Situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech is large, noisy, polluted and smelly. But Marrakech is also fascinating, full of history, the cultural centre of Morocco and beautiful.

Mass tourism is arriving – but not the rainbow flag. Despite awareness of ‘gay identity’ among some young Moroccans thanks to satellite TV and the web, plus an influx of gentrifying A-gays, Marrakech remains a provincial sort of place. Apart from emigrating or moving up to Casablanca, the local gay guy has few options: discreet relationships, probably followed by marriage after 30; or, possibly, total flailing queendom.

It follows that there is nowhere that can really be labelled as gay or lesbian in Marrakech – nor would businesses appreciate the label.

So is sex between men illegal? Yes, although this doesn’t seem to stop anyone. So be careful when out and about.

We have listed some of the best straight venues, and if you get lucky thats up to you.