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Morocco is one of the most diverse and vibrant countries in the world. It is pretty unbelievable to think that it is just eight miles from Europe and a three-and-a-half hour flight from London. You’d be hard pressed to find another destination with so much exotic charm, so close to home. It is a perfect choice for families, couples, groups of friends – anyone really. From lying on the beach for a relaxing break, to climbing the highest mountain in north Africa for a taste of adventure (and great value). We pride ourselves in arranging tailor-made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our combined 20 years of experience. To start off, here are the most frequently-asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Morocco Holiday.
Marrakech is perfect for a weekend break, but we think two or three nights is usually sufficient. However, if you have longer than that then we recommend that you combine it with the coast, Atlas Mountains or even the Sahara Desert!
Agadir is famous for its high-rise hotels and mass tourism, but Essaouira is a much more characterful and authentic Moroccan town. Originally an Arabic-Portuguese fishing town, it is a wonderful place to explore under your own steam and offers lots to do in the surrounding area.
Two reasons for this; firstly, Marrakech can be a bit of culture shock (although that’s why we love it) but we find people get more out it, if they have been in Morocco for a few days and have ‘found their feet’. Secondly, if you are flying out from Marrakech, it makes the journey home more relaxing as you can reach the airport in about 15 minutes from most riads and hotels.
The standard of accommodation is great in Morocco. You can stay somewhere very special for around £30 per person per night, but if you fancy something truly sumptuous (e.g. Richard Branson’s mountain retreat or luxury desert glamping), then we recommend that you go all out on a couple of amazing nights, rather than try and spread it across the whole trip. As this may dilute the WOW factor.
Obviously, you want to see as much as possible, but don’t be a ‘tick-box tourist’. By staying put for a few days, even in some of the rural spots, you get the chance to explore and meet real Moroccans. This is the best way to absorb a new culture.
Many retreats just outside Marrakech advertise a ‘desert experience’, but in order to reach the majestic dunes of the Sahara Desert, then you really need a three or four-day round trip. However, the journey is very fulfilling, with plenty to see and do en-route. And, when you get that iconic photo of the sorbet sun rising over the enormous sand mountains…
Compared to most places people want to visit in Morocco, Fes is on a bit of a limb, so miss it out on a first trip and then make a special trip on another occasion (it is lovely and most people prefer its ancient media to that of Marrakech).
We are very proud of our drivers and using them is usually cheaper than hiring a car. But the best bit is that they are great to talk to about everyday Morocco life. You will still need a guide for certain places and sights, but it is not necessary to have a guide with you every step of the way.
As a general rule, we don’t like day trips as they tend to ‘skim’ an area, but our day excursion to the Atlas Mountains is as good as staying there (particularly if you are short on time).
People often say they will miss out the coast as they are not ‘lie on the beach’ types, but the coast offers so much more. There are great walking opportunities, camel treks, quad-bike tours, as well as all the water-sports you could wish for! There are also pretty fishing villages and the bigger town of Essaouira to explore. For this reason it is also great for families.
No two trips we arrange are the same, but if you have anything between 10 days and two weeks our favourite is the ‘Moroccan Circle‘. Start with a Marrakech Riad, travel over the Atlas, watch the sun set in the Sahara Desert and then finish with some sea air on the coast (or do it in reverse!).
It depends what you are looking for when visiting Morocco. Generally speaking, the spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the climate is preferable; not too hot, not too cold. Do bear in mind that weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable all over the world – so take this as our educated guideline, but please don’t hold us to it! Regardless of weather, the great thing about Morocco is that there is always something to keep you occupied.
Spring is a gorgeous time to visit the High Atlas Mountains, when you can enjoy the snow-capped peaks and blossoming wildlife. Temperature wise it tends to be crisp and bright, making the conditions ideal for some serious trekking.
The coastal region of Essaouira remains pretty mild all year round, making it a lovely place to retreat to – particularly now that there are direct flights. It can be very windy along the coast in the summer and the water of the Atlantic coast is chilly at all times!
If you are looking for a desert experience, then September through to the middle of June is your best bet. The height of summer is scorching, so we advise that you avoid this if possible. During the winter, you will find that it does get cool in the evening (once the sun goes down) so take an extra layer. On the plus side, the cooler the air the more likely you are to get a killer sunset/sunrise because, with less moisture in the atmosphere, the light is stunning.
It snows in the High Atlas Mountains during the winter months. So, consider this when packing. You’ll need decent shoes, warm coats, lots of layers etc. It is a wonderfully atmospheric time of year though and there is nothing better than a warm hammam after a long day out on the mountains.
