When we talk about Holidays to Morocco - we're talking gorgeous beaches that'll have your Insta feed looking fire, waves that are a surfer's dream, and cuisine that’s top-tier delish.
Holidays to Morocco 2026
🤩 Fun fact: When you think of Morocco, you probably don't think skiing holiday, but head to Oukaimeden outside Marrakech and you'll be proven wrong!
🏖️ Best beach: it'd be too easy to say one of the popular beaches, like Agadir beach, but we rate Legzira Beach the most, with it's Insta-worthy views and more secluded vibe perfect for a chill day.
🍺 Price of a pint: when it comes to bagging a bevvie, you're looking at around 25 - 50 Moroccan Dirhams - that's roughly between £2 and £4 - bosh!
Morocco Holiday Highlights
🏖️ Over 3,000km of coastline with golden sand beaches, world-class surf spots and year-round sunshine
🍲 Food that goes hard. Tagines, couscous, fresh seafood, street-side grills and spices you'll be cramming into your suitcase
🕌 Ancient medinas, palaces and souks that feel like stepping into another world. Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa square alone is worth the flight
🏄 Surf culture that rivals anywhere in Europe. Taghazout is Morocco's answer to Biarritz, and the waves are brilliant for beginners and pros alike
🏔️ The Atlas Mountains are right on the doorstep. Day trips from Marrakech take you to Berber villages, waterfalls and jaw-dropping scenery
If you want to sort all your food and drink as well as your flights in one go, take a look at our fantastic selection of all-inclusive holidays to Morocco.
Where’s the Best Area to Stay on Your Holidays to Morocco?
Most holidaymakers to Morocco base themselves in either Agadir or Marrakech, and the right pick depends on what kind of trip you're after. Agadir is your beach resort, Marrakech is your cultural city break, and Taghazout splits the difference with surf and chilled vibes.
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families - Agadir’s your go-to for easy beach days and zero stress. It’s got everything you need for a kid-friendly jolly – think soft sandy beaches, splash-ready waterparks, family hotels with all the trimmings, and day trips to nature spots like Paradise Valley. Plus, it’s all super walkable, and there are tonnes of cafés with enough ice cream options to keep the kids quiet for at least five minutes.
💑 Best for Couples - Looking for lantern-lit courtyards, rooftop dinners, and hammam spa days? Marrakech is where the romance is at. This city is a sensory overload in all the right ways – vibrant souks, luxury riads, and the kind of sunsets that make you both go “ooh.” Spend your mornings wandering palaces, your afternoons in a spa, and your evenings clinking glasses on a rooftop as the call to prayer echoes over the city. Dreamy.
🥳 Best for Groups - Surf’s up and group chat is popping off – welcome to Taghazout, Morocco’s laid-back surf town turned cool kid capital. Perfect for mates looking to mix beach days, surf lessons, and chilled nightlife, all without the mega crowds. There’s a real boho vibe here, loads of beach bars, and plenty of affordable apartments and boutique hostels that are ideal for groups.
Top hotels in Morocco
The best hotels in Morocco range from massive waterpark resorts for families to intimate adults-only riads dripping with Moroccan charm. You can bag brilliant all-inclusive holidays to Morocco, find cheap Morocco holidays with proper good value, or splash out on something from our luxury holidays collection. Agadir is where you'll find the beach resorts, while Marrakech delivers the cultural city-stay experience.
For Families 👨👩👧👦
Pickalbatros Aqua Fun Club (Marrakech) – The clue's in the name. Marrakech's biggest waterpark with 58 slides, 16 pools, kids' clubs and enough splash zones to keep the little ones busy all day. The ultimate family crowd-pleaser.
Labranda Targa Club Aquapark (Marrakech) – Waterslides, a kids' club, playground and a spa for when the grown-ups need a breather. All the family fun you could dream of, wrapped up in one resort.
