alcohol isn't available: it's just not as widely avaialable as we're used to in Australia. If you’re craving a cocktail, a beer, or a glass of wine, there are licensed bars and restaurants in the major cities, and supermarkets, such as Carrefour, have separate sections selling alcohol. ~ Whether you enjoy high-end dining or grabbing something simple from a street vendor, Moroccan food really is a feast for the senses and trying the local dishes is a bit part of my Moroccan tours. An evening food tour in Fes or Marrakech is always a highlight. As the Moroccan say before a meal - B'saha! (Bon appétit!)

Located just 45 minutes south of Tangier, on the Atlantic coast, the small town of Asilah is a hidden gem, often bypassed by visitors to northern Morocco.  With a Bohemian vibe, this laid-back town brings together a blend of Portuguese, Spanish, and Moroccan influences.   At the heart of Asilah is a clean, well-preserved medina . Its whitewashed walls provide a canvas for street artists from around the world, who flock to Asilah every July for the annual arts festival, transforming the streets with striking, colourful murals. The Grand Mosque, Asilah As you enter the medina through the Bab al-Kasbah  gate, you can't miss the Grand Mosque , on the left, with its octagonal minaret, a design seen mainly in northern Morocco. Borj Al Qamra tower, Asilah A little further on, the impressive Borj Al Qamra tower , a rectangular tower, built by the Portuguese in 1509, overlooks a small square. The winding lanes of the medina are a great place for some relaxed retail therapy, with artisan boutiques and galleries and none of the hard-sell you’ll find in more popular tourist cities. Traditional carpets hang from windows, artists exhibit their work outside shops and small boutiques display jewellery, ceramics, textiles, leather goods, kaftans and more. Whitewashed buildings gleam in the sunshine and contrasting blue and green painted shutters and doors make for great photographs.   Look out for the Insta-worthy door, surrounded by a circle of handprints, seahorses and other symbols, on a white building, next to the sea wall. You’ll know you’ve found it when you spot the queue of people waiting to pose for a photograph. The medina is protected from the crashing Atlantic waves by 15th-century Portuguese ramparts. Follow the ancient walls to where they jut out into the ocean, at Krikia , for views back over the medina – a popular spot at the end of the day to watch the sun setting over the ocean. Ramparts, Asilah medina If time allows, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade next to Asilah’s sandy beaches, enjoy fresh fish and seafood in a local restaurant and, if you happen to be visiting on a Thursday, check out the weekly regional souk (market), held on Avenue Khalid Ibn Oualid. And on any day of the week, there is a smaller street souk on Avenue Hassan II, outside the Bab Al Homar gate to the medina.   Asilah is one of my favourite small towns in Morocco. If you’re visiting Northern Morocco, don’t miss it!

If you're arriving into Morocco on a long-haul flight, chances are you'll touch down in Casablanca, a city that gets a bad rap when it comes to Morocco's tourist destinations. With a population of around 3.5 million, it is Morocco's largest city, the country's principal commercial hub and home to one of Africa’s busiest ports.  Here are some of the highlights of this sprawling urban centre. The Casablanca skyline, looking across the Arab League Park Casablanca's stand-out visitor attraction is the  Hassan II Mosque , one of the largest mosques in the world. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this imposing mosque, completed in 1993, features intricate marble work, hand-carved wooden ceilings and stunning mosaics. Its vast scale can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in the courtyard outside. At night, a laser shines from the top of the minaret in the direction of Mecca. It is one of the few religious buildings in Morocco that non-Muslims are allowed to visit and guided tours are conducted throughout the day, in several languages. Go early to avoid the crowds. Hassan II Mosque For architecture enthusiasts, Casablanca is home to a collection of Art Deco buildings, including the Post Office and Palais de Justice, on Place Mohammed V, the Cinema Rialto and the Sacré-Coeur Church. Now an events space, the  Sacré-Cœur Church , sometimes referred to as the Casablanca Cathedral, is a stunning, brilliant-white building, dating from 1930, mixing Art Deco, Moroccan and Neo-Gothic architecture. It stands on the edge of the Arab League Park. Sacre Coeur Church The Villa des Arts is another striking Art Deco building, also overlooking the Arab League Park. Housing a small art gallery with temporary exhibitions, showcasing Moroccan contemporary art, it is open every day. There is no charge to visit. Villa des Arts If you're looking for a green space to escape the chaos of the city, head to the Arab League Park, an urban park covering about 30 acres in the city centre. Rows of towering palm trees, fountains and tiled water channels provide a peaceful oasis in downtown Casablanca. The Arab League Park Another option for a relaxing stroll, is to head to  La Corniche , Casablanca’s coastal promenade that stretches for many kilometres alongside the Atlantic Ocean. It is popular with both locals and tourists for its sandy beaches, trendy cafés and oceanfront restaurants. La Corniche Casablanca's Central Market, built in 1917, is a hive of activity, with vendors selling flowers, meat, fish and fresh produce. If you enjoy fish and seafood, choose a selection from the fish sellers and have it cooked at one of the little restaurants behind the market. Le Marché Central The Habous District The  Habous District , sometimes referred to as the 'new medina,' was built during the French Protectorate period and brings together traditional Moroccan and French styles. Here, you’ll find local artisan shops, bookstores and antique sellers.  