Morocco sightseeing
Marrakech
Few cities in the world enjoy such a dramatic setting and intoxicating atmosphere as Marrakech where the rose-pink walls of the ancient city sit low beneath the soaring peaks of the Atlas mountains. The fronds of towering palm trees jostle for position above the medieval ramparts where nesting storks colonise each vacant turret.
Marrakech has attracted visitors for centuries and the Djemaa el Fna square is the focal point to which tribes and travellers have been drawn since ancient times. Each day as the shadow of the elegant Koutoubia minaret lengthens towards the Djemaa el Fna square the carnival begins. An extraordinary collection of Berber musicians, snake-charmers, fortune tellers, fire eaters and dancers gather to entertain the ever shifting circles of mesmerised onlookers.
During the day you can wander for hours through the seemingly infinite souks before retreating from the heady atmosphere to the shaded tranquility of your hotel pool and gardens. Or head for the terrace of a pavement cafe, enjoy a refreshing mint tea whilst watching this uniquely colourful pageant.
The Gardens of Marrakech
Spend a half day visiting the gardens of Marrakech by horse-drawn carriage. The tour includes a visit to the Menara gardens where one of the most famous sights of Marrakech, the Saadian Pavilion overlooks the reservoir against the backdrop of the Atlas mountains. Take in the Agdal Gardens en route to the lush botanical Majaorelle Gardens privately owned by Yves St Laurent.
Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
Cross the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi N'Tichka pass and enjoy spectacular scenic views of mountains and semi-desert terrain topped by kasbahs and adobe homes before visiting the spectacular 11 th century Ait Ben Haddou kasbah declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site and historical treasure.
Evening at Yacout
Take cocktails on the roof top terrace overlooking the medina before enjoying a gala dinner in the sumptuous interior of an ancient Moroccan Palace and one of North Africa's most revered restaurants. Splendid rooms decorated with antique chandeliers, fireplaces and stunning mosaics offer an intimate atmosphere whilst ornate crystal, fine china and white table linen strewn with rose petals complement a beautifully presented traditional Moroccan feast.
Essouira
Essaouira is undoubtedly the most charismatic of Morocco's coastal towns. Above the medieval battlements of the medina the white-washed, blue-shuttered houses look out over an arc of perfect golden sand towards the sea and bustling harbour. Inside the city walls, the coastal breeze threads its way through a maze of streets and alleyways, where art galleries, antique shops, smart boutiques and serious surf shacks (catering for the wind-surfing fraternity which is drawn to the town) sit alongside market stalls, barbers and traditional workshops. As relaxing as it is enchanting, Essaouira offers an easy-going and beguiling holiday experience.
Agadir
Agadir, as Morocco's premier beach resort, delivers all you could expect of a modern, well-planned resort offering a wonderful year-round climate and ten kilometres of fine, golden sands neighbouring the Atlantic ocean.
A 16th century Kasbah stands guard over the modern port to the north of the town. Gardens and parks separate the residential area from the resort's many hotels which border tree-lined promenades, boulevards and the beach.
There are numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs, as well as a huge selection of shops and a small colourful souk.
Sports lovers will enjoy a wide variety of water sports and there are three excellent golf courses nearby.
Map
Climate
Spring can start from as early as January and the sustained sunshine and blue skies of autumn extend through to late November and early December. Spring and autumn see temperatures tend to hover around the mid to late 20's.
Did you know?
The Last Sharifian Emperor of Morocco, Moulay Ismail (c.1627-c.1727), known as ‘Ismail The Bloodthirsty,’ is reputed to have fathered 548 sons and 340 daughters through a harem of no fewer than 500 women.