Highlights
Relax
Escape the city’s hot, dusty streets and frenetic pace and discover some of Marrakech’s delightful green spaces. Take a stroll through the lakeside trails of Menara Gardens, a tranquil oasis peppered with palms, olives and fruit trees, or wander the paths of the Majorelle Gardens, created in the 1920s by French artist, Jacques Majorelle – a blissful botanical sanctuary dotted with buildings painted an intense shade of cobalt blue (known as Bleu Majorelle) and a wonderful complement to the colours of nature. Alternatively, hone your swing on one of Marrakech’s championship golf courses, including Assoufid, Samanah, PalmGolf, Noria and Royal Golf Marrakech.
The Atlas Mountains
Marrakech is the gateway to the Atlas Mountains, an awesome, snow-capped range famous for their majestic splendour. This gloriously formidable backdrop frames a region of emerald-green forests and rich, fertile valleys filled with dates, walnuts and other delicious fruit farms. Choose from various day trips, some including a stop for lunch in a traditional Berber village or atop a plateau for spellbinding views; others focusing on flora and fauna with guided expeditions on mule or foot and others exploring the local markets. For those with a passion for adventure sports, another option is a guided, off-road mountain-biking tour – a truly exciting way to discover the area.
Sightseeing
Soak up the vibrant ambience of Djemaa el-Fna, a huge open space heaving with street entertainers – snake-charmers, herbalists, acrobats, storytellers, magicians and musicians beating out repetitive rhythms. Look out for Koutoubia Mosque and its beautiful minaret, dominating the city-line thanks to a law that forbids other old city buildings to rise above a palm tree. Other points of interest include Ali ben Youssef Medersa, a 16th century Koran school and the Musée de Marrakech, an exquisite building showcasing Moroccan and Islamic arts and crafts. Another recommendation is a horse-drawn tour around the old city walls, a six-mile circuit laced with 200-odd towers and twenty ornate gates.
Shopping
Book a private guide and discover the city’s ancient medina, a labyrinth of twisting lanes lined with souks and palaces. Not-to-miss is a chance to haggle with tradesmen over souvenirs and homewares – leather slippers, silver jewellery, copperware, brassware, handwoven rugs, colourful ceramics, Moroccan teapots and fancy lanterns, not to mention a myriad of stalls bulging with spices and dried fruits. Be bold over bartering and fill your bags with all kinds of keepsakes!