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Adventure-packed Morocco holidays
Morocco holidays take you to the edge of your comfort zone, and beyond. Although Morocco is only 3.5 hours from the UK and shares the same time zone, it’s a world away in terms of genuinely exciting adventures.
This is North Africa, where the Atlas Mountains extend to the northern edges of the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coastline creates surfable swells at seaside towns like Essaouira. Make your way through the winding alleyways of Marrakech and you’ll be forgiven for feeling like you’ve left your comfort zone at the airport. However, that’s all part of the fun. Getting used to the unfamiliar, particularly in Jemaa el-Fnaa, is like travelling, back in the day, and pretty soon you’ll be supping mint tea and haggling for handbags with the best of them.
From the traditional souks and riads of Fes to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca – here’s where your holiday in Morocco starts to take shape.
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Marrakech
Situated in central Morocco, the immersive citadel of Marrakech is always going to be amongst the most memorable highlights. This is somewhere that sings to the songs of spice stall sellers and snake charmers. Take a trip into Jemaa el-Fnaa at night and you’ll be treated to some of the best market patter this side of Hackney with myriad traders inviting you to sit down to eat at their open-kitchen restaurant. From the Moorish minarets of Koutoubia Mosque to the palatial ruins of El Badi and the tranquil confines of Le Jardin Majorelle – no trip to Morocco is complete without Marrakech.
Atlas Mountains
Making your way into the Atlas Mountains will give you a whole new perspective of life in Morocco. The cooler climate and star-filled nights are worth the experience alone, although spending time in a remote Berber village is certain to linger just as long in the memory. This is where you’ll find some of the best hiking trails and 4x4 routes in and around the base of Mount Toubkal (4,167m). Just 90 minutes from Marrakech but a world away in terms of rugged natural beauty, the Atlas Mountains are one of Morocco’s highlights, in every sense.
Essouira
The seaside city of Essouira has long been associated with the hippy trail of the 60s however, what you’ll find these days goes way beyond bearded backpackers. This is one of Morrocco’s more cosmopolitan hang outs with an extensive promenade aligned with beach bars and high-end hotels. Head along the wide and windswept beach and you’ll enter the magnificent walled medina. This is where solid stone ramparts give way to boutique art galleries and alfresco cafés as well as an alarmingly fresh fish market.
Fes
Head up onto the roof of a traditional riad and you can see the whole of Fes from high up above. This is where you can listen to the rhythmic chants of the call to prayer emanating across the ramshackle rooftops before you prepare to head out for lunch in search of another tasty sardine tagine. Fes provides a far more authentic version of the country when compared to tourist-heavy Marrakech. It’s somewhere to take your time to explore around the souks and medieval alleyways of the Fes El Bali walled medina, without the worry of being constantly accosted by over friendly pharmacists.
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What is the flight time to Morocco?
The flight time from the UK to Marrakech takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco?
You don’t need a visa for visiting Morocco if you’re staying in the country for less than three months. Visit GOV UK for more advice about entry requirements to Morocco or, alternatively, visit CIBT visas for more information.
What’s the weather like in Morocco?
Morocco has a warm Mediterranean climate for the majority of the year with summers heating up considerably, especially inland. Head into the Atlas Mountains for much cooler temperatures or coastal towns, such as Essouira, for some very strong trade winds. Winters, although mild, are usually wet and tend to last from November through to March. It’s usually dry for the rest of the year.
What’s the time zone for Morocco?
Morocco keeps the same time as the UK in the summer but moves an hour ahead over winter.
What language is spoken in Morocco?
Arabic is the main language of Morocco although it’s relatively easy to get by in French. English is widely spoken in the towns and cities popular with holiday makers.
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