Morocco Holidays from €226pp

Irish people love to go to Morocco for the culture, food, beaches, sports and shopping. This North African nation is synonymous with golden beaches, buzzing cities, vibrant souks and active sports. However, you can also trek the Sahara, surf on an idyllic beach or trek the Atlas Mountains. There is so much to see and experience in this budget destination.

It’s the perfect year-round holiday. Day time temperatures are up in the mid-20s most of the winter, and still hitting the 30s all through the autumn making Morocco a go-to place for a blast of sun, sea and surf just as it starts getting cold in Ireland. Morocco’s sandy coastline is actually 1,200 miles (nearly 2,000 km) long. The beaches themselves are stunning and line the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts with fascinating seaside towns and numerous idyllic stretches of golden sands. Eat lots of seafood when on the coast and enjoy the relaxed vibes of the lazy surf towns.

The Sahara Desert is a stunning place, and Morocco is a great starting point for venturing into the dunes. Endless layers of soft golden sand dunes fill the horizon, and climbing up these massive dunes is surreal. The atmosphere is so quiet and peaceful, and watching the sunset or sunrise over the desert is unforgettable. You'll also witness amazing stars, as there is barely any light pollution from civilization to cover them up. Shopping in Morocco is an experience to be remembered. Fez, Casablanca and Tangier are the most popular shopping hubs in the country. It’s easy to get lost in the winding mazes of souks packed with ceramics, spices, leather goods, baskets, carpets and jewellery. The medinas also have plentiful shopping opportunities. Giant mountains of colourful powdered spices, leather goods, vibrantly patterned pots and donkeys carrying carts of watermelons are all part of the visual magic. You can buy olives, spices and fresh produce at bargain prices from the street markets too.