But, there are other ways for those who want a little more freedom to roam the streets of Tangier, take in the sights and sounds. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Most notably you can not take a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouan. I put my own life in danger to get the pic.would never do that again. Hashish has been produced on a small scale in Morocco for centuries and a lot of Moroccans, bothwomen and men, toke in public. Thanks again. Youll be able to find a range of products, and they even serve alcohol too (and theyre open during Ramadan). A Spain to Morocco ferry is the easiest and cheapest option. 13 reasons to travel to Morocco - Worldpackers In fact, Morocco boasts some of the best train travel in the whole African continent, and is the best way to travel between the countrys major cities. Carry copies of your passport and any other essential documents with you but keep the originals in your hotel safe. A world of vibrant colours, delicious food, exciting cities, and amazing natural landscapes its no wonder youre considering an epic adventure there! 09/09/19 08:50 AM 24061 posts Although there must be bus/ferry trips offered, I think a day trip is seriously ill-advised because it requires so much transportation time. Well, theres something for varying budgets and travel styles here! Morocco is a beautiful country, sitting at Europes doorstep. If youre looking to splurge and treat yourself to some luxury, weve found the best hotels too! One of the best parts about any trip to Morocco is finding a dreamy place to stay that will make your experiences in this magical country as memorable as possible! Tangier is not the nicest Moroccan city and many that visit never want to set foot in Morocco again. It can seem daunting for first-time visitors to Morocco to hop on a bus or a shared taxi, but its worth it! Morocco is a dream destination. Youll often find the best hotel prices on booking.com. They operate out of the two ports of Algeciras and Tarifa in Spain with both arriving at different ports in Tangier. I don't think so. We had planned to take a day trip to Asilah on a second planned day in Morocco, but the Moroccan tour company didnt even offer that to us. You have the opportunity to ride a camel in Africa. Having lived in Morocco for a year I became well aware of the downside to tourism and Tangier was by far the best example. For information on careers, PR, marketing or responsible business - We will be in Malaga near the end of June. Answer 1 of 4: We are considering going to Morocco for the day while we are in Malaga? At $910 million, Tuesday's Mega Millions remains the fifth-largest jackpot in the lottery's history. Instead, buy an eSIM! It was not this best travel experience but not the worst either. "Morocco Travel Advisory." Theyre also social places where fellow backpackers congregate, making them especially good for solo travellers who want to meet new people to go on epic backpacking adventures with! Taking a pre-planned trip is the best way to explore this country if you want a structured tour. Think again. Answer 1 of 3: My family will be in Andalusia for about 11 days in late May. My recommendation ever since has been to avoid the city completely and jump on a train or bus and go to Asilah or further afield. To begin with, it's an Islamic country so the laws and social norms are very different from the West. Discover the beauty of Morocco from the saddle on this 14-day cycling adventure that Get active and explore Morocco on a 9-day hiking and biking round-trip tour from Travel to Morocco and embark on a family adventure. Looking for the best Moroccan family holiday? And at three for 10 euros, thats much cheaper than the Body Shop. Make sure the property has consistently great reviews for the best experience. Trains are safe, punctual, cheap, comfortable, and a great way to see the county. Our cross cultural life has taken us around the world and we currently call Morocco home. Day Trip to Tangier, Morocco, Worth it? - Wanderlust Marriage Travel Spain and Morocco Itinerary - 10 Days of Tours, Trips & Tips - MarocMama Again, thank you! A standard ride on the Marrakesh BRT costs around $0.55. Secondly, they are often located in authentic, local areas, so you get to explore a different side of your destination. I'll never forget the time a man who was just a smidge in my camera's frame shouted NO PHOTO!" The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Travel to Tangier, Morocco - MarocMama. It starts with a curious look inside one of 10,000 identical carpet stores, where you are befriended by a local who offers to walk you to the only honest carpet dealer in town but in truth, it's his brother, cousin, or friend. And what's a "must do" for a short visit to Morocco? Empty_Tumbleweed4525 9 mo. And what's a "must do" for a short visit to Morocco? How long does it take on the ferry and to get through customs? If you are wanting more of a self-planned adventure where you have more freedom to do what you want, there are options for you to get to Morocco. Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!. Thank you for this post. There are other ways to travel to Morocco from Spain by boat, they are less direct though. Astonishing landscapes that range from the surf-tossed beaches of the Atlantic coast to dramatic Sahara dunes and snow-capped High Atlas peaks. Spend a week in Morocco, on the busy streets of Marrakech and then head to the Sahara Travel from Marrakech to your Sahara Desert camp on a 3-day guided tour passing through Visit your local site for relevant prices, offers and information. Usually, their goal is to separate you from your money, and they are annoying rather than dangerous. Stop off at a cafe Head to one of the numerous cafes around cities. Sounds like you had a similar experience in Tangier. New Country, New Language; Is a Move Right for You. Sarah Kuta. However, you should make sure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Ever seen a snake charmer in real life? Families and groups of friends may find the best value booking short term apartments. Want to save some cash and explore Morocco by rental car? Theyre welcoming and affordable admission is typically just $1! These are good places to enjoy something light to eat and a tea or coffee away from the heat of the day. