Just a four-hour flight from Sussex, the exotic North African country of Morocco is the perfect short-haul destination for anyone looking for a cultural treat without the hassle of a long-haul flight. From luxury stays in traditional riads to grand mosque tours and bustling souks, Morocco is a country with plenty to offer.

For adventure-seeking travellers, Morocco is far enough away from the UK for visitors to get a real taste of the exotic too. Whether it’s spicy foods on street stalls or vivid mosaic architecture, a visit here is just as inviting as a Greek summer holiday. Morocco’s famous and vibrant capital Marrakech, meanwhile, is a maze of magical riads, winding alleyways, enticing restaurants and bustling souks selling everything from jewellery to carpets.

Here are some great reasons to visit Morocco if you’re looking for an interesting short-haul country to explore outside the UK.

Jamaa el Fna market square, Marrakesh, Morocco, north Africa.

Stay in one of Marrakech’s traditional riads

Within easy reach from Morocco’s main airport, the vibrant capital of Marrakech is a must-see to explore after landing off the plane. The medieval walled city or medina (it is also known as the ‘Red City’) is a lively and charming capital with an impressive backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. As soon as you arrive in this alluring city, you instantly feel as if you’re a million miles away from the UK.

Steeped in history and culture, a visit to popular Marrakech, however, is not complete without a stay in one of their beautiful traditional riads for an authentic taste of Moroccan life. Complete with modern luxuries, comfy beds, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, riads are unique and offer an intimate sanctuary away from the busy streets of the capital.

The word ‘riad’ originates from the Arabic term for ‘garden’ and reflects a traditional Moroccan house designed around pretty interior gardens. Once inside, therefore, you’ll find a relaxing tranquil courtyard filled with flowers, fountains and ornate tilework. A truly Moroccan experience, riads provide a window into traditional architecture with striking features ( carved cedar ceilings and colourful mosaics) that date back to ancient Roman times. With far-reaching views to the Atlas Mountains and magical sunrises to look forward to, riad living is a unique experience for every traveller.

Morocco. Arcade of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Morocco is the perfect short-haul destination

Explore the bustling souks of Marrakech

While in the city, you can lose yourself in the sprawling souks of Marrakech. The famous souks are renowned for being North Africa’s largest markets, and they are situated in a labyrinthine of cobbled streets. Don’t be alarmed by the sellers’ persistence at the souk and learn the art of haggling to get the best price for some of the most popular souvenirs on sale, which include:

– Colourful Berber carpets and rugs with distinct designs
– Traditional robes (djellabas) for men and women
– Scarves and shawls in various designs
– Handmade leather goods like bags, purses and slippers (babouches)
– Tagines – cone-shaped clay pots used for cooking
– Intricately designed metal trays, lanterns and lamps
– Silver Berber jewellery
– Spices and foods like saffron, argan oil, dates, figs, pastries
– Wooden boxes inlaid with mother of pearl

Traditional spices and dry fruits

After some clever haggling, continue to explore narrow passageways crammed with stalls selling even more handmade leather bags, colourful textiles, gleaming metal lanterns and more. Or you might like to browse antiques and sample sweet mint tea as you navigate Marrakech’s famous Jemaa El Fna square.

This huge plaza in the heart of Marrakech comes alive at night with food stalls, performers, henna artists, snake charmers and more. It’s a chaotic but exciting scene that really portrays the energy of the city. Wander past vendors touting spices, ceramics and traditional herbal remedies on your way to the Souk des des teinturiers. Once here, you’ll discover more interesting fabrics and you’ll eventually find your way back to some familiar landmarks!

Morocco is the perfect short-haul destination

Visit the majestic mosques of Marrakech

In addition to vibrant souks, Marrakech captivates with its breathtaking Islamic architecture. One of Marrakesh’s best-known landmarks is the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, an imposing 12th-century Mosque. It is instantly recognisable by its towering minaret. You’ll enter the Mosque via Ben Youssef Madrasa, an Islamic college boasting a tranquil courtyard. The smaller but also exquisitely decorated Ali Ben Youssef Mosque, is also worth a visit and boasts five green-tiled prayer halls.

For one of Marrakech’s most dazzling religious sites, however, put the 14th-century Saadian Tombs on your wish-list to glimpse the ornate mausoleum made from Italian marble. With grand arches, intricate tiles and towering minarets, all of Marrakech’s mosques provide an education in ornate Islamic art and architecture.

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Soak in the atmosphere of Morocco’s capital of culture

With its individual charm, one of the many reasons to visit Morocco is just how different and interesting its culture and atmosphere is despite being such a short distance from the UK by plane. In addition to its vivid sights, sounds and aromas of the spice stalls, Marrakech is a unique city with an extra-special atmosphere. You’re immediately swept up in the souks’ muezzin or loud ‘calls to prayer’ that echo at intervals five times a day and become the Moroccan soundtrack to your memorable trip.

In addition to its renowned charms, there is the chance to relax after a day’s bartering in the souks and treat yourself at a scented hammam bathhouse. Wander past spice vendors in vibrant Djemaa el-Fna and soak up the heady mix of Arab, Berber and African influences unique to Marrakech.

Morocco is the perfect short-haul destination

From tasting incredible Tagines to Marrakech’s colourful mosaics, the food, restaurants and overall cultural differences in this fascinating part of the world makes Morocco well worth the visit. Once there, you can look forward to a warm and friendly welcome and an exquisite stay in an authentic riad. Or, be persuaded to buy home crafted goods from souk-traders and be charmed by snake-wielding locals faster than you can order an English breakfast. Skip the long-haul hassle and enjoy soaking up the very best Marrakech has to offer.