Valeria Jardin D'Agadir Resort (Agadir) – Set on 5 hectares with an aqua park, kids' clubs for all ages and a spa for you. Walking distance to the beach and souk – sorted.
Dunes D'or Ocean Club (Agadir) – Beachfront with two pools, waterslides, kids' clubs spanning ages 4-17, and four restaurants including Italian and seafood. Family jolly, ticked.
For Couples 💑
Es Saadi Marrakech Resort (Marrakech) – Eight restaurants, four bars, two spas, a casino and a nightclub. Ten minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa and oozing five-star romance. This is luxe Marrakech living.
Jaal Riad Resort – Adults Only (Marrakech) – Tucked away in the heart of the city, this five-star riad has all-inclusive goodies, gorgeous pools and that authentic Moroccan charm. Perfect for a couples' escape.
Be Live Collection Marrakech – Adults Only (Marrakech) – Five-star boujee in the Palmeraie district. Swim-up rooms, gourmet Moroccan restaurant and a spa that's all about chill-out mode.
Pickalbatros White Beach Resort – Adults Only (Taghazout) – Private beach, seven pools, swim-up rooms and ocean views in Morocco's coolest surf town. Romance with a side of laid-back vibes.
Luxury 🌟
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech (Marrakech) – Two pools, a world-class spa with hammam, and four restaurants serving Mediterranean, Italian and Moroccan cuisine. Set between the Red City and the Medina, this is five-star done properly.
Royal Mansour Marrakech (Marrakech) – Every room has its own private pool. Four restaurants, three bars and a spa that has to be seen to be believed. Walking distance to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Next-level luxury.
Great Value 💰
Allegro Agadir (Agadir) – Less than 10 minutes from the centre, with pools, a sports bar, snack bar and entertainment. Superior rooms only – no standard here. Proper good value.
Club Al Moggar (Agadir) – Just 20m from the beach, set in five hectares of gardens. Two pools, snack bars and a brilliant location. Great pick for couples and families alike.
👉 See all Morocco hotels | All-inclusive holidays to Morocco
💬 Local lingo 💬
The main language in Morocco is Moroccan Arabic, known as Darija. French is widely spoken too, and you'll find English in most tourist spots. That said, a few local phrases go a long way and always get a smile:
Hello - Salam (sa-LAHM)
Please / Thank you - Afak / Shukran (ah-FAK / SHOO-kran)
How much is it? - Bshhal hada? (bsh-HAL ha-DA) - you'll need this one in the souks
Delicious - Bneen (b-NEEN) - guaranteed to make your waiter's day
Excuse me - Smeh liya (SMEH lee-ya)
The bill please - L-hsab afak (l-HSAB ah-FAK)
Beautiful - Zween (ZWEEN) - works for places, views, and tagines alike
Morocco Beaches
The best beaches in Morocco run along the Atlantic coast, from sheltered resort sands to wild surf breaks. Agadir has the longest and most family-friendly stretch, while further north and south you'll find quieter spots with serious character.
🏖️ Agadir Beach - The big one. A 10km sweep of golden sand backed by a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. Sheltered, warm and brilliant for families. Sunloungers and watersports are sorted all along the front.
🌊 Taghazout Beach - A surfer's paradise about 20km north of Agadir. The village has a proper boho feel with beach bars, surf schools and a pace of life that's wonderfully slow. Great for couples and groups.
🏄 Essaouira Beach - Wide, windswept and famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The medina behind it is packed with art galleries, seafood stalls and blue-shuttered alleyways. A brilliant day trip from Marrakech.
🌅 Legzira Beach - Dramatic red stone arches, golden sand and barely a soul in sight. About 150km south of Agadir, this is the one for sunset photos and a proper escape from the crowds.
🦪 Oualidia Beach - A sheltered lagoon about two hours from Casablanca. Famous for its oysters and incredibly calm waters, making it ideal for paddleboarding and families with younger kids.
