Marrakech Holidays

Moroccan Mystique in Marrakech

The beautiful city of Marrakech (Marrakesh) is the second largest city in Morocco, situated in the south west at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. This exotic desert city is known as the Red City after the magnificent city walls made of red local stone. Prepare for a sensory experience as you wind through colourful souks with bags of spices, the smell of traditional cuisine cooking at outdoor stalls, the sound of shoppers and acrobats performing in outdoor squares.

Marrakech was founded in 1062 and manages a seamless blend of its ancient culture and monuments with the comforts of the modern world: bars and restaurants, luxury spas and a range of accommodation from 5 star resorts to traditional tents under the desert stars.

Marrakech has no beaches but is not short on sun and desert sands; average daytime temperatures range from 18 C in the winter to 37 C in the summer, although spring and autumn are the most comfortable with average highs of 28 C.

Explore the Old Town

The city’s old town is called the Medina, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Marrakech Medina is the best place to visit the city’s souks (market stalls), which sell a vast range of merchandise ranging from jewellery and clothing to brass, copper, leatherwork and beautiful traditional rugs called kilims. The Medina also contains the “Djemaa al Fna”, the largest square in Africa, which comes alive during the day with acrobats, water sellers, dancers and musicians and by night becomes a huge outdoor restaurant, with numerous food stalls selling traditional Moroccan cuisine.

For a more relaxing atmosphere, head south of the Djemaa al Fna into the Kasbah district of the Medina. This is where you will find the Royal Palace, famous 12th-century Bab Agnaou gate, and the beautifully decorated Saadian Tombs. After a glass of mint tea, head northwest to visit the Koutoubia Mosque. This beautiful building dates from the 12th century and features a stunning minaret visible from the whole city.

Oasis in the City

Soothe your feet and your senses with a traditional steam bath, or Hammam. These range from luxury spa experiences with private rooms and beauty treatments to more traditional Turkish baths and body scrubs.

The Majorelle Garden is one of the cities most beautiful and features striking cobalt blue buildings with bright accents and terra cotta tiles. Wander amongst the fountains and admire a large collection of cacti, palms and flowering desert plants as well as some endangered species of birds. The gardens were owned by French fashion designer Yves san Laurent and are also home to the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.

Grab a 2-3 hour flight to Marrakech for a short city break with a difference, or you can take your adventure further by exploring the Berber villages, ancient monuments and waterfalls of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Did you know? During the holy month of Ramadan, locals will abstain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. Many services continue for tourists, but some bars and restaurants may not be open during this time.