Go Bicycle Touring in Morocco
[bra_border_divider top=”20″]
[one_third]
[/one_third] [one_third]
[/one_third] [one_third_last]
[/one_third_last]
[bra_border_divider top=”0″]
Morocco is a country located in far North Africa. The country covers an area of 446, 550 square kilometers, and a population of 33.25 million people. Morocco’s main language is Arabic, and it’s capital city of Rabat dates back to the 12th century. Morocco is a very mountainous region away from it’s several sprawling historical cities, Morocco also has a mountainous region, home to Atlas Mountain. It also claims parts of the Sahara Desert.
From a cycling point of view, Morocco is definitely a challenging place to bike tour! All over the country one can find excellent cycling. Morocco has 16,000 miles of paved roads, some of which aren’t very busy with traffic. Further afield from the Moroccan cities, you enter rugged landscapes – more suited to mountain bikes. These trails lead you alongside gorges and rivers, and up into Morocco’s outer reaches – Atlas Mountain, and various canyon-type formations. There are also roads winding down the west Moroccan coast, from it’s largest city of Casablanca to Safi.
Popular Bike Tour Destinations In Morocco
- Marrakesh is Morocco’s fourth-largest city, it is home to the Jemaa El-Fnaa – this legendary square lies at the city’s heart, and is it’s principal location for activity and trading. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is what many think of when they think of Marrakesh. The city is surrounded by ramparts, high walls and towers, built in the 12th century, there are also many palaces, museums, mosques, tombs and hotels in the city. Making Morocco a must-visit location for bicycle tourists in Morocco.
- Rabat is the Morroccan capital, located in the country’s north-western region, it is home to Morocco’s Royal Palace – the home of the Moroccan Royal Family. Rabat also has a Marina, which has the potential to host up to 240 boats. The city also has a massive theatre – the Mohamed V Theatre, several official galleries, and an archaeological museum. Rabat has a number of cycling paths, favourable to all types of bicycles which lead around the city’s Promenade and various tourist attractions.
- High Atlas is a mountain range located in central Morocco. The mountain range includes the Jbel Toubkal, which lies inside Toubkal National Park. The lower reaches of the mountain offer terrific mountain biking – the same can be said of the National Park, although there are some tough climbs (as one would expect when riding up to a possible 4,000 meter summit.
- The Sahara desert – or a part thereof, is located in Morocco – and provides many a cyclist with challenge. Though definitely one of the more flatter parts of the country, the scorching desert heat and little place for refuge can make it tough, for even the fastest and most experienced cyclist. Though due to the region’s remoteness and sparse population, the locals are more likely to be helpful and hospitable to a cyclist just passing through.
- Casablanca is Morocco’s most populated city, and is a cultural hub, much like Marrakesh. The city has a massive sea port, and is home to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque – which can host up to 25, 000 worshippers. Casablanca is the beginning of several popular cycling routes, leading to places such Marrakesh.
[bra_border_divider top=”20″]
[one_third]
This mountain bike cycle tours, using mainly Jeep tracks and some fantastic single track, starts in the ancient walled city of Marrakech. A meeting place for traders over the centuries, its bustling with water sellers, snake charmers and market stalls packed with bargains. [/one_third] [one_third]
8 day mountain bike trip through the southern part of the Atlas, the Saghro Mountains, and the Oases of the south. A challenging and adventurous mountain bike trip. [/one_third] [one_third_last]
Early and late in the year, Morocco is the perfect destination for a road cycling holiday, with predictably good weather and a growing number of low-cost flight options into Marrakech.
[/one_third_last]
[bra_border_divider top=”20″]
Facts About Morocco
- Kisses are a form of greeting in Morocco. The better you know the person, the more kisses are exchanged.
- In Moroccan culture, traditionally – it is the liver, and not the heart, that is considered the symbol for love.
- In the year 2000, the film “Gladiator” was shot in Morocco.
- The currency of Morocco is called the Dirham.
- Green mint tea, served with sugar is a popular Moroccan beverage.
- Famously, the Moroccan dish of couscous is enjoyed globally, and is eaten every Friday in Morocco.
- Morocco’s major economic resources include, coal, agriculture, and phosphorous.
- Moroccans are known to be some of the friendliest people in the world.
- There are a number of stones located in the country, which serve as proof of the land’s contact with megalithic cultures in Atlantic Europe.
- There are two types of taxis found in Morocco – a ‘petite’ taxi and a ‘grand’ taxi. The larger taxis go from city to city, and by law – are required to carry six people (not including the driver).
[bra_border_divider top=”20″]
