Souk El Agadir, Morocco

The Souk el Ahad market is a great place for the Agadir tourist to visit. The souk is the third biggest market in North Africa, after Fez and Cairo medinas and stocks a vast range of essential items for local people and has large amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables on sale, along with large mounds of fragrant herbs and spices, along with the standard tourist fare of babouches, leatherware etc that tourists may consider to buy.

The Souk is surprisingly clean and although you do get the usual encouragement to come into shops it's not too intense, unlike, for example, the Khan al Khalili souk in Cairo.

Many of the stalls have lovely ranges of Moroccan lamps, silverware and wooden hard-carved items which you can buy and there are a lot of genuine artisan goods like beautiful ceramics and traditionally-produced goods.

Souk Al Ahad is an essential place to visit, as it gives the visitor a real flavour of the country, and allows one to interact with the local people.

Upon arrival a guide may attach himself to you, which can be useful, but on the other hand, he may have arrangements in place with certain sellers which may mean that you may end up paying more for an item than if you would have gone on your own. This "guide" commission system is universal in souks, with a mark up of anything up to around 300%. If you have a degree of confidence, you don't need a guide at all. By going alone, it will give you the opportunity to hone your bargaining skills and get the satisfaction that YOU did it - you bought the item at a reasonable price!

Whenever going to the souk, flag down a petit taxi, say "Salam al Akoum" and the driver should then put the meter on. If he does not, point to it, if he refuses, you can get out and try another taxi. Tell the taxi driver "Bab Hamsa" which means Gate 5 in Arabic. The entrance at Gate 5 will bring you into the souk at the bottom end, where all of the spice and vegetable sellers are. You can then weave your way up to the top of the souk, alley by alley, until you arrive at the top end, which will be Gates 8, 9 or 10.

All in all would strongly recommend Souk El Had as a great place to visit for a couple of hours, well worth visiting.




Visited in early Jan 2013. The above comments are accurate. Now this is a great place for photo opportunities but be discreet othewise you will be charged for every photo you take. The presentation of some stalls is beautiful and rival any shop front in Oxford Street London. Particularly enjoy the herb and spice stalls. Their presentation is a work of art..

 Now something is missing from the Souk. There is a downmarket cafe but it would deter tourists. Tourists  like to sit and people watch. so a more appealing cafe so the tourist can sip afternoon tea and eating lovely moroccan pastries o would be good.  Tourist need to be protected migrant street vendors (not the stall holders). In a separate cafe the tourist could relax and watch the world go buy. Would the municipality please note that most european tours gives an hour in the market and most tourists need only 30 minutes to walk around it. Therefore tourists would spend 30 minutes inside a cafe with a glass front watching locals going about their daily life. The cafe location must be inside a busy part of the soulk with good views.

 God Bless The Souk manager and may he think about this proposal.  By the way most european tours start at gate 9 for obvious reasons asthe hunt is for souvenirs notbegetables.

Description of Moroccan Caftan

The Moroccan Caftan has been at the spotlight at the «Morocco in Abu Dhabi», an event currently held in Abu Dhabi.

Moroccan designers were invited to the event, expected to wrap up on April 30, to showcase their creations, focusing on the Moroccan Caftan. Models dressed in Caftans walked the runaway, highlighting the latest trends.

«The Caftan has been passed down through many generations. This year, we decided to focus on the traditional Moroccan arts of sewing and embroidery», designer Sofia Ben Ibrahim told Gulf Today.

Ben Brahim is among the Moroccan designers who were invited to the event. «The collection features innovative and trend-setting designs with both warm and cool colors and we also have some unique designs of new short-sleeved wedding dresses, in addition to other long-sleeved collection», Ben Brahim added.

Moroccan Almond Cookie and Sweets Recipes

Almonds are used extensively in cooking and baking. Here's a round-up of Moroccan cookie recipes and sweets on the site which use almonds or almond paste. Some recipes call for skinning and/or frying the almonds; be sure to familiarize yourself with the process.








Moroccan Stuffed Dates
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
The almond paste filling in these stuffed dates is flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon. If you like, add some food color for a festive presentation.


Kaab el Ghazal
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
One of Morocco's most famous sweets, Kaab el Ghazal literally translates to "gazelle's ankles," but in English, they're more commonly called Gazelle's Horns. Either way, the names make clear reference to the cookie's characteristic crescent shape. The thin pastry dough conceals a tender almond paste filling flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon.


Moroccan Snake Pastry
She Paused 4 Thought/Flickr - CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Named for its snake-like coil shape, this baked Moroccan almond snake pastry is stuffed with homemade almond paste. A lovely presentation for special occasions.