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. To make it all easier, there are tours that whisk you from place to place, connecting the dots. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Here are some pros and cons if youre considering whether a day trip to Tangier, Morocco is worth it, specifically a big guided tour. That said, dont feel like you need to shell out a whole heap of dirhams for a service that someone has seemingly volunteered for. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. And I got some great pics of Old Tangier one in particular of an old womanstreet vender.hanging veggies up to display. Although political and social demonstrations do occur, they are typically non-violent, and the country boasts one of the most stable governments in North Africa. The 13-day Morocco tour I took did not include a stop in Essaouira. Moroccans generally don't like to be photographed But I got great deals on rug and leather goods. Check out the costs of a two-week trip to Morocco as summarised in the table below: ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $900 $1476 USD for a roundtrip ticket. With the major cities of Rabat, Marrakesh and Casablanca boasting hundreds of options each, youll be spoilt for choice if youre in the market for an Airbnb in Morocco. This is still an international border crossing so be prepared for that with your passports.This beautiful little Spanish city is just as enticing as the rest of Morocco. It's a fast, easy journey of around 50 minutes, leaving from the small but efficient port in Tarifa, with morning departures and evening returns allowing you the . Morocco is one of the safest destinations in Africa, and the vast majority of people visit without incident. Housekeeping means no chores, while on-site restaurants, bars, fitness centres, and pools mean extra convenience. Dont forget this guide onwhat to wear in Morocco, so you arent caught short with unexpected weather. Sometimes,they may still demand payment even if they just followed behind you for a section of your sightseeing. Bus travel is the most popular way to travel around the country for Moroccan people. So, without further ado, lets take a look at each type of accommodation in more detail below. One cooked and chopped up a small mountain of chicken rubbed with salt and spices like paprika and cumin. A train journey from Marrakesh to Fez takes 10 hours and costs aroundUS $30 for a first-class ticket or US $20 for second class. I have 6 weeks and I am flying in and out of Istanbul. Walls and towers were built in the 16th and 17th centuries and kept in good shape. The answer is that it depends. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Required fields are marked *. Other private companies have smaller fleets. Expect three courses of couscous, vegetables and meat, tagine, and, of course, mint tea. You can experience some of the history of the city but still, have the freedom of the rest of the day to explore as you wish. Its just that easy. Dealers on the street will invariably try to sell you some, but buyer beware. So just how can you travel from Spain to Morocco? It is a place where you can escape the hustle of everyday life and have a change of scenery for a day when youre bored of exploring Europe. Casablanca. Thisday trip tourtakes you on a ferry to Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar where you can enjoy incredible ocean views. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco and may be punished with a fine or up to three years in jail. As an Australian-owned business, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. Staying in hotels may not be the best way to travel cheaply in Morocco, but they are the option for you if you like to sit back, chill out, and not lift a finger during your stay. Well, you will be on this tour before enjoying some lunch and heading on a seafront bus tour. Enjoy the nature Morocco is a veritable paradise when it comes to nature. Keep your belongings in sight at all times in public areas, including at restaurants, train stations, on public transport, and in busy souks. All Rights Reserved. From camping out in the desert, to hot air balloon rides and journeys on camelback, Morocco certainly delivers on its epic amount of outdoors activities. Daytrip to Morocco - Marbella Forum - Tripadvisor Casablanca has over 3.5 million inhabitants and is a much larger city than Rabat. Unfortunately, verbal harassment on the streets is relatively common in Morocco and women can be specifically targeted if walking alone at any time of the day. At your accommodation, lock your door even when you are inside, and avoid being alone in your room with hotel staff. Why You Should See 'Oppenheimer' in IMAX 70-Millimeter - The New York Times The guided tour included the ferry ride from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier (which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes each way), guided bus tour of the Tangier area, lunch in a local restaurant, and guided walking tour of the city. Theres another day trip on a ferry from Spain to Tangier available but this tour is different. The Sahara desert is absolutely one of the most beautiful things you will ever see, you definitely shouldn't miss it imo. Spices, stews, meats, salads and pastries all play a part. If you are wanting a fully planned day trip from Spain to Morocco, taking a tour with a company that will arrange everything for you is your best option. The guide quickly pointed out how bread is made the old fashioned way, in stone ovens. All of this and you will have a personal tour guide to show you all the special spots and answer any questions you may have. If its hot and if youre already tired and dehydrated, youll lose interest in negotiating with the street vendors, even if youre interested in their items. When sightseeing around tourist hotspots in Morocco's main towns and cities, you may come across people who say they are official 'tour guides' or a 'helpful local'. Street lighting is often inadequate and can make it harder to see hazards in the road. Brought Family on River Cruise, Best Money We Spent Traveling - Insider Tarifa: Spain's Southernmost Port by Rick Steves These depart when the driver deems them full enough. When is the next Mega Millions drawing? Jackpot up to $910 million Grand taxis, on the other hand, are shared taxis that follow set routes very cheap (a typical ride is $1), but these are not for everyone! Wherever youre going, remember to pack any prescription medicines you need as well as a basic first aid kit. