Posted on Monday, 22 May 2023
The mesmerising winding souks of Marrakesh, a scenic coastline, breathtaking mountain views, and an expanse of endless desert, Morocco certainly offers something to suit all tastes.
Morocco’s main attractions are alluring and somewhat exotic, making this beautiful country a must see, romantic destination for couples.
Romantic accommodation options in Morocco
This North African nation's romantic allure extends to accommodation options, too.
Choose from chic riads and old palaces transformed into boutique hotels.
You can even sleep in a tent under the stars, a la 1001 nights. And if you're on a budget, you'll find plenty of comfortable options going for a song.
Where to go in Morocco?
Here are 6 places you have to visit in Morocco:
Sahara Desert
If a night in a luxury desert camp doesn't get you in an amorous mood, nothing will.
Imagine the sun dipping over the sand-swept horizon, and your host lighting candles with which to enjoy the enveloping, star-studded night.
Limited electricity means no wifi - for the truly disconnected Lawrence of Arabia feel.
Marrakesh
Morocco's fourth city is wonderfully, authentically exotic - and is perfect for couples.
Wander hand-in-hand through the winding back alleys of this unique city - indeed, you're likely to be holding hands for some time, given the confusing geography (and the occasional misdirection from a local keen to side-track you into their uncle's shop).
Admire the dazzling colours of the souks, marvel at the chaos of Jemaa el Fna, then feast on delicately flavoured tagines in a cosy candlelit eatery.
Discover the best 10 things to do in Marrakech.
Atlas Mountains
As an antidote to the urban bustle, head into the Atlas Mountains for a vigorous hike.
Take along a picnic and enjoy the vast, majestic mountain scenery.
Delightful little Berber villages will spoil you with their warm people, delicious food and cosy mountain lodges.
Chefchaouen
Almost every building in Chefchaouen has been washed blue, creating a tremendous sense of calm.
The narrow alleys will overwhelm you with photo opportunities at every turn, while the Rif Mountains will ensure the horizon is just as romantic as the foreground.
It's a bit cooler up here - but that's all the more reason to enjoy a roaring fire in your riad after a long day of sightseeing.
Essaouira
Parts of seaside Essaouira provided the backdrop for Game of Thrones - indicating just how epic this city is.
Admire the frothing sea as it rages over the rocky coastline, then explore the ancient souks, before enjoying a drink on a rooftop terrace as the sun goes down.
And for foodies, you'll be hard-pushed to find another Moroccan city with such a diverse range of dining options in such a contained area.
If Marrakesh gets too much, Essaouira offers the glamour of an ancient Moroccan city, but with a lot less chaos.
Fes
Morocco's second city boasts some truly elegant riads of the traditional sort, featuring incredible Moroccan craftsmanship. But you'll also find an array of chic, modern hotels, where you can enjoy spa treatments and all the perks of a high-end European hotel - but for a lot less money.
Moroccan food you have to try
Essaouira may have the Moroccan restaurant scene all sewn up, but you and your lover will be able to enjoy mouthwatering Moroccan cuisine no matter where you go.
Sample B'ssara, a rich soup of dried broad beans served with oven-fresh bread; a clay pot lamb tagine; or makouda - deep fried potato balls dipped in spicy harissa sauce.
If you're feeling more adventurous, why not try sheep's cheek meat, or a broth made of snails?
For something even more hearty, seek out skewers of lamb liver served with caul fat.
And if you push your taste buds a little too far, you can clear your palette with a refreshing mint tea, known by some as 'Moroccan whisky'.
And the ubiquitous couscous, in all its glorious forms, is a must-try.
Find out more about the culinary delights that Morocco has to offer in our article,A Taste of Morocco: 9 Local Dishes to Try.
Getting around Morocco
For speed, comfort and value, Morocco's train system is a great choice, but it only connects the main cities.
The coach network is much more extensive and very easy on the pocket.
Coaches are generally quite modern and comfortable, but as you would expect, they are not as fast as a taxi.
