Marrakech

Despite being within a couple of hours from most European centres, short breaks to Marrakech offer travellers something completely different, in one of Africa's most atmospheric cities.

It's not just a destination to trawl around, tiredly ticking off the sights, but a place to soak up through the senses: its colours, movement, sounds, smells, tastes and surroundings mingle in the heat to carry visitors far, far away. And that's why city breaks to Marrakech are becoming increasingly popular.

The magical hub of the city is Place Djemaa El Fnaa, a vast square in the old quarter. As dusk settles, snake charmers, acrobats, fire-eaters and fortune-tellers emerge, sharing the space with stalls selling a feast of pungent fare.

From the square, the winding alleyways of the souks dart off in all directions, concocting a massive maze of a marketplace in which to dig out otherworldly wares of all shapes, sizes and origins - few end a short break to Marrakech empty handed.

Wend your way to the Saadian Tombs, a mausoleum of richly decorated rooms and graves, and give your imagination free rein in what's left of the magnificent palace of El Badi - once the scene of the world's most extravagant parties, but now home primarily to storks.

Marrakchis seem partial to hanging their works of art in equally resplendent settings - the Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts) which houses the largest Berber collection, merits a visit on its own.

Religion is at the very heart of Moroccan society and travellers on city breaks to Marrakech should admire one of the city's most famous edifices, the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. While not open to non-Muslims, its architecture is a delight from the outside too. Stop nearby, order a mint tea, and admire its splendid, lofty minaret with one eye, and the magnificent outlook onto the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains with the other.

It's no secret that short breaks to Marrakech are unlikely to be chilled, in the literal sense, but respite from the city heat can be found in one of many shaded gardens. The Jardin Majorelle is small but perfectly formed - a sub-tropical oasis with bamboo groves and tranquil lily pools. The Jardin Menara is also a popular choice, with visitors and locals alike, for a picturesque picnic among the olive trees.