Agadir

Agadir city of 600,000 inhabitants, is known to be the closest resort of Europe. The exceptional site of the city includes a beautiful bay, the sunniest of the world. Its 20 km of beach rejoice all year thousands of vacationers, even in winter. European city par excellence, Agadir has the largest retail park in Morocco.

Located between the peaks of the High Atlas, Souss is an extremely fertile area, called "orchard of Morocco". With fruit and vegetable crops out of sight, the Souss main outlet is to the international port of Agadir. No wonder the city has long been nicknamed "the port of Souss" and is now the largest port Morocco after Casablanca.

Destroyed almost entirely by an earthquake in February 1960, Agadir was rebuilt to a modern urbanization plan. You understand, do not go to Agadir to discover traditional Moroccan city, but to enjoy the beach and trips in the region, particularly in the Souss Massa National Park.

Probably founded by Berbers, Agadir immediately attracts sailors along its shores. Bay sheltered from the wind, fertile land and fresh water source (the "founty"), Agadir has it all. In 1505, the Portuguese established a trading post there and build a port.

In 1541, the Saadian Sultan Mohammed Sheikh, interested in the strategic position of Agadir to control the "gold route", captured the city. In the seventeenth century, Agadir is controlled by the Berbers. The port commerce is growing strongly, the prosperous city

In 1760, Sultan Sidi Mohammed Alawi bin Abdullah is jealous of that port trade with Europe. He built the port of Essaouira a hundred kilometers north to divert European trade. This is a blow to Agadir and the city gradually depopulated. In the early twentieth century, Agadir population of less than 1,000 inhabitants.

The first half of the twentieth century saw the return of Agadir on the economic scene. Agriculture and fisheries allow the city to develop a large port. Canneries are built and Agadir became the first sardine port in the world. This commercial activity has never ceased, Agadir is still the country's first fishing port.

Unfortunately, 29 February 1960 at 11:47 p.m., the city is ravaged by a terrible earthquake that will 15,000 deaths. Almost all the houses are destroyed in seconds. The whole country is very emotional and reconstruction of Agadir is a national challenge. Two years later, the city rose from the ashes ... in compliance with earthquake standards.

Today, Agadir is an important economic center thanks to its port. 2nd tourist city in Morocco after Marrakech, the city is known for its beautiful seaside resort.

What is the best time to travel to Agadir? What will he do now? All weather and climate information.

The airport of Agadir Al Massira (22 km south-east of the city) is served by a daily flight of Royal Air Morocco, from Paris.
Note that there is a flight between Lyon and Agadir proposed by the company "low cost" Atlas Blues.
Finally, Casablanca Airport, the largest in the country, provides 4 daily flights to Agadir.

Warning: There is no shuttle between the airport and the city of Agadir. Taxi is the only alternative. Fortunately prices are set and displayed at the exit of the airport. To get to downtown, count about 100 Dirhams or 10 euros.

One can also come to Morocco by car. Once through the Strait of Gibraltar, it will take you a day's drive to reach Agadir (Tangier - Agadir 900 km).
From Tangier to Casablanca, most of the journey is on the motorway (4-5 hours). Within 3 hours to cover the 225 km between Casablanca Marrakech. Finally, to reach Agadir from Marrakech, separated by 260 km, 3 hours drive are still needed, with easily crossing the western part of the High Atlas.

However, we can only advise you to do the steps on this route Tanger - Agadir. It would be a shame not to stop and admire the beauty of some cities!

The train is the best way to travel between major cities for a close price of the trip by bus. Indeed, the Moroccan railway network, managed by ONCF, is one of the best in Africa. Each train has two classes. Lower class tickets are not sold to tourists. Seats can not be reserved, simply buy your ticket at the station. Keep your tickets as they are monitored during the journey and recovered at the arrival station. Children aged under 4 travel free.

If you have decided to come by train from France, descend to you Algeciras in the extreme south of Spain. Once through the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, you get to Tangier. Welcome to Morocco! Meet at Tanger station (at the entrance of the town, on the road to Tetuan). We recommend you to take the night sleeper train from Tangier to 23h and comes to Agadir at 13:30 the next day. Attention: travelers asleep sometimes wake up without their luggage ... Vigilance!

