Holidays to Marrakesh

From steaming hammams and fragrant tagines to the sounds, sights and colours of its Medina, Marrakech holidays are a sensory extravaganza.

Medina meandering

Marrakech’s historic quarter (and we’re talking 11th-century old here), the UNESCO World Heritage-certified Medina, is an absolute treat on a Marrakech holiday.

Explore shaded narrow lanes until you find the famous Djemaa El Fna (the main square), where snake charmers, food stalls and traditional musicians await. Pull up a seat at a surrounding café for the best people-watching spot.

Haggle skills

As Del Boy oft said, “He who dares, wins!”. Haggling is part of the fun of shopping in Marrakech and the best place to test out your negotiating skills on everything from spices and leather bags to orange oil and rose water is in the city’s souks.

Feeling overwhelmed? Mange tout Rodney – a local guide can lead you through the warren of passageways, take you to the best stalls and help hammer out a deal that works for everyone.

Hammam healing

After a couple of days pounding the streets on foot, chances are you’re going to be dog-tired. Cue a Moroccan hammam, a tradition since the 7th century (if it ain’t broke, it ain’t broke).

Steam your pores wide open, get thoroughly washed and scrubbed, take a cold rinse and finish with an oily massage. You’ll come out of it recharged and possibly very shiny, too!

Regal riads

One of the coolest things about visiting Marrakech is that you can stay in a riad, an old school building that has been built around a central courtyard (which sometimes comes with a pool).

Opulent décor, opulent living – you’re on holiday, have fun! You can either hire one privately but if the price tag makes you squeal, you can also find a more palatable deal on one that has been transformed into a boutique hotel.

City breaks

Even though it’s outside of Europe, Marrakech is still close enough for a city break. And a long weekend is still a good amount of time to experience the best of the city, from souk shopping to delving into the food scene, without being overwhelmed.

Flights from the UK are usually under four hours (still short haul) and there are direct routes. Less time faffing around in transit, more time exploring? Sold.