And don’t miss Patisserie Bennis Habous for some of the best cakes and pastries in Casablanca.  You can easily while away a couple of hours here, wandering the pedestrian-friendly streets. The old medina in Casablanca isn't as vast or chaotic as the medinas of Marrakech or Fes, and lacks the medieval charm of some of Morocco's other popular medinas, but its maze of narrow alleyways is still worth a visit. Enter through the main gate, Bab Marrakech, on Ave Tahar El Alaoui, or from the gate on one corner of United Nations Square. You'll find tightly packed shops, market stalls and street vendors in this area, selling cheap clothes, shoes, everyday items and, of course, souvenirs. Keep walking north towards the ocean and you'll pass through the residential district of the medina where you can catch a glimpse of a more traditional Casablanca way of life. The old medina Casablanca has a huge range of restaurants, but, for a unique dining experience, visit Rick’s Café, a stylish recreation of the café featured in the movie Casablanca . Though the film wasn’t shot in Morocco, the restaurant has captured the nostalgia of this 1942 Hollywood movie, with its Art Deco interiors, Moroccan décor, and jazz musicians.  The cocktails aren’t bad either! Make a reservation in advance. Rick's Cafe Although Casablanca might not have the romantic allure of Marrakech or the medieval magic of Fes, it has a charisma all of its own and plenty to offer visitors who have a day or two to explore.

So, you're thinking about going to Morocco. There are a few initial questions to consider: how much time do you need, where to go and perhaps, most importantly, when to go. Although it's an all-year-round destination, Morocco doesn't do weather in moderation - if you're heading to the Sahara in summer, be prepared for temperatures nudging 45 °C. And if you're hiking in the Atlas Mountains in winter, you'll need to pack your crampons. Morocco is a land of weather extremes. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) Let's start with the most popular months, when the weather is likely to be at its best. Morocco has two 'high seasons': spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). It's generally warm, with temperatures ranging from around 15-30°C, depending on when and where you go. Coastal areas and the north tend to be a little cooler, while it’s hotter in the south and east, closer to the desert. Days are mainly dry and sunny, but not too hot, making it perfect for sightseeing, exploring the medinas, relaxing at the coast or hiking in the mountains. In spring, the landscape in the north is lush and green, with beautiful wildflowers in bloom across the countryside. The last of the winter snow still lingers on the peaks of the High Atlas, providing a stunning backdrop to the minarets of Marrakech. And March/April and October/November are the ideal months to visit the Sahara, with warm, pleasant days and slightly cooler evenings. Spring poppies, Middle Atlas Mountains Summer (mid-June to August) Moroccan summer sunset Summer in southern Morocco - late June, through July and August - is not for the faint-hearted. In Marrakech and the south, expect temperatures of 40°C and above. If you’re a fan of sizzling heat, this might be your time to visit; just make sure your accommodation has air-conditioning.  Many locals escape the city heat and retreat to the mountains and the coast during summer, with cities like Agadir, Essaouira, Tangier, and the beaches along the north coast, busy with Moroccan visitors. In the southern cities, accommodation prices are often lower and there are fewer foreign tourists around. Winter (December to February) Winter in Chefchaouen The Mediterranean climate in the north brings a cool winter, while Marrakech and southern cities experience mild, pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures around 15-20°C. In the Sahara, days will be warm but temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down, so pack accordingly. Snow is common in the High Atlas and mountain roads may occasionally close, when snow blocks the passes. The big advantage of travelling in winter (apart from over the busy Christmas and New Year period) is that accommodation and tourist sites are quieter. Ramadan As well as considering the weather, don't forget to check the timing of Ramadan. Morocco is a Muslim country, and the holy month of Ramadan is widely observed. The dates change each year by a couple of weeks, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2026, Ramadan falls between mid-February and mid-March. The exact start and end dates are determined each year by the sighting of the crescent moon. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Many restaurants and cafes close during the day or operate on reduced hours and you may find it's more difficult to track down your favourite cocktail or glass of wine.  Tourist sites are generally open but most locals, including your accommodation staff and your guide and driver, will to be fasting. Although tourists are not expected to fast, it's important to respect the Muslim tradition and avoid eating or drinking when you're out during the day, except in cafes and restaurants. Days shift to a later start and life generally moves at a slower pace until the sun sets and the cities come alive as locals gather for "Iftar", the meal to break the fast. Visiting during Ramadan is an opportunity to experience this important aspect of Moroccan culture, while enjoying a quieter time in Morocco. Travelling during the High Season There can never be any guarantees with the weather, of course, but choosing the right season for your Moroccan adventure can make all the difference. If you decide to visit during the peak of the high season - think April and October - my advice is to book early. Many riads only have a few rooms which means they get booked up quickly and the same goes for private transport. So, if you can, plan ahead. Please get in touch if you have any questions about when to visit Morocco.

