Quick Guide to Marrakech
This vibrant and romantic city rises up from the desert in Morocco. Located at the edge of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, holidays here are about smells, sights and sounds, with delicious food, bustling souks and plenty to keep you entertained. The climate boasts mild winters and dry hot summers, making it a great place for year round entertainment and we've spotted plenty of great last-minute deals here as well. You could visit in 2015 or 2016 for the Tafraoute Almond Tree Festival in February, or the Independence Day celebrations in June.
Fab holidays for:
Exotic city breakers, Bargain loving hagglers, Winter sunseekers
Airport:
Marrakech Menara Airport
Did you know?
Marrakech is famed for its leatherwork and you can tour the tanneries where they still use medieval techniques. Be warned - you may want to hold your breath; the process is more than a little whiffy!
Map
Other Destinations in Morocco
Top 3
Top 5 Things to Do in Marrakech
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The variety of entertainment available in Marrakech is unbelievable, with something for every age.
- Djemaa El Fna
- The heart of the city is Djemaa El Fna, the main square in the Medina. Here you can watch traders barter during the day, gather around for story-telling at dusk, and dine at the numerous great value food stalls that set up for the evening.
- Menara Gardens
- With a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Menara Gardens is an incredible photo opportunity. Not to mention its a stunning picnicking spot, with a magnificent reflective pool, 30,000 olive trees and balcony that provides an incredible view of it all.
- Quad biking
- Alright with getting a bit dirty? Go for an exhilarating quad bike ride across the nearby dunes.
- Monuments and museums
- There are many monuments and museums to visit. From Maison de la Photographie, which houses a collection of 8,000 photographs from 1870 to 1950, to the stunning Badii Palace, there's something to discover around every corner.
- Souks
- A seemingly endless maze of streets in the Medina, the bustling souks are overflowing with carpets, textiles, spices and kaftans, to name but a few. Don't forget to haggle!
How to get there
Marrakech may be exotic but it's not too hard to get there with lots of flights landing at the nearby Menara International Airport. Flights are offered all year round from several UK airports and once you've arrived, travelling by car is relatively easy: toll roads are fast and direct and the fees are minimal. You can pick up a hire car at the airport, but remember that a car can't come into the narrow lanes of the Medina.
Where to stay
If you're looking to impress then choose one of the boutique hotels slightly out of town in the Palmeraie; they're tailor-made for a romantic Marrakech break. The rooms and hotels tend to be decorated elaborately showcasing the diverse range of cultures that influence the city.
Alternatively, look out for traditional riads in the Medina. There are options to suit all budgets, and all offer the chance to stay in authentic building which feels like an oasis of calm behind Marrakech's colourful streets. Some even offer plunge pools or roof terraces with views towards the Atlas Mountains.
More family friendly properties are slightly further out of the centre but you trade location for facilities. A lot of these hotels are on an all inclusive basis with numerous swimming pools and other resort like features.
