How to plan a perfect holiday in Marrakech:
Marrakech is a large city in central Morocco, at the foot of the High Atlas, with close to a million inhabitants. Founded in the eleventh century, it is one of the country's four imperial cities. Its position makes it a highly popular destination: the mountains on one side, the Agafay desert on the other, and the Atlantic coast less than three hours' drive away.
One of the main attractions of Marrakech is its World Heritage medina, with its souks, its rammed-earth ramparts and the Jemaa el-Fna square. The city also has a very wide range of accommodation, from the family riad to the international hotel, which makes it one of the most visited destinations in Morocco. It welcomes visitors from all over Europe, with a strong French, British and Spanish presence.
Marrakech has seen its population grow strongly in recent decades and remains a destination people enjoy all year round, thanks to a dry, sunny climate. Between heritage, gardens, food and excursions into the Atlas, the range of things to do makes it an excellent choice for a holiday that is both cultural and restful.
How to reach Marrakech from within Morocco and from abroad:
Marrakech, in central Morocco, is easy to reach: by air, by road or by train.
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By plane : Marrakech Menara airport is the city's main airport, about 6 kilometres south-west of the centre. It offers direct flights from many European cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Airlines operating there include Ryanair, Air Arabia Maroc, EasyJet, Air France, Lufthansa and Royal Air Maroc.
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By car : Marrakech is linked to the country's other large cities by the national road and motorway network. You can reach Marrakech from Casablanca, Essaouira, Ouarzazate or Tangier. You can rent a car in the main cities of the country or directly at Marrakech airport.
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Transfer from the airport to the centre of Marrakech : You can take a taxi or book a transfer in advance, at an affordable price, whether you are alone or in a group.
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Delivery of the vehicle to your riad : You can also have your rental car delivered directly to your accommodation and set off whenever you like.
In short, Marrakech has a good transport infrastructure that gives access to the city from all over Morocco and from Europe. The quickest option is still the plane, but the car and the train are also very practical for anyone who wants to discover other regions along the way.
What to see in Marrakech:
Marrakech has so much to offer! If you are looking for a city that combines tradition with modern life, you cannot miss this imperial city.
To start with, the Tiskiwin Museum, Bert Flint collection is an unmissable visit for anyone who wants to know more about the cultures of the Sahara and the Atlas. A few steps away is the Bahia Palace, a perfect place for a morning among patios, painted ceilings and gardens.
For nature lovers, the Majorelle Garden is a botanical garden not to be missed, and close by is the Secret Garden with its remarkable architecture.
If you like gardens, do not miss the Menara, with its basin and its pavilion facing the Atlas, as well as the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam, an oasis of cool air in the very heart of the city.
If architecture interests you, do visit the Marrakech railway station, an impressive building on Avenue Mohammed VI. And to immerse yourself in the local religious heritage, you can see the Koutoubia Mosque and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Last but not least, the medina of Marrakech is a place not to be missed. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage, it brings together workshops where craftspeople still work with traditional techniques: leather, copper, thuya wood and carpets.
Do not forget to visit the Semmarine souk, where you can buy local products and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market. Marrakech is a city full of life, history and culture that you should not miss.
