Morocco: A Year Round Destination

Morocco is a country of full plates and easy smiles. With seemingly endless sunshine and blue skies, it’s an ideal year round destination and only a short flight from the UK. No matter where you go, the warm and easy going nature of its culture is sure to charm you; drawing you back to its sundrenched shores again and again. Whether you’re sampling the highlights of the food scene or enjoying the tranquility of rural valleys, there’s something to suit every kind of traveller.

We’ve teamed up with Yeo Valley to offer an incredible 4 night break to Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. Follow this link to enter: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/things-to-do/yeokens/raffle  and read on to find out more about the highlights of this charming country.

Explore the souks of Marrakech

Iconic, colourful and utterly unique, the souks of Marrakech are a must-see for any Morocco visitor. Dotted across the city, their labyrinthine walkways are filled with trinkets and treasures; accompanied by the all-pervasive aroma of strong mint tea. While it can be tempting to dive straight in, take some time to familiarise yourself with the winding paths and sprawling layouts. Each souk caters for a different type of handicraft or product, from rich and vibrant fabrics to hand-worked leather bags, and you’ll want to hit the highlights. Start on Souk Semmarine, a broad alleyway which snakes north from Jemaa el Fna. Follow its path, armed with a camera and some strong bargaining techniques, and let the ebb and flow of the crowds take you; you’re sure to come away laden with treasures!

Sample Moroccan Cuisine

Having found its way onto the international scene in recent years, Moroccan cuisine is one of the most intriguing and diverse in the world. Whether you’re wandering the bustling streets of Marrakech or relaxing at a picnic spot in the High Atlas, there’s no shortage of wonderful foodie combinations on offer. When it comes to sampling the highlights, different regions boast different specialities. In Marrakech, head out of the main square and sample some of the city’s delightful street food. Aromatic tagines, chunks of flatbread and plenty of cous cous salad is the dish of the day; pull up a stool and tuck in with the locals. If you’re outside of the cities, fresh fruit and hearty spices are staples of every meal. Don’t miss bastilla; saffron spiced chicken encased in filo pastry topped with grated walnuts and honey dressing.

Visit remote Berber Villages

Alongside the charms and colours of its Imperial Cities, Morocco also boasts a unique and intriguing rural culture. Dotted among the peaks of the Atlas Mountains are strings of Berber villages, all preserving an ancient and traditional way of life. Berber people, indigenous to North Africa, are known for their hospitality and craftsmanship; and you’re sure to find both in equal measure on your travels! Winding pathways are lined with ramshackle clay houses, many standing with open doors to welcome passing visitors. The main starting point for hikes around the area is the village of Imlil. Just an hour’s drive from Marrakech, it’s an ideal gateway to sprawling valleys and towering mountain peaks. To gain an insight into the culture, folklore and history of this unique region, explore the area with a local guide.

See Traditional Entertainment

Surrounded by tea houses, street food vendors and colourful market stalls, Marrakech’s Jemma el Fna is worth a visit at any of time of day. However, once the sun goes down this cosmopolitan hub truly comes to life; becoming a stage for street performers from all over the city. Storytellers, snake charmers, acrobats and musicians all flock to the square, take up their positions and beckon eager crowds to watch their performance. This is the creative heart of Marrakech and, night after night, tourists and locals alike are drawn here from all corners of the city. Whether you want to watch the spectacle from a rooftop bar or are hoping to get up close to the action, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend your night in Marrakech.

Make it happen

Want to experience Morocco’s technicolour culture for yourself? Visit our website and send an enquiry to our local experts to get your planning underway! To enter our competition with Yeo Valley, follow this link: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/things-to-do/yeokens/raffle. Alternatively, if you’d like advice or to chat about your travel plans, give us a call in office on 0117 342 7898.