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Cycling is a fantastic way of exploring Morocco as it offers the best of the landscapes, culture and terrain. There are the Atlas Mountains, the sand of the Sahara, and the coastal routes, making biking in Morocco a great experience. However, for the first-time cyclist, it is crucial to plan for the trip to ensure that the trip is smooth and enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Over the
last few decades, Morocco has gradually been developing its infrastructure,
including that of the road network.
Tarmac roads, also referred to as asphalt roads, are spread all over the country
and link up the majority of the cities,
towns and villages.
Here are some key points about tarmac roads in
Morocco:
National Roads: The majority of the roads in Morocco
are tarmac and are classified as Routes
Nationales. These roads link up the bigger cities like Casablanca,
Rabat, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier and
Agadir. The national road network is well preserved and serves as both domestic and international travel
way.
Highways (Autoroutes): There is a growing network of highways in Morocco known as the
Autoroutes. The most famous is the A1, which starts from Tangier in the north and ends at Agadir in
the south; it also touches Rabat,
Casablanca and Marrakech. These highways are toll roads but have good
tarmac surfaces and are meant for high-speed driving.
Regional and Rural Roads: Besides the national roads and highways, rural and regional roads in Morocco
have also been developed. Some of these roads have been improved to tarmac to enhance connectivity and contribute
to the economic development of the rural areas. However, there could be some places with gravel or dirt roads in
very remote areas.
Maintenance and Development: The Kingdom of Morocco, through the Ministry of
Equipment, Transport and Logistics, has spent a lot of money in the maintenance and development of the
roads. This includes fixing the tarmac and constructing new roads to enhance access.
Scenic Routes: The country is famous for its
beautiful roads, for example, the Tizi
n'Tichka pass across the Atlas Mountains and the road to the Sahara. Some of them are tarmac and provide beautiful
views but at the same time they can be quite twisting and you need to drive carefully.
Challenges: Nevertheless, there are some issues, including
the lack of uniformity of road surface
in remote regions and the impact of traffic load and climate on road
construction. In general, the tarmac
road network in Morocco is strong and still growing stronger to facilitate the
growth of tourism, trade and economy.
Morocco is
a country with numerous World Heritage Sites, which illustrates the cultural,
historical and natural values of the
country. The following is a list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco:
Medina of Fez (1981): Fez medina is one of the oldest and best-preserved Islamic cities in the
Arab world. It was founded in the 9th century and is characterized by the winding medieval streets, historic
mosques, madrasas and houses. The Al
Quaraouiyine University is situated in the medina and is the oldest
university in the whole world that has been in continuous existence.
Medina of Marrakech (1985): The historical city of Marrakech has a lively medina, which was built
in the 11th century. It is characterized by its lively souks, historical sites such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the
popular Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which is a
cultural hub and a place for cultural events and performances.
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (1987): The Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a fortified village on the
former caravan route between the Sahara and
Marrakech. It is a fine example of the architecture of the southern
Moroccan regions, with its houses made of
earth with high walls and strong tower corners.
Historic City of Meknes (1996): Meknes was established in the 11th century and was made the capital of
Morocco by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the
17th century. The historic city has its gates, monumental walls, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail as its
notable features.
Archeological
Site of Volubilis (1997): Volubilis is an ancient Roman city near Meknes. The
remains include mosaics, triumphal arches and basilicas, which give an
impression of the Roman Empire’s rule in
North Africa.
Medina of Tetouan (previously Titawin) (1997): The historical old city of Tetouan
is a well-preserved town which was inhabited by Muslim and Jewish people from Andalusia in the late 15th
century. The architecture and the organization
of the city and its streets are of interest because they combine the Moroccan
and the Andalusian styles.
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) (2001):
Essaouira Medina is a good example of a late 18th century fortified town
with both European and Moroccan
architectural features. It is famous for its castles, historic buildings and
cultural events.
The
Portuguese City of Mazagan or El Jadida (2004): The Portuguese City of Mazagan
is a fortified city in El Jadida which
was developed by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. The building has both European and
Moroccan architecture styles and has a famous cistern as well as the ramparts.
This site
includes Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and its historic sites such as
Hassan Tower, Chellah necropolis and
Kasbah of the Udayas. It demonstrates the ongoing tension in the country between the
traditional and the new.
These
UNESCO World Heritage Sites depict the cultural and historical diversity of the country and are
visited by people from all over the world.
If you are still unsure of how to cycle through Morocco on your own, then it might be worth it to join a guided cycling tour. It can also provide a guide, local information, and set up an itinerary.
2. Desert Adventures
3. Coastal Destinations
4. Mountain Escapes
5. Natural Wonders
6. Unique Cultural Experiences
7. Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
8. Modern and Luxury Experiences
Cycling in Morocco is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Take the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, talk to local people and enjoy the unique experiences that are available in between.
As long as you are properly prepared and have the right amount of courage, cycling across Morocco can be one of the most unforgettable experiences in one’s life. Whether it is riding up mountain passes, navigating through ancient cities or pedalling across sandy dunes, Morocco provides a cycling experience like no other. Happy riding! 🚴♂️🌍
Atlas Mountain Bike is a Moroccan leading independent bike tour specialist.
High atlas region Asni 42152 Center Imlil. Marrakech / Morocco