A shared taxi would only be a little more expensive - and noticeably faster - than the bus, but not as safe or as comfy.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, it's a good idea to sit on the side away from the sun, as sitting in the full flare can turn a bearable trip into a real test of endurance.
Morocco trip: Good to know
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
With coastal beaches, desert landscapes, mountains and cities, the diverse landscapes of Morocco is an ideal year round destination.
The best times to visit Morocco are considered to be the shoulder seasons of March to May, and September and October.
Site seeing is more comfortable during these times, avoiding the scorching temperatures of the peak summer season.
If you’re planning to visit the Sahara during your Morocco trip, it’s best to avoid summer and winter. The Sahara is very cold at night during the winter months and extremely hot in summer.
Be aware that spring sandstorms are a common feature of the Sahara weather in Morocco in March.
What language is spoken in Morocco?
The two official languages in Morocco areStandard ArabicandStandard Moroccan Berber.
The primary language for commerce, French is the second language for around 33% of Moroccans, and is mandatory in schools
If you are visiting the North of Morocco, aroundTangier, you will also find many Moroccans speak Spanish in this area, due to historic ties.
Increasing numbers of Moroccans also speak English, particularly in the more touristic areas of the country.
Can you drink in Morocco?
Alcohol is legal in Morocco. It has to be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas.
Alcohol can also be bought in larger supermarkets, where alcoholic drinks are located in a separate room. It’s worth noting though, that drinking alcohol in public is against the lawin most areas of Morocco, and doing so could get you into trouble with the police.
During Ramadan, tourists are still allowed to drink alcohol but only a few restaurants will serve it.
Can unmarried couples sleep together in Morocco?
While it is not permitted for an unmarried Moroccan couple to share a room, as non-Moroccans you won't encounter any problems (unless the establishment itself chooses not to allow it). However, public shows of affection should be kept to a minimum.
You may notice male Moroccans holding hands - this is simply a platonic gesture between friends and does not indicate anything more intimate.
Morocco trip: Dos and don'ts
- Do not wear revealing clothing - although doing so on the beach is fine.
- Do not eat communal food with your left hand during your trip to Morocco - since traditionally this is used for personal hygiene.
- Do not drink alcohol in view of a mosque - or you may cause serious offence.
- Agree taxi fares before you get in, or you could be in for some nasty surprises. This goes for haircuts and any other service where a price is not visible.
- Do learn a little Arabic.
- If someone offers you tea - as they surely will at some point - it is polite to at least take a sip.
Planning a wedding in Morocco?
Beautiful venues - often available to book at very affordable prices – beaches and sunshine make Morocco an appealing destination for many couples to host their wedding.
However, legal requirements for UK citizens to get married in Morocco are very complex.
As such, many couples opt to complete the legalities of marriage in the UK and then jet off to Morocco for a more informal wedding ceremony.
Morocco holiday FAQs
What is Morocco famous for?
From labyrinthine medinas to breath-taking mountains, from people watching over a mint tea to haggling over a beautiful rug in a souk - Morocco offers a variety of sites and activities to enjoy.
Is Morocco good for couples?
Moroccoin general isa popular destination for couples andoffers romance and adventure in bucket loads.
No wonder then, that so many couples come here.
Which city in Morocco is the best for couples to stay in?
Marrakesh, known as the red city for it’s all year round hot climate, is considered by many as the city in Morocco which is best for couples to stay in.
Is Marrakesh safe for couples?
Marrakesh is known to be a frantic city and can be quite overwhelming for some. However, it is certainly a great place to visit.
But is Marrakesh safe for couples?
On the whole, Marrakesh is a perfectly safe city for couples to travel to.
That said, as with many other touristic locations, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is quite common, particularly within the medina quarter.
Hagglers can be quite hassling, and beware of unscrupulous touts, Credit card fraud and scams such as substituting inferior goods for those that were actually bought are common.
It is advisable to avoid carrying on your persons, any valuables that you do not need with you, and to keep any money or other valuables that you do have with you, out of sight.
Remain vigilant to the potential of scams or theft and be particularly cautious in using ATM’s, where aggressive begging and crime can occur.
Up to date travel advice for Morocco can be found at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/