How much time do you need in Morocco? I am often asked this question and, the answer is, it depends! If you live in Europe, it’s easy to hop over to Morocco for a week, or even a long weekend. So, with the possibility of returning easily and cheaply, there's no need to pack the whole country into one trip. But if you’re travelling from Australia or the west coast of the US, Morocco is a long way and maybe a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ destination. Which leads to a tendency for guests to want to cover as much ground as possible in a short time. Morocco is a large country and trying to pack everything from north to south into ten or twelve days will inevitably lead to long days of driving and spending only one night in most locations, with limited time to explore when you get there. Of course, it’s a balance between doing as much as possible and keeping to your timeframe and budget.  If you can’t extend your trip, it may be better to focus on what you really want to experience and build your itinerary around that area. So, if the highlight for you is the Sahara, maybe stick to exploring the south and Marrakech. Visiting Tangier or Chefchaouen in the far north might have to wait for another time. Travel independently or join a tour? Should you travel independently or join an escorted tour? This really comes down to personal preference, and perhaps how confident you feel travelling in an unknown country. Do you like everything to be organised for you or do you prefer the spontaneity of independent travel? Do you like to share travel experiences with a group or are you happy with your own company or travelling with a partner or friend? Joining an escorted tour takes the stress out of travelling to an unfamiliar destination: someone else has done the research and the organising and, once you arrive, your tour leader or local guide will be on hand to provide assistance, deal with the unexpected and help navigate cultural differences. Joining a small group tour can also be a great way to make new friends. But, of course, a group tour is not for everyone. If tours are not your thing, but you're nervous about going it alone, a good middle ground is a personalised itinerary that allows you to travel independently, but without the hassle of doing all the research and bookings yourself. How to get around   If you decide to join a tour, you won't need to think about transport - it will be organised for you. But if you are travelling independently, a key consideration is how you plan to get around in Morocco. Public transport, private car and driver, hire car, domestic flight?   Public transport   For independent travellers, public transport in Morocco is very affordable and ranges from slick and efficient to almost non-existent, depending on where you want to go.  But, of course, it takes time, you have to fit in with the transport schedule, and you will often arrive in a bus or train station that may be at the opposite end of town from your accommodation.   The train service is especially good between major cities in the north and along the west coast of Morocco. Africa's first high speed bullet train, Al Boraq, will whisk you from Casablanca to Tangier in just over two hours, by far the fastest way to do this 320 kilometre journey.   Regular trains also run between Marrakech and Casablanca in a little under 3 hours, although there is no direct train from Marrakech to Casablanca airport: you should allow another hour, to an hour and a half, to get to the airport, depending on the connection time. From Rabat to Fes, the train journey is about 3 hours and Fes to Marrakech takes about 6.5 hours. First and second class carriages are available.   In other parts of Morocco, and to explore rural areas, buses and grand taxis are the only options, if you're relying on public transport.  CTM and Supratours are the two main bus companies that connect bigger towns and cater to tourists. For shorter trips, and to reach smaller towns, grand taxis are shared taxis, usually taking up to six passengers, sometimes with two passengers in the front seat of an old Mercedes and four in the back! These taxis run from fixed points and will leave only when the car is full. If you need transport within a city, it's easy to hail a local taxi. The taxis in each city are a distinct colour so they're easy to spot: light blue with a yellow stripe in Tangier, red in Casablanca, blue in Chefchaouen, white in Ouarzazate, yellow in Marrakech etc. The biggest challenge is establishing a reasonable fare.   Private driver   Hiring a private car and driver is, of course, more expensive when compared to public transport, but, if this is within your budget, there are several advantages: It's always nice to have someone meet you at the airport. Your driver will be waiting for you on arrival and will be with you for the duration of your tour. You don’t need to worry about dragging your luggage on and off trains or buses. You will be delivered to the door of your accommodation each day, or, if it’s in the medina, to a designated meeting point, and won’t have to worry about getting from the train or bus station to where you’re staying. You are free to make ad hoc stops along the way, either for a coffee or impromptu sightseeing, an option that is not possible if you’re travelling by public transport on a designated route.   Drivers are a font of local knowledge and can recommend the best restaurants, shops and other attractions and activities. They will usually go out of their way to help you, making bookings or other arrangements to ensure you get the most from your tour.   In short, a private driver takes all the stress out of travelling around Morocco, without compromising your independence. Hire car   Hiring a car and driving yourself is, of course, another option. It allows complete flexibility and is less expensive than hiring a private driver.  Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of driving yourself is that, even with extensive research, you are bound to miss some interesting stops and won’t have the benefit of a driver’s local knowledge.   