Rabat Regions Guide - excursions

Volubilis
Volubilis, near the Moroccan town of Meknes sited between Rabat and Fez, was a central Roman administrative city in Africa from around the third century BC, built atop a previous Carthaginian city. Volubilis was unique in that it was not abandoned after the Romans lost North Africa to the Arabs and even the Latin language lived on in the area for several centuries. Volubilis remained inhabited until the 18th century, when it was demolished to provide building materials for the palaces of Moulay Ismail in nearby Meknes, which meant that a great deal of the Roman architectural heritage was lost. Today the ruins consist of some well-preserved columns, a basilica, a triumphal arch and about 30 high quality mosaics.

Casablanca
The huge city of Casablanca is a busy fast-growing port with a European character. The population explosion, brought about chiefly by immigration from the countryside, has brought some social problems like crime and prostitution, and resulted in the proliferation of shantytowns. The gap between the haves and the have-nots in Casablanca may be wide, but the city centre is impressive and modern, with wide avenues and well-kept skyscrapers. The people too are modern and there is little sign of traditional dress and modestly scarved women. The old city area is small, but like the medina of all Moroccan cities it serves as a bazaar venue. The canny shopkeepers, however, ensure that there are few bargains to be had here. The main attraction is the elaborately decorated Hassan II Mosque, the third largest religious monument in the world, perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Although beautifully and traditionally adorned the mosque also has high-tech features like a sliding roof and under-floor heating.

Temara
The seaside town of Temara, about eight miles (13km) from Rabat, is a favourite weekend picnic spot and campsite for city dwellers. The beach has several stretches of sand, some good hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Temara also sports a zoo and several other leisure facilities.