Family Holidays: Morocco family holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

Imagine the twisting alleyways of an ancient medina, the imposing fortifications of a remote Kasbah, or a crowded souk full of colourful pottery and carpets. Morocco offers all this and more – complete with a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. You can have a beach orientated family holiday in Morocco or you can consider a wonderful adventure trip, which provides a fabulous introduction to these exciting highlights. You can visit the old walled city of Marrakech, and more out-of-the way places that few tourists get to see – such as the remote villages of the Berbers, hidden away in the folds of the Atlas mountains. En route from Marrakech you can visit the ruined kasbah of Telouet and then move on to the Atlantic coast to explore the old pirate hideout of Essaouira – packed with colour and atmosphere. Take the family on an escorted adventure trip for a real insight into an enthralling and beautiful country.

Top left: Ait Benhaddou
Top right: Girls with camel

Bottom left: Children Relaxing on Rugs
Bottom right: Camel Trek

When

Your family can visit Morocco at any time of year, though you'll enjoy the climate more in the spring and autumn (do remember to bring warm clothes for evenings, although warm during the day it cools down at night). In the winter Marrakech is generally warm and sunny (average day time temperature – low 20s °C), but nights can be cold – especially Nov-Feb. Temperatures on the coast are similar but moderated by coastal breezes, and lower still in the mountains (depending on altitude and wind) – particularly at night. In the summer it's hot during the day (low 30s °C) and cooler at night. What little rain there is generally falls in winter but can occur at any time of year. In the Atlas, as in any mountain region, the weather is variable whatever the season and can change from warm sunshine to snow in a matter of hours.

How

take the plane

British Airways and Royal Air Maroc offer direct non-stop flights to Marrakech. If you're happy to stop enroute then there are numerous other options – you'll need to balance convenience with budget, but it could make all the difference for a large family. Check flight deals with Thomsonfly and Expedia (now offering charter flights). Flying time is about three and a half hours direct and there is NO time difference from GMT, (Uk).

Stay

If you’re considering an escorted adventure holiday you’ll spend each night in a clean and comfortable hotel with swimming pool. Do not, however, expect luxury accommodation. If you're planning a winter sun break there are numerous accommodation options catering for all budgets.

Do

An adventure trip to Morocco would provide the following experience:

Marrakech & Kasbahs

Arriving in Marrakech you enter an entirely different world of lively bazaars filled with exotic spices and treasures. At sunset the main square, once the place of executions, is filled with snake-charmers, acrobats and jugglers in a carnival of entertainment. Crossing the mighty Atlas Mountains you head for the impressive Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – a maze of red towers and fortifications often used as the backdrop for films such as Gladiator.

Rural Moroccan Life and Essaouira

From your base in the southern Atlas you’ll gain an insight into the lives of the Berber people, take walks through local villages and discover how Argan oil is produced. Your last days will be spent in the old port of Essaouira, once a pirates’ lair – looking at the imposing ramparts it’s easy to imagine they’re still hiding around the next corner. The busy fishing port and laidback souk are ideal places to absorb the atmosphere or you can enjoy the wide expanse of sandy beach.

Eat

Morocco’s national dish is couscous and you'll also enjoy kebabs, salads, melons, honey pastries and other delicious fare.

Cost

Flights to Morocco start from as little as £250 return. A flight inclusive adventure trip will cost £500 and up per adult depending on time of year. An adult can enjoy a decent evening meal for around £6.

Morocco