Maze-like Marrakech, beachy Agadir, up-and-coming Taghazout and massive mountain ranges – take your pick on a holiday to Morocco.
Nestle into North Africa
Morocco’s a bit of Europe and Africa in one. The huge, golden stretch of sand in Agadir wouldn’t look out of place on a beach holiday to Spain, even if it feels like a million miles away. But that’s mixed in with the bustling souks – the Arabian version of markets – and palaces of Marrakech, or the fish markets in the chilled-out village of Taghazout. Plus, the whole place gets the thumbs up from anyone looking to add a new backdrop to their Instagram feed, with its Saharan dunes, snow-capped mountains and ancient Moroccan cities ready to pop in every pic. It’s worth noting that July and August are peak season for the locals, so you can expect hotels to be busy with a mix of tourists during the summer.
The Red City
You can get a big dose of culture with a city break to Marrakech, AKA The Red City. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Morocco. The open-air Jemaa el-Fna square puts on a good show and is filled with entertainers, henna tattooists and musicians. Explore the souks that spread across the city centre in a seemingly never-ending maze – but don’t be put off at attempting your best haggle with the stall owners. Marrakech also offers an easy way to leave the city buzz behind by daytripping to the Atlas Mountains. It’s less than an hour’s drive to the Ourika Valley for hiking, waterfalls and burnt-orange Berber villages.
Supersized sands
When it comes to beach holidays to Morocco, Agadir is the spot to head to. Think surfing, diving and jet-skiing, on top of your usual dose of sun and sandy beaches. It’s not totally modern, so you can still get a dose of African culture and Moroccan cuisine – there are local must-haves, like a hilltop kasbah and souks, too. If you want a holiday that’s all this but on a slightly more laidback scale, head to Taghazout. This fishing village is expected to grow into quite the Moroccan hotspot, so catch a flight here before the word gets out.
Fancy seeing Morocco by train?
We also offer flight-free trips to Morocco, in partnership with Byway. Leave Europe behind and enter a world of spice-filled souks, pretty medinas and buzzy bazaars. Browse flight-free trips to Morocco.
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Morocco FAQs
UK and EU citizens can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check with the Moroccan government or your local embassy for the latest requirements.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are when the temps are the comfiest in cities like Marrakech – it’s usually sunny and around 20°C, with the odd rainy day here and there. If you’re heading to Agadir or Taghazout, summers sit in the steamy 30s, but the coastal breeze keeps things cool.
Like most places in North Africa, Morocco is an Islamic country, so it’s considered respectful of the local culture to dress modestly when you’re out and about. Swimming costumes are fine on beaches and around pools, but try to cover your shoulders and knees when you’re heading into the centre, and especially when visiting religious sites or government buildings. Think linen trousers, tees or cotton shirts – it’ll also help you stay cool and comfy when you’re out and about!
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency. It’s a closed currency, which means you can only get it when you’re there. You can either take cash with you to change in the airport when you land or use a card like Monzo to withdraw money when you’re out and about without being charged foreign transaction fees. There are lots of ATMs in big towns and cities, but try to use cash points that don’t charge commission, like the post office and Al Barid Banque. Credit cards are accepted in hotels but not usually in the markets, smaller cafés and for taxis.
Top tip – if you’re in a group, it’s a good shout to transfer all the money you want to withdraw to one person, so you’re only charged any fees once and can split the cost.
Tap water in Morocco is safe for brushing your teeth and washing with, but tourists are advised to drink bottled or filtered water as a precaution, especially for sensitive stomachs. Bottled water is cheap and widely available at supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.
The main languages are Arabic, French and Berber. You’ll get away with speaking English in touristy areas and in cities, but it’s always good to make an effort to learn some local phrases. Dust off your French GSCE skills, or remember the basics in Arabic, like salam (hi), chokran (thank you) and la (no).
Alcohol is legal but you won’t be able to buy it everywhere. The license is expensive, which is why only bigger hotels, restaurants and bars usually serve alcoholic drinks. You’ll also be able to buy it from larger supermarkets like Carrefour, plus in off-licenses, called Magasins d’alcool.
Make sure you ask before taking photos of people or their shops, especially if they’re women. Some street performers will ask you for money if they think you’ve taken a photo of them, so it’s best to keep your phone in your pocket or your bag if you’re out and about. Bringing a scarf with you is an easy way to cover your shoulders if you’re sightseeing. And, Moroccan people traditionally eat with their right hand and use their left hand for hygiene purposes, so it’s polite eat, shake hands or give or take something with your right hand.
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Morocco travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Morocco but must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/health/travel
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