Morocco Holidays
Resort

Agadir  

Morocco
All You Need To Know

Magical Morocco thrills the senses with its heady mix of vibrant colours, exotic aromas and shimmering sands

Ancient yet modern, frenetic yet soothing, Morocco is an exotic land of contrasts. Its very name conjures up a host of colourful images and evocative sounds...bustling souk markets, blazing sunshine, red mud-brick kasbahs, intricate handwoven rugs, gilt coffee pots and billowing hookahs. Truly a country of many faces, Morocco is profoundly traditional and yet at the same time strongly drawn to the Western world.

So, while its roots are unquestionably North African , Morocco also exudes a distinct European air mixing Arabic charm with just a soupcon of French colonialism and cosmopolitan allure. This dual personality is also reflected in the country's diverse landscape. Glittering sandy beaches give way to rocky coasts while the dunes and lush oases of the Sahara Desert stand in the brooding shadow of the snow peaked Atlas Mountains . From its ancient fortified cities to its wide beaches, Morocco has much to offer and makes for an unforgettable holiday destination.

Beaches

Backed by the snowcapped Atlas Mountains, Agadir is Morocco 's premier holiday resort and boasts a long, wide stretch of golden, sandy beach and is known for its wide array of watersports.

Shopping

Visit one of Morocco 's bustling souk markets and witness an explosion of colour, texture and personality. Pots of all shapes and sizes brim with red and yellow coloured spices whose aroma hangs thick in the air, while crates of green peppers, polished aubergines and ripe avocado pears jostle for stall space with exotic artichokes. From hand woven rugs to baskets made from palms, from ornate Moroccan hookahs to gilt Arab coffee pots, you can buy anything and everything at a local bazaar. As you make your way through the hurly-burly of the market, remember to haggle and barter with the merchants to pick up some excellent bargains.

Nightlife

For centuries, Place Jemaa el-Fna, has been the very epicentre of cultural life in Marrakech and epitomises Morrocan nightlife. Once the sun goes down this vibrant square is lit by the glow of hanging lanterns and becomes the arena for an extraordinary open-air show. The tempting smell of grilling meats and aromatic spices wafts in the air as the square fills with food stalls, acrobats, traders, teeth pullers, dancers, musicians and fortune tellers! Agadir, meanwhile, is home to a wealth of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants where you can while away the evenings.

Sightseeing

Away from the clamour of the souks and bazaars, experience the peace and serenity of the mighty Atlas Mountains . Not only is the mountain range the highest in North Africa, it stretches down through Morocco like an impregnable barrier for some 800km. Punctuated by soaring peaks, steep valleys, narrow canyons and rocky plains, it affords breathtaking views and awe-inspiring panoramas.

Berber tribes thrive in the mountains. Still residing in their kasbahs - old houses made from sun-baked earth adorned with elaborately carved merlons and ramparts - they tend every last plot of land to grow crops and raise their livestock. A trip up into the Atlas Mountains will reveal a completely different way of life and some of Mother Nature's most impressive handiwork.

Local Specialities

Fusing Berber, Arabic and Spanish cuisine, Moroccan fare is a melange of rich, tantalizing flavours. Herbs and spices are an essential part of Moroccan cooking and most dishes feature cumin, saffron, ginger, turmeric, cloves and cinnamon to bring out the full flavour of meat, vegetables and pastries. Morocco 's ubiquitous dish, steamed couscous, is often served with 'tajine', a type of stew made with lamb, chicken or fish that's cooked in an earthenware dish. Another Moroccan favourite is skewered lamb which is cooked with onions, parsley, peppers and coated in a variety of aromatic spices. If you've got a sweet tooth, try 'kaab ghzahl', a pastry made from almonds, sugar, butter and orange flower water. Round off a meal with a glass of mint tea or 'qahwa kahla', very strong black coffee.

Highlights

Highlights offer endless opportunities to discover, wonder, relax and enjoy - here is a selection...

Marrakech/Essaouira (Two days, one night) A combined trip which allows the visitor to discover two of the most important cities in the region; Marrakech and Essaouria. Overnight in Marrakech with its backdrop of the Atlas mountains, its famous Jemaa El Fnaa square Bahia Palace and Medina . Returning to Agadir via the coast route and through the strikingly white town of Essouria said to be one of Morocco 's enchanting towns. (One day Marrakech also available)

Taroudant (Full Day) Surrounded by orchards, orange and olive groves lies the historical fortified town or Taroudant. Behind its red walls, this former Saadian city beholds local handicraft stalls of terracotta, wrought iron, brass and copper, Berber jewellery and traditional carpets. A traditional Berber lunch in a local house is also included in the Palm grove of Tiout.

Immouzer (Half Day) Reached via a winding road, through gorges, Immouzer is set upon a hilltop in the foothills of the High Atlas. Despite many people leaving the rural areas for the cities, here you can still see the local women dressed in their brightly coloured robes working the land.