The north of Morocco is on average slightly cooler (by a few degrees) and does tend to get more annual rainfall. If you are restricted by school holidays then we highly recommend Morocco for a half term break (February, May or October). A week is a lovely amount of time to enjoy a relaxed tour of the coast, mountains and city. You don’t have to do it all though, as a week by the coast is a favourite among families, simply because of the number of activities on offer.
It is good to be aware of Islamic holidays and national holidays when planning your trip to Morocco. We recommend factoring in the timing of Ramadan as things do run at a much slower pace; shops tend to shut early and peoples’ patience may run a bit thin. However, from a cultural perspective it’s an extremely interesting time of year to visit. The atmosphere in the towns after the breaking of the fast is terrific. Make sure that you get a good spot at a roof top café in the main square of Djemma El Fna, to fully appreciate the electric atmosphere.
If you’ve got toddlers, then head to the coast where you can stay at Rebali Riads in Sidi Kaouki, which is the perfect property for families. Made up of private riads with swimming pools, it has all the benefits of a villa, but with the service and ease of a luxury hotel.
Our opinion is that the Erg Chigaga represents the best of the Moroccan desert, as it boasts beautifully dramatic sand dunes and is less touristy than the more well-known Merzouga.
If staying in Marrakech, a traditional riad is a must for a few days. These converted merchant houses are beautiful in their own right and allow you to experience medina life first hand.
For couples, a secluded mountain hotel is just the ticket if you want to escape the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature – and you can still be within reach of Marrakech.
Arabic is the first language in Morocco and is the most widely spoken. However, you may be relieved to hear that French is also spoken by many Moroccans, so this can be a good way to get by if your Arabic is not up to scratch (hark back to your school days). When you visit the rural areas, you will find that many people speak the indigenous Berber language, which is culturally very different but based on Arabic.
Here are some key Arabic phrases to help you get by in Morocco:
As much as possible, we recommend that you try to eat where the locals do, as these little restaurants and cafes often serve the tastiest and most authentic cuisine. You’ll be looking at around 100 DH for a delicious and filling meal. The portion sizes are generally very generous in Morocco, so bear this in mind when ordering.
That’s not to say that there aren’t some wonderful upmarket places to eat, but these will come with more of a price tag. Riads are also a great place to enjoy a traditional meal. This is basically home cooking at its finest – normally served in a charming little courtyard, atmospherically lit, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy medina.
The evening food stalls in Djemma El Fna main square are an experience in themselves. A BBQ feast of kebabs, grilled meat, fish, stews, tagines and couscous. The food market kicks off at 4pm and as the night wears on gets more and more electric. Street performers will appear, making it an assault on the senses. The square will quickly become alive with snake charmers, musicians, henna artists, tuk-tuks and much more… Make sure you browse the food stalls before you decide on what takes your fancy. Then pick a spot on one of the long tables with benches and tuck in to your meal, complete with plenty of fresh Moroccan bread and salad.
As Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country, you will find that some of the more traditional establishments don’t serve alcohol. If you want to get a glass of wine or an evening gin and tonic, you’re better to try your riads or more upmarket restaurants. Before you go we will give you a list of our current favourite places to eat and drink.
Moroccan food is delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.
Kotubia Mosque – Marrakesh | Saaidan Tombs – Marrakesh | Majorelle Gardens – Marrakesh | Bahia Palace – Marrakesh |
Ben Youseff Medrasa – Marrakesh | Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate | Todra Gorge – Tinerhir | Dades Valley – Dades River |
Dunes – Sahara | Jebel Toubkal – High Atlas Mountains | Chouara Tannery– Fez |
Meknes – |
Hammam, Photography, Cooking class, Traditional cuisine, Mint Tea, Camel ride, Haggling in the souks, Evening market in Djemma El Fna, Visit a Berber village, Windsurfing & Kite Surfing
The name of Jemaa el Fna, the vast market square in Marrakech, Morocco, literally means “assembly of the dead” and may refer to the traditional display of the heads of criminals executed there until the 19th century. None seen recently!
In the Vallée des Roses, local legend states that pilgrims returning from Mecca brought with them the ‘Mother of all flowers’, the Damascus rose, initiating the rose industry in Morocco. In 1912, French parfumiers realised that the Vallée des Roses would be an ideal place to mass cultivate the bushy Rosa centifolia. Today, there are hundreds of kilometres of rose bush hedges and two factories in the valley, distilling rose essence.
