Magical Marrakech, Morocco
In a little under 4 hours from London, you too can discover this vibrant, colourful and exotic city.
Marrakech (or Marrakesh as it’s sometimes spelt) has been referred to as the city of Bohemia for centuries. It’s easy to see why with its bustling marketplaces, restful riads and restorative hammams.
Gardens
The Jardin Majorelle is a beautiful villa and gardens with an interesting history. Built and founded by the artist Jacques Majorelle in 1923, it became too expensive to run and fell into disrepair after his death in 1962. The French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, came across the dilapidated property in 1980 and brought it back to its former glory. He also doubled the amount of plants, rebuilt the existing buildings and turned them into a museum and boutique. The gardens are peaceful and a great place to take a stroll. The boutique sells a wide variety of Moroccan products made by local artisans. Earnings from these products fund Moroccan cultural and social initiatives.
Take a break at the Jardin Menara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Created in the mid-12th century as an agricultural area, and added to over the centuries it now forms a unique public garden. The gardens centre around a huge pool, which on a clear day reflects the majestic Atlas mountains. Stroll around the 24 acres of cypresses, olive trees, palm trees and fruit trees. It’s a popular place for Moroccans to picnic but otherwise a tourist-free and quiet place.
Architecture
Medersa Ben Youssef is an Islamic school situated right in the middle of Marrakech. Built in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu as a religious school, mosque and library. The building was abandoned in the 18th century, and then restored by the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Hassan in the 19th century. It is an amazing example of Moroccan architecture. The red sandstone building is a real feast for the eyes, decorated with carved stucco and geometric patterns. Carvings, stunning green-tiled domes, arched galleries and vibrant coloured tiles adorn this building. Medersa Ben Youssef is an important part of Marrakech’s history and is worth a visit.
Retail Therapy
No visit to Marrakech would be complete without visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa (Djemaa el-Fna). The square comes alive in the evening with snake charmers, belly dancers, monkey handlers, and acrobats. Wander around the market for something to eat: grilled lamb, sardines, snails or sheep’s heads? Perhaps that one is only for the brave among us. The nearby souks sell clothes, furniture, jewellery and leather. Rest at one of the café terraces and take it all in or meander down the narrow streets leading to the Medina Quarter. Stumble across one of the 18 markets each focused on a particular product like slippers, or rugs. The market square appears on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list and has to be seen to be believed. Be prepared to take a chill pill and not let the crowds and chaos get to you.
Another must see is Places des Épices (Rahba Kedima). At the epicentre of the medina lies this traditional spice souk. A colourful and fragrant market of spice traders and herbalists selling everything from rose petals to ras el hanout. Along the opposite side of the market are stalls selling woven handicrafts, carpets and woollen skullcaps. The nearby cafés are a great place to grab a drink and tagine and watch the hustle and bustle of the souk from up above.
If you prefer less bartering and want to shop somewhere with a bit more of a social impact, then stop off at Al-Nour Association. It’s an association working with women with disabilities to create embroidered silks, linens and homeware. Working to help these women improve their socio-economic status and become financially independent. Proving that women with disabilities can work and earn a living in Marrakech. A unique and beneficial enterprise that is worth supporting.
Tradition
Revitalise with a traditional hammam. This spiritual, social and sometimes indulgent ritual often follows the same steps. Beginning with a hot steam room to open your pores and relax. Then rinsed in warm water and washed with Moroccan soap containing olive oil. Next is an exfoliation with a coarse scrubbing glove and dipped in cool water to reawaken the body. Finally massaged with argan oils to release those Medina market tensions.
Stay in one of the many pretty riads. The riad’s architecture originates from the Middle East. They are traditional houses built around a central courtyard or interior garden. Many of these traditional-style houses have become guest houses and are serene places to stay. The courtyard often contains a small swimming pool and the roof is adapted into a roof terrace. A great place for guests to relax and find a moment of serenity amidst the heat and noise of the city. Staying in a Marrakech riad is in such high demand that Airbnb has added them as a search category.
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle for a day or two? There are several easy day trips that don’t need too much extra planning or travel.
Dramatic waterfall
Ouzoud Falls is about 150km northeast of Marrakech. These breathtaking waterfalls cascade down over 100 metres into a pool. There’s more water in Winter than in Summer and the water is warm enough in Summer to take a dip but the place can get a little busy too. It takes about two and a half hours to make the 150km trip. You can hire a car or book an organised tour to get there. Public transport is also an option but it will take you longer and may well not be worth the effort, time and stress.
Historic castle
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a fortified village dating back to pre-Islamic times. The site was fortified before the 11th century but the existing buildings are no earlier than the 17th century. The site has been a location for many Hollywood movies and most recently for the TV series Game of Thrones. You may recognise it from Gladiator, The Mummy, The Living Daylights and Lawrence of Arabia, for the older among us. Ait-Ben-Haddou is a little over a 3-hour drive from Marrakech (182km). If you choose the CTM bus, it will take you 4-5 hours as the bus route takes you to Ouarzazate, and then you take a taxi from there which involves a bit of a backtrack. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best places to see in the country.
Verdant valley
Cool down in the Ourika Valley. Only 60km southeast of Marrakech this is an easy day trip. You can hire a taxi, rent a car or take a tour. It’ll take you about one hour to get there and it is a popular place to visit to get away from the heat. The valley is inhabited by the Berber people and has been for centuries. Rich in cultural history, lush green landscapes and breathtaking views it provides a welcome contrast to hot and busy Marrakech. It’s a great place to go hiking and get lungfuls of fresh air. Be sure to wear the correct footwear if you want to hike up to all seven of the waterfalls. Reward all your huffing and puffing to the top and back with a swim in the Ourika River.
When to go
Take a direct flight from Manchester or London. Both are around 3 hours 40 minutes flight time and when booked in advance, can be as little as £100 return.
Marrakech is an all-year-round destination. Some visitors prefer warm weather in March, April, May, September and October when you can dine on the rooftop terraces. Easter time can get busy so it’s always best to pre-book any excursions or entry tickets. The same is true in early autumn when residents return to their much cooler city. The temperatures in June, July and August can hit 45°C so the Atlas Mountains are busy during these times. Known for its cool and refreshing mountain air.
Marrakech is a fantastic destination for food, culture, history, the arts, shopping and exploration. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to have a great time, and don’t forget to bring me back another tagine cooking pot, would you?
