Morocco Holidays

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.