Travel guide
Morocco holidays: a travel guide for UK visitors
Labyrinthine medinas, Atlas peaks and Saharan dunes — Morocco brings a vivid taste of North Africa within easy reach of Europe’s Atlantic and Mediterranean routes.
Why visit Morocco
Just a short hop from Spain, Morocco feels like another world entirely. The medinas of Marrakech and Fez are a sensory rush of spice markets, tilework and call to prayer, while the blue-washed lanes of Chefchaouen and the walls of Essaouira on the Atlantic offer a calmer pace. Beyond the cities rise the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and beyond them the golden dunes of the Sahara. Mint tea, tagines slow-cooked over charcoal and a deep tradition of hospitality run through it all. For cruise passengers, ports such as Casablanca and Tangier open the door to a country of remarkable colour and contrast.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring warm, comfortable days ideal for exploring the cities and coast, avoiding the intense summer heat inland around Marrakech. The Atlantic ports stay mild much of the year, while winter can be pleasant on the coast but cold in the mountains.
Top things to do in Morocco
- 1
Lose yourself in the Marrakech medina
The souks, the Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the gardens and palaces of Marrakech are a feast for the senses, an unforgettable excursion from the Atlantic cruise port of Casablanca or Agadir.
- 2
Wander historic Tangier and the north
Gateway to Morocco from the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier’s kasbah and medina, and the blue lanes of nearby Chefchaouen, give a gentler introduction to the country from a convenient Mediterranean port.
- 3
Explore coastal Essaouira and Casablanca
The breezy ramparts of Essaouira and the vast Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest in the world, showcase Morocco’s Atlantic seaboard and its blend of tradition and modern city life.
The cheapest Morocco holidays right now
Lowest lead-in prices first, from live availability. Open one for its dates, and book directly with its operator.
Morocco travel questions
- Do UK citizens need a visa for Morocco?
- No. UK tourists can visit Morocco without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least three months from your date of entry, with a blank page for stamps.
- When is the best time to visit Morocco?
- Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm but comfortable weather for the cities and coast. Summer can be very hot inland around Marrakech, while the Atlantic ports stay mild for much of the year.
- What currency does Morocco use?
- Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), a closed currency you generally obtain on arrival rather than in advance. Cash is important in the souks and smaller establishments, though hotels and larger shops take cards.
- Is Morocco expensive to visit?
- Morocco is excellent value for British travellers, with low prices for food, markets and excursions. A cruise or tour covers the major costs, and day-to-day spending in the medinas goes a long way — gentle haggling is part of the experience.
- How many hours ahead is Morocco compared with the UK?
- Morocco is usually one hour ahead of the UK. It observes daylight saving time but pauses it during the month of Ramadan, so the difference can vary at that time of year — worth checking before you travel.
- Is Morocco safe for tourists?
- Morocco is generally safe and well used to visitors. Take normal care with valuables in busy medinas, be firm but polite with persistent sellers and guides, and check the latest UK government travel advice before you go.
- Do I need a travel adaptor for Morocco?
- Yes. Morocco uses Type C and Type E sockets at 220V, the round two-pin European style, so you will need a European travel adaptor for your UK three-pin plugs.
- What language is spoken in Morocco?
- Arabic and Berber (Amazigh) are the official languages, and French is very widely used in business and signage. English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels, and a few words of greeting are always welcomed.
- Which Moroccan ports do cruises visit?
- Casablanca and Tangier are the main calls, with Agadir on the Atlantic also featuring. They open the door to Marrakech, the medinas of the north and the coast on Canary Islands and Mediterranean itineraries.
- What should I wear when visiting Morocco?
- Morocco is a Muslim country, so modest dress is respectful, especially away from beach resorts and when visiting religious sites — covering shoulders and knees is wise. Lightweight, breathable clothing suits the warm climate.