– with four-hour flights and cheap package holidays

The colourful city ideal for a winter sun break

The colourful city ideal for a winter sun break

Shimmering with colour, Marrakesh is a city with magic and chaos at its heart. But with its rooftop restaurants and bazaars, it can be hard to know where to begin.

The maze of alleyways in the medina and souks is ripe for wandering, but it is easy to lose your way.

The souks are a shopper’s paradise, with carpets, traditional slippers, lotions, spices and jewellery — but a guide will take the stress out of exploring.

If you’re looking for a culture shock but don’t want to fly halfway across the world, Marrakesh is just four hours away and delivers both modern flair and ancient wonders.

The city’s star attraction is Jemaa el-Fnaa, where there are snake charmers and fortune tellers. After dusk, fire-eaters and dancers perform their nightly shows.

Also not to be missed is Jardin Majorelle, the former home and garden of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Many of Marrakesh’s restaurants can now be found on rooftops, offering spectacular views of the city and the Atlas Mountains.