Visit Morocco - A Short Guide

This exotic North African country can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want it to be. Get the best out of the country's luxury resort hotels, exotic souks, mountain treks and desert safaris - take a look at these 10 reasons to visit Morocco. They will help to start your holiday planning and further research.

Beaches: Take your pick from a wide choice of beaches on Morocco's Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Opt for popular resorts such as Agadir or quiet spots such as Asilah and Oualidia.

Cities: Morocco's imperial cities are resplendent with old palaces, medinas and bustling markets. Top options include Marrakech, Fes and Rabat.

Riads: Enjoy typical Moroccan hospitality with a stay at a riad, which is usually a palace or grand courtyard home that has been turned into a luxury boutique hotel or bed and breakfast.

Desert: Head into the Sahara on a camel trek or four-wheel drive excursion. Book a trip for a day or stay in a Bedouin tent.

Mountains: No matter where you choose to stay in Morocco, the mountains beckon. The Atlas range bisects the country, while the Rif Mountains sweep down to the north coast.

Food: Delicious Moroccan cuisine will have you asking for more. Try tajine, a subtly-flavoured stew using lamb, chicken or fish. Couscous dishes are also popular. Wash them down with wine, beer or refreshing mint tea.

Shopping: Get lost in the souks of Casablanca, Tangier and other towns and cities as you barter for brightly-patterned ceramics, leather goods, baskets, carpets and jewellery.

Spas: Wind down in traditional steam baths found in towns and cities throughout the country. Luxury hotels in resorts such as Essaouira have modern spas offering a wide variety of treatments.

History: Imperial cities such as Tetouan boast ancient medinas that have hardly changed in thousands of years. Head towards the desert and you'll see spectacular kasbahs built into cliff walls.

Festivals: Music, dance and Arab traditions such as storytelling and horse riding are at the fore of Morocco's moussems, held throughout the country and incorporating a fair and a religious celebration. Top picks include the rose moussem at Kelaat M'Gouna near Ouarzazate and the date festival at Erfoud on the edge of the desert.

A holiday in Morocco is full of excitement. Whether you choose to stay in a sumptuous city hotel in Morocco, or sleep under the stars in a remote Berber village, there's an atmosphere of mystique and magic, where you will take away amazing memories of snake charmers and camel trains to kasbahs and minarets.