MARRAKECH
Out of the Moroccan desert rises Marrakesh, an oasis of beauty and tranquility that will enchant travelers looking for adventure, rejuvenation, and the experience of a lifetime. Silhouettes of archways and minarets rise over the Red City, as the muezzin’s call to prayer echoes across the rose-colored sky. Those who visit Marrakesh will not soon forget it. The architecture–star-shaped Moorish lattices, sunken fountains, aromatic gardens and glittering mosaics–will make you feel like a sultan of old. There are resorts and boutique riads to further that luxurious sensation. Travel to Marrakesh is about fulfilling your fantasies. Have you always wanted to ride a camel in the desert, swath yourself in bright silks, eat dates in the shade of a palm tree, watch belly dancers flick their hips during a banquet dinner? Travel to Marrakesh, and you can do all of these things and more.
Marrakesh travel offers so much to the holiday jetsetter: mouth-watering local cuisine, fascinating historic sites, shopping at the souks, golfing under the shade of palm trees and treks in the Atlas Mountains.
Things Not to Miss in Marrakesh
• Negotiate in the souks. The souk stalls are bursting with silks, slippers, pillows, jewelry, and a million other things that you are going to want to take home, but be prepared to haggle for the right price.
• See the Atlas Mountains. A few hours’ drive outside of Marrakech, the snowcapped Atlas Mountains are quite a site when you’re standing in an ocean of hot sand. The temperature will be chilly, so bring a coat and wear walking shoes.
• Visit the Maison de la Photographie. This riad museum hosts rotating exhibitions of more than 6,000 original photographs, beautiful black-and-white scenes taken between 1870 and the 1950’s. As one of the medina’s tallest buildings, you will get a good view from the tea salon on its roof.
• The Majorelle Garden in New Town is not to be missed. Bask sun next to mosaic fountains and contemplate life as Yves Saint Laurent, the garden’s former owner.
• Drink tea. Moroccans are a hospitable and generous people, and they’ll offer you a mint tea every chance they get. The tea is delightful but be warned: they like their mint tea served sugary sweet and scalding hot.
When to Go to Marrakesh
Spring and autumn see Marrakesh at its best with almost guaranteed sunshine and comfortable temperatures, days are warm and nights are not too chilly. The least common time to visit Marrakesh is at the height of summer when daytime temperatures can reach a sweltering 100 degrees and shops are closed for Ramadan (16 May to 15 Juny). Winter can be warm and peacefully uncrowded – but remember temperatures drop dramatically at night, so plan your outfits accordingly.