Whether you come for the food, culture or distinct architecture, Morocco is sure to bowl you over with its abundance of experiences on offer. An accessible way to get a taste of north Africa, this varied country boasts beaches, imperial cities, sprawling desert and small towns to explore throughout your visit.
Marrakech dazzles with its vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the intricate beauty of Bahia Palace, while Tangier entices with its white-washed Kasbah and the enchanting Caves of Hercules. The capital city of Rabat impresses with the historic Kasbah of the Udayas and the unfinished majesty of the Hassan Tower, and Essaouira captivates with its laid-back beach vibes and the iconic blue boats of its bustling port.
For active adventurers, the rugged mountains are sure to be a big draw, while souvenir hunters will be spoilt for choice as they traverse the bustling markets seeking out their own stunning finds. But even if all you leave Morocco with is a whole host of new memories, we're confident you'll come back hungry for more.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked Morocco villas have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking holiday villas in Morocco that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, many cater to large groups, and all of them have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
Morocco boasts a landscape as vibrant and varied as its past, boasting ties with sub-saharan Africa as well as nearby Europe and even the Middle East. You'll have access to mountains, desert and markets, meaning you can truly cater your villa holiday in Morocco to suit your travel party.
Start each morning sipping on mint tea like the locals do, then head out and explore the boutiques and maze-like medina of your nearest city. Among the hustle and bustle of it all, take some time to people-watch in the squares, find your way around ancient structures, and end your day soaking up panoramic views from one of the restaurant rooftop terraces.
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 in Morocco too.
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 4x4 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. However, for those who prefer the finer things in life, 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 unite to 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 using 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 then stuffed with pigeon, almonds and eggs. A saffron and coriander seasoning completes the flaky favourite, which is also available with vegetarian or seafood fillings.
Finally, for a distinctly Moroccan take on a western favourite, try 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.
Great for kids: They'll feel like they're in a real-life video game as they wind their way through the medinas and find their own very own treasures.
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.
Dress appropriately: When not unwinding in one of our villas in Morocco, be sure to respect cultural standards to avoid drawing unnecessary attention - carrying a scarf or shawl is a fuss-free option.
Morocco has a strong national identity, evidenced from the clothes locals wear to the buildings that still stand. However, you'll find a modern heartbeat woven in, with so many sounds, smells and sights coming together to form something refreshingly unique.
While you may be content with spending all of your trip lazing in one of our luxury Morocco villas, you can't come to this captivating country and not soak up some of the local culture.
Aside from the four imperial cities, which each boast their own special charm, you'll find various other small towns off the typical tourist track. From bustling to calming and everything in between, here are our top picks to visit on your Morocco holiday.
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!
The main attraction in Fes is undoubtedly its mesmerising medina, which is actually the oldest in the world. Tanneries and weavers abound within this wonderful labyrinth, allowing you to happily spend a day taking in the architecture as you wander around. Into your food? The walkable nature of Fes means there's always something new to try around every corner.
Glowing palaces, spice-scented alleys and ancient souks: there's a certain magic to Marrakech which is palpable from the moment you arrive. Also known as the Red City, it sits right on the fringes of the Sahara Desert. So, if you're looking to get out of the heat, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Museum of African Contemporary Art are ready to welcome you.
You can't visit Meknes without a trip to the monumental gate of Bab Mansur al-'Alj. While this city may be less popular among tourists, that only makes for a more enjoyable experience as you amble around the same streets as the locals. Place Hedim acts as its central square, lined by key cultural buildings and leading out to the main markets.
Rabat serves as the current capital, and as such is home to the monumental Royal Palace plus the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. You'll find several other key cultural attractions here, so come ready to listen and learn. However, despite its status, the general feeling is one of peace and calm, with Andalusian Gardens well worth an afternoon trip.
The number one reason for visiting Chefchaouen is to see its iconic blue buildings. Some say they're painted that way to keep mosquitoes out, others to keep the homes cool, but whatever the reason, the result is breathtakingly beautiful. Once you're done snapping endless shots, hike up to the Spanish Mosque for another stunning sight.
If you're keen to hit the waves, Taghazout should definitely take up a spot on your Morocco itinerary. It's home to several surf schools that will happily train up beginners and give experienced amateurs an extra push. Some have since been converted into yoga houses - great for stretching out after a long day out on the board!
Several airlines fly direct to Morocco from across the UK, including Royal Air Maroc, British Airways and easyJet. The main airport is Casablanca, while flights also operate into Tangier, Agadir and Marrakesh. The flight time is around three and a half hours
If you're looking to travel around the key tourist spots, you'll want to take advantage of Morocco's excellent rail network. It links the northern towns, coast and Marrakech, while a high-speed train connects Casablanca to Tangier plus a couple stops along the way.
Operated by CTM, a fairly reliable bus service does run across Morocco. For long-distance routes, there are also overnight options. However, it's hardly cheaper than paying for a shared taxi - and considerably less comfortable.
Every major city has its own coloured taxis e.g. red for Casablanca, blue for Rabat. They're widely available, but be sure to ask for a metered fare after hailing one down to avoid being overcharged.
Grand taxis are also available, operating like buses on set routes but at a much faster pace. They typically fit six, and won't leave until all seats are filled.
Cars are widely available to hire in Casablanca or Marrakech, but we'd still recommend arranging a rental in advance for airport pick-up. Travelling under your own four wheels may allow you to get around faster, but be aware that accidents are common on the roads with many ignoring basic traffic rules.
That's why we'd suggest chartering one of the grand taxis instead, with day rates proving competitive against simply driving yourself.
Many of Morocco's cities are designed for walking, allowing you to truly get to grips with the everyday goings-on. Carriage rides are also available to help you navigate the medinas - a novel experience that's worth paying a premium for.
The main roads are high quality, but those with a sensitive stomach should be prepared for winding lanes and blind curves elsewhere.
