Magical Morocco lies on the north-west coast of Africa and offers visitors an exciting and mysterious mixture of Arabian and African cultures and attractions.

Getting to know Morocco

The Moroccan coastline strains to kiss Europe across the Straits of Gibraltar, and this North African country is the only one to have both Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Morocco is divided into seven different regions, and visitors are encouraged to tour each and every one in order to get a thorough understanding of the country. They are also encouraged to begin their stay with a lengthy holiday at the upscale resort area of Agadir.

Mediterranean Morocco mirrors the coast of Spain - which it calls to directly across the Mediterranean Sea - and the region is well known for its beautiful ports, including exotic Tangier, its inviting beaches and its majestic Rif Mountains. Saharan Morocco in the south-east offers tourists desert safaris and, in the fabled city of Ouarzazate, the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, or bazaar, as well as tours of the defunct but still impressive Atlas Movie Studios.

Morocco's North Atlantic Coast is home to both the city of Casablanca of Bogart's "Here's looking at you, kid" fame and the extremely laid-back capital city of Rabat. Also of interest is the Asilah seaside resort, which hosts a spectacular cultural festival every August. The South Atlantic Coast boasts Agadir, the jewel of Morocco, which is universally agreed to be the country's playground. Further attractions of this region include the unspoilt village of Essaouira, which offers horse treks and magnificently deserted beaches.

The High Atlas region features the fabled city of Marrakech, and the breathtaking Atlas Mountains offer tourists some of the best hiking and skiing in Africa. The jewel of the Middle Atlas region is the city of Fez, the old capital, which has the best preserved Islamic Old City in the world. Anti Atlas rounds out this beautiful country, and features such iconic places as Tafraoute, the Oasis of Balancing Rocks.

Morocco's Most Popular Modern Resort City: Agadir

Agadir is a wonderful example of the modern Morocco, and this large city lures tourists from all over the world with promises of its stunning beaches, modern restaurants and beautiful parks. The best of the Agadir beaches are those that lie to the north of the city, and their secluded pleasures are worth the extra time that it will take to get there. Agadir is also well known for its fascinating museums, including the Musee de Talborjt "La Casbah" and the Le Musse des Arts Berberes, which showcases Berber art.

Shopping in Morocco

When souvenir hunting, tourists should look out for the unique Moroccan teapots, or birad, as well as the handmade Berber carpets and the traditional flowing robes, or djellabah. Leatherware is also a great investment, as are any of the exotic Moroccan herbs and spices.

Morocco is an exciting blend of the African and the Arabian, and this vibrant country invites everyone to come and experience all of its sights and sounds.