Luxury Villas in Morocco

You don’t necessarily need a strict schedule when visiting Morocco – a day spent navigating the cities without direction will still lead to plenty of exciting finds. However, if you’re someone who prefers to go in with a plan, there are certain must-sees.

You’ll likely start and end your trip flying into Casablanca, but don’t just treat it as a transit point. Serving as the inspiration for the 1942 film favourite – there’s even a Rick’s Cafe! – this beautiful city is most notably home to the Hassan II Mosque.

To get out of the city, drive around an hour from Marrakech and you’ll find the Atlas Mountains. They’re inhabited by Berbers, who have small traditional settlements across the region – a stop-off to one of them is commonplace on a walking tour or 4×4 adventure.

For a complete change of scenery, head to the desert trading town of Rissani. From there you can head out on a camel to traverse the dunes, with some providers offering you the change to sleep overnight beneath clear skies. Film buffs, stop at Ouarzazate for a visit to the Hollywood-esque film studios, Game of Thrones, Prison Break and Aladdin were all shot there.

Subtle spices and full flavours produce some of Morocco’s most inviting dishes, drawing influence from Arabian, Andalusian and French cuisine. Couscous is a familiar staple, serving as the base of sharing platters and topping off rich stews. One such dish is the signature tagine, traditionally made in a clay pot and served with several slices of fresh flatbread.

Less globally known but equally comforting, harira is a thick soup that combines lentils, tomatoes, chickpeas, and lamb. It’s typically mopped up with chebakia, a sticky sweet pretzel – and trust us, you’ll want to savour every last drop!

B’stilla serves as the more unusual contender for your foodie agenda, prepared using paper-thin pastry layers that are stuffed with pigeon, almonds, and eggs. A saffron and coriander seasoning completes the flaky favourite, which is also available with vegetarian or seafood fillings.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying beghrir. Also known as “thousand hole pancakes”, this spongy crepe-like treat is made using semolina batter. They’re typically served with sweet syrups or preserves at breakfast or tea time.

Chebakia with Mint Tea

Great for babies

Many of the most popular dishes are made using simple ingredients – great for tempting tiny tots with their first solids!

Great for kids

They’ll feel the thrill of exploration as they wander through the winding medinas, uncovering hidden gems and authentic treasures at every turn.

Great for teens

It won’t be hard to get screen addicts off their phones with so much to take in around them. From the cities to the Sahara, there’ll never be a dull sightseeing moment.

Morocco has a strong national identity – from the clothes locals wear to the buildings that stand. However, you’ll find a modern heartbeat woven in, with so many sounds, smells, and sights coming together to form something refreshingly unique.

Found in Marrakech, Al Nour employs women with disabilities who create hand-embroidered clothes and home textiles – a fantastic souvenir that supports a good cause!