MARRAKECH
Exotic yet accessible, Marrakech is bursting at the seams with culture and is a real assault on the senses. In the heart of Morocco, nestled between mountain and desert, it’s unsurprising to find that this is a city of contrasts. The bustling atmosphere of the Djemaa el-Fna is far removed from the tranquillity of the various gardens; and the medina’s labyrinthine souk-lined streets wonderfully contradict the wide, treelined boulevards of the New Town. Marrakech offers excellent resort style accommodation as well as charming riads – traditional Moroccan style residences with inward-facing rooms and serene central courtyards. Providing a beautiful backdrop to the city are the snowcapped Atlas Mountains – the perfect territory for embarking on treks to hidden waterfalls, visiting Berber villages and soaking up the stunning views.ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Perfect for an enthralling day trip from Marrakech, a twincentre escape or a holiday in its own right, this stunning region is home to traditional Berber villagers perched on the mountainside, as well as herb and spice farms. But it’s the natural environment that’s the real highlight, with snowcapped peaks, dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls and far-reaching views. Trekking is one of the most popular ways to discover the mountains, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging climbs.
The High Atlas is the most easily reached section of the mountains, at a distance of one-to-two hours away from Marrakech. The serene Asni Valley lies at the foot of some of the highest peaks in Marrakech, while the charming Berber town of Imlil is an excellent starting point for trekking.
One of the most popular attractions in the mountains is the Ouzoud Falls; a four-tired waterfall with waters cascading from a height of over 100 metres. Relax by the flowing waters, or wander along the surrounding walkways that meander through the trees. The drive to Ouarzazate offers mesmerising views. This beautiful city is nicknamed ‘the door of the desert’ as it lies in the centre of a bare plateau, with the desert to the south. Take a tour of the ancient Kasbah complex of Ait Benhaddou and Kasbah Taourirt. The Ouarzazate area also has claims to fame, with a number of Hollywood film scenes having been shot at the Atlas Studios here, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. See p16-17 for a selection of our Atlas Mountains experiences.
AGADIR
Basking in over 300 days of sunshine a year, Morocco’s largest beach resort is set on a sprawling protected beach. Once a traditional Moroccan town, Agadir was completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960 as is now a modern resort, its beach is home to a variety of watersports as well as horse and camel riding. Agadir can be a lively resort with many bars and restaurants and a great deal of entertainment, however it also offers a quieter district for those in search of relaxation.
Just south of Agadir, where the Souss River flows to the Atlantic, estuarine mud flats are home to a staggering 414 species of birds including greater flamingo, cormorants, little egret, bald ibis (in winter months) and black winged stilts. Best sightings are Feb-April and Sep-Nov. For something a little special, Imouzzer is a paradise like valley lined with towering palms and just 35 miles north east of Agadir whilst the nearby Berber village is renowned for its honey production and is celebrated.
ESSAOUIRA
One of the most beautiful Atlantic coastal towns, Essaouira is famous for its laidback atmosphere and long, sandy beach. Intimate and romantic, this seaside resort is a great choice for a relaxing break. The town has enjoyed a great love affair with the film industry having been the setting of Orson Welles’ Othello and Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven and after being frequented by the likes of Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane, Essaouira has become a ‘hip’ place to stay.
Today, going through a great revival Essaouira is now home to a number of chic boutique hotels, maison d’hotes and riads and is quickly becoming Morocco’s sought after beach destination, where you’ll find photographers, artists and the rich and famous making the most of the cooling winds of the Atlantic, its proximity to Marrakech, and the great atmosphere.
Morocco boasts a large number of international airports, most notably those at Rabat, Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier. Flights from the UK to Morocco will take somewhere in the region of 3 hours.
Some of the more popular destinations on a holiday in Morocco include the cities of Agadir, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier and Fez. Each has its own distinct flavour however, meaning that no two holidays to Morocco are going to be the same experience. Many of the coastal cities also boast fantastic beaches, and water sports are a regular attraction on holidays to Morocco.
Lovers of culture will be delighted by the wide array of museums, galleries and striking architecture that are on offer across this unique country; and with a history that has featured occupation by civilizations as diverse as the Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Jews and Arabs, you will have the chance to admire a broad range of complimentary styles and influences.
This same unique blend is apparent in Moroccan cuisine, which uses a diverse range of ingredients, including rich spices, Mediterranean fruits and fresh red meats. Should you travel to Marrakech during your holiday in Morocco, be sure to visit the breathtaking market at Djemaa El Fna to experience Moroccan cuisine at its finest. During the day this bustling market place is filled with a heady blend of fakirs, snake charmers and market stalls, but at night, it really comes to life as the food stalls open for business; you’ll have the chance to try hot stewed tagines, crisp salads, sweet pastries and curious delicacies, such as deep fried eel.
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