Chewy Moroccan Macaroons
SensorSpot/E+/Getty Images
Chewy Moroccan almond macaroons (Nancy-macaron-style) cookies with rustic good flavor. Quite easy to prepare using storebought or homemade almond meal.


Almond Baklawa (Baklava)
No pistachios here–Moroccan almond baklava (or baklawa) makes good use of almonds. A sticky, sweet, nutty delight.



Makrout with Almond and Honey
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
These delicious, makrout with almonds and honey are easier to make than you might think. Semolina dough is wrapped around logs of almond paste, cut into pieces and then fried. A dip in honey flavored with orange flower water adds sheen and sticky sweetness.


Moroccan Almond Briouats
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
These almond paste-filled almond briouats pastries are well-loved throughout Morocco. Although they might be offered for a casual tea time, they're most likely to be served when honoring guests, celebrating a special occasion, or when setting up a spread of food to break the fast in Ramadan.


Chebakia with Almonds
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
The dough for these chebakia with almonds are made with ground sesame and almonds, then shaped, fried and dipped in hot honey flavored with orange flower water.


Moroccan Sellou or Sfouf
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Almonds are key to this traditional Moroccan sweet, as are browned flour, sesame seeds, anise, and cinnamon. Sellou is a popular offering during Ramadan, weddings, births, and other special occasions.


Ktefa or Milk Bastilla
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Paper thin rounds of fried or baked warqa is layered with pastry cream and chopped fried almonds. Fresh fruit may be added. Ktefa is a very traditional and elegant dessert to offer after a Moroccan meal.

Traditional Moroccan Clothing

Morocco is the gem of the North Africa having coastlines on both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco has tremendous culture due to the inhabitation of the multi-ethnic population. While traveling to Morocco, the colors of indigenous Berber community and Jewish and Muslim populace can easily be observed. 

The country is a reasonably huge country and its every part has its own cultural recognition.All you need to know about Moroccan traditional clothing for men and women, like the authentic Kaftan - Maghrebi kaftan -, takshita and the djellaba.

Men usually only wear a djellaba on special occasions, sometimes topped with the famous Moroccan red cap, called a fez or tarbouche, and yellow leather slippers, known as baboush or belgha. The woman’s djellaba is more colorful compared to the man’s, and nowadays djellabas are becoming shorter and slimmer. There are verses of the Koran that mention the djellaba as a garment to be worn by Muslim women. A djellaba is mostly worn outside the house and there are djellabas for every day as well as for special occasions.



The kaftan refers to the Moroccan garment that looks like the djellaba but without a hood. The origins of the kaftan go back to the Ottoman Empire, as it was one of the finest Ottoman clothing worn by the elite. Like other garments, it has gone through changes over the years.

A Berber woman in her traditional dress

The Moroccan society is not conservative because Morocco is a peaceful and tourist friendly country. Morocco has no particular rules and regulation about the clothing but the Moroccans have kept alive the custom to wear the traditional dress of Morocco.

A random capture of the Moroccons in their traditional dresses

Moroccans are overall a stylish and smart nation and they prefer to dress up with fashionable and impressive clothing. Both men and women wear a same traditional attire which is called djellaba; a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves.

A Moroccon girl wearing traditional dress

The women of Morocco also wear Caftan or Kaftan which is without a hood unlike the djellaba. This dress is particularly decorated with the typical woman embroidery upon the dress openings and arms. Kaftan is usually worn on the festive occasions and wedding ceremonies by the Moroccan women.

The Moroccon bride in her traditional wedding dress 

Another traditional cloak made with a delicate fabric and mostly in white color is known as “Haik” which is used by the Moroccan village women. In addition to that Gandora is also used by the Moroccan women which have heavy and fancy stitching and adornments.

For all of the Moroccan women the bright colored silks and other dainty fabrics are favorites. The craftsmen and tailors apply their special skills to make the women dresses attractive and graceful. The women of high class also use a traditional belt which has golden embroidery and exquisite decorations along the edges.

A Moroccon man wearing the traditional outfit and Fez 

Tangier | Insider's Guide to Tangier (Tangiers), Morocco

Tangier is a true port town with all of the international, cross-cultural influence and great seafood that implies. Sip on a fresh-squeezed orange juice on a balcony in the old kasbah, take in the breathtaking view over the Strait of Gibraltar and Southern Spain, feast on a tajine pescado (fish stew with roasted tomatoes, a specialty of the region), and take a seat at one of the many cafés and bars to channel the vibes of the Beat Writers who made this city something of a pilgrimage in the 50s and 60s.

