Marrakech trip

Marrakech is a city in the grip of a delirious imagination. A feverish dreamscape of honeycombed alleys and minarets quivering in the moonlight and haunted by the restless creatures of a visionary carnival that has lasted for a thousand years and shows no sign of stopping now. Marrakech is one of the worlds enchanted places where time becomes suspended and, through its open door, you catch a glimpse of the past so rich and so remote and yet so palpable.

Marrakech is not only a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was, and which still survives here. The streets of the old and pink city have been too narrow to allow the introduction of cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into good business.

The hordes of tourists that come here all through the year have still not managed to change its character. Actually their high number contribute in a positive way to preserve one of the greatest monuments of the Morocco that once was. And the people of Marrakech love their city even more, and Moroccans all over the country would not let down an opportunity of visiting it.

It is impossible to resist Marrakech. Once you see the early morning sunshine dance over the intricate plasterwork of a horseshoe arch, hear the soft murmur of water rippling in a rose-strewn fountain, and catch the heady scent of dried roses, cumin and savon noir mingling in the souk, it becomes a question of when --not whether -- to buy Marrakech property here. A cosmopolitan city where houses prices are cheaper than Europe has fuelled a drive in demand for Marrakech property.

Marrakech is also fascinating, full of history, the cultural center of Morocco and beautiful. If you enjoy a daily assault on all your senses then you'll have a lot of fun. When the most popular sights include numerous references to "tranquility" and "peace" like the Majorelle gardens or the gardens around the Saadian Tombs you know you're in for an interesting experience. If you find it a little overwhelming then get an official guide to take you around.

There are so many things to see, you should spend at least 3 days in Marrakech. If you can afford it, treat yourself to a stay in a Riad so when you return from a hectic day amidst carpet salesman, fire jugglers and noisy souqs, you can relax and have a cup of mint tea in a nice quiet courtyard.

Unlike Fes, for so long its rival as the nation's capital, the city seems much more rooted in the present than the past. After Casablanca, Marrakesh is Morocco's second largest city and its population continues to rise. It has a thriving industrial area and is the most important market and administrative centre of southern Morocco. This is not to suggest an easy prosperity – there is heavy unemployment and poverty here, as throughout the country – but a stay in Marrakesh leaves you with a vivid impression of life and activity. And for once this doesn't apply exclusively to the new city, Gueliz; the Medina, substantially in ruins at the beginning of the twentieth century, was rebuilt and expanded during the years of French rule and retains no less significant a role in the modern city.

It is best to try and avoid the summer heat and crowds and visit Marrakech in the cooler months between September and May. (For average temperatures in Marrakech, click here). But, some annual events take place in summer which you may not want to miss: Marrakech Popular Arts Festival in July. This annual festival attracts folk singers, dancers, fortune-tellers, acting troupes, snake charmers, fire-swallowers and more, from all over Morocco. Fantasia is a horse-riding spectacle that includes hundreds of charging horsemen (and women) wearing traditional clothing. Imilchil Marriage Feast is a Berber marriage festival where up to forty couples tie the knot.

Author: Susan Milton

There are lots of interesting places to visit and explore