You should be aware that speed limits are strictly enforced in Morocco and the ever-present roadside police will not hesitate to issue fines. Finding safe parking in the bigger cities can be challenging, so be prepared to leave your car some distance from your accommodation.   Domestic flight   The national airline, Royal Air Maroc, and budget airlines, Air Arabia and Ryanair, fly internally within Morocco.   Flights are available between major cities and, if you are short on time, and want to visit destinations in both the north and south of the country, a domestic flight is definitely worth considering.     Getting around in cities   When you’ve reached your destination, the best way to experience Moroccan cities is to walk and, if you’re exploring the medina, walking is the only option. If you need directions, some locals will helpfully assist, some will be happy to guide you on the expectation of payment for their services and others will tell you the medina is closed or the street you want is blocked off - even when it isn't. It's best to have Google Maps and/or the maps.me app on your phone. Both apps will sometimes struggle in the medina, where streets are narrow and covered: you may find that one will work when the other doesn't.   If you need to travel a longer distance outside the medina, unless you have a private driver, you will have to run the gauntlet of the local taxis. Always agree the price before you get in or ensure the driver is using the meter and beware of meters that ‘don’t work,’ drivers who don't have change or vastly inflated fares. Still have questions? Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about planning a Moroccan itinerary. I would love to help you!

Who knew the Romans made it to Morocco?   There are several Roman sites in Morocco but the best known, and most extensive, is the ancient city of Volubilis, about an hour and a half drive from Fes. Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites. First settled in the 3rd century BC by the Berber people, Volubilis became a Roman provincial capital in the 1st century, sitting at the centre of a significant agricultural area that produced olive oil, grain, and wine.  It is believed to have had around 20,000 residents at its peak, a significant population for a city on the fringes of the empire.  Local tribes took over Volubilis in 285 and it was inhabited for another 700 years, before being abandoned in the 11th century. The ruins stood largely intact until an earthquake in 1755 damaged much of the site.  Excavations began in 1887 but mostly took place during the French protectorate from 1912 to 1956.  Today, Volubilis is renowned for its impressive ruins, including stunning mosaics, public buildings, triumphal arches, and private residences, surrounded by a scenic landscape of olive groves and wheat fields. Highlights of Volubilis Volubilis is spread across a wide area of about 42 hectares and, although much of the city lies in ruins, several key landmarks are well-preserved. The  Arch of Caracalla  is one of the most iconic landmarks in Volubilis. Built in 217 CE, in honour of the Roman Emperor Caracalla and his mother, Julia Domna, the arch stands at the southern end of the city and would have been the entrance to the main thoroughfare. The Arch of Caracalla The Capitoline Temple  The  Capitoline Temple  was the key religious site in Volubilis, dedicated to the three main Roman gods - Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Today, only the foundations and columns remain in an elevated position that offers views across the surrounding countryside.       The Basilica   A djacent to the Capitoline Temple is the  Basilica , which served as the city’s administrative and judicial centre. It overlooks the forum where markets would have been held.           Decumanus Maximus, the main street, Volubilis Although the ruined buildings are impressive, Volubilis is perhaps best known for its stunning mosaics that once adorned the floors of the city’s most prestigious homes. The House of Orpheus  was a Roman villa that contained several detailed mosaic floors, including a stunning depiction of the mythical musician Orpheus charming animals with his lyre.   The House of the Labours of Hercules features a beautiful mosaic of the twelve labours of Hercules (the twelve tasks assigned to Hercules as penance for killing his wife and children) and another of the four seasons.     In the ruins of the House of Ephebe, you can see a mosaic of Bacchus, in a chariot pulled by leopards, while the House of Venus depicts Diana. Another must-see villa is the  House of the Athlete, which has a light-hearted mosaic of an athlete riding a donkey, facing backwards, while carrying a cup. The public baths, Volubilis Your guide will point out other interesting features of the site, including a comprehensive aqueduct system that delivered water from a nearby spring to the city, including to the public baths . And don’t miss the remains of ancient olive presses, evidence of the importance of Volubilis as a centre for olive oil production. Need to know Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am until an hour before sunset. Entry Fees : The entrance fee is currently 100 MAD (approximately 10 Euros). Guided tour : Local guides, knowledgeable about the history of Volubilis, wait at the entrance and can be hired for an additional fee. Having a guide at Volubilis really brings the ruins to life.  Expect a guided tour to last between 1 and 1.5 hours. What to Bring : The site is in the open air and has little shade, so make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially in the hotter months. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the terrain is rocky and uneven. Facilities : There are public toilets at the entrance and a small cafe, La Corbeille Fleurie. Otherwise, plan to eat lunch in nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoune or Meknes, before or after your visit.

