The Day I Fell in Love With Morocco (part 1)

Earlier this year in May/June we spent 2 weeks travelling around Morocco. And from day one I felt in love with the country, culture & cuisine,... I want to share some of the rich experiences we had.

Tanger

We started our trip in Tanger, the city where Europe meets Africa. My first encounter with the Arabic culture.

 

 

Riad La Tangerina 

When you visit Tanger stay at this wonderfull riad with an excellent kitchen : http://latangerina.com

Chefchaouen

We picked up a rental car and start our way further into the country. We first stopped in the north at Cap Spartel, a lighthouse and a view where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, also known as the Strait of Gibraltar.

It was a 2,5 hours drive to Chefchaouen, with a little intermezzo of the police... we got fined for speeding: 70km/h instead of 60km/h...  first (and only) encounter with the Moroccan police. Driving in Morocco is quite safe, but be aware of the police checkpoints, they are very fond of speed traps!

Chefchaouen, known as the "blue pearl of Morocco"located in the Rif mountains. The blue village is really beautiful but... it's one of the most touristy places we've visited in Morocco, so after one day we went hiking in the Rif Mountains.

 

In Chefchaouen we had the best meal of our trip! We recommend this place: Restaurant Beldi Bab Ssour

The hike to the Cascade d'Akchour starts at the parking of Akchour itself and takes 2 hours up and 2 hours down. Along the way of this little physical challenge you can find several shelters, cafes and smaller cascades to take a swim in if you want.  Crazy if you think how they bring up their supplies this high. The waterfall itself is kind of thin, but the hike in the Rif is really amazing. 

 

Volubilis

On our way to Fes we stopped over in Volubilis, a UNESCO world heritage Roman site. Those Romans were practically everywhere, also in Morocco in the 3rd Century BC. And now you can still find all the key elements of a Roman city: a basilica, triumphal arch and a temple (hello history classes from years ago), which is very impressive. 

 

 

More to come: Fes - Merzouga and the dessert - Todra Gorges - Ouarzazate - Marrakech - Moulay Bousselham