Morocco is actually a top holiday destination with something to offer just about everyone, from relaxing beach stays to activity holidays walking in the Atlas Mountain. Marrakech, the busy, bustling town, dating back to the 11th century, is filled curious sprawling souks, (marketplaces) with an abundance of local traders and craftsmen including jewelers, potters, shoemakers and more. It is the house of haggling and difficult to leave without some small bargain. In the infamous Djemaa el Fna Square the feeling is intoxicating and it is the heart of Marrakech. You are going to be overwhelmed by the scents wafting over from the food stalls, the shifting colours of the jugglers and snake charmers that vie for the attention. Marrakech is so frenzied, but a wonderful world away from any British city, that you will need a rest after seeing. Away from the pushy dominating city, Morocco really has a lot a lot more to offer.
The Atlas Mountains are only an hour from Marrakech but you feel you have been transported to another time. Tranquil valleys, fertile pasture lands and snowcapped mountains are home to the more traditional Moroccans, the Berbers, and also the country villagers. Established between the Sahara and Atlantic coast, the mountains can be walked, or trekked, all year round. Within the summertime the Atlas provide a cooling breeze as you trek through villages of small flatroofed Berber homes which blend seamlessly into the mountains. In winter, more serious trekkers head up Mt Toubkal to summit the greatest mountain in North Africa, during the rigorous, cold and snowy climate Meteo Marrakech. To summit Toubkal which reaches 4,167m large, is for most trekkers a feather in their cap but it's achievable for experienced mountain climbers along with the very fit during the warmer months. There are numerous trails and routes to follow that it's wise to keep up in mountains for at least two days to provide you with a chance to actually explore the region. There are lots of fantastic cheap gite d'etapes, (village homes with simple dormitory rooms), offering basic but clean accommodation. For those searching for a little extra comfort, you'll find beautiful mountain retreats, set high in the hills maybe having a pool. The Atlas Mountains are somewhere to get away from modern, fast-paced life and take a step back.
Away from the mountains heading south, lays the Sahara Desert. The Sahara, the greatest hot desert on earth, borders the Atlantic to the west and the Red Sea to the east and the Atlas Mountains to the north in Morocco. Some of its sand dunes can reach up to 18m in height providing an ideal stage to see this huge sand sea. Watching the dawn over this incredible landscape is breathless and one not to be-missed on your Morocco vacation. The Sahara is certainly a good option too, to test out camel riding. The camel is the preferred way of transport in the desert for centuries and these sturdy, if a little temperamental, creatures will take you across the sands as revel in the silence and solitude. Sleeping under the desert skies can be a treat, as the clear skies provide ideal astronomical viewing and the opportunity to glimpse the Milky Way. For the more active you are able to sand board down the dunes, take bouncy jeep rides or trek through the desert. Meteo Marrakech.
If hiking within the Atlas and camel riding through the desert is not enough, you could always visit the Ourika River for a spot of white water rafting or the coastal port of Essaouira to swim in the ocean or sunbath on the long sandy shore. Morocco is a destination that has just about everything, it's inexpensive, has plenty of activities for adults and kids, an abundance of history and amazing food. The weather Meteo Marrakech is nice the majority of the year and there are tons of budget airlines which make daily flights from the United Kingdom. Morocco is ideal for activity holidays, beach excursions and cultural exploration learn more.
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