Coach travel can be considered as the extreme solution in Morocco. Avoid it for long trips because the limited space to stretch your legs and the heat that prevails in the summer make it uncomfortable trip. However, this solution is the cheapest, it will have the merit to see the country and will get to know the Moroccans.

We recommend the CTM (Moroccan Transport Company) and SATAS (private company) that offer faster service at set times. Do not be fooled by the many touts near bus stations which you boast the merits of this or that private companies. You could wait several hours for the bus to fill besides safety standards are rarely enforced it: uncomfortable seats, brakes in poor condition, absent suspension unconscious driver and hurry to get as quickly as possible .


 

alexandria (Egypt)

From its legendary founding there are more than 2,300 years by Alexander the Great who gave it its name, the city of Alexandria has always fascinated visitors. Today is the second largest city of Egypt by the number of inhabitants, but certainly the most cosmopolitan of the country. If its legendary lighthouse and ancient library are only memories, Alexandria has many attractions that still attract many tourists, especially its old town, its museums, its column of Diocletian or his burial.

It would be tedious to list all the possible visits to Alexandria as they are many and varied. There obviously has the must, among which obviously include the old town designed by Dinocrates and its monuments, including the ancient gymnasium, the tomb of Alexander and Neapolis: a palace covering a quarter of the area of the ancient city including a museum, a library and a theater. Column of Diocletian, also called Pompey's Pillar, because we have long believed that it marked the site of the tomb of Caesar's rival murdered in Egypt.

Alexandria catacombs are also famous, especially those of Kom Ash-Shuqafa the country's largest archaeological site.

On the island of Pharos, which was prepared for more than 1000 years the Lighthouse of Alexandria, ancient wonder destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century, the fort now stands Qait Bay wanted the 15th century by Sultan al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay. It houses the Naval Museum brings together the remains of naval battles of antiquity and the Napoleonic era. Another museum to visit the National Museum of Alexandria in the center of the city and its collections of different periods of history. We may also mention the Greco-Roman Museum opened in 1892 and the Museum of royal jewels jewels housing collections of the royal family, including stunning pieces like the crown to 1506 Diamond Queen Farida.

The library of Alexandria, inheriting the spirit of the one built by Ptolemy and burned in even mysterious circumstances, the submarine museum, Montazah Gardens or the ancient port are other visits to be made through this city.

Tourist city, but also economic center foreground, Alexandria has a good visitor reception infrastructure, including a number of luxury hotels in major international hotel chains.

The history of Alexandria is rooted in a dream of Alexander who initiated the construction of the city in what was then a wilderness. Its ideal location and its cultural influence make it a prominent city in ancient Mediterranean. The dynasty of the Ptolemies of Egypt who inherits the fragmentation of the empire helps to develop the city through effective management and the construction of many monuments. Unfortunately little remains of this golden age, and it was hard to imagine the plane orthogonal origins. With the Roman occupation and annexation to the empire, Egypt lost its independence until the 19th century! Arab rule Islamize the city from the 7th century. The history of Alexandria in the Middle Ages is unclear. It will be temporarily occupied by the Frankish troops during the Fifth Crusade and looted during the crusade of Alexandria. The city is experiencing a new period of prosperity with the British occupation in the 19th century. The composition of the population is the heir of this turbulent history, with the presence of several significant minorities: Christians of Syria, Armenia and Lebanon, Jewish, Coptic Christians, Greeks, French and Italians.

The climate of northern Egypt is arid. Temperatures are mild and conducive to tourism most of the year with averages above 13 ° in winter and about 25 ° in summer.

As in neighboring countries, tourists must ensure to safe their identity and travel documents and travel with photocopies because of the risk (moderate) theft in public places.

