Nicknamed the red city due to the colour of the local sandstone building material, Marrakesh is an ancient imperial capital within Morocco. It harmoniously blends the old town with the new, the east with the west, as well as modernity with tradition. However, the attraction of this region isn’t only contained within the city; the area around it boasts just as many places worth visiting. Let’s now discover this city that is so emblematic of Morocco!
> The Medina: a historic centre dating from the Berber empire, it consists of a labyrinth of back streets, where lively and colourful souks (markets) offer pottery, fabrics and traditional jewellery. It is both the most loved by tourists, and the most beautiful quarter of the city. The old town is surrounded by nineteen kilometres of ramparts, fashioned from red clay and lime on a wooden framework, and interspersed with twenty-two gates. The Medina also contains the majority of palaces, museums and central accommodation.
> Jemaa El Fna Square: popular with visitors and locals alike, this public square is the most famous one in the Medina, where you’ll see traders and artisans side by side.
> Koutoubia Garden: situated behind the mosque, this public garden offers welcome shade among the plentiful vegetation, orange trees, and especially the palms, all enhanced by pools and fountains.
> Majorelle Garden: created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this idyllic spot mixes exotic trees and plants, shaded walkways, water channels, ponds full of lotus flowers and water lilies, and the unexpected surprise of walls and Moorish villa painted in his trademark intense Majorelle Blue.
Discover our sample itineraries that will allow you to explore Morocco on a unique trip, depending on the time you have available…
> Ourika Valley: At thirty kilometres from the city, this valley of lush green vegetation crosses the river Ourika, soothing travellers with its fresh and tranquil atmosphere. Various boutiques along the way sell artisan products, pots and especially carpets.
> The Seven Waterfalls of Setti Fatma: hiking shoes are essential to tackle the rocky ground leading to the waterfalls that are situated on the high parts of this village.
> Palm Grove: covering over fifteen thousand hectares, this palm forest is made up of a hundred thousand trees. These are mostly palms but there are also date trees, and together they form an important part of Morocco’s natural heritage that is so loved by tourists.
> Lalla Takerkoust dam: the blue of the sky becomes as one with the deep waters of the lake. And the reflection of the mountains on the water is absolutely magical – an ideal place to sip Moroccan mint tea!
There’s so much to see and do in Marrakesh, and in the countryside around it!
Continue your discovery of our country and the preparation of your trip by exploring other articles in our travel guide dedicated to Morocco!
