When we initially learned we would be living in Morocco five years ago, our thoughts turned to thoughts of sand dunes and camel commutes. Embarrassingly, even as I knew it was in Northern Africa, I also needed to look at a map to see exactly where.
And that is one of the best things about Morocco: it’s a gorgeous and diverse little hidden gem with a lot to offer both visitors and expats.
While I could probably make a list of the top 200, here are the 5 best things about living in Morocco.
01. The People
Moroccan people and other foreigners who live in this country are incredibly kind and welcoming. Whether you are a visitor or a foreign resident, if you ask for help from a Moroccan, you will get it…and you’ll also probably get invited to dinner at their home.
While there is a certain curiosity about foreigners, especially in the more rural parts of the country, even if there is a language barrier you will be made to feel right at home.
Moroccan people are incredibly proud of their heritage and I’ve found they are excited to share the deep history of their country. Additionally, they will take time with you–you’ll never feel like you a pain or an inconvenience, which is how you can be left feeling in so many other places.
02. The Weather
The sun shines in Morocco 330 days of the year. Those blue skies over the Atlantic make the costal areas of Morocco perfectly temperate year-round. Inland and south it can get really hot in summer months, and in winter the mountains around Ifrane, Marrakech, and north near Chefchaouen, can see snow, but through most of the year the weather is absolutely perfect for spending time outside.
For an outdoorsy family like ours, being able to bike, walk the dog, hike, or play at the beach year-round is part of the lifestyle here that is priceless!
03. The diversity of travel within the country
Maze-like souks, rock-climbing, pristine beaches, mountain hikes, villages hidden beneath date tree oases, wine-tasting, stargazing from Saharan sand dunes, and some of the most spectacular World Heritage sights are what makes Morocco a place of endless exploration. This country has it all. And do I even need to mention the food? Forget about it!
In a country about the size of California, Morocco has something for every travel pallet. We’ve lived here for five year and have still only scratched the surface of what’s available–our Moroccan friends keep giving us tips of new places to explore. Also, the highways and roads here are kept in great shape, so road trips are easy and safe.
Also, access to traveling from Morocco is also amazing and easy. Morocco has its own airline, with daily flights to most large cities in Europe and to the US. Major global airlines fly in and out of Casablanca, and the budget airline Ryan Air has hubs in several cities in Morocco, including Rabat.
04. The affordability
A block from our house, there is a series of fruit and vegetable shops selling produce grown here in Morocco. The other day, Ted went out before dinner and bought bell peppers, carrots, some cucumbers, six bananas, and some olives (because you always buy olives!) and he paid less than the equivalent of $3 USD. On top of that, the produce traveled maybe 25km to get to us, which beats the global trip some food takes. As a result, the flavor of the produce is out of this world.
Beyond groceries, going out to eat, rent, data for our cell phones, and other monthly expenses are so affordable here. Granted, this is from our privileged, middle-class American point of view…there are many people in Morocco who live in poverty and affording the basics is a struggle. We are very fortunate.
05. The pace of everyday life
In Morocco, most shops don’t open until 9:00am or later. On Fridays (the Holy day for Muslims) many shops and restaurants are closed or close early.
At midday cafes are full of people having leisurely lunches or coffees, and fifteen minutes late is generally seen as ‘on time’ (except when it comes to the train–that will leave you behind if you’re late!).
For this American girl who was surrounded by 24-hour grocery stores, who used to bundle up my babies at 7:30am on winter mornings to get the shopping done, it was strange (at first). But the more we got used to it, the more we love it.
The hustle, the consuming because it’s available, the running from place to place at all hours just isn’t necessary! Again, this is seen from the point of view of some privilege. There are certainly many Moroccans who work from before sunup to long after sundown without breaks.
One last word on the pace: doctor’s appointments here are amazing. I can call my doctor, dermatologist, or dentist and get in that week for an appointment. In the US, I have to call months in advance to schedule something. The pressure to be on top of all things all the time just isn’t there, and that’s a gift.
I could go on and on about more of our favorite things about Morocco: the artisans, the bakeries, the couscous, the pottery, the rich history, how safe we feel here, the lemon tree in our yard, the beach full of tide pools in front of our house, the gentle way the seasons change and with it the landscape. The sunsets! (oh my God, the sunsets!).
But I’ll leave you here for now, to dream of coming to Morocco one day, and finding your own favorite things.