Visiting Morocco is an immediate and exciting immersion into another world, where Arab and Berber heritage, history and culture are inextricably bound. Put simply, Morocco is the most exotic destination in easy reach of the UK. To explore Morocco is to explore one of the most exotic countries in the world and in Marrakech - the country's one-time capital - you're right in the middle of it all. Head to the magical square of Djemaa el-Fna and you'll discover snake charmers and souqs, water carriers and public scribes scribbling love letters, all set against a backdrop of colour and commotion that will leave you whirling from the very best kind of sensory overload.

Morocco holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Morocco with Original Travel ?

As regular visitors to Morocco, we know our riads from our kasbahs and our tagines from our hariras. Whether travelling as a family or a couple, our consultants know the best accommodation options for you and can plan everything from intimate picnics in the Agafay Desert to authentic interactions with Berber families. Forget about the stress of moving from A to B, as we have first-hand experience with Moroccan rail and roads and can tailor your itinerary around their nuances. Our in-country Concierges even have restaurant recommendations galore; their advice is just a WhatsApp away.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Morocco

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Travel to Morocco by Region

Essaouira & the Coast

Just 60 miles to the west of Marrakech on the Atlantic Coast, and sitting within soaring stone walls, the enchanting fishing town of Essaouira offers visitors a warm welcome to match its soft mild climate. A true jewel in the crown of Morocco, Essaouira holidays offer that perfect blend of vast sweeping beaches for diving, sailing, wind- and kitesurfing or simply kicking back and relaxing, along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the old medina. Meander along narrow alleyways past busy stalls and donkey carts loaded with oranges, chocolate or the day's catch of fish; snap away at the iconic bright blue boats in the harbour, or head out along the coast that traces a line from Agadir to Tangier, and where sleepy villages cling to their traditions and heritage.

Fez

The ability to travel through time is a long-held ambition for mankind, but we needn't bother inventing a time machine - it's already quite possible to travel back hundreds of years on a holiday to Fez, the ancient capital of Morocco and one of the finest preserved cities in the Islamic world. The enormous car-free medina (old town) is the main attraction on Fez holidays, and if ever the cliché 'an assault on the senses' was apt it's here - vibrant colours (plus an almighty pong) in the city's medieval tanneries and the buzz of a city going about it's business in much the same way it has for centuries mean you are made very aware of being somewhere magical. We say hat's off to Fez. Aside from the city itself, Fez is also a perfect staging post from which to explore three glorious nearby sites: the well-preserved Roman colonial town of Volubilis; the sacred site of Moulay Idriss, and Meknes, another former Moroccan capital and a place home to so many mosques it is known as 'the City of One Hundred Minarets'.

Marrakech & Surrounds

Framed by the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains and desert plains, Marrakech is the most exotic destination within easy reach of the UK. We recommend you begin your Marrakech holidays by plunging straight into the magnificent madness of the famous Djemaa el-Fna square as the sun sets. In the shadow of the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque, at dusk the huge market square feels almost medieval, as soothsayers, apothecaries, musicians, and acrobats entertain the huge crowds of locals and tourists alike, and foodstalls miraculously spring up out of nowhere to sell everything from fresh orange juice to rich tagines. From there, spend your days meandering through the kasbah, medina and souqs, all of which will leave an indelible imprint on the memory, with brightly coloured carpets hanging from roofs, the smell of spices in the air and the sound of vendors selling their wares. Disappear into this dizzying haze of tangled streets and alleys and its easy to stumble upon an ancient mosque or the ornate door that leads to one of the city's tucked away riads - houses built around secretive courtyards, many of which have been converted into glorious hotels. Beyond the vibrancy of the city, the surroundings of Marrakech cover everything from soothing seawater treatments in thalassotherapy spas to wonderful wellness hotels; afternoons on the green fairways of a gorgeous golf course to epic excursions up the Tichka pass or in the Toubkal National Park.

Northern Morocco - Cities & Medinas

Travellers have long loved Marrakech and the mountains to the south, but Northern Morocco is also home to a diverse array of landscapes including historical ruins, bustling cities (take a bow ancient Tangier), charming local villages, the rolling Rif Mountains and now even a luxurious beach destination. Your first port (quite literally) of call - unless travelling north from Fez - will most likely be historic Tangier, for Europeans the gateway to Africa and somewhere that has, according to Mark Twain, 'been mentioned in history for three thousand years.' Sit sipping mint tea in cafes once frequented by Henri Matisse and Jack Kerouac, dine in French bistros lining Sidi Kacem beach and explore the labyrinthine medina where all alleys lead - eventually - to the Petit Socco square. Then to the south sits the blue-washed mountain city of Chefchaouen, one of the most photogenic places in Morocco (which is saying something), and the staging post for hiking in the nearby Talassemtane National Park. Next, swing back north to Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage city with its distinctly Andalusian flavour, and back to Tangier via Tamuda Bay, a budding luxury hangout, or keep heading south to majestic Fez. Either way, Northern Morocco & Tangier holidays are a perfect way to explore a part of the country that many miss.

