Morocco holidays

So near to Europe and yet so undeniably Arab, Morocco cannot be classified in one easy sentence. The bustle of the souqs, the clack of backgammon in the coffee houses, the water sellers, overloaded donkeys and isolated Berber villages set high in the valleys of the Atlas mountains are all essentially North African. However, in the cities, a chic sophistication has emerged as Europeans have bought up some of the old merchants houses and merged the cultural designs to create exquisite small hotels.

Marrakech, in particular, has become a popular destination, but the rest of the country should not be ignored.

Driving in Morocco is easy and car hire is a perfect way to explore other areas. These should include Fez, the best example of a medieval medina in North Africa, or the small fishing port of Essaouira with its white washed walls and turquoise shutters. For the more energetic, there is good trekking to be had in the Atlas Mountains, where the Berber villages are a reminder of a more simple lifestyle. Alternatively, travel south into the Sahara, spend a night in a romantic tented encampment and venture out into the rolling sand dunes by camel.