Morocco Villa Holidays

Welcome to the Villa Holidays guide to Morocco villa holidays and planning your villa holiday to Morocco.

Introduction to Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco occupies the northwest corner of Africa. It has two coastlines, each side of the Straits of Gibraltar, one in the Mediterranean, the other on the Atlantic, the latter being the main area for holiday villas in Morocco.

Overview of Morocco

Some 32 million people live in Morocco, ruled over by King Hassan II, since their independence from France in 1956. Most live in the major cities – Rihad, the capital, Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech. Trade has been the staple activity for Moroccans for centuries and the cities have renowned souks (markets), a real added attraction for visitors enjoying their Morocco villa holidays.

In the more remote areas, Bedouin settlements remain, many of which are very ancient. The country is dominated by mountainous regions. The great Atlas Mountains to the south and east can make travel more difficult, but also give protection from the Sahara, which is not very far away.

Climate of Morocco

Morocco has two distinct climatic zones. North of the Atlas Mountains, it is a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. Villa holidays in Morocco take advantage of the warmth throughout the year.

East and south of the Atlas Mountains, the climate becomes decidedly hotter and drier. The rainfall is considerably less and the land here will appear to take on a more desert-like appearance as it moves towards the Sahara.

Best Areas for Villa Holidays in Morocco

The majority of the holiday villas in Morocco are situated on the western, Atlantic coast. Even those which are slightly inland are rarely more than a mile or two from the sea.

Popular holiday centres are based at Agadir, Oulida, Essaouira and Taghazout, all of which are towards the southern end of the Atlantic coast. Further north, there are a number of Morocco villas in and around Casablanca.

For those looking for a variation to beach villa holidays in Morocco, there are villas available in and around Marrakech. Marrakech is very convenient for excursions to the ancient sites, the Atlas Mountains and the Toubkal National Park.

Transport

Most visitors to villa holidays in Morocco will arrive at the main airports at Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. All three are served by major airlines, such as Iberia Airways, KLM, Air France and Virgin Atlantic and cheap flights to Morocco will always be a viable possibility.

Within the country itself, domestic transfers will be by Royal Air Maroc, which runs regular services throughout the country.

Holidaymakers have a wider choice during the summer months, as a number of airlines run charter and summer schedule flights to the resort airports; e.g. Thomson provide service to Agadir. In particular, Easyjet has flights to Agadir and Fes and Ryanair links Marrakech with Bristol; both are very reasonably priced.

Travelling in Morocco is relatively inexpensive by public transport. The train service is good, as far as it goes, but the routes are limited, with little option other than the major cities.

Buses are very reasonable and provide a good service both in the cities and between. A local option is the shared taxi. One taxi will take up to 6 passengers and charges a flat rate to each – a short journey will cost about Dh4-5 (50p) and they are pretty quick.

Car rental is very expensive and driving in the cities can be fraught. However, the general road provision is good, with main highways between the cities.

Things to do in Morocco

  • Surf the Atlantic rollers (ideal surfing wave conditions are often prevalent off the coast of Morocco)
  • Take an excursion to Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddon, an ancient fortified settlement on the old caravan routes
  • Explore the Medina (old town) of Fes or Casablanca
  • Relax in a hammam (steam bath).

Popular holiday centres and beaches are based at Agadir, Oulida, Essaouira and Taghazout, all of which are towards the southern end of the Atlantic coast. El Jadida, for example, can offer ten miles of stunning golden beach.

Festivals and events in Morocco

Morocco is predominantly Muslim and the main Islamic festivals are celebrated, such as the Prophet’s birthday in February and Ramadan in September.

In addition, there are national days such as Revolution Day (August), Independence Day (November) and the King’s birthday (August). All are official national holidays and most businesses close for the day, even in the Morocco villa holidays areas.

July 30th marks the Feast of the Throne, when King Hassan’s accession is celebrated with parties and music. The main celebration is in Rabat, but almost every town and village will have a local celebration.

Each year there are a number of festivals, many to celebrate the arts or music. Check out your nearest city for what’s on.

Typical cost of living in Morocco

  • A meal out varies considerably according to the standard of the restaurant: Dh40 – 275
  • A bottle of water Dh12
  • Bus fare in town Dh3-4
  • Bottle of wine (all imported) Dh96 +

Exchange rate: £1: 13.0 Dh approximately

Useful tips when visiting Morocco

If driving in town, lights are not compulsory, so at night be prepared to meet other cars, camels, bicycles etc.

Bargaining is normal in shops and markets.

No visa is required for Morocco villa holidays, but one’s stay is restricted to three months maximum.

Moroccan Food and drink

  • Couscous; grain based dish with meat and vegetables
  • Chicken (very popular) cooked with ginger, paprika and olives
  • Tajine; stews of lamb or beef
  • Lamb with apricots
  • Green tea with mint is a standard accompaniment to Moroccan food.