Alexandria is a city in Egypt, between the island of Pharos and Lake Mareotis. It is considered one of the greatest cultural centers, in fact it is home to the famous Library. It is a city rich in history, it abounds including many historical monuments. The Museum of jewelry located in the former palace of King Farouk, the National Museum of the facade exposes ancient objects of various periods. The Greco-Roman Museum was built in a small building on the road Horreya the Montazah Gardens consist of a beach north and surrounded by walls to the south, west and east.
Alexandria, a destination for history buffs

The cities of Egypt remain a tourist attraction. The city of Alexandria is no exception. With its interesting history, tourists can enrich their culture by opting for a visit in the city. The second city was known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. It is located between Lake Mareotis and the island of Pharos in the west of the Nile Delta. The remains are numerous and the ancient city reserves many facets of civilization of the country. The monuments such as the library and the Lighthouse are testimonies of its historical past. It was Alexander the Great who built the city in 331 BC and he himself carried his name. Many of the most gifted architects have succeeded in establishing the buildings of the city. The city has not been opened by its founder who died before completion. Ptolemy then took over the works and adds the Sphinx and the magnificent obelisks. Tourist attractions are mainly oriented towards the archaeological and antiquity. However, due to the immense size of the area, you can not visit in a short stay. Among the unmissable sights, mention the national museum located within the city where many objects are presented. These date from the time of ancient Egypt in the time of the pharaohs. Works created during the Christian or Muslim period are also available. You can also cultural heritages like the Catacombs of Kom el Chougafa, they are impressive by their natural effect carved into the mountain rock. To travel to Alexandria, one can take a flight from paris for a flight from August to October h with stopovers. The journey and quite expensive since can reach € 2,500 depending on the airline and departure cities. Hotels and restaurants in Alexandria are among the most modern. The services follow the standards and comfort is quite pleasant. It is not uncommon that we are obliged to dress in stylish outfits for attending luxury restaurants.

The legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, it remains nothing but the story remains and visitors stand still at the location of this building. It is the same for the library. Rich in historical, Alexandria visit especially for its culture. In this context, visit the catacombs of Korn el-Chouqafa, museum jewelry the royal family or the Roman theater. Let yourself be seduced by then a beachfront walk on the ledge or just enjoy the sweetness of Aboukir Bay. Alexandria is a beautiful destination, but be aware that voting residence may on occasion be disturbed by situations related to Islamic fundamentalism. Some tourist areas are affected insofar reach must be under police surveillance. This is for your safety. But it is still only exceptional cases, not a generality. Speaking of safety, it is always good to have self identity card or passport. Besides, you'll need a passport valid for 6 months from the date of return for access. During your stay, you will see that in places Alexandria Greek gaits, the side of the Roman theater for example. Alexandria is an undeniably tourist town and hotel infrastructure is well in keeping.

Oran

Oran is located along the south shore of the Mediterranean basin, northwest of Algeria. The city offers an ideal base to enjoy the entire region with beautiful scenery: mountains, chalky hills, cliffs, deep canyons and riverbeds.

Oran is a city and culture has grown considerably. It is mainly the capital of Rai music combines tradition and modernism that represents worldwide. Indeed, Oran is known as the city where the music took root Rai. Almost all the great singers (Khaled, Cheb Mami) are of Oran.

The walk in the center of Oran offers many attractions, starting with the discovery of a remarkable heritage. The souks allow for some colorful shopping. The walk on the waterfront is essential: it was built on the model of the English tour of Nice!

Oran is the largest city in western Algeria, is a busy port and bustling city, there are many things to see and do in the city center; visit the Zabana museum includes archaeological discoveries across the Maghreb. And the front of Oran sea built during the French occupation is inspired by the promenade of Nice. This is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a mint tea.

Beach side, you will find many sandy beaches in the area, such as Cap Blanc and Cap Falcon.

Oran is sometimes called "the capital of Rai" for fans of the genre, the city hosts a festival of Rai music every year in August.

Note Oran is the birthplace of Albert Camus; it provides the framework for one of his classic, The Plague.

Regarding hosting the city is quite well endowed with luxury hotels and above, however you will not have trouble finding your house if your travel budget is more modest.

Some upscale hotels offer all the comforts you could wish for in orders rather high prices. The addresses are not cheap which is missing, but attention to the fall in benefits! Ask to see the room before you decide. There are also vacation villa, beachfront and around the city especially.

