TL;DR
- Rough Guides has named Marrakech the top destination to visit in 2026, beating Crete and Bali.
- New easyJet and Ryanair routes are making the Red City more accessible than ever for UK travellers.
- Good news for agents looking to offer something beyond the usual Mediterranean picks.
The announcement landed this week. Marrakech is officially Rough Guides’ number one destination for 2026.
The travel publisher surveyed over 30,000 travellers and consulted local experts before making its pick. Marrakech beat out strong contenders including Crete and Bali to claim the top spot.
It’s a destination many agents know well, but third-party recognition like this can help reassure clients who are still deciding. When a respected travel guide highlights a destination, it gives clients more confidence in their choice.
The Sensory Appeal
Rough Guides didn’t choose Marrakech for postcard-perfect views alone. Their verdict focused on the immersive experience: the tastes, the sounds, the textures. It’s a destination that engages all the senses.
For clients who feel restless with fly-and-flop holidays, Morocco offers something different. A completely different world, but with no 14-hour flight required. That’s a compelling combination for travellers with limited annual leave who still want an adventure.
The Capacity Story
Getting clients to Marrakech becomes easier in 2026, thanks to expanded airlift from the UK.
easyJet is launching a new base at Marrakech Menara Airport in Spring 2026, stationing three aircraft there. That brings around 4 million seats annually and, importantly, means better reliability. A base typically means morning departures (helpful for short breaks) and fewer cancellations. It moves Marrakech from seasonal option to year-round staple.
Ryanair is also adding new routes from Liverpool for Summer 2026. For agents serving clients in the North West, that’s another option beyond Manchester or London.
The Value Conversation
January budgets are often tight, and Marrakech hits a particular sweet spot. Clients can expect similar warmth to the Canaries, but often at a price point closer to Malaga or Alicante. For couples looking to save on flights and spend more on their accommodation, it’s a practical argument.
Three Client Types to Consider
The Solo Adventurer: Marrakech works well for solo travellers. Riads (traditional courtyard houses) are naturally communal spaces, and the city is busy, social, and full of other visitors. It can feel like a gentle introduction to North Africa for clients nervous about travelling alone.
The Short-Haul Romantic: Not everyone has a Maldives budget. A luxury riad with a private plunge pool and Atlas Mountain views offers high-end romance at a fraction of the long-haul price.
The Content-Curious Traveller: The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the winding lanes of the Medina, the colours everywhere. It’s visually striking, which appeals to younger travellers looking for memorable backdrops.
The Practical Bit
A couple of things worth noting when booking Marrakech for 2026:
Ramadan dates: In 2026, Ramadan runs from mid-February to mid-March. It’s a special time to visit (the Iftar feasts are memorable), but clients should know that alcohol service outside hotels may be limited and some shops close early. Setting expectations turns this into a cultural highlight rather than a surprise.
Twin-centre options: With high-speed trains and short transfers, Marrakech pairs well with the surf town of Essaouira or hiking in the Atlas Mountains. A seven-night trip can feel much more expansive.
Worth Knowing
The Rough Guides accolade can help reassure clients who’ve been curious about Morocco but haven’t committed. The new easyJet base and Ryanair routes make it easier to get them there, with better reliability and more regional options.
