Make a holiday villa in Morocco your home away from home

The mention of Marrakech and Casablanca evoke images of vast deserts dotted with wind-swept dunes and turbaned travellers braving the gusts on stately camels. Hollywood productions have played no small part in embedding such ideas in tourists’ minds, but there is much more to Morocco than hostile deserts. Being strategically positioned between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, this North African nation boasts astounding beaches and excellent warm weather. It is also home to the famous Atlas Mountains. Visitors should prepare for a unique cultural experience as they book their Morocco holiday rentals. Accommodation in Morocco offered by HomeAway comes in the form of traditional Moroccan riads designed with distinctive Arabic flair and villas from which one can see the jagged peaks of Atlas in the distance. Those who would want to be close to the sea can book holiday rentals that are right by the beaches.

Things to do

-Beaches: Given the blazing temperatures of this locale, most tourists make a beeline for the beaches at Agadir soon after arrival. Here they can enjoy the abundant sunshine while contemplating the beauty of the azure waves and drinking in the refreshing sea breeze.

-Deserts: Anyone who has watched Lawrence of Arabia will want to grab this opportunity to traverse the dunes of the Sahara. The best location to set off from is Merzouga where holidaymakers can get their camels or 4x4 vehicles and journey under the unforgiving sun as they relive the gruelling yet exciting expeditions of Lawrence.

-Mountains: Those whose idea of a holiday involves the adventure of scaling lofty heights will want to climb the snow-capped High Atlas Mountain range. Its highest peak is Toubkal which rises over 4,000 metres above sea-level, making it the highest point in all of North Africa. Visiting the mountain villages en route to the summit provides an intriguing cultural twist as life there is markedly different from life in the typical Arabian town.

-Hammam: After enduring kilometres of weary travel, visitors will be keen to retreat into a traditional steam bath or ‘hammam’ as they’re referred to by locals. This is not only a place to get a relaxing massage, it is a great place to experience another unique facet of Moroccan culture. Hammams offer women an opportunity to rub shoulders and exchange ideas with local women.

-Sport: Its position by the Atlantic makes the shores of Morocco a prime surfing destination. During winter the winds provoke incredible breakers and both local surfers and visitors attack the waves eagerly. How about a skiing experience in Africa? Winter visitors can attack the slopes of the High Atlas Mountains with equal zeal. Though the quality of the skiing equipment and facilities may not be what you’ll get in the Alps, tourists will definitely make excellent memories there.

Weather in Morocco

To enjoy the glory of this beautiful country without suffering from the fierceness of its scorching summers, visitors are advised to make their bookings in Morocco holiday homes during spring or autumn. At these times the weather is relatively cooler and more conducive to outdoor activity. It is wise for visitors to consider the weather patterns for the specific area of Morocco they’ll be spending their vacation. During summer, one can embark on a tour of the mountainous parts of the country where temperatures are lower. A tour of the historic city of Marrakech and the Sahara is best done during spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (September to November). The North Coast experiences Mediterranean climate while the Atlantic Coast is usually rainy.

Travel to Morocco

The Mohammed V International Airport, the country’s busiest airport, is the main gateway into Morocco. This facility receives scheduled flights from most major cities in Europe as well as cities in the Middle East. Seasonal flights and scheduled flights are also available to residents of North America, departing from New York and Montreal. European tourists can use the ferry service that runs from Spain, specifically the port of Algeciras. This trip usually takes between 40 minutes and 2 hours.