Marrakesh

For an exotic holiday that’s sure to dazzle and excite, Marrakesh in Morocco, North Africa could be just the ticket. Just a few hours from England, Marrakesh, known as the ‘Red City’ thanks to the blush-coloured walls surrounding it, invites you in to a world of busy souks, winding alleyways, clandestine palaces, donkey carts jostling for space, hip art galleries and fantastic restaurants and bars. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the medina (old city), is intoxicating. Colourful rugs, ceramics and mystical lanterns hang outside artisan’s workshops and tanneries turn animal hides into leather. A must-see is the famous Jemaa el Fna, a square hosting more than 100 stalls selling rejuvenating mint tea through to sheep’s head soup, while fortune-tellers, snake charmers and acrobats entertain you. And then, settle down with a refreshing cocktail, and watch the sunset. There are many temples, palaces and monuments to see in Marrakesh, but it’s the experience you’ll never forget.