Low Cost holidays to Morocco

Visit a mosque on the water

On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, built on an artificial promontory created by reclaiming land from the sea, lies the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most stunning in the world. It's possible to visit inside, always accompanied by a guide, so you'll get to see the stunning woods that fuse with marble and onyx, the symmetry of the arabesques and tiles, its ornate doors, its spectacular ceilings and columns, and much more. What's more, you'll definitely stand in awe at its spectacular 172-metre minaret, a fact that has given it the accolade of the tallest religious building in the world.

Shopping around town

Casablanca is a paradise for shopping lovers, with markets, stores and large shopping centres where you can buy all kinds of products. In the city centre, you'll find boutiques selling some of the world's most famous and luxurious labels, which are also available at many of Casablanca's shopping centres. One of the best is the Morocco Mall, the largest in Africa, with six hundred retail brands, a musical fountain and an aquarium that will dazzle you. If you love crafts, head to the medina and its souks, where artsans will sell you typical pieces such as trays, teapots, leather goods, footwear, pouffes and more. You'll be spoilt for choice!

Discover the Moroccan 'dolce vita' in its old medina

Just a stone's throw from the port of Casablanca, we recommend a stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets in the old medina. It's the most recent one in the country, though, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755, and one of the most original, as its constructions fuse Arab-Muslim architecture with European influences. It still features the last remains of the city prior to the twentieth century. In this area, you'll see how Moroccans enjoy the good life in bars, restaurants and shops, as well as at all the cultural events that take place all year round.

Hop from the old to the new medina: the Habous district

Once you've visited the old medina and its traditional shops, you can't miss the new medina, also known as the Habous district. Designed by the French in the 1920s, it's an eclectic neighbourhood full of tree-lined squares, narrow streets, elegant arcades, colonial and Maghreb-style buildings alike, and pocket-sized souks selling Moroccan crafts. In its surroundings you can leisurely stroll along the Boulevard Victor Hugo and visit must-sees including the Royal Palace, the Palace of Justice, the Mohamed V Mosque and the Moulay Youssef Mosque. And make sure you try the pastries from some of the stalls.

Take a dip off its urban beaches

Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca is an amazing beach resort where you can unwind after a busy day sightseeing. In the centre, around the Aïn Diab commune located at the Corniche, the hotel complexes boast all kinds of facilities and services, combined with private beaches and water parks. Lalla Meryem is another beach that you absolutely have to visit. At both you can enjoy all kinds of water activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing and diving, or savour the local cuisine at the many bars and restaurants along the promenade, where you should also make sure to take a sunset stroll.

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.