 Depending on your itinerary, your feelings about Morocco may be subject to change throughout your holiday and long after you have returned home. The country has a magical appeal that draws many back time and time again, eager to discover more about this mystical gem. Some of the things you may despise about the place on your travels may turn out to be the very things you miss the most when you get home.
 Morocco has hundreds of delights waiting for those who are adventurous enough to explore the country. For many visitors, a trip to Morocco is the first taste of Africa, with the overwhelming bombardment of new sounds, sights and smells hitting them from the moment of arrival.
 Those who opt for a beach holiday here will encounter fewer challenges than those who choose to tour in country; however, all visitors will be confronted with an altogether different world than they are used to back at home, which makes Morocco an inspiring cultural holiday destination.
 Major cities have major hotel chains to match including all of the main international establishments such as Sheraton, Holiday Inn and Hyatt. While a stay at one of these reputable hotels will ensure a high level of service, if you prefer to stay in a more traditional Moroccan environment, this is catered for by converted villas and palaces. While for those with tighter purse strings there is a selection of renovated riads, traditional houses built around a central courtyard.
History
 Inhabited since Neolithic times, it was the Phoenicians who drew Morocco into Mediterranean trading circles, which led to the lands of Morocco becoming an important and strategic Roman settlement known as Mauretania. Upon the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the region succumbed to various powers: the Vandals, Visigoths and then the Byzantines. However, none of these occupants managed to subdue the Berbers living in Morocco’s mountains.
 In the 7th century, Morocco began to develop as an Islamic state, a characteristic that remains today. With its beginnings under the Idrisid Dynasty, based in Baghdad, the Morocco Berbers soon broke away and subsequently developed under self-rule, becoming a centre of culture and learning, with territories stretching across northwest Africa.
 The period from 1666 to 1912 saw Morocco come under rule by the Alaouite Dynasty, who successfully fought off Ottoman and Spanish invaders. The end of this period saw France become a protectorate of Morocco under the Treaty of Fez, which recognised France’s sphere of influence in Morocco. As a result, many Moroccan troops fought alongside the French army in both World wars. The post-WWII period saw nationalistic sentiments grow and the call for independence from France become stronger. Having successfully achieved independence in 1956 and recovered Tangier from Spanish occupation in the same year, the country of Morocco has continued to develop and has status as a major non-NATO ally.
Weather
 Morocco is known for its scorching weather, meaning that those who do not like the heat may be persuaded to holiday elsewhere. However, with a bit of planning, the right season, an air-conditioned hotel and some ocean breezes, things can cool down considerably.
 Many people prefer to be on the coast in Morocco so that they can take advantage of the beaches and the southwest trade winds. The Mediterranean weather along the coast is perfect for those who enjoy sunbathing and a relaxing, slow-paced holiday, with Casablanca being an all-time favourite hotspot.
Inland, temperatures are higher and the weather is drier. The south of the country is the hottest region, with centres such as Tarfaya and Tata experiencing Morocco’s highest temperatures and little rainfall.
Evenings are always cooler, making this a popular time to go shopping, with much activity in the cities after nightfall. The months of December and January are the coolest for visiting Morocco, with average temperatures in Marrakech hovering around 21°C at this time.
Rain along the coast occurs from November to March. The rainy season brings temperatures down but is not that conducive to a beach or sightseeing holiday. Cooler weather can also be sought in the mountains.
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