About
Marrakech
Marrakech tours can be easily divided into two categories: old and new. Quite simply, the city is made up of an old town and a new town, and each area lives up to its name. The old town, also known as the Medina, is contained within 11th century red walls. Once inside these crumbling fortifications you’ll find yourself inside a labyrinthine maze of narrow alleyways. Enter into one of the souks (markets) and you’ll be treated to a riot of colour, sound and smell. Vibrant silks in bright, jewel colours are a delight on the eyes, and the pungent aromas of the spices and leathers will linger with you forever. Fantastic places to do some shopping, the souks are treasure troves just waiting to be explored. Silver is a good buy in Marrakech, and you can pick up silver teapots and cups; as well as a wide range of jewellery, which often features turquoise, amber or garnet stones. Handbag fans will be in heaven as there’s nowhere on earth that does a leather bag better than Marrakech. Available in all sizes, colours and styles, from the smallest change purse to a huge weekend bag, you’re sure to find the bag of your dreams in the souks, which will not fail to serve as a superb reminder of your Marrakech holiday.
The only place to stay in Marrakech is in a traditional riad in the old town. Hidden behind innocuous looking, heavy wooden doors, these old houses of Marrakech’s wealthy are tardis-like on the inside. A defining feature of a riad is a central courtyard. It can be quite an unusual experience to stand in the middle of your hotel and look up and see the sky, but with Marrakech’s wonderful weather it’s often a refreshing delight. Regularly very ornate, with intricate mosaics and original metalwork, staying in a riad is an amazing way to get a taste of the Marrakech of yesteryear. The new town, on the other hand, features vast, shiny modern hotels with all the facilities you would expect. With its wide pavements and open spaces it is a far less claustrophobic place to be. The new town is also a great place to head when the old town becomes too stifling. With its orange tree flanked pavements and lovely parks, it’s literally a breath of fresh air after a few days in the old town. Nowhere does old and new collide more than in the Marrakech Cyber Park. A stunning park filled with flowering hedgerows, olive and orange trees and pink almond blossoms; it’s a peaceful place to spend an afternoon. A surprising feature of the park, however, is the computerised information points that are scattered around it. Another beautiful and peaceful place to find some respite from the hustle and bustle of the Medina is the Majorelle Garden. A vibrant, colourful garden designed by well-known fashion designer, and resident of Marrakech, Yves St Laurent, the Majorelle Gardens are a sparkling jewel in Marrakech’s crown. From the entrance to the Majorelle Gardens you can take a horse drawn carriage ride through town to the infamous old town square, the Djemaa el Fna. A hive of activity, day and night, the old town square is an interesting and exciting place to be. Stalls selling the most delicious, freshly squeezed orange juice and plump, juicy dates will tempt you. Just beware this is the area where the snake charmers and monkey touts gather. Come nightfall, the makeshift tables come out and the square is transformed into a huge, open-air restaurant. One of the best places to get a traditional tagine or delicious kebab, the master chefs of the old town square are sure to offer you a meal to remember. Marrakech is hot and sunny for most of the year. During the summer, some Brits may find it a little too hot for their liking; temperatures can hit 38 degrees C, which can be uncomfortable when you have a lot of sightseeing to do. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit Marrakech, although even during the winter months, the city see’s temperatures of over 20 degrees C. Nighttimes can be considerably cooler and you will need a jacket. Whenever you choose to visit Marrakech it will be a treat. The sights, sounds and smells of the old and new will combine to leave an impression that will last a lifetime.