Five Reasons to Make Morocco Your Next Holiday Adventure

When it’s this dreary outside, it’s only natural that our thoughts drift to desert landscapes and warm sun. This is something that magical Morocco certainly has in abundance. However if you needed any more persuading to book yourself straight on a flight to the desert kingdom, we have five fantastic reasons why Morocco should be your next holiday adventure.

A Whole World Away in Less Than Three Hours

It takes fewer than three hours to fly from London Gatwick to Tangier, and in three and a half hours you’ll reach mesmerising Marrakech. You’d struggle to find anywhere more exotic with such a short flight time. In Marrakech’s Djemma el Fna, snake charmers line the streets and mischievous monkeys pose for photographs. The souks are paved with delicate beaded slippers, intricate carpets and antique lamps; it’s like stepping into the set of Arabian Nights. You’re no longer in Europe, but on the edge of the African Sahara, and the warm weather certainly isn’t the only difference you’ll notice. From flavoursome tagines and haggling for your souvenirs, to the enchanting sunsets, Morocco isn’t like anywhere you’ve ever visited before.

The Beaches are Fantastic

It isn’t just the cities that will enchant you. Morocco has some fantastic beaches and Agadir is a great place to start, if you’d rather not stray too far from your faithful package holiday. Situated on the southern Atlantic coast, Agadir is home to some great tourist hotels and complexes all offering the sort of facilities that you’ll be used to. On Agadir beach, water sports are popular and everything from jet skiing to banana boats can be arranged. There’s also plenty to do on the dry sand too, from camel rides with the kids, to hiring a dune buggy, or exploring the area on a tourist train.

It Comes With Celebrity Approval

Even back in the swinging sixties, celebrities flocked to Morocco. Jimi Hendrix left his mark on Essaouira and as a result, his image still adorns many restaurants and cafes within the town. More recently, David Beckham celebrated his 40^th birthday with a lavish celebration in Marrakech and Sienna Miller could often be found shopping in the souks at the height of her boho phase. Let’s not forget the girls from Sex and the City! Although, Sex and the City 2 was shot in Dubai, it was actually filmed in Morocco and SJP was said to be a huge fan of Kosy Bar in Marrakech’s Mellah quarter.

Morocco offers a Varied Landscape

From the vast desert landscapes of the Sahara to the towering Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s terrain is definitely varied and as a result the country appeals to a range of different tourists. Beach bunnies will love the sandy shores of family-friendly Agadir and hippie-centric Essaouira, whilst city-breakers cannot fail to be mesmerised by the magic of Marrakech. Heading further up into the Atlas Mountains, the Berber villages will appeal to the more intrepid traveller, whilst the French influenced cities of Rabat and Casablanca have history and attractions for those seeking a more cultural getaway.

The Shopping is Fantastic

Shopping in Morocco isn’t just a pastime; it’s an experience within itself. First of all you have the haggle, to beginners this can seem daunting but it really shouldn’t be. As a general rule, offer a third of the original price the seller asks for and try to meet them in the middle. Bonus points if you can go lower and do be prepared to walk away; the seller will soon come running after you with a lower price if he wants the sale. Must-buys include Berber rugs, lanterns, argan oil, spices and leatherware.