Romans began making wine in Morocco over 2,000 years ago. However, with the establishment of Islam in the 7th century A.D., Moroccan vineyards were not kept up. Under the French Protectorate, the Moroccan vineyards were revived and, in 1956, passed into state control. The French company Castel retook control of Moroccan wine production in the 1990s. The Gris de Boulaouane, a rosé with an orange tint, is one of the best Moroccan wines.
Morocco is the only African country that is not a member of the African Union.
One of the words for ‘money’ in Morocco is wusakh d-dunya, or ‘dirt of the world’. Moroccan money is formally called the dirham (abbreviated DH), but it is commonly referred to as flous.
In the 1950s, Orson Welles stayed at the Hôtel des Îles in Essaouira, Morocco, while he was filming the movie Othello. Legend has it that he met Winston Churchill there. Essaouira also became famous as a hangout for singers Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s.
In Morocco, very few citizens have private baths, and a ritual purification of the body is essential before Muslims can perform prayers, so many Moroccans bath at the publichammam (bath). The hammam is segregated and, along with the local zaouia (saints’ shrine), is an important place for women to socialise.
Djebel Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa.
Morocco is a country very close to Fleewinter’s heart and we are passionate about trying to make a positive difference. We feel strongly that all children have a right to an education, and so we have been raising money by adding a voluntary £5 on each booking to help local schools in Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains. The programme is managed part-time by volunteers in the UK and Morocco, so every pound and dirham raised goes directly into the programme and there are no admin costs.
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Fleewinter clients and our first project was the renovation of the primary school inland from Sidi Kaouki, near Essaouira.
The project was started in 2011 and was completed in mid-2012. We repaired the leaking roof and the windows, added a toilet and washroom and then gave everything a coat of paint. Outside the ground was cleared and a perimeter wall was added to make a simple play area.
We finished by providing each of the pupils with a bag and some basic materials for the start of the new term in September 2012. In 2013 we took on our second school and underwent a programme of renovations, to provide improved sanitation and plumbing and a re-decoration. In 2014 and 2015 we took on our biggest project yet, building a new pre-school from scratch in the Atlas Mountains and in 2016 we undertook another renovation and re-decoration of a school by the coast.
If you want to learn more about our charity projects, then click here.
Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.
Best wishes,
Anna, Barbara and Alisdair (the Fleewinter Morocco experts)
Download pdf Version
Morocco is one of the most diverse and vibrant countries in the world. It is pretty unbelievable to think that it is just eight miles from Europe and a three-and-a-half hour flight from London. You’d be hard pressed to find another destination with so much exotic charm, so close to home. It is a perfect choice for families, couples, groups of friends – anyone really. From lying on the beach for a relaxing break, to climbing the highest mountain in north Africa for a taste of adventure (and great value). We pride ourselves in arranging tailor-made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our combined 20 years of experience. To start off, here are the most frequently-asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Morocco Holiday.
Marrakech is perfect for a weekend break, but we think two or three nights is usually sufficient. However, if you have longer than that then we recommend that you combine it with the coast, Atlas Mountains or even the Sahara Desert!
Agadir is famous for its high-rise hotels and mass tourism, but Essaouira is a much more characterful and authentic Moroccan town. Originally an Arabic-Portuguese fishing town, it is a wonderful place to explore under your own steam and offers lots to do in the surrounding area.
Two reasons for this; firstly, Marrakech can be a bit of culture shock (although that’s why we love it) but we find people get more out it, if they have been in Morocco for a few days and have ‘found their feet’. Secondly, if you are flying out from Marrakech, it makes the journey home more relaxing as you can reach the airport in about 15 minutes from most riads and hotels.
The standard of accommodation is great in Morocco. You can stay somewhere very special for around £30 per person per night, but if you fancy something truly sumptuous (e.g. Richard Branson’s mountain retreat or luxury desert glamping), then we recommend that you go all out on a couple of amazing nights, rather than try and spread it across the whole trip. As this may dilute the WOW factor.
Obviously, you want to see as much as possible, but don’t be a ‘tick-box tourist’. By staying put for a few days, even in some of the rural spots, you get the chance to explore and meet real Moroccans. This is the best way to absorb a new culture.
Many retreats just outside Marrakech advertise a ‘desert experience’, but in order to reach the majestic dunes of the Sahara Desert, then you really need a three or four-day round trip. However, the journey is very fulfilling, with plenty to see and do en-route. And, when you get that iconic photo of the sorbet sun rising over the enormous sand mountains…
Compared to most places people want to visit in Morocco, Fes is on a bit of a limb, so miss it out on a first trip and then make a special trip on another occasion (it is lovely and most people prefer its ancient media to that of Marrakech).