Choosing the right style of accommodation is a big part of planning any overseas trip and Morocco has it all, from uber luxury hotels in major cities to simple guesthouses in the countryside. And everything in between.    Riads A riad is a boutique Moroccan guesthouse, and, given the choice, I would choose a riad over a Western-style hotel, every time.  But if you are drawn to the allure of a global hotel chain, with modern, international standard amenities, such as a gym, swimming pool, a bar and large communal areas, then a hotel may the right choice for you. You can be dropped off at the front door, you can choose from multiple room types, and it will all feel familiar. But you will be missing out on a real Moroccan experience. So, before you decide, here are some thoughts on staying in a riad. Riads are found mainly in the medinas, the old, traditional areas of Moroccan towns. Many were originally the private homes of wealthy merchants and vary in style from simple to luxurious, but always with an emphasis on personal service and Moroccan hospitality.  Rooms are generally centred around an inner courtyard or garden, often featuring a fountain, small pool or maybe some citrus trees. Riads are generally smaller than hotels and may only have six or eight rooms, often of different sizes and styles.   Reflecting the Islamic tradition of privacy, riad rooms usually face inwards, towards the courtyard, rather than out to the street. Although most riads now have air-conditioning, in the past, the design, with small, outward-facing windows and a central courtyard, helped to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the house.  Many riads have a rooftop terrace looking out over the medina:  the perfect place for breakfast, in warmer months, or to relax and watch the sunset in the evening.   You may also come across the word ‘dar’ which means ‘home’ in Arabic, while ‘riad’ means garden. Traditionally, 'riad' would have been the term used to describe only the larger homes in the medina.   Don't be alarmed if the entrance to your riad is an unassuming doorway in a medina alleyway - these doors give no hint as to what lies inside.  Once inside, you will often be amazed by intricate zellige (traditional Moroccan tiling), delicate wood carving and beautiful textiles. Be aware that riads in the middle of the medina have no road access so you may be dropped off some distance away. Porters, either from the riad itself, or working in the medina, are usually available to assist with carrying luggage. And, since riads are generally housed in old buildings, many do not have an elevator. So if you struggle with stairs, it's worth asking whether a room is available on the ground floor.   Kasbah hotels A kasbah is a traditional fortress, found mostly in the south of Morocco. Historically, kasbahs were the fortified homes of local leaders, often built to keep the family safe from invaders. Made from rammed earth (adobe), they are imposing buildings with narrow windows, heavy wooden doors, crenelated walls and often towers or turrets.  Their thick exterior walls keep the interior cool in the heat of summer. Some of the old kasbahs in the south of Morocco have been converted into guest accommodation, while others have been purpose-built as hotels. As with riads, they range in style and price from simple to luxurious. They provide a unique Moroccan experience and, if your Moroccan journey includes the south, why not take the opportunity to stay in a kasbah?   Desert camp Spending a night or two in the Sahara is the iconic Moroccan experience and, over the last few years, many new camps have sprung up in the desert around Merzouga and M’Hamid el Ghizlane, the two main towns on the edge of the Sahara. As with other types of accommodation, there are camps to suit every budget. Tents are usually permanent. Some will have ensuite bathrooms, some will not.  Check if the camp you want to visit has tents with air-conditioning – essential if you’re travelling in the warmer months. But don't miss the opportunity for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. ~ Staying in a Moroccan riad or kasbah or desert camp is more than just finding a place to sleep – it’s a chance to have a unique Moroccan experience and to enjoy the traditional hospitality for which Morocco is famous.   If you have any questions about Moroccan accommodation or would like recommendations of places to stay, please get in touch.