In the last few years, the King has taken a great interest in promoting Tangier as a high-end tourist destination. There is a new luxury port abutting the ancient medina of Tangier where yachts belonging to the rich and wealthy port as part of their tour of the Mediterranean Sea. Much of the medina has been recently restored. Many of the main streets and boulevards have new palm trees as part of a city-wide beautification project.
Tangier Travel Guide: What to Do
Chillax in the Zoco Chico – There are two cafés at this main square of the Tangier medina, Café Tingis and Café Central. Both have ample outdoor seating and friendly service. Order a tea or a coffee and do what people have been doing for generations: people watch.

Get lost in the medina – If you ever truly get lost, keep in mind that “uphill” is the direction to follow for most of the main exits (or “babs”) of the medina. If you ask anyone for the direction of “Zoco Chico” or “Bab el-Fahs,” they will generally point you in the right direction and you can easily find your way from there. Getting around is made easier if you have a guide prearranged with us (forgive this little plug), which is common on the various trips we do in Morocco.

Rock the Kasbah – Most visitors will approach the kasbah through Bab Haha and enter on Place du Mechouar (often referred to as Place de la Kasbah). Here there are many touts who will offer to give you a guided tour. This is unnecessary. The kasbah is small and, to the left of Bab Haha, there is a small map highlighting the walk one can do around the kasbah and numerous signs pointing the way.

Hang with the Brothers of Detroit – Just outside the Kasbah Museum is a little café by the name of “Fils de Detroit.” This is the hangout of a few older Arab-Andalusian musicians. Sip on a mint tea and enjoy the unbeatable atmosphere when they men strum their lutes and jam on their drums.

Take a Paseo – After their siestas, it’s typical for the people of Tangier to take a paseo (a stroll) along the long promenade formed by Avenue Pasteur and Boulevard Mohamed V. They meet with friends, do a little shopping and enjoy as the heat of the afternoon gives way to the cool of the evening. This walk will take you down Avenue Pasteur at Place de France to Place Brahim Aroudani, where you can turn left and continue your paseo on the beach and take in the Bay of Tangier.

The American Legation Museum in Tangier, Morocco

Tangier Travel Guide: What to See:
The American Legation Museum – Close to the aptly named “Bab Merican,” this is the only national monument outside of the United States. The museum in closed on the weekends, but open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. There is a large library specializing in North Africa, many paintings from Americans, Europeans and Moroccans, and several small models recreating some historic battles. The real treat is the “Paul Bowles” wing, named for the American author who called Tangier home for 50 years and died here in 1999.

Museum of Moroccan Art and Antiquities – This museum, located just off Place du Mechouar and often just called the “Kasbah Museum,” houses various relics from the Stone Age through the turn of the 20th century, displaying the rich history of Tangier. Here, you can see evidence of the many peoples who have inhabited or ruled this region. Not to be missed is a beautiful mosaic taken from the Roman city of Volubilis and a nice stroll through the Sultan’s Gardens. Entrance is 10 dirhams. Open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
Even with all of this renovation and restoration, there are still many historical and cultural monuments preserved in and around Tangier for you to discover… not to mention a lot of beach!

Morocco is any traveler's dream

Morocco is any traveler's dream destination with its long beaches, fortified fishing ports, lush oases, abundant flora and fauna and the High Atlas Mountains. Also, Morocco's coasts and countryside offer plenty to lure and interest avid travelers. Moreover the cities of Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh with their marvelous early Islamic architecture, rich cuisines, grand culture and traditional fiestas, also add to the overall beauty. And invite travelers from all over the world to take a plunge in Morocco's grandeur with Morocco tours. Read our article to find out more about Morocco tours, the best time to visit and its hidden art and culture delights waiting to be explored.

When it comes to a delightful tourist destination, Morocco is one of the hot favorites amongst travelers from various parts of the world. Just a few hours away from Europe's major cities by flight, it is regularly frequented by travel loving Europeans and adventure lovers. Receiving nine million foreign visitors every year, it is second only to Egypt as a popular North African holiday destination. Also, the vivid Morocco Tours available here, offer a new and colorful way to explore the country. Morocco is well-served by both budget and luxury airlines, with the main entry points to the country being Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fès and Tangier. Tangier is also an important ferry point for visitors from Spain, which also makes this country accessible through the sea route to travelers.