We are very proud of our drivers and using them is usually cheaper than hiring a car. But the best bit is that they are great to talk to about everyday Morocco life. You will still need a guide for certain places and sights, but it is not necessary to have a guide with you every step of the way.
As a general rule, we don’t like day trips as they tend to ‘skim’ an area, but our day excursion to the Atlas Mountains is as good as staying there (particularly if you are short on time).
People often say they will miss out the coast as they are not ‘lie on the beach’ types, but the coast offers so much more. There are great walking opportunities, camel treks, quad-bike tours, as well as all the water-sports you could wish for! There are also pretty fishing villages and the bigger town of Essaouira to explore. For this reason it is also great for families.
No two trips we arrange are the same, but if you have anything between 10 days and two weeks our favourite is the ‘Moroccan Circle‘. Start with a Marrakech Riad, travel over the Atlas, watch the sun set in the Sahara Desert and then finish with some sea air on the coast (or do it in reverse!).
It depends what you are looking for when visiting Morocco. Generally speaking, the spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the climate is preferable; not too hot, not too cold. Do bear in mind that weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable all over the world – so take this as our educated guideline, but please don’t hold us to it! Regardless of weather, the great thing about Morocco is that there is always something to keep you occupied.
Spring is a gorgeous time to visit the High Atlas Mountains, when you can enjoy the snow-capped peaks and blossoming wildlife. Temperature wise it tends to be crisp and bright, making the conditions ideal for some serious trekking.
The coastal region of Essaouira remains pretty mild all year round, making it a lovely place to retreat to – particularly now that there are direct flights. It can be very windy along the coast in the summer and the water of the Atlantic coast is chilly at all times!
If you are looking for a desert experience, then September through to the middle of June is your best bet. The height of summer is scorching, so we advise that you avoid this if possible. During the winter, you will find that it does get cool in the evening (once the sun goes down) so take an extra layer. On the plus side, the cooler the air the more likely you are to get a killer sunset/sunrise because, with less moisture in the atmosphere, the light is stunning.
It snows in the High Atlas Mountains during the winter months. So, consider this when packing. You’ll need decent shoes, warm coats, lots of layers etc. It is a wonderfully atmospheric time of year though and there is nothing better than a warm hammam after a long day out on the mountains.
The north of Morocco is on average slightly cooler (by a few degrees) and does tend to get more annual rainfall. If you are restricted by school holidays then we highly recommend Morocco for a half term break (February, May or October). A week is a lovely amount of time to enjoy a relaxed tour of the coast, mountains and city. You don’t have to do it all though, as a week by the coast is a favourite among families, simply because of the number of activities on offer.
It is good to be aware of Islamic holidays and national holidays when planning your trip to Morocco. We recommend factoring in the timing of Ramadan as things do run at a much slower pace; shops tend to shut early and peoples’ patience may run a bit thin. However, from a cultural perspective it’s an extremely interesting time of year to visit. The atmosphere in the towns after the breaking of the fast is terrific. Make sure that you get a good spot at a roof top café in the main square of Djemma El Fna, to fully appreciate the electric atmosphere.
If you’ve got toddlers, then head to the coast where you can stay at Rebali Riads in Sidi Kaouki, which is the perfect property for families. Made up of private riads with swimming pools, it has all the benefits of a villa, but with the service and ease of a luxury hotel.
Our opinion is that the Erg Chigaga represents the best of the Moroccan desert, as it boasts beautifully dramatic sand dunes and is less touristy than the more well-known Merzouga.
If staying in Marrakech, a traditional riad is a must for a few days. These converted merchant houses are beautiful in their own right and allow you to experience medina life first hand.
For couples, a secluded mountain hotel is just the ticket if you want to escape the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature – and you can still be within reach of Marrakech.
Arabic is the first language in Morocco and is the most widely spoken. However, you may be relieved to hear that French is also spoken by many Moroccans, so this can be a good way to get by if your Arabic is not up to scratch (hark back to your school days). When you visit the rural areas, you will find that many people speak the indigenous Berber language, which is culturally very different but based on Arabic.
Here are some key Arabic phrases to help you get by in Morocco:
As much as possible, we recommend that you try to eat where the locals do, as these little restaurants and cafes often serve the tastiest and most authentic cuisine. You’ll be looking at around 100 DH for a delicious and filling meal. The portion sizes are generally very generous in Morocco, so bear this in mind when ordering.
That’s not to say that there aren’t some wonderful upmarket places to eat, but these will come with more of a price tag. Riads are also a great place to enjoy a traditional meal. This is basically home cooking at its finest – normally served in a charming little courtyard, atmospherically lit, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy medina.