Ouarzazate & the Southern Desert

Four to five hours south-east of Marrakech by road, the town of Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the south of the country. The scenery around Ouarzazate and the Great Moroccan South is filled with valleys and gorges, with the Draa Valley extending southwards and providing plenty of greenery. Think date palm oases that line the road to Zagora and beyond, where the Sahara begins, and the roads and towns run out. Red brick ksars are draped in sunlight, surrounded by arid mountains and rolling dunes, ready for you to head out to explore on foot or by 4x4. Film buffs can indulge in a few guilty pleasures between the camel treks and Bedouin cultural experiences as Ouarzazate is also home to the Atlas Film Studios, where a host of A-list movies have been made, from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator. The region's dramatic scenery and traditional Kasbah buildings do indeed lend themselves wonderfully well to film sets, as anyone who plans an Ouarzazate and the Southern Desert holiday will appreciate.

Our Morocco holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Morocco

Morocco Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Morocco Testimonials

3 reviews
4.7 / 5
"Overall, I’d give the trip a 5+ out of 5. Very well planned and executed, even with last minute changes to my husband’s travel. Thanks so much for one of our favorite trips thus far! We look forward to working with you again. "
Sebastian - Liverpool
Published on 4th October 2019
"We have just returned from a week in Morocco, organised by Charlotte - our second holiday booked through your team. I just wanted to let you know that, as before, our experience was absolutely wonderful and to say thank you! Our holiday was flawless from start to finish and we really felt that Charlotte had understood our wishes and requirements to the full - both hotels were perfect for us and we could not have been happier. "
Peter - Manchester
Published on 7th September 2019
"Excellent service. Highly recommended. Excellent planning and holiday experiences "
Boris - Leicester
Published on 14th March 2019

Our Morocco
specialists

Our team of Morocco consultants (including a Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist) can help you head off the beaten track, whether high in the Anti-Atlas Mountains or deep in the southern desert, imparting expertise to ensure you get the most out of your Morocco holiday. Looking for textiles in Marrakech? Our friendly Concierges know just the places to recommend. We also work with an expert team of local guides who’ll tailor each city tour to your interests, be that art, archaeology or history. When it’s time to seek souvenirs, they’ll lead you through the bustling souks where you can forget about the hassle of haggling.

Who are Morocco holidays best for?

Families with children in tow will discover that a trip to Morocco comes with a bounty of benefits: quick flights; a short time difference and endless adventures on offer that will thrill little minds from camel rides to sleeping under the stars in nomadic camps. Couples and newlyweds, too, will find Morocco a dream destination for a romantic weekend getaway. Pick a princely palace or riad in Marrakech or Fes, steam away in the Hammam and let healing hands soothe in the spas. Friends travelling together to Morocco will adore a riad stay and food lovers will fall hard for the taste of tagines and the chance to take part in a flavourful cooking class where you'll head out into the souks with a guide, haggle for ingredients and whip up a wonderful feast together. Speaking of haggling, bargain hunters will enjoy the challenge of hunting out the best deals in the souks of Marrakech, Fez and Essaouira where handcrafts adorn every surface, threading together a long and rich history of ancestral tradition.


What can you find in Morocco that you can’t find elsewhere?

Morocco holidays immerse you in a kaleidoscope of cultures - Jewish, Arab, Berber and Christian – each with their own lifestyles, dress and delicious cuisines. The landscapes, too, are wonderfully varied. Three different mountains ripple across Morocco (the High, Middle and Anti Atlas), two different oceans crash on the shore (the Atlantic Coast and the Mediterranean), and at the edges are a world of sand and stone in the deserts. Stashed across these diverse landscapes you'll discover a wealth of wonderful accommodation to hunker down in, from blissful boutiques to gorgeous riads and old-world Kasbahs.


What are the best ways to discover Morocco?

