Cheap holidays and trips to Fez

Visit Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

These are two places you can't miss on your trip to Morocco's capital city. The Hassan Tower is an unfinished construction, designed by Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur in the twelfth century with the aim of erecting the world's highest minaret. He didn't have enough time to complete his project, but he did leave us one of the most iconic images of Rabat. Next door is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, grandfather of the current Alaouite monarch. It's a fantastic piece of architecture that you'll immediately identify by its gleaming white marble façade. The complex includes a stunning mosque and a museum about the history of Morocco's ruling dynasty.

Travel back in time at the Kasbah of the Udayas

This beautiful citadel, restored in the period of the French protectorate, is perfect for a leisurely trip back to the ancient history of Morocco. It stands at one end of Rabat, very close to the sea. Originally it was a fort where the Udaya tribe settled, and that they later turned into a splendid citadel. Venture inside to explore the spectacular network of narrow streets, with their characteristic houses painted white and blue, and admire the wonderful views of the sea and the neighbouring city of Salé from the viewpoints on the wall.

Explore the multicultural Necropolis of Chellah

This was originally a port of call called Sala Colonia, a hugely important trading post thanks to its location on the banks of the Bou Regreg River and its proximity to the Atlantic. The Phoenicians are thought to have been the first civilisation to leave their mark on what would later become a Roman city. Later, the Arabs expanded the site to build a mosque and some shrines. Wandering through the Necropolis of Chellah will give you a clear idea of the succession of cultures that underlies this country's history. Today, Chellah is popular for playing host to the annual Festival Jazz au Chellah.

Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel

A love of gardens is deeply rooted in Arabic culture and its traditional architecture. Just twenty kilometres from the Moroccan capital, it's well worth visiting the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel, designed by the French engineer Marcel François in the mid-twentieth century. Enjoy this stylish haven of greenery that mimics the jungle and exotic forests, full of exuberant vegetation in the heart of a country usually associated with the desert. You'll be able to see trees and flowers native to China, South Asia, the Congo, Japan, the Antilles, Polynesia, etc., all of them sharing this pocket-sized paradise.

Take a cultural tour of its museums

Rabat is a modern city and a cultural destination with an outstanding selection of museums. One not to be missed is the former Archaeological Museum, which was recently refurbished and rechristened the Museum of History and Civilisations of Rabat. It's home to the archaeological finds from various sites in Morocco, such as Volubilis, Banassa and Thamusida. At the other end of the spectrum, we also highly recommend a tour of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, opened in 2014 in the new part of the city and designed in the French colonial style. Its vast collection of paintings, photos and other works will fascinate you.

Admire the beauty of one of the world’s most stunning bays

The coastal city of Agadir has attracted widespread international recognition thanks to the sheer beauty of its bay. Two must-dos on your trip to Agadir are a thrilling speedboat ride around the bay and an evening admiring the breathtaking sunsets. Agadir happens to be Morocco's water sport capital, so you can take advantage of its calm seas or head out to the choppier waters off Taghazout, a former fishing village where you'll also get to enjoy the facilities of a magnificent beach.

Try the sweet and delicious Amlou

It's dubbed the Moroccan Nutella and it's simply delicious. Amlou is a sweet, tasty paste that's prepared with toasted almonds, honey and exquisite argan oil. It can be spread on toast or used as a sweet filling for everything from crepes to waffles. What's more, it's very nutritious, rich in proteins and vitamins, and will give you strength for a whole day touring the breathtaking Agadir. In Amazigh culture it was considered an aphrodisiac. A good homemade Amlou can also be an excellent gift to take back home and impress your foodie friends.

Discover the virtues of argan, the providential tree

The virtues of argan oil, extracted from the fruit of the argan tree, have been widely known for years. Its composition, with a high percentage of essential fatty acids and tocopherols, make it an amazing moisturiser for both the skin and hair. What's more, it's healing, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-ageing and grease-free. That's why its oil is an ingredient in a whole host of cosmetic products. This liquid gold from the desert is also edible and improves liver function and reduces cholesterol absorption. We recommend buying a pure, certified oil to make sure that you enjoy all its excellent qualities.

Visit Mirleft, the magical beach

A day trip to Mirleft is a treat for travellers eager to explore the most unique side of Morocco. This small town on the Atlantic coast, originally a Spanish-built fort, is located about 120 kilometres south of Agadir, in the province of Sidi Ifni. A haven for hippies in the 1970s, Mirleft still retains its quirky and bohemian aura, while attracting lovers of surfing, trekking and nature in general. It's also well worth heading a few miles further to admire the rugged beach of Legzira, with its impressive arches of reddish rock.

Head to Taghazout, a surfer's paradise

If you're a surfer, this is the place for you! There are some stunning spots for surfing and windsurfing along Morocco's Atlantic coastline. If you love to ride the waves perched on a board, remember this name: Taghazout. You can enjoy your favourite sport here like few other places. One of the most popular surfing spots in Morocco, Anchor Point, is located here, providing an endless succession of speed walls. On the main street in Taghazout, you'll see many specialised shops, as well as a selection of laid-back coffee shops perfect for unwinding after a thrilling day out on the waves.

Wander leisurely around Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

This is the main square of Marrakech and the hub of city life for locals, a meeting place for you to wander leisurely around and discover its array of stalls while savouring the scents of mint and spices and listening to traditional music. Visit by day for a spot of souvenir shopping and by night to sample local delicacies at the food stalls. Our recommendation is to head to a bar with a terrace at sunset so that you can marvel at the beauty of this bustling square from above.

Visit Yves Saint Laurent's garden

In the heart of this ochre-toned city lies the Majorelle Garden, a haven of peace that captivates all visitors with its intensely blue villa and its exuberantly verdant vegetation. Owned by Yves Saint Laurent since 1980, the botanical garden is home to plants from different continents, a Moorish-style café-restaurant where you can unwind, and an Amazigh museum where you can learn about the rich culture of this people. Get your camera ready to take some of the best photos of your visit to the city!

Admire the beauty of the most important mosque

Stroll through the old town of Marrakech and gaze up at the sky to see how it’s pierced by the impressive 77-metre-high minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the most important in the city. It's sure to remind you of the Giralda in Seville, which was inspired by its design and proportions. Although only practising Muslims can go inside, you can admire the beauty of its exterior, with imposing walls and sandstone blocks decorated with filigree stone and tiles, while its gardens are full of palm trees, orange trees and other fruit trees.

Breathe in the fresh air at city’s top natural spaces

Marrakech isn't just culture, history and heritage, it's also nature and adventure. The city is surrounded by the impressive Atlas Mountains, perfect for enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities. Between the valleys of the N'Fiss and Ourika rivers lies the Toubkal National Park, where you'll find protected areas with junipers, oaks and a huge variety of animal species. We recommend climbing to the top of Mount Toubkal, one of the most stunning peaks in the country and even the whole of Africa. Make sure you always go with a knowledgeable local guide, though, as they'll be able to show you the most amazing hidden corners.

Savour Marrakech's mythical dish: the Tanjia

A must on a trip to any destination is the local cuisine. Morocco's is one of the most delicious in the whole world, and during your stay in Marrakech you really have to try its mythical dish: the Tanjia. This is a stew made in a clay pot and cooked for six to eight hours over coals. The ingredients include highly seasoned (especially with cumin) chunks of beef, lemon and saffron. As it's cooked for so long, the meat is mouth-wateringly tender and the sauce is so delicious that you'll definitely be back for more.