Morocco holidays

Holidays to Morocco are a dazzling mix of heady cities, mighty mountains and chilled-out beach towns. Whether you’re seeking spice-laden tagines and bustling souks, fresh mint tea and rooftop riads or a night under the stars in the Sahara, holidays here are like nowhere else.

Dive head first into Morocco’s beguiling chaos with a trip to one of its remarkable cities. Marrakech’s old quarter is wonderfully atmospheric and the night markets are well worth a wander. Or, explore the vast medina in Fes where old-world artisans still make their wares by hand. In the jagged Rif mountains, you can discover Morocco’s famous Blue City, Chefchaouen.

Looking for a beach holiday? Go all-inclusive in the beach resorts of Agadir where thatched umbrellas, kite-surfers and beach cafes line miles of wide sand and the sun shines 300 days a year. Lounge by luxury pools surrounded by palm trees, enjoy fine dining with sea views and get active with a whole range of watersports. Further south, you’ll find Taghazout, a bohemian bolthole popular with surfers and backpackers.

Couples looking for romance will find it in the beautiful riads of Essaouira. Bed-and-breakfast is common with half-board options available, too. Looking for something more indulgent? You can opt for a luxury resort nearby and be pampered in a hammam. Elsewhere, the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains offer incredible views from beautiful Berber villages, and you can spend star-filled nights in a Saharan desert camp.

For families

Fun and breezy Essaouira on the northwest coast is a little more laidback than Marrakech, but still brimming with culture and activities for kids. The medina is traffic-free and wide, making it a stress-free place to pick out colourful souvenirs without fear of getting lost. There’s a wide sandy beach for sandcastle building, with camel riding and kite surfing opportunities, too.

While most riads in Marrakech aren’t ideal for children, you’ll find lots of resorts and hotels outside the city that are an oasis of gardens, large kid-friendly pools and kids’ clubs. You can pop into Marrakech with little ones to soak up the culture and entertainment, then escape the frenetic bustle.

For cheap holidays

With lots of wallet-friendly riads serving home-cooked tagines, Marrakech is a top budget choice. Riads within the medina are often small, independently run and full of personality – giving you a real taste of Morocco.

Elsewhere, Tangier – also known as “the gateway to Africa” – packs in a lot of adventure and culture without a hefty price tag. Stay in the old medina or neighbouring Marshan, which is close to the centre. There are hotels and bed and breakfasts – all a little cheaper. This coastal city brings travellers across the Strait of Gibraltar every day, giving the city a cosmopolitan and creative vibe.

For a weekend break

Head to Casablanca for a taste of modern Morocco. A sprawling city of shopping, grand mosques and French colonial architecture, Casablanca shows a different side to the country. Stop off for a drink at Rick’s Cafe, an unashamedly touristy but undeniably fun tribute to the timeless movie.

The capital Rabat is also an excellent alternative for a city break. It’s a compact and handsome city with pretty beaches. Discover world-class museums, a striking medina and architectural treasures like Tour Hassan, a 12th-century unfinished mosque with intricately carved panels.

For an all-inclusive break

Most all-inclusive resorts in Morocco are around Marrakech or along the beaches of Taghazout and Agadir. Riu Palace Tikida Agadir is a popular luxury all-inclusive resort right on the beach – you can go from lounging at the beautiful pool to a dip in the sea in moments.

Alternatively, kids will love whizzing down the curly slides into the waterpark at the all-inclusive Aqua Mirage Club in Marrakech. You can hop on the shuttle bus to get to the city centre.

For culture

Considered the cultural capital of Morocco, Fes is beguiling. Watch artisans make beautiful pottery, tiles and wood carvings in the ancient medina. Visit religious schools, haggle in sensory souks and stay in riads within the medina walls. For something a little more modern, book a hotel overlooking the old town.

The Atlas Mountains are another cultural highlight, as is the red-walled town of Ait Benhaddou near Ouarzazate in the foothills, where you can learn about ksar history.

For a beach holiday

Agadir is Morocco's main beach resort with lots of accommodation choices along the wide expanse of beach. You’ll find budget, luxury, family-friendly and adults-only options; many hotels and resorts have a private stretch of sand where you can lounge in a cabana.

You’ll also find a growing number of hotels and resorts popping up along the coast of Taghazout. The beaches here are a surfer’s paradise and it’s a quieter area with fewer tourists – ideal if you’re looking to unwind in peace.