Morocco holidays

Dive straight into the action in the ancient medina of Marrakech, where historical landmarks, lively markets and exotic gardens steal the show.

Sugary mint tea is the flavour of the day in Agadir. Stir in some sun, sea and sand, and you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic holiday.

For all its Hollywood fame, Casablanca remains underrated. Get lost among winding alleyways, visit epic surf beaches and end your day with a steaming bowl of Moroccan stew.

At the centre of many Moroccan cities is the medina, the ancient neighbourhood from which everything feeds. These fascinating networks of alleyways offer a peek into the past and are filled with ‘riads’ (traditional homes with inside gardens), sprawling ‘souks’ (markets), tea shops and mosques. Several medinas are UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ones in Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Morocco, pay a visit to one of the country’s many kasbahs — ancient earthen fortresses. These wonders of Arabian architecture have been transformed into museums, luxury hotels and restaurants. Kasbah Toubkal is now a stunning eco lodge in the High Atlas Mountains, while the kasbah in Tangier offers sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Spanish coast.

Morocco has a rich culture of artisan craftsmanship, and wandering the souks to find the perfect souvenir is an exciting treasure hunt. Items to look out for are colourful, hand-woven rugs (often with distinct diamond patterns), metal and glass lanterns, and leather goods like slippers, bags and pouffes. Bargaining is common in the souks, so feel free to haggle within reason.

As beautiful as the country’s desert, the beaches here let you explore Morocco’s laid-back side. The artsy port city of Essaouira boasts a white-sand beach perfect for windsurfing. Head to the fishing village of Taghazout to surf Morocco’s famous waves. Or spend a day at Saïdia for relaxing warm-water swims and plenty of amenities.

From lofty mountains to arid deserts, Morocco’s nature punches up the drama. Experience the otherworldly landscapes of the Sahara Desert at Erg Chebbi, a sea of sand filled with towering dunes. Go for a hike in the High Atlas Mountains, home to North Africa’s tallest peak, Toubkal. And explore Iriqui, the country’s largest national park, where you’ll find migratory birds, gazelles and hyenas.

Showing off Arabian, African and European flavours, Moroccan cooking pops with spices like cumin, turmeric and cinnamon. The best restaurants in Morocco range from humble kitchens to Michelin-star stunners. Comb menus for traditional ‘tagine’, a tender, stew-like dish slow-cooked in a ceramic vessel of the same name. The country also has a thriving wine region and produces a pale variety called ‘gris’ or grey wine.

The museums in Morocco celebrate the ancient and the modern. At the Museum of History and Civilisations in Rabat, artefacts tell the story of Morocco from prehistory to the Roman settlements and beyond. The Mohammed VI Museum features contemporary works by local and international artists. And the Musée Yves Saint Laurent spotlights the French fashion designer’s work.

There are things to draw you here year-round. Temperatures tend to be milder in autumn and spring, making it the best time to visit Morocco for outdoor activities like trekking and wildlife spotting. If you want to experience the Sahara in its full glory, you might want to avoid summer, as it’s too hot to enjoy the desert comfortably.

A cheap holiday in Morocco is relatively easy to plan. An inexpensive meal costs about 40 Moroccan dirhams (MAD), and a short taxi ride is around MAD35. Alcohol is highly taxed here, so expect to shell out around MAD30 for a beer.