Organise a scenic weekend away in Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira or Tangiers and dip your toes in the country's exotic culture. Head to Marrakech for the ultimate introduction to Morocco and combine with a hit of nature for the ultimate getaway from a 4x4 adventure in southern Morocco and sleeping beneath the stars at a nomadic camp, to blending it with a beach getaway in easy breezy Essaouira. Marry a stay in a riad in Marrakech or Fez with a 3-4-day hike in the mountains or, for a chance to soak up the splendour of all the Imperial Cities, stay a little longer and book a car for a week to travel far and wide at your own pace.


Unique experiences in Morocco

- Sleep beneath the stars of the Sahara Desert.
- Sip mint tea on an Andalusian roof terrace in the north.
- Stay in a luxury riad and laze under the shade of fig and orange trees in between refreshing dips in the pool, safely tucked away from the hubbub of the city outside.
- Feast on grilled sardines on a beach in Tangier.
- Hike the mountains in Imlil and discover the off-the-beaten-track paths in the Bougmez Valley.


Marrakech

The obvious starting point on any luxury Moroccan holiday is the magical city of Marrakech, where life revolves around the Djemaa el-Fna square with its fire-eaters and snake charmers mesmerising crowds of onlookers, locals and tourists alike. The souq here is world famous, and we recommend bringing a spare case to pack the inevitable carpet purchase. This is also the city to enjoy a stay in a riad, one of the intimate oases within the walls of the ancient medina old town, and often hidden away down side alleys. We know the best of the riads, and also the finest restaurants in this fantastic city.


Atlas Mountains

The snow-capped Atlas Mountains are the backdrop to Marrakech, and a stay in one of the stylish kasbahs in the mountains is the perfect combination with the hubbub of the city. We highly recommend taking the time to do some walking in the mountains, taking in the starkly beautiful scenery and seeing Berber life as it has gone on for centuries.


Ouarzazate and the Southern Desert

Beyond the mountains there is another spectacular ecosystem to explore in the shape of some of the finest desert scenery in close proximity to the UK. We know the best luxury lodge to stay in, and can arrange the ultimate glamping trip in the shadow of the dunes of the Southern Desert.


Essaouira & the Coast

Elsewhere, Original Travel luxury holiday favourites include the largely unspoilt Atlantic coastline and the picturesque port of Essaouira with its wide and windswept beach that is the perfect place to kite surf.


The Imperial Cities of Fez, Rabat & Meknes

Further north the other Imperial Cities (Marrakech is the fourth) of Fez, Rabat and Meknes, all of which have been at one time or other the capital of Morocco, have a wealth of gardens, palaces and mazes of medieval streets and souqs to explore while enjoying your luxury Moroccan holiday.


FAQs

Things to do

What can I experience in Morocco?

Morocco might only be a few hours’ flight from the UK, but it feels like a whole different world. Home to some truly wild natural beauty, from the sands of the Sahara to clear night skies, parts of the country offer the perfect escape from the busyness of modern life.

Aside from the scenery, the thing that draws travellers to Morocco is the melting pot of cultures that have impacted everything from the food to the architecture. This wide array of influences is prominently on display in cities such as Marrakech and Fez, where you can spend hours soaking up the atmosphere of the souqs or appreciating the attention to detail in a stunning riad.


Where should I visit in Morocco?

Marrakech is a must-visit for your first holiday to Morocco, giving you a taste of what the rest of the country has to offer. Stay in a sumptuous riad, visit the world-renowned souqs and spend hours people-watching in the main square. Or, if you want to go somewhere a bit different, the other Imperial Cities of Fez, Rabat and Meknes all have their own unique twist on the delights of Morocco.

Those who love the outdoors won’t want to miss a chance to see the Atlas Mountains. Whether you choose to explore the High, Middle or Anti-Atlas ranges, you can marvel at the scenery and get a chance to see life in Berber villages as it has been for generations. This is a chance to experience an authentic side of Morocco, so it’s well worth taking the time to include a trip out of the city in your itinerary.

For those who want some rest and relaxation, make sure to schedule a trip to a hammam – a Moorish steam spa that is closely related to Roman-style baths. Hammam is also a social experience in Morocco, with locals historically using their visit to the baths as a chance to catch up with neighbours. Soak away any stress in the warm water and delicately scented rooms, emerging revitalised and refreshed.


Culture

What is Morocco famous for?

Morocco is perhaps best known for its souqs – historic markets that see the streets crammed with a huge variety of wares, from spices to slippers. The vibrant colours, sounds and smells of these trading places are unique to Morocco, and you should go prepared to buy something – it’s hard to resist.

