Jam-packed with history and culture – and less than a four hour flight – Morocco is fast becoming the number one choice for families.
Why go?
Less than a four-hour flight from the UK, Morocco is fast becoming the number one choice for families wanting an active alternative to the ‘flop and drop’ beach holiday. Jam-packed with history and culture, and boasting landscapes of sprawling deserts, palm-fringed oases, rugged mountains and even pirate hang-outs, boredom just doesn’t get a look in.
While the country has an enviable climate, the peak summer months of July and August can be uncomfortably hot, so with children travel outside of these periods. Spring and autumn, though, are ideal.
Activities
Whether you want to hone your haggling skills in the souqs of Marrakech, explore the port and one-time pirate hang-out of Essaouira or live like a local in the deserts and mountains, Morocco boasts a wealth of activities and accommodation to suit every budget.
Many tour operators offer camel trips out in the Sahara desert, where you can embrace your inner Lawrence of Arabia and overnight in a Bedouin tent.
Also visit Ait Ben Haddou, one of the best-preserved fortified Kasbah’s in the country and backdrop to films such as Gladiator, Alexander and Game of Thrones.
It’s also possible to live like a local in a traditional Berber village homestay.Here you’ll be surrounded by the High Atlas Mountain, you’ll enjoy panoramic views and get an insider’s view of a way of life that has gone unchanged for centuries.
Top tip: Casablanca is perhaps one place your kids will thank you to avoid. As a busy metropol, it’s lacking the romantic, character-filled, easy-going charm that you can find in somewhere like Fes.
The lowdown
How to get there: easyJet flies from Stansted to Marrakech; from £129 return.
Travel time: Less than four hours flying time from London airports.
Where to stay: Centrally located, Marrakech is probably the best place to stay and from where other attractions can be visited most easily.
£££: Jnane Tamsna is an exquisite, private 24-room villa complete with spa and restaurant, set in a 15-acre walled garden estate, 15-minutes from Marrakech; from £100-£240 per night.
££: A good mid-range place to stay is Riad Kheirredine; from £150 per night.
£: The budget Aqua Fun Club Marrakech has a spa, tennis courts and fitness centre; from £35 per night.