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INTRODUCTION
A mixture of new and old
Morocco has been a popular tourist destination for two centuries, particularly helped by the nearness to Spain, but always motivated by the fascinating cultures of the country, and the spectacular nature.
Modern Morocco is everything but a rich country, but only few suffers want, and the infrastructure is impressive if you compare it with the overall economical situation of the country.
Morocco is a monarchy, and the democratic structures are less developed than what is the situation in Western countries. Even with a continuously high unemployment rate, and discontent among many city dwellers, Morocco is still a stable and safe country to live and travel in.
Morocco is a country of contrasts, where only short drives out of modern city centres, leads you right into societies where large parts of the social fabrics remain intact from centuries back in time.
In order to go searching for the Morocco that was, and the Morocco of our days, you have several opportunities.
If you're going for well trimmed holidays, filled with sun, beach activities and even nightclubbing, Agadir is the best destination. The city is the only real modern city of Morocco, rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1960's according to the ideas of European architects. Some love it, some hate it.
But if you're going for the ancient Morocco, a smart choice is Taroudannt. It is off the standard tourist track, but easy to get to (1 hour from Agadir) and with the most complete city walls of the entire nation. Good hotels and good restaurants make it a good place to relax.
Essaouira is by many considered the world's most beautiful place even if it is run down and dominated by tired doors and paint that peels off the house facades. More than anything, Essouira is Morocco's cool town, and has taken over Marrakech's position in that respect.
A city that used to be on the no-go list, is Tetouan. It could be a troublesome place for inexperienced travellers, but is now well controlled by police. Tetouan is today friendly, white and with a setting that leaves little to demand. It climbs up wild Rif mountains, and watches over the coast of beaches just 10 km away.
This tiny fortress village is becoming rather famous there are loads of photos of it on the Internet. But most don't know its name, because the inhabitants hide inside the houses when strangers come by. Click to find its name, it starts with Tiss.....
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