Offering a scenic coastline and one of Africa's most sought-after cities, holidays to Morocco give Europe's top tourist destinations a run for their money.
Morocco’s introduction to the mainstream holiday market in the late Nineties added a new genre to the library of world travel. Suddenly, holidays were scented with spice rather than suncream, and the soundtrack of waves was remixed with calls to prayer. You could visit the Atlantic coast, as well as blush-coloured Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.
Today, more than eight million tourists come to the country every year in search of a beach break with a twist. Most people choose Agadir as their base, and for good reason. The stretch of coast here unravels for six miles and basks in 300 days of sunshine a year. Drive 30 minutes north, meanwhile, and you’ll find yourself on the quieter sands of Taghazout. This up-and-coming fishing village is a magnet for surfers and offers an authentic taste of laidback Moroccan life.
Head a little further north from the mountains, meanwhile, and you’ll reach Marrakech. The highlight of this chaotic city is the marketplace in Jemaa el-Fna square. Even if you don’t have an eye to buy it’s still worth a visit. You’re likely to see bejewelled belly dancers, too.
