North Africa
Souks, riads, desert and mountains — a sensory overload an hour from Europe.
Morocco is where Africa, Arabia and Europe collide — a country of medieval walled cities, sweeping deserts and the snow-capped High Atlas, all vivid colour, warm hospitality and the scent of spice and mint. Marrakech is the great sensory gateway: a red imperial city of souks and palaces around the theatre of the Jemaa el-Fnaa, riads hidden behind blank medina walls, and the mountains and Sahara within reach. Cheap, exotic and endlessly stimulating, a short hop from Europe.
What things cost: Morocco is excellent value — a riad room, a tagine, a hammam all cost a fraction of European prices, and the souks reward a good haggle (start around a third of the asking price). Guides, taxis and tips add up, and riads span cheap to seriously luxurious. Carry cash; when a zone below says 'low', that means very low indeed.
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
A glamorous week of world cinema, red carpets and Hollywood and Arab-world stars, with free public screenings projected onto a giant screen on the Jemaa el-Fnaa itself. The city's biggest cultural event, and a chance to watch a film under the stars on the great square.
Marrakech · Palais des Congrès & Jemaa el-Fnaa
During the holy month the rhythm of the city changes — quieter, sleepier days, then the square and cafés coming alive after the sunset iftar, the air thick with the smell of harira soup and pastries. A special, atmospheric time to visit, if you don't mind some daytime closures.
Marrakech · Citywide
A quieter companion to the Sacred Music festival, devoted to Sufism — evenings of mystical music and sama chanting, plus daytime talks, exhibitions and workshops on Islamic spirituality and art. An intimate, atmospheric celebration of the mystical tradition for which Fez is renowned.
Fez · Gardens & cultural centres, Fez
One of the world's great music festivals — a celebrated gathering of sacred and spiritual music from every faith and continent, staged over nine days in the palaces, gardens and squares of Fez. Sufi chanting, gospel, qawwali and orchestras beneath the medieval walls; the city's proudest event, drawing an international audience.
Fez · Bab Al Makina & medina venues
A huge comedy festival founded by the Franco-Moroccan star Jamel Debbouze — stand-up in French, Arabic and English across the city, climaxing in a vast free show on the Jemaa el-Fnaa. A joyous, only-in-Marrakech night of laughter on the great square.
Marrakech · Jemaa el-Fnaa & city theatres
The city's great religious festival, honouring Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fez, whose shrine sits at the medina's heart. A week of processions, candle-lit offerings carried by the craft guilds, music and crowds converging on the zaouia; a vivid, intensely local plunge into the spiritual life of the old city.
Fez · Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, medina
