Morocco Holidays

Why visit Morocco

Morocco is a country of contrasts, where bustling medina alleys give way to quiet riads, Atlas passes and the dunes of the Sahara. Marrakech brings colour and noise, Fez the feel of a living medieval city, and the coast offers breezy Atlantic towns such as Essaouira. Mint tea, slow tagines and warm hospitality tie it all together, and it is close enough for a long weekend.

Highlights of Morocco

• Marrakech medina: Wander the souks, then watch Jemaa el-Fnaa fill with storytellers, musicians and food stalls as the sun goes down.
• Fez el-Bali: A maze of lanes, tanneries and old madrasas that feels largely unchanged by the centuries and rewards a local guide.
• Sahara camp: Ride camels at dusk across the dunes near Merzouga, then sleep in a desert camp beneath a sky full of stars.
• Atlas Mountains: Take a day trip into Berber villages and valleys, with walking routes and views of snow-capped peaks in cooler months.
• Essaouira: A relaxed walled port on the Atlantic, known for fresh grilled fish, blue fishing boats and steady sea breezes.

Best time to visit Morocco

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the most comfortable times for cities and touring, with warm days and cooler evenings. Summer can be very hot inland, especially in Marrakech and the desert. Winter days are mild in the cities, but nights in the mountains and desert can turn properly cold.

Getting there from the UK

Direct flights from London to Marrakech or Casablanca take around 3 hours 30 minutes, and several UK airports have services. Marrakech Menara is the usual arrival point for visitors heading to the Atlas and the desert, while Casablanca suits rail connections north.

Good to know

The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Arabic and Amazigh are official languages, and French is widely spoken in cities and hotels. Plugs are the European two-pin type, so UK visitors need an adaptor. Haggling is part of souk shopping, and modest dress is appreciated. Check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for entry requirements.