What began as a quick and cheap getaway turned into one of my favourite trips. Here are some highlights from my recent travels to Morocco.
The Football
My visit happened to be during the 2022 Fifa World Cup. Although I didn’t have high expectations of the Moroccan team, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well they performed. Morocco topped their group to find themselves in a Round of 16 game that will stay with me forever.
After a thrilling, exhausting two hours of football, Spain and Morocco found themselves 0–0 facing a penalty shootout. The Atlas Lions snatched the game away to upset the experienced Spanish side with Yassine Bounou, the goalkeeper, the hero! The celebrations in Marrakech and all over Morocco were like nothing I’d ever seen. The entire city was gridlocked within minutes as people danced on the roads and waved their flags. The atmosphere was electric and we couldn’t help but get involved!
The victory meant a lot to Morocco and its people, as it was a rare chance for the country to shine on the international stage. It was clear that football is a huge part of Moroccan culture and the people are extremely passionate about their team. The love and pride they have for their country and its football team were truly inspiring and made for an unforgettable experience.
Food
I drank more juice and tea on this trip than any other! Morocco is famous for its fruit and delicious, freshly squeezed juices were available everywhere. Whether at breakfast, lunch, dinner or any point in between, it’s always teatime in Morocco. I had the opportunity to indulge in this delicious beverage at every opportunity, and it quickly became one of my favourite parts of the trip. It’s definitely worth trying if you ever have the chance!
The Couscous and Tagine were fantastic as expected but the standout dish for me was a lesser-known pastry called chicken pastilla, a flaky, sweet and savoury pastry filled with shredded chicken, eggs, nuts and a hint of cinnamon.
Activities and Weather
Despite going in early December, the weather was great. There was plenty of sunshine and most days were around 20 degrees celsius, a far cry from the -8 degrees in London at the time. We were able to go out and do activities like quad-biking and go-karting in t-shirts. Mornings and evenings were chilly but a hoodie/light jacket was more than enough.
The Souks and Koutoubia
The Jemaa el Fnaa area of Marrakech is known for its bustling markets. Exploring these souks was one of the highlights of the trip. The markets are a real treat for the senses, with their vibrant colours, smells, and sounds. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but I had a great time haggling with the shopkeepers and finding some unique souvenirs. Haggling is a way of life in Morocco and it’s expected at markets and souks. If you do get the chance to go, Don’t be afraid to negotiate a lower price, but also be prepared to pay a bit more for high-quality or handmade items.
Masjid Koutoubia is the mosque that sits at the centre of the old city of Marrakech. The mosque was built in the 12th century and is named after the Koutoubia Mosque in Cordoba, Spain, which was itself named after the kutubiyyin, or booksellers, who worked in the area.
The mosque was a testament to the skill and artistry of Moroccan craftsmen, and it was a truly awe-inspiring place to visit. If you’re ever in Marrakech, I highly recommend taking some time to explore this beautiful mosque and learn more about its history.
