Time to 'spare' in Spain, would you go to Morocco?
 

We are on no real time restraints and will be in Europe for 3.5 months. We should be in Spain & Portugal in early September. Do you think its worth catching a ferry to Morocco and if so, for how long? Its probably the closest we will ever be..................and to be completely honest, a look around a market and a couple of meals would be nearly highlight enough.

We'd love to hear your thoughts.

thanks as always.
AD

You can get a ferry to Tangiers from Algeciras, see http://www.directferries.co.uk/tangier_ferry.htm

If you want to spend a few nights in Morocco, then consider Casablanca as a place to stay, it's a nicer place than Tangier, but equally busy.

Tangiers would not be my recommendation for your time in Morocco. I visited Morocco before I visited Spain (two separate trips.) The trip to Fes, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca was fascinating and beautiful; going into Tangiers for a day from Spain just felt rushed and uncomfortable and very touristic. I've never been to Tiajuana, but others have made that comparison as far as its relation to the "real" Morocco.

We were in Marrakech a few weeks ago and loved it. It is so different to Europe but so close. Definitely go.

I wrote a trip report a few days ago - just click on my name if you want to read it.

From one Aussie to another my answer as to whether to visit Morocco would be 'of course'!! If you have the time and it's so close to Spain, why not? It's a fascinating place and I really enjoyed Marrakesh but also try to see some of the smaller towns, even do a brief tour. My experience was on an Insight Tour covering Spain, Portugal (lovely place) and Morocco. Be prepared to be hassled in the cities though.

Thanks one and all. We may not decide 'till we are there, we tend to do things on the spur of the moment, but always good to 'clued' up.

Car or no Car?

Taxis and guided tours are cheap.

I rented a car in Morocco. It enabled me to explore .......... I drove into the snowy Atlas mountains, then across to the Atlantic coast, then back to Marakesh.

The car was cheap and newish. The main roads are good and the only real hazard is donkey carts in towns !

Peter

I would not recommend any of the border towns. The best place to go is Marrakesh and Essouira and it is best to fly there as it's quite far from Tangier and Ceuta where the ferries arrive. Fez is okay to see an old Souk but I wasn't crazy about it.

Skip Tangier. Skip Casablanca. Go to Fez, Rabat, Marrakesh, the Atlas mountains, Agadir, and Essouira. Rent a car and spend at least a week, preferably 10 days to 2 weeks. If you're not comfortable renting a car, you can hire a driver for about $US 40.00 a day (but your own car is best).

Morocco is wonderful! If you're that close, definitely go!

Skip Tsngier, probably my least favorite port of call out of some 40 ports I've visited while on a cruise. Fez, Rabat, etc would be better choices if you have the time.

I would also skip Tangier!I hated it! If you want to go to Morocco, go to Marrakech, Essaouira and Fez.

It was pretty hot in Tanjiers in early Sept FYI.

It was hot in November.