Suggest a first night stopover in Morocco

[Sharkfighter]

I’m visiting Morocco for the first time in February and plan to cross to Tangier Med. I’m not sure what time crossing I’ll be getting as I’m flexible. I’m expecting some delays at the border so I’m looking for a decent campsite that is a short hop from the port. My itinerary is fluid at the moment as my wife and I haven’t planned anything apart from the crossing to and from France.
Any recommendations would be most welcome.

 

[billym]

I’m visiting Morocco for the first time in February and plan to cross to Tangier Med. I’m not sure what time crossing I’ll be getting as I’m flexible. I’m expecting some delays at the border so I’m looking for a decent campsite that is a short hop from the port. My itinerary is fluid at the moment as my wife and I haven’t planned anything apart from the crossing to and from France.
Any recommendations would be most welcome.

The campsites in Asillah. A very easy drive of about 45 mins on motorway

Bear in mind Ramadan will start on or around March 11.

 

[TerryL]

Asilah has been the favourite first stop for many years - it's easy to get to and only a short distance. Take the motorway out of Tanger-Med, filling up at the service station in about 25km for your first cheap fuel, then turn off at Asilah - to the right through the toll booth. At the roundabout at the top of the hill turn right and follow that road through several sets of traffic lights to a roundabout on the sea front. Turn back on yourself and there are two campsites about 50 and 100m on your right - you're likely to get waved at! There used to be a guardian parking site just off the roundabout but they got greedy, not even sure they're still there.
Maroc Telecom is about 250m back up the road - easy to spot with huge mast above it; very helpful guys will sort out a data-sim for you if you want one - specify a data-sim though or you may end up with a standard phone sim. The old walled town is about 15m walk along the promenade, might be worth a stroll round otherwise the "new" town is pretty ordinary. Nice restaurant on the corner opposite the entrance to the old town (will even sell you wine & beer, bit rare in Maroc) otherwise there is a fish restaurant across the road from the campsites.
It's then a good jumping off spot for wherever you want to go in Morocco. Maybe see you there - follow the Morocco 2024 thread to see what others are doing.

 

[Sharkfighter]

Thank you for the replies. TerryL I’ve printed off your advice. I’ve suggested that we spend a a couple of days there before moving on.

 

[TerryL]

Have you downloaded my article "Taking a Motorhome to Morocco" from Resources? Loads of info there, it's a few years old but still relevant - apart from the prices of course!

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[Sharkfighter]

Yes I have and good reading, lots of information. As I’ve said our plans are fluid, given the earthquake Marrakesh, seems to have suffered a bit so I’ll play it by ear as to if we visit there. It may well be that this trip is a taster and 2025 we spend longer there.

 

[TerryL]

From our knowledge of Moroccans I'd guess most of the earthquake damage is by now pretty well sorted, they're a very adaptable people. Maybe some residual damage in the more remote areas but Marrakesh should be okay.

Marrakesh is a definite must-see. However it is also very much a tourist trap and unless you know what's going on we found it a bit intimidating on our first visit - if we hadn't been with more experienced folk we would probably not have enjoyed it at all. I would suggest you visit one of the other, less well-known, cities first such as Taroudant where you will definitely get all the flavour of Morocco but without the hassle. When you do visit I'd suggest you stay at one of the two campsites to the north of the city and ask them to organise a taxi to visit. Plan to be there from, say, early afternoon into the evening to witness the change of the main square into a mass of open-air restaurants at around 5.00 pm. and choose one for an evening meal.

 

[Sharkfighter]

Thanks TerryL