Morocco is good for visiting throughout the year, however, avoiding the hot summer months of July and August is a good idea in order to escape the excessive heat. August is clearly the hottest time of the year with the city of Marrakesh being particularly scorching which makes it very exhausting to travel and visit places of interest during the day. However, if the season of summer is the only time available for travelling, then one can head for the cooling sea breezes in the cities of Essaouira and Asilah as their proximity to the sea keeps their climate more or less ideal throughout the year. In Asilah there is a three-week long art festival in July, overlapping with Marrakesh's Festival of Popular Arts, another not to be missed extravaganza while taking Morocco tours.

The best time to visit this country and take Morocco tours would be during the season of autumn, when Morocco once again becomes a major travelling destination. During this time, accommodation prices rise, making it slightly difficult for the budget traveler to find his or her way around. However, everyone is in high spirits after Ramadan here which makes up for the high prices with joyful festivities and celebrations. The beaches are perfect at this time and the water feels just wonderful and the desert also benefits from gentle breezes, usual to the autumn season. Also, this is the right time to explore the winding streets of Fès Medina and discover its hidden treasures. The city also celebrates its founder in a huge moussem or religious festival in September at this time and the Imilchil's Berber Marriage festival is a sight to witness.

The souks of the Marrakech medina, Morocco

Souks are the traditional marketplaces and are often divided into sections for the various trades. You'll see herbalists, spice sellers, metal workers, tanners, and food markets congregated on trade-specific streets. Souks are a maze of alleys and narrow streets, and it's easy to get lost.

Written by Savi,  87 Comments
Did the thought provoking sunset in Egypt get too pensive for your liking? Well then, you have come to the right place.

Welcome to the souks of Marrakech. Here the air is rife with cries of gypsies, snake-charmers, wandering minstrels, magicians, and folk-singers. There are tanneries on pavements, street artists in every corner, and vegetable vendors popping out of alleys. If you’re not paying attention, you could end up with a monkey on your shoulder or snake wrapped around your arm.

Oh, what do we tell you about Marrakech’s souks – Overwhelming? Yes! But they are the perfect amalgam of colour, energy, and vibrance. There is nothing that isn’t sold here- perfumes, spices, bags, clothes, baskets, shawls, carpets, shoes, even safety pins.

However if the thought of plunging headlong into this world of colour and chaos intimidates you, fear not. Bruised Passports’ genies are at hand 🙂 Our ultimate guide to Moroccan souks is here to ensure you have fun exploring the labyrinthine souks of Marrakech. It takes just 5 easy steps:

 Moroccan vendors can be annoyingly persuasive. You will be pestered by shopkeepers on entering the souk, but it is nothing a firm no can’t tackle. Devise the perfect no – we suggest a baritone treading the fine line between firm and polite.

If you’re anything like Savi, then find someone else to say your Nos – giggles and smiles just won’t do, unless you want to end up squashed between a duo sporting the world’s most elaborate headgear.

You know that old English dictum ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’? We’re pretty sure someone must’ve conjured it within the confines of a Moroccan souk, because it sure is a challenge to ‘Keep Calm’ here.
The hard part is over- the chaos has sunk in and you are feeling confident strutting through Marrakech’s bamboo-covered souks. It’s time to have some fun- savour the smell of spices drifting up your nostrils, follow colour, go where your eye takes you, turn into little alleys, and duck into the tiniest of shops.

Make sure you take your camera. If you’re a photographer, this is the place for you. Walk from the olive souk, jam-packed with different kinds of olives, to the potters’ souk, crammed full of brightly-coloured pots, pans, and tagines. There is a surprise at every corner – brightly-coloured glassware, sheesha pipes, fragrant spices, embellished kaftans, handcrafted bags – you name it, they have it.

It is easy to spend hours ambling in Marrakech’s serpentine souks- you are bound to get lost, but that is the fun of it. Irrespective of how far you go, it is always easy to make your way back to the Djemaa-El-Fnaa – just ask locals for help or start walking towards the dome of the The Koutoubia Mosque.
When you get to the Djemaa- El-Fnaa (The Central Square), don’t walk right into the souks. Instead, spend the morning familiarising yourself with the unique rhythm of life here – we suggest having Moroccan mint-tea at a street-side cafe facing the Djema El Fnaa as you watch people go about their lives. From your vantage point you will see henna artists, palm readers, and ventriloquists. Try spotting ‘witch’ dentists pulling out molars in the middle of the square.

Surely at this point you are thinking you’ve seen EVERYTHING – nothing can faze you, you are unflappable. This is a good time to enter the hallowed confines of Marrakech’s souks. Take a deep breath and go…
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