🎨 Asilah Beach - Up in the north near Tangier, Asilah pairs a long sandy beach with a whitewashed medina covered in street art. Great for culture lovers who also want a swim.
Morocco holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide
Things to do in Morocco for Families 👪
🐊 Crocoparc, Agadir - Nile crocodiles, tropical gardens and reptile exhibits. Kids love it and it's a brilliant half-day out from the beach.
🎢 Oasiria Waterpark, Marrakech - Wave pools, lazy rivers and slides galore. If you're staying in Marrakech and need to cool the kids down, this is the answer.
🏖️ Agadir Beach & Promenade - Sandy games, camel rides along the shore, beginner surf lessons and enough ice cream stops to keep everyone happy.
🦜 Vallee des Oiseaux, Agadir - A mini zoo and playground in the centre of town with flamingos, parrots and plenty of shade. Free entry and a great pit stop.
Things to do in Morocco for Couples 👫
🧖 Hammam de la Rose, Marrakech - A traditional hammam experience where they scrub, steam and exfoliate you until you feel brand new. Romantic in a way you didn't know scrubbing could be.
🍽️ Rooftop dining in the Medina - Restaurants like Nomad and Terrasse des Epices serve modern Moroccan food with views over the rooftops. Book for sunset and thank us later.
🐫 Sunset camel ride, Palmeraie - Cheesy? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. The palm groves outside Marrakech are gorgeous at golden hour.
🌊 Essaouira day trip - About 2.5 hours from Marrakech, this windy coastal town is all blue doors, fresh fish and art galleries. A proper change of pace.
Things to do in Morocco for Groups 🎉
🏄 Surf lessons in Taghazout - Grab boards, grab mates, fall off repeatedly, laugh about it over tagine afterwards. The surf schools here are brilliant for all levels.
🛍️ Souk shopping in Marrakech - Jemaa el-Fnaa and the surrounding souks are an experience. Haggling is expected, so channel your inner Del Boy and have at it.
🎵 Nightlife in Marrakech - Theatro is Africa's first music hall turned nightclub. Comptoir Darna does belly dancing, cocktails and live music. 555 Famous Club goes until sunrise.
🏜️ Agafay Desert, Marrakech - Not the Sahara, but close enough. Day trips include quad biking, camel rides and dinner at a desert camp under the stars.
More Destinations
Explore Morocco
Morocco is a big country, but most jollies revolve around a few key spots:
🏖️ Agadir - Morocco's beach capital. 10km of golden sand, year-round sunshine and a modern resort feel.
🕌 Marrakech - The cultural heart of Morocco. Souks, palaces, rooftop dining and more energy than you'll know what to do with.
🌊 Taghazout - Chilled surf town north of Agadir with a boho vibe and brilliant waves.
🎨 Essaouira - Windy, arty and full of character. Famous for kitesurfing and fresh seafood.
More North African Holidays
If you know you want somewhere hot, somewhere great value, somewhere that feels properly different from home, but aren't quite sure where that is yet, you could also try:
🏛️ Egypt - Pyramids, Red Sea diving and all-inclusive resorts packed with waterparks. Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are the big hitters for beach holidays.
🏖️ Tunisia - Brilliant value, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and Star Wars filming locations if that's your thing. Hammamet and Sousse are the main resort towns.
🌴 Cape Verde - Year-round sunshine off the west coast of Africa. 350 days of sun, turquoise waters and a seriously laid-back island vibe.
Popular Morocco hotels
More Morocco hotelsStunning Morocco resorts
Weather in Morocco
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Morocco plays by its own weather rules, really. In the scorching summer months (June to August), temperatures sizzle upwards of 30°C. It's a sun lover's dream come true, especially along the idyllic beaches. Sun hat? Check. Shades? Check. Ready to melt your ice cream? Triple check!
