Morocco holidays: our travel guide
Morocco is a short flight away but feels like another world: the scent of spices in the souks, snow-capped mountains behind the palms and a night under the stars in the Sahara.
The Sahara
The dunes near Merzouga in the east. Photo: Sergey Pesterev / Unsplash
Morocco: Africa just south of Spain
Morocco lies in North Africa, only 14 kilometres across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. Yet the difference is huge. The cities have old medinas, walls and souks, the landscape runs from the Atlantic coast to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, and the food, with tagine, couscous and mint tea, is a reason to go in itself.
Most people start in Marrakech, and many settle for a long weekend there. With a week or more you can see the desert, the mountains and the other imperial cities. The currency is the dirham.
Morocco lies in Africa. In winter it has mild, sunny days, see winter sun destinations.
Chefchaouen
The blue town in the Rif Mountains. Photo: Pretty Pink / Unsplash
Places to see in Morocco
Marrakech: the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the souks and the riads. Read our Marrakech guide.
Fes: the largest and oldest medina, with the tanneries and hundreds of alleys.
Chefchaouen: the blue town in the Rif Mountains, calm and photogenic.
The Sahara: the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, with camel rides and a night in a desert camp.
The Atlas Mountains: Berber villages, hiking and Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
Essaouira: a harbour town on the Atlantic, with wind, fish and a relaxed medina.
Suggested itinerary: Morocco in ten days
Marrakech, 3 nights: the medina, Jardin Majorelle and an evening on Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Over the Atlas to the Sahara, 3 nights: via Aït Benhaddou and the Todra Gorge, with a night in a desert camp near Merzouga.
Fes, 2 nights: the medina and the tanneries.
Back via Chefchaouen, or fly home from Fes, 2 nights.
The craftsmanship
Photo: Macia Serrano / Unsplash
Where to stay in Morocco
Stay in a riad, a traditional house with a courtyard, in the medinas, and in a desert camp or kasbah out in the country. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Royal Mansour Marrakech: a palace of riads
One of the best-known hotels in the world, built as a small medina of private riads with their own courtyards and roof terraces.
Book your stay: See rooms at Royal Mansour Marrakech
La Sultana, Marrakech
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
La Sultana: riads in the kasbah
A luxury hotel of joined-up riads in the kasbah quarter of Marrakech, with a roof terrace and pool in the heart of the medina.
Book your stay: See rooms at La Sultana
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are best for cities, mountains and desert. Winter brings mild days in Marrakech but cold nights, especially in the desert and mountains. Summer is very hot inland. Check the current entry rules before you travel.
A night in the Sahara
At Merzouga you can sleep in a desert camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes. Read our guide to Merzouga desert camps.
Frequently asked questions about Morocco
When is the best time to go to Morocco?
March to May and September to November are best. Winter has mild days and cold nights, and summer is very hot inland.
How long should you spend in Morocco?
A long weekend is enough for Marrakech. With ten days you can add the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains and Fes.
What is a riad?
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around an inner courtyard or garden. Many have been turned into small hotels in the medinas.
Can you visit the Sahara from Marrakech?
Yes, but it is a long way. The drive to Merzouga takes a full day each way over the Atlas, so allow at least three days. The Agafay desert near Marrakech is a shorter, stony alternative.
What should you wear in Morocco?
Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees are wise in the cities and countryside. Bring warm layers if you are sleeping in the desert or the mountains.