Why travel to Morocco?

Vibrant metropolises, ports and royal cities welcome you with their striking architecture: the world’s largest mosques, impressive minarets, walls and fortifications/kasbahs and palaces, and richly decorated gates such as Bab Bou Jeloud, the famous blue gate.

Marvel at the architecture of well-preserved historic town centres such as the medinas of Fez, Essaouira, Marrakesh and Rabat, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At the rammed earth buildings of the Berbers; the Middle Eastern, Andalusian and Spanish-Moorish styles; and the art deco, art nouveau, neoclassical, modernist and futurist elements.

A world that appeals to all your senses: markets, busy squares and cafés, Berber carpets, shawls, fabrics, wood carvings, leather goods, hand-painted tiles, ceramics, ornaments and colour. Haggle for babouche slippers, and savour the scent of spices at the souk, take a stroll through lively streets and enjoy the typically Moroccan street foods and a glass of hot mint tea.

Passed on from generation to generation: the evident craftsmanship of interiors and furnishings. Admire the richly ornamented plasterwork, furniture and antiques that abound, and be amazed by the exhibits at the Museum of Moroccan Folk Art in Chefchaouen, the YSL Museum and its library.

Enchantment guaranteed: sublime dunes, endless beaches, palm-lined coastal roads with cacti, bougainvillea, arcades and olive trees. Special highlights include the Skoura palm grove, the Valley of Roses, Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules.

Glorious gardens: the Majorelle Garden, the Jardin des Arts, the Anima Garden designed by André Heller, the Mendoubia Gardens with their centuries-old fig and dragon trees, the Talassemtane National Park, Paradise Valley … all are verdant refuges where you can harmonise with nature.

The wild Atlantic Ocean has the world’s most beautiful bays: with miles of sandy beaches, chilled out beach life and famous surfing hotspots such as Moulay Bouzerktoun, Sidi Kaouki and Taghazout. Sunbathe on your hotel’s private beach, and get that summer feeling on a stroll along beach promenades like Promenade La Corniche in Casablanca.

Hiking in the Rif Mountains: head for the peaks of Jebel Kelaa and Jebel Meggou and to the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy views of the Strait of Gibraltar as you tuck into culinary delights: Chefchaouni cuisine is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

On the trail of artistic inspiration: where writers like Alfred Hitchcock, Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, and musicians like Bob Marley, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones translated their encounters with people and places into stories and songs. Be inspired by the vibrant life in the cafés of artists and hippies.

Enjoy the nightlife, music and dancing in cool urban jazz clubs; admire traditional artists, belly dancers and fire eaters as you enjoy a traditional meal in a Bedouin tent; and join the throng at big events like the Gnaoua Festival of world music.