New Tips And Triks For You

I would recommend to anyone going to Morocco to stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal ( kasbahdutoubkal.com) in the High Atlas Mountains. You can enjoy true Berber hospitality and culture and escape the masses in Marrakesh (despite it only being an hour away). From here you can set out on any of the many treks (day and overnight) in the surrounding area, and there are even guided walks provided by the Kasbah (who employ only locals). Alternatively the Kasbah can organise tours and excursions, such as camel riding, or you can relax in the Kasbah's private hammam. And it is open to people of all budgets, with Berber salons available for just €40 (£33) a night per person, or the luxury Garden House (sleeps six) for €820 (£677) a night.Bryony Robertson, West Yorkshire

Be sure to barter when buying

RENT A RIAD

I travelled to Morocco and spent two months there in 2010. I was volunteering and my top tip would be to rent a riad in the old town for a couple of nights to really submerge yourself into the culture of Marrakesh. To take a break from the vibrant city, I would recommend a relaxing trip to the coast of Essaouira. It's a must to go to the famous market but be sure to barter when buying, or if you are there a while and meet some locals get them to buy the things for you for a cheaper price!Polly Laycok, by email

CARPET BAGGING

When shopping in bazaars, if you are buying a simple woollen carpet, say measuring roughly 6.5ft x 10ft, don't pay more than 1,000 MAD (£70) as that is the price the locals pay.Frank Noonan, Kilmarnock

WORTH THE TREK

En route from Erfoud to Marrakesh we arrived at Chez Pierre ( chezpierre.org), perched on the barren, red rock of the Dades Valley. Renowned for its exceptional food and welcoming Berber staff - Lahcen and his brothers - it certainly lived up to, and even exceeded, expectations. Dinner - a delicious succession of French-influenced plats - a welcome relief from the ubiquitous tagine. Cosy, simple rooms, warmed by wood-burning stoves - ours with a spectacular view over the dramatically beautiful valley. After negotiating our way down snow-covered steps and a frozen swimming pool for breakfast we were introduced to Abdullah, our trekking guide. Hours later, clambering across sun-drenched boulders in the valley our reluctant teenagers were transformed into mountain goats - the overnight snowfall melting into the River Dades running below us as we picnicked on pastilles with the snowy peaks of the Atlas in the distance.Hilly Grumbar, Devon

PORT OF CALL

An alternative way to get to Morocco is to arrive by sea from southern Spain, which we did on our last visit. An easyJet flight to Madrid was followed by a few days there. We then took a pre-booked train to Algeciras, from where there are regular crossings to Tangier, no need to book in advance as foot passengers. We stayed in the grand El Minzah Hotel, magical views from our room across to Europe.

The booking office in Tangier station was very helpful and we were able to book train tickets (oncf.ma) to Rabat and then Marrakesh and a Supratours coach connection to the seaside town of Essaouira. We stayed for three days in Tangier and Rabat, and six in Essaouira. From there we returned to Marrakesh for two days and then flew home with easyJet .

A wonderful trip at a fraction of the cost of an organised "package".Rosemary Barford, East Sussex

HIDDEN GEM

If you can make it anywhere in Morocco, go to the Sahara and Fes. However, I believe a hidden gem of Morocco is Chefchaouen. The long journey to this town was worth it; the look and soul of the area is amazing, the locals are friendly and it strangely reminded me of Yorkshire where you are suddenly hit with politeness and love from everyone you meet. Aston-J Spreddie, Croydon

No holiday to Morocco is complete without visiting the vibrant fishing port of Essaouira. Our holiday base was in Marrakesh and while the four-hour car journey was not through the most spectacular scenery it was worth it. We strolled along the promenade watching Moroccan families enjoying the long sandy beach.

We visited the fortress and wandered around the souk where we encountered very little hassle. It was the port itself that we found most fascinating. Boats that appeared hardly seaworthy arrived with their catch, a variety fish and all manner of sea creatures.

These were bought after serious negotiations and then expertly prepared by vendors, some of whom sold them on while others cooked and sold them ready to eat from nearby stalls.Dr T W Harding, West Midlands

LOCAL CHARACTER

Martil is a small town in northern Morocco, which is situated on the Mediterranean coastline. It is an undiscovered fishing town, where camels roam the beach and the locals haggle for bargains in the souk. The restaurants cook fresh seafood platters and the cafés all serve mint tea. The café with the finest sea view, in town, is called Goya café and it is famous locally for the quality of the cakes and patisseries on sale. From the café, you can see the sea for miles and in the distance the Rif mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. The bustle of the souk reaches the busy shopping time during the early evening, just as the sun sinks soulfully behind the nearby mountains. The beach shimmers invitingly while families walk along the promenade. Martil is friendly and welcoming with Moroccan character.Verity Hall, Herts

CALL OF THE CAMEL

My tip/recommendation regarding travel in Morocco: go on a night-time camel trek into the Sahara from Zagora. In the morning, you will be awoken for perhaps the most spectacular sunrise you'll ever see. Other benefits include a night's stay in an oasis, authentic drum music from the Moroccan guide leader and some delicious lamb tagine. Ollie Kemsley, London

ON A HIGH

Just a two-hour drive from Marrakesh, a walk around the villages in the High Atlas Mountains is a great way to escape the relentless hustle and bustle of the medina, stretch your legs and get some fresh air. For £75 per person, our tour operator, Flee Winter ( fleewinter.co.uk), arranged for a private transfer up to the village of Imlil, where we were met by a local guide who assessed how much walking we wanted to do before leading us on a four-hour track, during which he chatted and provided insight into Berber village life. We stopped at a house in one of the villages where we sipped mint tea and refuelled on a simple but tasty meal of couscous and vegetables. After completing the hike, the driver took us back to Marrakesh, where we enjoyed a much needed hammam and massage at our riad.Alison Hope, London

WORTH EVERY PENNY

One place you could quite easily miss when visiting Morocco is the Koubba El-Badiyin. From the outside it appears to be an ordinary temple but when you step in there's a beautifully ornate ceiling. It's worth parting with a few dirhams to see it, that's for sure.Deborah Torr, by email

WINTER ESCAPE

Morocco has been a great winter getaway for me, offering everything from coastal towns and beaches to the Atlas Mountains, with everything from bustling bazaars to desolate deserts in between.

Asilya is an authentic Moroccan beauty hotspot with stunning whitewash architecture on a beautiful coastline that's less than 30 miles from the Strait of Gibraltar.

Farther south, Marrakesh is another firm favourite, where a stay in a riad is an affordable must. Chucking yourself into the hustle and bustle of this busy town is the best approach and the riads offer you great service, central location and an authentic feel to take in the experience and culture that's so abundant. Liam Fittall, Kent

FABULOUS FES

If you are looking for one Moroccan destination to visit, opt for Fes over Marrakesh. The former is less touristy, and the most complete of all of the Arabic medieval cities: you'll still get the souk experience that you'd have enjoyed in Marrakesh, but with the opportunity to visit the city's tanneries, and a great view of the city from the hillside Merenid tombs. Enjoy the haunting sounds of the call to prayer from the city's many mosques, and try local delights such as mint tea and pastille. A great cultural break.Emily Knight, Bristol

MOVIE MEMORIES

As a child I always wanted to be Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca and who didn't want to "Rock the Casbah". I love this magical country and its sights, smells and tastes. Take a cookery workshop to master a tagine or a perfect mint tea. Give your wallet a workout by haggling at a souk in Marrakesh in the quirky little backstreets around the main square, Djemaa el-Fna. Go local by camping in Berber tents in the Atlas Mountains with the Moon as your stage and the stars as your ceiling. Feel beautiful by being rubbed and scrubbed at a hammam and feel like a star as you explore the many film locations shot here such as Cleopatra and The Jewel of the Nile. Take a boat out in Merja Zerga National Park - which is known as the Blue Lagoon - you can even have your own bird guide.Anna Tui, by email

CULTURE CORNER

Find Marrakesh exhausting or just too hot in high summer? Take the Marrakesh Express on the straight road west to Essaouira. Absorb the culture in this breezy, temperate but deeply atmospheric little seaside town by staying in one of dozens of riads to suit every budget within the medina. Eat gloriously at the harbourside fish stalls, haggle in the hassle-free souks and watch Moroccan life as it happens from a street side café vantage point. Explore the vast dunes at Diabat on horse, camel or quad bike. Try kite surfing, listen and dance to gnawa music - if you are there on the last weekend in June for the annual Gnaoua festival, even better.Doug Lockhart, Glasgow

SHARE A MEAL

Don't get stuck in Marrakesh - try out towns such as Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains or surfing in Taghazout. If you are looking for some peace and quiet then head to Moulay Idriss and enjoy the stunning nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Trains are cheap, comfortable and reliable. It is worth upgrading to first class at little extra cost and you will have a reserved seat with air conditioning. A wonderful custom on public transport is the sharing of food so be sure to pack some tasty snacks to offer around and be willing to try what is offered to you.

Be sure to visit a souk wherever you are in Morocco as they are one of the few places left where the atmosphere is bustling, friendly and the opportunity to test your bartering skills is a wonderful antidote for the drudge of supermarket shopping back in Britain.Stuart Bates, Oxford

BERBER BARGAINS

It wasn't the fabulous architecture of Marrakesh. It wasn't the amazing square of Djemaa el-Fna with its food and snake charmers, nor the beautiful gardens of Yves Saint Laurent, nor even the fascinating eco-hotel in the Palmeraie that blew our minds and senses in Morocco. No. It was the Berber market in Ourika on the way to the Atlas Mountains.

The colours, the bustle and the noise took one's breath away. Seemingly in a little town in the middle of nowhere, this market appears and so do people in their thousands. It is difficult to realise what cut-up motor car tyres can make, or cope with the juxtaposition of hairdressers, dentists and butchers in proximity, nor the thousands of donkeys.Sandy Mackintosh, Birmingham

Telegraph Travel offers a eight day escorted trip to the Imperial Cities of Morocco, operated by Riviera Travel and from £799pp. Includes return flights, four-star accommodation with dinner and a full touring itinerary. Call 08448730324 or visit http://ift.tt/1j0KOhe

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