What are the best places to visit in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Experience the theatre of Jemaa el-Fnaa (republica/iStock)

Q My wife and I quite fancy a trip to include a couple of days in Marrakesh followed by some time to walk in the Atlas Mountains, in mid/late March. Planning on a week to 10 days. Any tips?

Pat W

A The second half of March is an excellent time to be in the city and the Atlas Mountains.

Marrakesh is the ideal base camp. I believe the city is the most exotic place you can reach within three hours’ flying time from Britain. At its heart is the splendid confusion of the medina: the atmospheric, ancient walled core to the city. The energy overflows into the Jemaa el-Fnaa, the market place, a location for constant open-air theatre. Add in the French quarter, a spectacular array of Islamic monuments and cool, shady gardens, and you have an ideal city in which to spend 48 hours.

Happily, great hiking exists very close by. Try to find room at the Kasbah du Toubkal, less than an hour south in the Atlas foothills. The miraculously restored Kasbah is a luxury establishment but also has a welcoming and comfortable backpacker facility.

You can choose from a number of day hikes around Berber villages, and even plan a trip to North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal – where the snow will be deep but the rewards immense.

After your exertions, I suggest you treat yourself to a seaside sojourn, at the nearby resort of Essaouira. It was beloved of rock stars in the 1960s, and remains an Atlantic gem.

Every day our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder