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A Short Guide to Marrakech

Marrakech is a walled city surrounded by lush landscape in the centre of Morocco. Its name comes from the Amazigh, or Berber for Land of God.

Within the city walls lies a maze of derbs, narrow alleys leading to no where but ocassionally you might come across something exciting such as the Djemaa el Fna. One of the largest and busiest squares in Africa. During the day orange juice sellers, snake charmers, dancers and storytellers gather in the centre of the square surrounded by inquisitive tourists and locals. By night the center of the square is full of street entertainers and food stalls. This is when the square is at its busiest.

Next to the Djemaa el Fna is the Souk, a maze of undercover stalls that although hectic on first appearances is actually very well organised, with metal workers, clothing, leatherworkers, carpenters and jewellers all in the same area as each other. A walk through the souks is hectic, but you always know where you are by looking at whats for sale on the nearest stall.

Once you're within the city walls and immersed in the culture of Marrakech it can be very hard to leave the city. Outside the walls traditional style buildings give way to more modern styles although the characteristic red and orange colours remain.

Everything feels a lot less confined and is able to spread out amongst the meticulously maintained gardens and orchards. The most famous of these is the Majorelle Garden, designed by Jacques Majorelle and now owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Berge. When Yves Saint-Laurent died his ashes were scattered in the garden. It offers an peaceful experience as children are not permitted in the garden.

Marakech is a great destination for all sorts of requirements. If your an avid shopper and want to find a bargain the souks are the place to go, with designer clothes and all manner of items being sold there. If your persistant enough you could come away with a great deal.

If your in need of a relaxing break a stroll through the gardens or a stay in a traditional riad could be just what you need. Located within the city walls a traditional Riad is a sanctary from the loud, narrow streets of the Medina. Riads are easily available to rent and are fast becoming a popular holiday or second home.

The design of the building means that it is inward facing with all the rooms opening onto an open space in the center of the building, there are little or no windows on the outside meaning the noise is kept to a minimum.

Riads usually come with kitchen staff as there are no supermarkets in Marrakech, everything comes fresh. Many Riads will also offer a massage therapist and a house boy to organise any trips you wish to make, they will also try to fill any special requests you might make which they are more than happy to do. A quiet night in a riad is all you need to recover from a busy day in the souks.

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Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Birmingham airport hotels, Sofitel Gatwick and Gatwick Maple Manor.

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