Atlas Mountains Holidays
"Stunning views, Fresh Mountain Air and a peaceful and tranquil relaxing resort break..."
The High Atlas Mountains provide the perfect escape from the heat of Morocco and offer something truly unique to the discerning traveller. Experience fresh mountain air, stunning views and a more peaceful way of life in this majestic mountain range. A combination of the Morocco’s main tourist resorts with a stay in the mountains is highly recommended and very popular.
A varied landscape of exquisite natural beauty the Atlas Mountains are ideal for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore nature, or have . Up in their hills you will find spectacular rainbow-coloured gorges, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and UNESCO rated forts and medinas. They are criss-crossed with trails taking you through awe-inspiring landscapes that reward you with views that will leave you breathless.
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Atlas Mountains Travel Guide
At A Glance:
The Atlas Mountains inFocus
Location
The Mountain chain spans North Africa, passing through Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. They were formed by the movement of tectonic plates underneath the earth and their highest point is Mount Toubkal in the southwest of Morocco.
Weather
The Atlas Mountains have a varying climate that is very cold in winter and very hot in summer. This tends to mean that the best time to visit is in Spring and Autumn (March – early June & September – October), when the climate has a Goldilocks like quality. Temperatures in summer are around 25 degrees, which when combined with thunderstorms and the effort that it takes to climb, can feel a lot hotter. Conversely winter temperatures bottom out at around or below freezing, while in Spring and Autumn they can range from 15-23 degrees.
History & Culture
The harsh conditions on the mountains meant that only the hardiest of people could inhabit them. Thus, they are a place of Berber villages and lonely hill forts; a place that remains untouched by the modern world, which is ideal for hiking enthusiasts who want to get out and explore all the magic that they have to offer. Their name is assumed to originate from Berber, although it is possible that they were named by Hellenes, who associated their size with the myth of Atlas, who held the sky up on his shoulders.
Family Activities
Visiting such glorious places of sublime natural beauty is amazing, but they can be challenging, and young children may struggle high up. However, they are ideal for active families with older children, who want to get out and explore the many treasures they hide. There are various hiking trails that run through them, along with spectacular villages and forts steeped in history, making them ideal for an educational and fun family holiday.
Tours & Attractions
For anyone who loves adventure, it is the ideal escape, with a host of amazing landscapes to explore. Ait Ben Haddou is a sublime mountain village and fort located high up that has been a Holywood favourite for many years and has been used by films like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. The Dades Valley is an exceptional hiking destination that is criss-crossed with trails that will leave you breathless. While adventurous souls who love to climb should add the Todra Gorge to the holiday itinerary as it is Morocco’s premier rock-climbing destination. Finally, Mt Toubkal, which stands more than 4000 metres above sea level is an exhilarating hike that will reward you with stunning vistas of the surrounding area.
Entertainment
Staying at the Atlas Mountains is all about getting in touch with nature and escaping from the modern world, which when combined with the fact that Morocco is an Islamic country, where none of the local people drink alcohol means that there is very little nightlife there. Visitors may be able to find a hotel serving drinks, but if you are seeking a wild party then you would be better off in another part of the country.
Shopping
The charming thing about the Atlas Mountains is there remoteness and isolation, meaning that it definitely isn’t the best place to shop in the country. Visitors will find the occasional seller or market and may even find better prices, as they will generally cater to locals. However, the best shopping option is to make a day-trip to Marrakesh, which is nestled beneath them and offers everything that you could ever ask for.
Atlas Mountains Holiday Blogs
Special Offers in Atlas Mountains , Morocco
A small collection of our Top Special Offers which have been hand-picked especially for you...