Swing into the cooler months, and the weather in Morocco transforms. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are pure gold, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 20-25°C. Imagine exploring the vibrant souks of Marrakech or hiking in the stunning Atlas Mountains without breaking a sweat... okay, you might break a little sweat, it's still a hike!
Winter (December to February), especially in the northern and coastal regions, sees temperatures dip to 12-16°C, offering the perfect excuse to enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea by a cosy fireplace.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Morocco?
How long does it take to fly to Morocco?
Flights from the UK & Ireland to Morocco take between 3 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours, depending on your departure airport. Popular routes include London to Marrakech (around 3h 40m) and Manchester to Marrakech (around 3h 48m), with most flights landing at Marrakech Menara or Casablanca Mohammed V Airport.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Morocco?
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Morocco?
As of 2026, Morocco and the UK/Ireland are currently in the same time zone. Morocco uses WEST (Western European Summer Time, UTC+1), matching London and Dublin, meaning there is no time difference during summer. During winter, Morocco stays at UTC+1, making it 1 hour ahead of the UK and Ireland.
Summer (approx. March–October):
UK/Ireland (BST/IST, UTC+1) = Morocco (WEST, UTC+1). No difference.
Winter (approx. October–March):
UK/Ireland (GMT, UTC+0) vs Morocco (UTC+1). Morocco is 1 hour ahead.
Ramadan:
Morocco may temporarily revert to UTC+0 (GMT) during Ramadan, potentially making it the same as or behind the UK and Ireland for that period.
What currency do they use in Morocco?
What currency do they use in Morocco?
The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, with the currency code MAD and the symbol DH (or Dhs). One dirham is subdivided into 100 santim (santimat). Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams.
The most important thing to know before you travel is that the dirham is a closed currency, you can pick up Moroccan Dirham (MAD) before you leave the UK, though it is a closed currency so not every travel money provider will stock it. Major providers offer it for click-and-collect or home delivery. That said, you'll often find it easier and cheaper to exchange your pounds or use an ATM when you land in Morocco and any leftover dirhams will need to be converted back before you fly home.
What language do they speak in Morocco?
What language do they speak in Morocco?
Morocco has two official languages, Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber), but the language you'll actually hear on the streets is Moroccan Arabic, known as Darija. It's spoken by over 90% of the population and is a unique blend of Arabic, Berber, French and Spanish that even native Arabic speakers from the Middle East can struggle to follow. French is the language of business, education and government, Spanish is common in the north due to historical ties, and English is widely spoken in hotels, riads and tourist areas.
Languages you'll encounter
Darija (Moroccan Arabic):
The everyday spoken language. Warm, fast and full of character, learning a few words goes a long way with locals.
Amazigh (Berber):
Spoken across the Rif Mountains, Middle Atlas and Souss Valley. You'll see the distinctive Tifinagh script on road signs across the country.
French:
Menus, hotel signage and business dealings will often be in French. A little goes a long way here too.
Spanish:
Head north to Tangier or Tetouan and Spanish is genuinely useful.
English:
Widely understood in Marrakech, Agadir and Fes medinas, less so in rural areas.
Handy Darija phrases for your trip:
English | Darija | Sounds like |
Hello | Salam alaykum | Sa-lam ah-lay-kum |
Thank you | Shukran | Shook-ran |
No problem | Mashi moshkil | Mah-shi mosh-keel |
How much? | Shhal hada? | Sh-hal hah-da |
Too expensive | Ghali bezaf | Gah-li beh-zaf |
Yes / No | Iyeh / La | Ee-yeh / Lah |
Excuse me | Smeh liya | Smeh lee-ya |
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Morocco?
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Morocco?
Morocco's two main holiday airports are Marrakech Menara (RAK) and Agadir Al-Massira (AGA). From Marrakech, hotels near the Medina are roughly 15 minutes away, while those in the Palmeraie are 20–30 minutes. From Agadir, most beach resorts are 30–40 minutes by road. The easiest option by far is to book your transfer through On the Beach when you book your holiday, your driver will meet you in arrivals and take you directly to your accommodation with no negotiating, no queuing and no surprises.