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. At Casablanca Airport, I paid US $17 for a first-class train ticket to Fez. Old Tangier was a booming trading center long before more-famous Marrakech was even a camp for camel trains, and yet this historic city is inexplicably overlooked by visitors. In Morocco, it is important to be moreconservatively dressed than what you may be used to, especially in and around religious sites such as mosques. But for extra convenience, you should consider getting a Rail Pass. Think weve covered pretty much everything you need to consider for your budget? Apart from your passport and drivers license, you will need insurance for your vehicle for driving in Morocco. If you'll be coming from further you can take a grand taxi but it would be worth looking into the costs of a private driver for more comfort. Rick's Travel Articles / Tarifa: Spain's Southernmost Port Share Tarifa: Spain's Southernmost Port Tarifa: Where it just feels good to be on vacation. You could bag yourself a combined plane ticket and hotel accommodation for a snip of the usual cost, and theres also deals to be had on tours too. Hi all! As of April 2021, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 8.90 MAD. Worth a day trip from Malaga to Tangiers? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums So we decided to join our friends and returned to Spain early with them on the ferry that evening. And, with the World Heritage-listed city now bearing the fruits of a decades-long restoration program,Fez has to be Morocco's best-kept open secret. Head to a Hammam Traditional bathhouses or hammam is a must if you like a bit of pampering. US citizens will need visa to travel to Europe in 2024: What to know This all costs money set aside around 10% of your original budget to be on the safe side. Hostels dont just help you travel Morocco cheaply. These are on low-cost carrier Ryanair and are typically inexpensive and short flights. A ferry from Gibraltar to Tangier is also available but only makes the trip once a week on a Sunday afternoon. Sometimes theyre hidden on rooftops, so you get a good view thrown in, too. Then its riding some camels and taking a drive back to the port to catch the ferry from Tangier to Spain. Generally, you can avoid becoming a victim by taking the same precautionary measures that you would in any busy city worldwide. I admired his ability to skirt the guides; he was tenacious! Several operators offer round-trip transportation from Marrakech, Agadir or Fez. You'llprobably get lost while exploring Fez medina's 9,500 cobblestone alleyways and dimly lit pedestrian tunnels. From there we took a train to Rabat (~1 hr) and spent the weekend. I think he was even selling a natural cure for cancer too (cue eye rolling). It just means that drinking out and about in public is not the norm drinking certainly happens, just in select locations. Madrid, The European City That Never Sleeps, Germanys Hidden Gem: WhyYou ShouldAdd the Black Forest to Your Travel List, Exploring the UKs Cutest Coastal Villages. So much to think about! What you need to know before you go. You can stroll through the busy souks and purchase some tokens to remember your trip and take home to your family. Should I visit Italy or Morocco? Sure crime exists, bad people exist, as in everywhere. Longer journeys, taking upwards of 12 hours, will cost you $35. Make a list a check it twice! It it worth a day trip over to Morocco? You don't have to book a ticket online; you can just buy one at a station and hop aboard the next service. Trams are quick and efficient in cities in Morocco, and a safe, affordable way to get around. Then check out our guide to the best hostels in Morocco!). Taroudant, Morocco: So how many camels are you worth? Below youll find the average costs of flying to Morocco from several international air travel hubs: While some of those flights may look pricey, its possible to save a little extra by opting for a flight with multiple connections. One runs along the Atlantic Coast from Tangier to Safi. The sole noteworthy monument in town is the medieval city walls. Petty crime and pickpocketing is a common problem in Morocco, especially around souqs and medinas. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Hostels in Morocco help backpackers and independent travellers get around on a budget and in style too! Compare hotel prices here: Italy Hotel Prices and Morocco Hotel Prices. Thank your for your post. We save thousands of dollars on travel each year thanks to travel hacks. Three months' worth of rain over the course of one day has flooded the Canadian province of Nova Scotia since Friday night, inundating streets, forcing evacuations and leaving at least four . Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. The view of Moroccos Atlas mountains from the ferry and approach into Tangier is dramatic, and a beautiful memory you will never forget. If you choose to use public transport to get around, petit taxis are the safest option in the cities. Tense psychological dramas like Babel and Allied, the 1942 classic Casablanca, and action epics like Troy and Gladiator. Petrol in Morocco costs around $1.04 per litre. Make sure only to use registered, official local guides. Yes they are smelly and a bit erratic, but this was one of the highlights of the day. Taking a day trip to Essaouira When Mohammed III began building up Essaouira as his main port, Marrakech was the capital of Morocco. To limit the risk of more severe crimes, use petit taxis to get around at night and avoid walking alone through unknown areas. If you want a relaxing day in Morocco, dont do the day tour. We havent been to Malaga and its been a few years since weve visited Seville.