With an abundance of sights, culture, cuisine and coastlines, Morocco’s a destination offering a diverse range of activities that’ll keep your holiday a fun and exciting one from start to finish. So, whether you want to soak up the sun and relax, get to know its culture and history, take part in sports or explore its bustling cities, we’ve highlighted the top things to do when holidaying in Morocco. It’ll get you wanting to jet off there in no time!
If Morocco’s already on your holiday list, it’s no doubt that you’ve already been dreaming of the sights, smells and unique atmosphere the markets and souks offer. We think they’re the perfect place to get to know the Moroccan culture. But which ones should you visit? The good news is, there’s a lot of choice – and the bad, choosing! To give you a helping hand, we’ve listed a couple of our favourites…
We’ll start with the big one, Marrakech, a destination steeped in culture and history. Most travellers will stay or pass through Marrakech during their time in Morocco – and understandably too! It’s a destination that at first, might feel a tad overwhelming; it’s packed to the rafters with stalls and people milling around, but once you get to grips with it, the sights, smells and sounds will transport you into another world, that you’ll find pretty fascinating. You’ll find almost everything here; and because Marrakech has many different souks, you’ll no doubt find everything you’re after. But if you’re a first-time visitor, we recommend strolling around and simply taking it all in.
If trying local cuisine is more up your street, then head to Jemaa el-Fna as the night starts to fall. You’ll find a street food market selling just about all the traditional Moroccan dishes you can think of including its famous tagine, and perhaps not-so-famous snail soup. The tables are all communal, so pull up a pew and enjoy the atmosphere with those around you. Once you’ve eaten, stick around for another highlight – the storytellers. Storytelling is a traditional Moroccan practice that fuses comedy, topical subjects and music into long tales – a form of entertainment unique to Morocco and well worth seeing.
Many think of bustling souks and markets brimming with culture when Morocco comes to mind – all of which is true, but look a bit further and you’ll find no less than 1,200 miles of beautiful coastline and a whole host of beach resorts to enjoy some down-time for all-year around sunshine.
Laid-back Essaouira is a personal favourite of ours. It’s relaxed, hippy vibe helps it stand apart from rivalling resorts. Plus, its coastal wind has helped it retain its traditional culture and character – so if you’re looking for an authentic beach getaway, look no further. As well as its gorgeous stretch of beach, visitors here can’t miss the atmospheric port, spice scented lanes, art galleries and boutiques. Sports-lovers flock here too during the summer and autumn months for a spot of windsurfing which we’ve been told is second to none (it’s not called the Wind City of Africa for nothing)!
For those in search of somewhere a little livelier, the popular spot of Agadir could be the beach resort of choice. Its six mile stretch of beach is backed by a huge selection of hotels – anything from budget to high-end luxury. No matter which you decide on, you’ll be impressed by the beach view in front of you. Along the buzzing promenade, you’ll also find souvenir stalls, street performers and will be spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and bars to watch the spectacular sunset.
Casablanca is another beach hotspot for those seeking a fun-filled getaway; or if you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly break, we recommend Tamuda Bay on the less-explored eastern coast. With its own waterpark, family friendly beaches and water sports, there’s plenty to keep all ages happy from morning ‘til night.
That’s right, you’ll find national parks (11 in fact) the Saharan Desert and mountains all in Morocco. That’s a pretty diverse landscape, we think!
We recommend a trip to Tazzeka National Park in the Middle Atlas Mountains, not far from Fez. A complete contrast from the bustling cities and beach resorts, you’ll find open valleys, walking trails, wildflowers and dense oak forests to explore, as well as deep canyons, hidden cave systems and gushing waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers – who can also look out for rare birds and see brightly coloured frogs and lizards. So, don’t forget your camera!
On the opposite scale, there’s the Sahara Desert. Spread out over nine million square kilometres across north Africa, it’s the largest sand desert in the world – and we think a visit to Morocco wouldn’t be complete without a trip here. The sand dunes are spectacular at any time of day, but particularly impressive during sunrise or sunset, as the sands change colour with the reflections. For a real desert experience, opt for a desert camp overnight stay, giving you the chance to appreciate everything it has to offer – including camel rides and meeting the locals who will happily tell you a tale or two. Overnight stays range from luxurious camps to a more basic standard with various pick-up points available.
From bustling markets and beautiful beaches, to scenic landscapes and a unique culture – Morocco is a diverse destination that offers just about everything. So, whether you wish to explore it one bit a time, or fancy heading on an all-encompassing tour and see it all, it’s all possible. Contact us today and we’ll help you plan your trip.
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