Moroccan food is also famous for the huge variety of influences you can see in the dishes. Because of the country’s location on the North African coast, it’s been home to multiple different civilisations over the centuries, as well as absorbing flavours and dishes from the travellers and traders that have passed through on their way to and from Europe. As a result, you can see ingredients from Arab, Berber, Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine in Moroccan dishes.


What should I wear in Morocco?

Morocco is considered a conservative Muslim country, which means you may need to put more thought into your holiday wardrobe than you usually would. Short shorts, cropped tops and tank tops would all be considered inappropriate, while very fitted clothing can also be frowned upon. Modest dress is all part of the culture here, so make sure you pack accordingly – although the rules are slightly more relaxed for tourists than locals.

In addition to daily wear, extra care should be taken when visiting religious sites. Knees and shoulders generally need to be covered, and women will be requested to wear headscarves. Some cafes and restaurants may also have dress codes, as Moroccans tend to dress up for dinner.


What festivals are celebrated in Morocco?

There are some regular religious and cultural festivals that are widely celebrated in Morocco. They can be great fun to join in and only add to your travel experience. Since they’re based on a lunar calendar, the dates change slightly each year, so check before you book if there’s one you particularly want to see. Some of the most popular are:

- Yennayer/Amazigh New Year (January)
- Almond Blossom Festival (February)
- International Nomads Festival (March)
- Ramadan (ninth month of Islamic calendar)
- Eid al-Fitr (tenth month of Islamic calendar)
- Fez Festival of World Sacred Music (May or June)
- Eid al-Adha (twelfth month of the Islamic calendar)
- Fatih Murharram/Islamic New Year (first month of the Islamic calendar)
- Milad un Nabi (dependent on the lunar calendar, 14/15th September in 2025)
- Imilchil Marriage Festival (September)
- Erfoud Date Festival (October)


Planning your trip

Where should I stay in Morocco?

The location you choose as your base for your Moroccan adventure will depend on what you want to get from your trip. Marrakech is a perennial favourite with all sorts of travellers, including families, thanks to its strong transport links and number of things to do. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, heading out of the city and exploring the less-travelled regions with an experienced guide can deliver a truly unique holiday.


How hot is Morocco?

Morocco can get up to 40? in the day during the summer months, although the temperature rapidly drops at night, plunging to just five or six degrees. It’s this change in temperature that means it’s always a good idea to pack layers of clothing when travelling here.

Morocco is a great place to visit for the majority of the year, but the autumn and winter months do bring a risk of heavy rainfall and frost in the mountains. Read more about the best time to visit Morocco.


Local information

What is the time difference between Morocco and the UK?

Morocco uses a GMT+1 time zone, meaning that for part of the year, they are an hour ahead of the UK. However, during British Summer Time, there is no time difference, as Moroccans don’t observe daylight saving hours. During Ramadan, the clocks go back by an hour, meaning the country becomes an hour behind the UK.


What currency does Morocco use?

The national currency of Morocco is the dirham. Dirham is a closed currency, meaning that you can’t get it outside of Morocco – you have to exchange or withdraw it when you arrive. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted, but it’s helpful to carry cash for smaller shops or outside of tourist areas.

Haggling is common practice in Morocco, so don’t be afraid to respectfully negotiate with sellers or service providers.


What plugs are used in Morocco?

Morocco uses plug types E and C, meaning that you’ll need an adapter for UK appliances. 220-volt electricity is standard, slightly lower than in the UK.


What language is spoken in Morocco?

Morocco's official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). French is also widely spoken, as is Spanish in the northern and southern regions. Some people speak English, but it’s far less common.

Travel information

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Morocco?

You can find the latest travel advice for Morocco on the UK Government website.


How long does it take to fly to Morocco from the UK?

Thanks to the short flight time, Morocco is very convenient to visit from the UK. You can fly from London to Marrakech in around three and a half hours, while Agadir is slightly longer at three hours and 50 minutes. Other destinations include:

- Casablanca (three hours and 15 minutes from London)
- Tangier (five hours and 15 minutes)
- Rabat (five hours and 45 minutes)


Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?

You can visit Morocco as a tourist without a visa for up to 90 days. This can be extended by completing an application at the local police station.


What are the passport requirements for Morocco?

To enter Morocco, your passport expiration date must be at least three months after your arrival date. Additionally, your passport needs to be in good condition—you can be denied entry if your passport is damaged. Make sure you get your passport stamped when you arrive, or you may have difficulty leaving the country.


Do I need vaccinations to visit Morocco?

It’s recommended that you are up-to-date with standard UK vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. If you’re arriving from a country that’s been affected by polio (not including the UK), you must have a polio vaccination certificate.

Best places to go in Morocco



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