The evening food stalls in Djemma El Fna main square are an experience in themselves. A BBQ feast of kebabs, grilled meat, fish, stews, tagines and couscous. The food market kicks off at 4pm and as the night wears on gets more and more electric. Street performers will appear, making it an assault on the senses. The square will quickly become alive with snake charmers, musicians, henna artists, tuk-tuks and much more… Make sure you browse the food stalls before you decide on what takes your fancy. Then pick a spot on one of the long tables with benches and tuck in to your meal, complete with plenty of fresh Moroccan bread and salad.
As Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country, you will find that some of the more traditional establishments don’t serve alcohol. If you want to get a glass of wine or an evening gin and tonic, you’re better to try your riads or more upmarket restaurants. Before you go we will give you a list of our current favourite places to eat and drink.
Moroccan food is delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.
Kotubia Mosque – Marrakesh | Saaidan Tombs – Marrakesh | Majorelle Gardens – Marrakesh | Bahia Palace – Marrakesh |
Ben Youseff Medrasa – Marrakesh | Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate | Todra Gorge – Tinerhir | Dades Valley – Dades River |
Dunes – Sahara | Jebel Toubkal – High Atlas Mountains | Chouara Tannery– Fez |
Meknes – |
Hammam, Photography, Cooking class, Traditional cuisine, Mint Tea, Camel ride, Haggling in the souks, Evening market in Djemma El Fna, Visit a Berber village, Windsurfing & Kite Surfing
The name of Jemaa el Fna, the vast market square in Marrakech, Morocco, literally means “assembly of the dead” and may refer to the traditional display of the heads of criminals executed there until the 19th century. None seen recently!
In the Vallée des Roses, local legend states that pilgrims returning from Mecca brought with them the ‘Mother of all flowers’, the Damascus rose, initiating the rose industry in Morocco. In 1912, French parfumiers realised that the Vallée des Roses would be an ideal place to mass cultivate the bushy Rosa centifolia. Today, there are hundreds of kilometres of rose bush hedges and two factories in the valley, distilling rose essence.
Romans began making wine in Morocco over 2,000 years ago. However, with the establishment of Islam in the 7th century A.D., Moroccan vineyards were not kept up. Under the French Protectorate, the Moroccan vineyards were revived and, in 1956, passed into state control. The French company Castel retook control of Moroccan wine production in the 1990s. The Gris de Boulaouane, a rosé with an orange tint, is one of the best Moroccan wines.
Morocco is the only African country that is not a member of the African Union.
One of the words for ‘money’ in Morocco is wusakh d-dunya, or ‘dirt of the world’. Moroccan money is formally called the dirham (abbreviated DH), but it is commonly referred to as flous.
In the 1950s, Orson Welles stayed at the Hôtel des Îles in Essaouira, Morocco, while he was filming the movie Othello. Legend has it that he met Winston Churchill there. Essaouira also became famous as a hangout for singers Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s.
In Morocco, very few citizens have private baths, and a ritual purification of the body is essential before Muslims can perform prayers, so many Moroccans bath at the publichammam (bath). The hammam is segregated and, along with the local zaouia (saints’ shrine), is an important place for women to socialise.
Djebel Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa.
Morocco is a country very close to Fleewinter’s heart and we are passionate about trying to make a positive difference. We feel strongly that all children have a right to an education, and so we have been raising money by adding a voluntary £5 on each booking to help local schools in Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains. The programme is managed part-time by volunteers in the UK and Morocco, so every pound and dirham raised goes directly into the programme and there are no admin costs.
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Fleewinter clients and our first project was the renovation of the primary school inland from Sidi Kaouki, near Essaouira.
The project was started in 2011 and was completed in mid-2012. We repaired the leaking roof and the windows, added a toilet and washroom and then gave everything a coat of paint. Outside the ground was cleared and a perimeter wall was added to make a simple play area.
We finished by providing each of the pupils with a bag and some basic materials for the start of the new term in September 2012. In 2013 we took on our second school and underwent a programme of renovations, to provide improved sanitation and plumbing and a re-decoration. In 2014 and 2015 we took on our biggest project yet, building a new pre-school from scratch in the Atlas Mountains and in 2016 we undertook another renovation and re-decoration of a school by the coast.
If you want to learn more about our charity projects, then click here.
Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.
Best wishes,
Barbara, Jenna and Charlie (the Fleewinter Morocco experts)
Do you fancy having a chat about Morocco Holiday Planner? Personally, it's one of our favourite things to talk about.