The allure of this bustling city never fails to attract many visitors from around the world. Marrakech is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking out a quintessential Moroccan experience with a whole lot of surprises. If you’re yet to find out what the hype about Marrakech is after seeing endless images on your social feeds, heard stories from a friend-of-a-friend who visited or are simply out of the loop on just how magical Marrakech is, you’ll quickly find reasons to love it too. Here are 9 reasons why everyone loves Marrakech (so prepare to be seduced).

1. Exploring the medina by foot is one of Marrakech’s best thrills as you try to get oriented in the web of narrow streets. It can be seriously hectic, but it’s that much more rewarding when you locate historical gems like the 19th century Bahia Palace and sniff out Rue de Bab Debbagh for the leather tanneries.

2. The riads of Marrakech aren’t just a place to lay your head at night, they are seriously impressive works of art. Riads adored for a number of characteristics such as the multicolour-tile mosaics, ornately carved archways, grand pillars, spa-like dipping pools, bold colour accents, plush cushions, and the list goes on!

3.The main souk of Marrakech is the epitome of eclectic. The souk (or market) is full of goods organised by their respective section. You can browse handmade bags, nibble on fresh olives, gawk over the artisan-crafted jewellery and even find locally-sourced saffron to take back home with you (just make sure you check for any customs or immigration restrictions before you transport goods back home). Shopping in the never-ending souk is the perfect way to start chatting with locals and master your negotiation skills.

4.Marrakech masters the art of ornate tile work. Whether it’s a fountain tucked around an inconspicuous corner or the mosaics at the Saadian tombs, that have been hidden for nearly 200 years, there any many decadent patterns in an array of colours. Painted, cut and all placed by hand, no tile masterpiece is the same and each makes its environs that much more unique and beautiful.

The island of Mykonos is known for its emblematic windmills and its narrow streets with whitewashed facades. This small island in the Aegean Sea is also one of the most popular destinations in the area and is an ideal choice if you want to find modern hotels and restaurants. 

Spend your day strolling through the streets of Little Venice or relaxing at one of the many beaches before heading to one of the buzzing night clubs.

Visiting Mykonos is the perfect opportunity to discover Byzantine architecture and to visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos. If you start feeling crowded in the main city, head to one of the smaller inland villages or take a drive around the island to admire the wild landscapes.

What to do in Mykonos

1. Little Venice: Waterside Vibes

The highlight of the Mykonos waterfront is Little Venice, named for its delightful fishing houses that fall mystically into the blue water like buildings along the Venetian canals. The stormier Aegean Sea greets the bases of these iconic white homes, and photo opportunities abound from every direction. Wandering the back streets reveals charming galleries and delectable cafés and bars with a distinctively Greek atmosphere.

2. Windmills of Mykonos: A Pretty Picture

These 16th-century windmills are adorable hilltop wonders, overlooking Mikri Venetia and the expansive sea. Built centuries ago by Venetians, the engineering is simple but lasting. Visitors to Mykonos arriving to the island catch their first glimpse of land with the silhouettes of these iconic buildings towering over the picturesque port. Sunset views from the base of the beautiful buildings are incomparable, as the white houses are bathed in golden light.

3. Church of Panagia Paraportiani: Five in One

In the Kastro neighborhood by the sea, Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most unique church buildings in the world. White through and through, this angelic structure has gradually expanded since the 14th century and celebrates a diversity of architectural styles. From tip to toe, five different churches have been combined and built into one. Don't you leave without snapping a selfie!

4. Delos: Beautiful Gods

A beautiful boat ride away from Mykonos, Delos is an island rich in ancient history. One of the most important sites in all of Greece, it is archaeological heaven for experts and tourists alike. Wander every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in search of traces of the civilization that once worshipped the sacred land as the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. Highlights include the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Way, lined with countless temples, statues and mosaics.

Warning: wanderlust ahead

We are sharing with you our top 10 hotspots to visit if you’re heading to Greece this summer season. From Mykonos to Zakynthos find out which island beachses you have to visit! 

1. Plaka, Agios Ioannis, Pelion

You don’t have to leave the mainland to see the best beaches on offer – this mainland treasure is at the south eastern part of Thessaly in central Greece.

2. Egremni, Lefkada

If paradise was a colour, it could be the striking light blue of the water at Egremni Beach on the island of Lefkada. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Lefkada is one of the few Greek islands that is accessible by car. 

3. Agia Anna, Amorgos

Agia Anna (Saint Anna) became the most famous beach in Amorgos after featuring in French director Luc Besson’s 1988 film The Big Blue.

4. Polyaigos

Polyaigos Island is the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean. The name means ‘many goats’ and these are the only residents you’ll find here. 

5. Vrika, Antipaxos

This tiny island is the perfect little paradise for those seeking seclusion and relaxation.

6. Myrtos, Kefalonia

Consistently voted as one of the best beaches in Greece, you’ll want to spend an entire day on this beautiful stretch of sand. Myrtos lies at the feet of two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros, and is backed by steep limestone cliffs. 

7. Vatera, Lesvos

Idyllic and unspoiled, Vatera is one of the longest beaches on the island. This is my local beach when I’m visiting family, and I have spent many memorable summers here. 

8. Kleftiko, Milos

Accessible only by boat, Kleftiko is an old pirate’s hideout on the south-west of the island that is famous for its impressive rock formations. 

10. Agios Sostis, Mykonos

The view from Kiki’s Tavern – where there’s no signage, reservations or telephone – makes this tiny taverna overlooking Agios Sostis Beach the place to be. 

10. Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

The waters of Porto Katsiki are an incredible shade of iridescent blue thanks to its Ionian Sea locale. 

Leather Jacket: Diesel / Sunglasses: Saint Laurent

It has been called England’s answer to Malibu. But that’s a bit like calling Hugh Grant England’s answer to Brad Pitt. A nonsense. Nevertheless, it’s not hard to see why the analogy sprang up.

Sandwiched between the seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole on England’s South coast the Sandbanks peninsula juts like a pointed finger about a mile out to sea. It is so narrow at one section that you can see the waves lapping along the edge of both of its sides from the road.

People pay a high price for the awesome views out across one of the world’s largest natural harbours, taking in the golden dunes of Studland nature reserve on the opposite shore and then out over the English Channel to the Isle of Wight. In fact, it is said to be one of the most expensive places on earth per square metre to buy a home and the property price tags have given it a reputation as a seaside playground for the ultra rich.

There are a few fantasyland lairs, from which Bentleys and Porches glide in and out, but if you come here hoping to spend a few days living the millionaire lifestyle you will be largely disappointed.

Think instead of wide stretches of golden coastline where kids fish for crabs in the rock pools, as Dad finishes off the sandcastle development they started earlier. Both desert their pursuits in a flash when the ice-cream boat arrives. The real Sandbanks is the traditional British seaside resort of yesteryear.

Leather Jacket: Diesel / Sunglasses: Saint Laurent

Leather Jacket: Diesel / Sunglasses: Saint Laurent