Morocco Family Holiday: Marrakech, Trek & Surf

The ultimate family activity holiday, combining mountains and surf and all just 4 hours away from the UK. Trek in the High Atlas Mountains, soak up some culture in Marrakech and then hit the surf on this unique week long adventure.

Morocco is a superb family holiday destination. Just 3.5 hours by plane from the UK and serviced by budget airlines, the country boasts stunning mountain ranges, imperial cities with bustling souks and a coastline that is just perfect for water sports lovers. The Atlas mountains, home to North Africa's highest summit, are home to winding trails, sleepy Berber villages and breath-taking views. Trekking in these unspoilt parts is rewarding and peaceful and whilst it is challenging, there is no reason why children can't enjoy walking in these parts as much as adults.

Meanwhile, on the coast, between the towns of Agadir and Essaouira, there are miles upon miles of beautiful coastline and bays, interspersed with small fishing villages, such as Immessouane. Here, the bays seem to have been designed with surfing in mind, offering both gentle waves and more challenging swell, depending on the tide and wind direction. As for Marrakech, this imperial city remains a jewel in Morocco's crown. Winding souks, crumbling palaces, peaceful gardens and the buzzing central square make it an intriguing place to explore. The different smells, sounds and sights will capture your imagination, whatever your age.

This Morocco family holiday has been designed with active parents and children in mind. The first two days are spent trekking in the High Atlas Mountains in the stunning Imlil and Imnane Valleys. With an extra mule in case the children get tired, the hiking is hard work, but affords some amazing views. After over-nighting in a rural village and a further days trekking, you will return to Marrakech the following evening. The main square in the Medina, the Djemma El Fna, is the perfect first evening for the whole family, with snake charmers, acrobats and musicians to amuse you all and get you in the holiday spirit. After a day of leisure in Marrakech, spent visiting the souks and local sights, you will transfer to the coast and the pretty coastal resort of Sidi Kaouki for 3 days of surfing. During your stay, you will have daily lessons and also plenty of time to practice your technique and to enjoy the laid-back surfing culture.

This family activity holiday is a balance between trekking, surfing and a smattering of culture. It is not a children's holiday, rather it has been designed for parents and children who want to have an active holiday to suit a mixture of tastes and interests.

For the trekking, you all need to be relatively fit. You will walk for about 4-5 hours a day, but as well as being accompanied by a guide and a mule to carry your bags, an additional mule will be provided in case one of the children needs to rest their weary legs.

As far as the surfing is concerned, this is available for surfers of all levels, from beginner to the advanced. The lessons will be in groups, according to ability. It is a relaxed atmosphere, so whether you or your child is a beginner or a pro, there should be plenty of opportunity to enjoy yourselves together. There is no minimum age for the surfing, as long as your child can swim they are welcome to give it a go.

In Marrakech, we recommend splashing out a little on a nice well located riad, as a calm space where you and your children can relax is an invaluable retreat from the buzz and heat of Marrakech. We can of course also recommend cheaper options if you are on a tight budget.

The time in Marrakech is self-guided and the trekking will be just you. However, for the surfing lessons, you may well be with other people.