Morocco is a wonderful travel destination, a land rich in natural beauty and unforgettable places. It is a religious frontier and offers a fascinating insight into a millennia-old culture and tradition, almost at the opposite end of our own. You will be enchanted by the splendid beaches along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, home to spectacular fishing villages, perfect for relaxation and water sports. You will be thrilled visiting grand cities with hundreds of mosques, palaces, and historic sites that impress with their timeless charm and luxurious splendor. And then there’s the desert… mysterious, magical, and captivating: scorching by day and icy at night. It is an indefinable place you will want to cross to recharge, to lose yourself, and to find yourself again. All of this can be enjoyed alongside a rich tajine, Morocco’s national dish, as varied and colorful as the country itself, a fusion of exoticism and authenticity.
Language: The official language is Arabic, though about 40% of the population speaks Berber (recently introduced in schools but not officially recognized). French is widely used as a second language, especially in administration, higher education, and commerce.
Religion: Most Moroccans are Muslim. In addition, there are around 60,000 Catholics, mostly French, and 15,000 Jews. Traditional North African Islam features some unique aspects, such as the cult of marabouts and saints, whose tombs are pilgrimage sites.
Documents: Italian citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days; a passport valid for at least six months is sufficient.
Time Zone: Same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Currency: Dirham (DH). ATMs are widespread, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas. Tipping and bargaining are part of the culture: almost every service expects a tip, so carry plenty of coins.
Curiosity
In Morocco, weddings are celebrated with very ancient traditional ceremonies, seen as highly important both socially and religiously.
The ritual begins the day before the wedding, with a purifying bath for the bride, attended by female relatives and friends. Incense is used, and candles are lit, traditionally symbolizing the path to happiness. The bride’s hands, arms, and feet are decorated with henna, protecting the marriage from evil spirits and the evil eye.
On the wedding day, the "berza" ceremony presents the bride dressed in a traditional tachchita, seated to be admired by the guests. The groom’s family brings gifts in a musical procession full of colors, known as the "hdia", a central moment of the union celebration.
Our advices
To Read:
Al Marocco by Pierre Loti – Offers impressions of Morocco from the famous French traveler and novelist.
Creatura di sabbia by Tahar Ben Jelloun – An insightful look at taboos and contradictions in the Arab world.
Fiabe del Marocco – A collection of the best stories from Morocco’s oral tradition.
To Listen:
Morocco hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year:
The Sacred Music Festival in Fès.
The Alegria Festival in Chefchaouen, featuring Moroccan-Spanish fusion.
The International Gnawa Festival in Essaouira, a city on the Atlantic coast known for wind and ritual music of Sub-Saharan origin.
To See:
Marrakech Express (1989) by Gabriele Salvatores – Follows a group of friends on a unique journey to Morocco.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – Historic and timeless.
The Man Who Knew Too Much by Alfred Hitchcock – Another award-winning classic filmed partially in Morocco.
To Eat:
Moroccan dining shares with our culture a ritual and social aspect, emphasizing enjoying food slowly and together.
Couscous: the most famous dish, cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, flavored with typical spices and aromas.
Tajine: another iconic dish, prepared in a conical clay pot that retains heat and presents meat dishes in an unmatched way.
