Marrakech
The red city: Jemaa el-Fna, souks, gardens and palaces at the foot of the Atlas.
Nicknamed the red city for its ochre earthen ramparts, Marrakech is the beating heart of Moroccan tourism. Founded in the 11th century, it blends a UNESCO-listed medina, sumptuous palaces and secret gardens, all an hour from the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas.
People come for the bustle of Jemaa el-Fna square at sunset, to get lost in the souks, and for the calm of courtyard riads. It is also the main gateway to the desert and the valleys of the South.
Founded as the capital of the Almoravids. UNESCO cites the Koutoubia, the ramparts and the palaces — but also a medina that has kept its architecture, its trades and its crafts alive.
Medina of Marrakech — inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1985.
What to see and do in Marrakech
- Jemaa el-Fna square, listed as oral heritage of humanity
- The souks of the medina and the spice square
- The Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs
- The Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- The Koutoubia and the palm grove
- A traditional hammam and dinner on a rooftop terrace
Frequently asked questions
How many days do we plan in Marrakech?
2 to 3 days for the medina, the palaces and the gardens. 4 to 5 days if we head out to the Ourika, Essaouira or the Agafay desert.
Which time of year do we recommend?
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November: temperatures are ideal. Summer is very hot; winter is mild by day and cool at night.
Is Marrakech a good base for the desert?
Yes: it is our main departure point for Merzouga, Zagora and the Draa valley, as well as for day trips into the Atlas.