Hammamet

Although it has become a popular and widely popular resort, Hammammet has always kept its authentic side. Charm: a perfectly entretennue Medina, with white walls on which slices of colored doors, walk on the ramparts, small restaurants and the beach, parsemmée of fishing boats ...

Located southwest of Cap Bon in Tunisia, Hammamet is considered one of the top resorts in the country. Swept by the breeze, she does not know the heat wave, even in summer.

The reputation of the city was built where Romanian billionaire built a sumptuous and then his friends in turn decided to imitate. Thereafter, the arrival of thousands of tourists did not alter the charm of Hammamet. Its medina, surrounded by walls still intact, houses souks fabrics and fragrances. Narrow streets that wind through the beautiful Arab style houses are an invitation to a slow vagrancy.

Hammamet is the oldest tourist resort in Tunisia. The city is located at the northern end of the bay of Hammamet, which extends for about 20 km. In addition, the city lies on a small peninsula south is a huge sandy beach. The medina is bounded by the walls of the old fortress, it concentrates a large number of restaurants and hotels as well as many shops mainly for tourists.

About 10 km south of the city has emerged in recent years, the new tourist center of Hammamet-Yasmine, which is very commercial, it has a marina, an amusement park and a medina artificial .

First of all we come to Hammamet for its beaches, which offer a wide range of water sports, diving, water skiing, windsurfing, etc ... Besides the beaches, the main attraction is its medina of Hammamet, with narrow streets, mosques, shops of artisans (pottery) and steam rooms. To learn more about the history of the city, do not miss to visit the Folklore Museum in the medina.

The main specificity of Hammamet is its ability attracted artists and world leaders. Many writers and artists have stayed in Hammamet for stays longer or shorter, as Paul Klee in the early twentieth century. This is dazzled by the light and colors of Hammamet, which was still a small fishing village. Follow Gustave Flaubert, Guy de Maupassant, André Gide and Oscar Wilde, also a Romanian millionaire Georges Sebastian, who built a villa there and invites his many friends. The list of celebrity guests then Hammamet is long, such as Jean Cocteau, Winston Churchill, Eisenhower, Sophia Loren ...

In the kitchen, tourists largely be content appetite. Couscous is indeed the national dish which is cooked in many ways. One made with beef, accompanied by almond is most appreciated. Couscous made with fish (local specialty), couscous with snails, couscous with mutton, beef or chicken are equally tasty.

Seafood and fish are in the spotlight, but do not forget to try other Tunisian specialties such as brick with egg, pastilla or mechouia.

A Hammamet you can find restaurants serving typical Tunisian cuisine but also international restaurants (French, Italian and Spanish) for tourists.

Hammamet is one of the most popular tourist resorts of Tunisia: a few seconds to find a dozen cheap holidays to Hammamet sites tour!

These formulas can certainly be interesting in terms of price, including flights, transfers and accommodation. But be careful to study the details of the residence in question, especially if you are allergic to environments' mass tourism '', part of Hammamet was made specialty.

Thus, it is often found in Yasmine Hammamet, a modern seaside resort straight out of a tourist fantasy: a replica of Medina, marina, bars clubs discos, noisy atmosphere and even amusement park around Hannibal and Carthage!

However, we must admit that no shortage of activities: outings, golf, water sports, swimming pool, beach and sun room ... these formulas allow you to enjoy many leisure. At the risk of a stay autarkic tourism ...

The typical hotel clubs all inclusive formulas are thus present all along the coast to Hammamet. Here, some charming accommodation available in the heart of the medina, including vacation home or villa in or around the historic center. A great alternative to big hotels; but be careful to take care to book in advance!

The best time to stay in Hammamet is between May and October, although it is a time for the peak tourist season. It is therefore strongly advised to book your accommodation well in advance.

Hammamet climate is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August can reach 35 ° C and above, not really ideal for sightseeing but perfect for the beach. The smell of orange blossoms in the air in the spring, from April to May is the best season.
Copyright © 2014 Maghreb Travel