Luxury Morocco Holidays

Souks and sands

Morocco

Distant oases, soaring mountains, spice-laden souks and ancient minarets piercing cornflower-blue skies: welcome to Morocco. Just a few hours' flight from the UK, Morocco is a fusion of Arabia and Africa, and lines up everything from desert scenery and vast golden beaches to bohemian seaside towns and buzzing cities.

The rose-red city of Marrakech (so called due to the terracotta hue of its walls and houses) is the premier city destination. Winston Churchill came here to paint back in the 1930s and 1940s, while fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent came to restore the exquisite Majorelle Gardens, an oasis of palms, pools and cacti, complemented by walls and pots painted in bright 'Majorelle Blue'.

The city's main square – Djemaa el-Fna – is a hub of activity, particularly in the evenings when you'll find sizzling street food stalls and fresh orange juice stands, plus snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and fire eaters entertaining crowds of locals and visitors. Just off the square is the entrance to the souks, a warren-like maze of alleyways lined with shops hawking Berber carpets, leather footstalls, silver lanterns and beaded slippers.

When the heat of the city gets too much, escape to the cool slopes of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, or retreat to the coast. Agadir is home to an enormous swathe of golden sand, as well as a traditional souk and medina, while laid-back Essaouira features whitewashed, blue-shuttered houses, a breezy beach, and a marina lined with seafood stalls.

Destinations in Morocco

Agadir

Agadir is a modern city that sprawls out along the south-west coast of Morocco, where a sandy bay and golf courses sweep up towards the snow-dusted Atlas Mountains.

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Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains are a rugged wilderness of soaring peaks and deep-cut valleys. But despite this remote feel, the region is bright with character-packed Berber villages and boutique hotels.

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Marrakech

Marrakech is a rose-tinted city in central Morocco. It’s an irresistible mix of rich imagery – expect mosaicked mosques, royal orange orchards, smoky souks, riad restaurants and timeworn backstreets.

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Essaouira

Essaouira is Morocco’s chilled-out beach resort. You can expect a breezy beach, a relaxed medina and a vibrant fishing harbour.

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Things to do in MoroccoHighlights of Morocco multi-centreThis Moroccan itinerary packs in all the best bits of this fascinating country, from traditional cooking classes and wine tasting, to palace visits and authentic market shopping. Combining bustling Marrakech, the seaside resort of Essaouria and a desert experience under the stars, this trip brings alive Morocco’s past and present.Find out more

Things to do in MoroccoCamp under the stars in the Agafay Desert

Step a short distance away from bustling Marrakech and you’ll find yourself in the dramatic Agafay Desert. Nestled in a valley of palms and olives, La Pause is an elegant glamping experience. The accommodation is beautifully decked out with soft furnishings, fine linen and Berber rugs. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining, open plan living, an inviting central lounge, and day activities from walking to horse riding. By night, your peaceful oasis is lit up with candles and solar lights, and banquets are put on.

Things to do in MoroccoExperience more of Morocco

Make the most of this vast country with a selection of pre-bookable excursions. Essaouira’s surrounding countryside has a forest full of native argan trees and places to watch the production of the famous argan oil. The snow-tipped Atlas Mountains offer the chance to trace local Berber traditions in quaint villages, and Marrakech itself is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Speak to one of our Trusted Advisers today for more information.

Things to do in MoroccoFly high in a hot air balloon

The Moroccan landscape is a rich tapestry of untouched desert, traditional villages, and vast mountains and gorges. Soar high above the north region of Morocco with an unforgettable hot air balloon experience. Watch the sunrise as you hover over this incredible land, and be ready for those breath-taking moments. A hot air balloon experience is truly the best way to enjoy these soul-stirring landscapes.

Things to do in MoroccoHaggle for spices in the souks

Marrakech has the biggest pick of markets. Handmade clothes include silk skirts and tailored shirts, and you’ll be tripping over leather satchels and handbags.

Meanwhile, Argan oil is plentiful – and cheap – in Agadir. You can use the nutty oil as a miracle hair tonic or drizzle it over desserts. Spices and tea also perfume the souks, while nuts and dates make great take-away treats. You can match them with bright hand-painted bowls or an intricately decorated silver tea tray.

Flight Information

Morocco is around 3 hours 30 minutes from the UK.

When to go

There are no two ways about it: Morocco is a scorcher. Summers can get up to 40°C in July and August, although in coastal areas like Agadir, you’ve got the sea breeze taking the edge off. The heat is more tolerable in spring and autumn, when averages hover in the mid-20s. Remember to pack a jacket, though – things can cool down rapidly once the sun goes down.

Visa Information

Visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Morocco.

Tipping

There are no specific rules for tipping in Morocco. An upmarket restaurant may add on a service charge, so check your bill carefully. Otherwise, aim to leave around 10%. In taxis, it’s acceptable to just round up the fare. It’s a good idea to have some small change on you for paying taxis and tipping guides.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Morocco is Arabic. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Morocco specialities With Arabic, West African and Mediterranean influences, Morocco’s distinctive cuisine is popular far beyond its borders. Herbs and spices are used extensively, as well as an abundance of olives, oranges and lemons. The best-known local dishes include tagine: a slow-cooked stew traditionally made from lamb, olives and tomatoes, plus dried fruit and herbs. Cous cous is another favourite; it's a staple of Moroccan and North African cooking.

Moroccan tea The drinking and preparing of tea is an art form in Morocco. Maghrebi mint tea (green tea mixed with mint leaves and sweetened with sugar) is served to guests as a sign of hospitality, and it is considered impolite to refuse it.