Your transfer options
Pre-booked transfer (recommended):
Fixed price, driver meets you in the arrivals hall by name. Book through On the Beach at the time of booking for a completely seamless arrival.
Hotel or riad transfer:
Many properties offer their own transfers, worth asking at the time of booking, particularly for riads inside the Medina where access is tricky.
Official airport taxi:
Available at all major airports. Always use the official fixed-fare counter inside the terminal, never accept offers from drivers approaching you in the arrivals hall.
Grand Taxi vs Petit Taxi:
Grand Taxis (larger, usually white) cover longer distances and airport runs. Petit Taxis (smaller, colour-coded by city) are for shorter city journeys only.
Bus:
The Alsa Line 19 runs from Marrakech Menara into the city centre - cheap but slow, and not ideal with luggage.
Good to know before you land
Riad stays:
Taxis cannot always reach the door of a riad inside the Medina. Your driver will drop you at the nearest gate and a porter will guide you the rest of the way, this is completely normal, not a problem.
Cash:
Have some dirhams ready for taxis as card machines are unreliable at ranks.
Avoid:
Unlicensed drivers who approach you in the terminal. Always go to the official counter.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the sweet spots for most travellers, sunny days of 20–25°C, comfortable evenings and quieter crowds than peak summer. If we had to pick one single month, September stands out: the summer heat has eased, the Atlantic coast is still warm enough to swim, and the Sahara is at its most magical at sunrise and sunset.
Season by season
Spring (March–May):
The whole country comes alive - wildflowers across the Atlas foothills, waterfalls in full flow, and the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes and Rabat at their most photogenic. Ideal for city breaks, desert trips and hiking.
Summer (June–August):
Inland cities like Marrakech and Fes can push past 40°C - brutal for sightseeing but fine if you're based on the coast. Agadir and Taghazout stay breezy thanks to Atlantic trade winds, making them genuinely excellent summer beach destinations.
Autumn (September–November):
Arguably the most underrated time to visit. Temperatures drop to a perfect 22–28°C, the summer crowds thin out, and prices fall. The Sahara becomes accessible again and the light in the south is extraordinary for photographers.
Winter (December–February):
Mild and often sunny on the coast - Agadir regularly sees 20°C in January. Head inland and the Atlas Mountains can have proper snowfall, making for a surprisingly dramatic contrast. Low season means fewer tourists and better value, though northern Morocco can see rain.
Best time by holiday type
Holiday type | Best months |
Beach holiday (Agadir) | May–October |
City break (Marrakech, Fes) | March–May, September–November |
Desert trip (Sahara) | October–April |
Surfing (Taghazout) | November–March |
Atlas Mountains hiking | April–June, September–October |
Snow in the Atlas | December–February |
Budget travel / fewer crowds | November, January–February |
Things to factor in before you book
Ramadan:
Dates shift each year. Many restaurants close during daylight hours, nightlife quietens down, and the pace of daily life changes noticeably. It's a fascinating cultural experience but worth researching before you travel.
Temperature swings:
Morocco has huge variation between day and night, particularly in the desert and mountains. Pack layers even in summer, a 38°C afternoon can become a genuinely cold evening.
Eid holidays:
Accommodation in popular destinations books up fast around Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, so plan ahead if your dates overlap.
Northern Morocco rainfall:
Tangier, Chefchaouen and the Rif region see their highest rainfall November through January, a waterproof jacket is essential.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists and welcomes millions of visitors every year. The main tourist areas like Agadir, Marrakech and the coastal resorts are well set up for holidaymakers. As with anywhere, use common sense – keep valuables secure, agree taxi fares before you set off, and be prepared for a bit of haggling in the souks. Check the FCDO travel advice for the latest guidance before you go.
