Morocco is a country of contrasts. From the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the white, sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast; there is something that will captivate every purchaser of a property in Morocco.
The architecture of Morocco varies greatly too, there are traditional riads and new build apartments and villas in Morocco.
Marrakech is probably the most well known city spread out on the plain below the Atlas Mountains. The medina is the old part of the city where the traditional Moroccan houses are called riads. The entrance to a riad is through an unprepossessing old wooden door behind which lies an oasis of calm away from the bustling city of Marrakech. A patio, open to the skies and often with a fountain and luxurious climbing plants, forms the central part of the Morocco home. Around the patio are traditional arches through which are found the reception rooms.
On the first floor of this type of property in Morocco are the bedrooms and bathrooms and on the top floor it is customary to find a terrace, sometimes with stunning views of the Koutoubia mosque and the Atlas Mountains. Many of the riads in Marrakech have been converted to ‘chambres d’hôtes’ with their superb interiors which make a great place to stay while viewing property in Marrakech. A visit to the souks and the heritage site of the Jemaa El Fna square to soak up the atmosphere, the smell of the spices, the vibrant colours and the entertainment is not to be missed.
It is in the new town of Guéliz in Morocco, which was built by the French, that the apartments in Marrakech can be found. Many are being sold off-plan and they are built to European designs and standards.
Approximately 500kms to the north of Marrakech is the ancient city of Fes, formerly the capital of Morocco. Fes has UNESCO World Heritage status with traditional riads and dars in the ancient medinas and apartments in the new town. The architectural style in Fes is very opulent and eleborate with mosaic wall and floor tiles known as ‘zelliges’, stuccoed plasterwork, cedar woodwork, stained glass windows and wrought-iron balconies. Property in Fes is cheaper than property in Marrakech but prices are rising fast.
175 kms to the west of Marrakech is the picture-postcard fishing port of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Property in Essaouira is characterised by whitewashed houses with vivid blue shutters. Essaouira with its 10 kilometres of safe, white sandy beaches and the UNESCO protected medina has been a mecca over the years for windsurfers, artists and musicians. Several of the large, old colonial houses have been converted to apartments and new developments of apartments in Essaouira are in the process of being built.
Agadir is a two hour drive south of Essaouira. It is a tourist resort with 10 kms of sandy beaches and golf courses. Property in Agadir is mainly made up of recently built villas and apartments often bought for investment purposes.
Much further north, near the port of Tangier, is the delightful walled city of Asilah. Famous for its summer cultural festival and its superb sandy beaches that stretch for miles there are developments of apartments and villas under construction. These developments are in wonderful locations, on the edge of the Atlantic coast and yet close to Tangier, its international airport and the motorway linking the city to Casablanca. Property in Tangier and the surrounding area is considered to be a good buy due to the enormous investment being made in the region.
The Mediterranean coast of Morocco is also being developed. There are seaside developments near Ceuta and Tetouan with luxury apartments that benefit from sea views, golf courses, marinas and white, sandy beaches. Europe is very accessible either by air or by ferry from Tangier to Tarifa and Algeciras.
Further to the east, near the Algerian border, is the vast development at Saïdia, on the shores of the Mediterranean. There will be golf courses, a marina and various on-site amenities and leisure facilities. The nearest airport is at Oujda.
