Marrakech, Morocco
A Blend of Ancient Mystique and Cosmopolitan Flair
Welcome to Marrakech, Morocco – the pulsating heart of North Africa! Experience a whirlwind of colors, scents, and style in its maze-like souks, where the aroma of spices dances amidst the serpentine alleys, luring visitors into a world of enchantment.
The Layout
Marrakech is like a maze of winding streets and alleys, with the historic center, known as the Medina, at its core. Imagine a vibrant hub surrounded by ancient walls, where bustling souks, traditional riads (courtyard houses), and iconic landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque stand tall. Beyond the Medina lies the modern city, boasting wide boulevards, chic cafes, and trendy neighborhoods like Gueliz and Hivernage. It’s a fascinating blend of old and new, where every corner reveals a piece of Marrakech’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Getting There
We flew into Marrakesh Menara Airport from Madrid, Spain. Transportation was arranged by our Airbnb host (best Airbnb experience EVER, as I’ll discuss later). Mustuva, our beloved driver for the trip, awaited us in a line of old conversion vans, enjoying a cigarette and chatting with his fellow drivers. He held a sign with our name, making him easy to spot. Note: English is not commonly spoken; French and Arabic are predominant. Ensure you have someone who speaks French! Mustuva loaded our bags and drove us as far as he could, stopping outside the ancient Medina walls, where only bikes, carts, and motorcycles are permitted. He dropped us at the town wall with our bags, and we rolled them through town in search of our riad.
Where I Stayed
Arriving at our riad in the historic Medina, we were apprehensive, to say the least. From the outside, it appeared uninviting and fortified. However, the address was correct, so we rang the doorbell. The doors unlocked, and we were greeted by Tomi and Maria, the husband and wife who cared for the house and its residents. Although the Airbnb was owned by a Parisian woman, this local couple was our point of contact during our stay, adding to our Moroccan experience.
Stepping through the ancient wooden doors, we entered a palace. The entry floor boasted a kitchen, dining room, and multiple secluded lounges surrounding a pool and courtyard. Bedrooms adorned the second-floor wraparound balcony, overlooking the pool, while the top floor housed a rooftop tea lounge and outdoor living spaces with views of the labyrinth below.
What to Do
Firstly, if you aren’t traveling with someone fluent in French or Arabic, hire a guide! We didn’t realize how crucial this was until we arrived. Luckily, my brother’s wife is fluent in French, which proved invaluable. We had read articles warning tourists about locals seeking out westerners, offering to be their tour guide then demanding more than the bargained-for price, especially if it was an all-women’s group or no one spoke the languages. We were wary but took our chances. Our first day exploring, a man approached us, offering to show us must-see attractions. My sister-in-law negotiated an hourly rate with him. For the equivalent of about $5 US dollars, he guided us around the entire Medina, introducing us to friends and family as we went.
Other must-do activities include visiting the leather tanneries in the Bab Debbagh quarter, browsing Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night, and exploring the local apothecaries in the Medina, known as “Attarine” or “Herboriste.” These aromatic sanctuaries offer a glimpse into Morocco’s rich botanical heritage, inviting travelers to indulge in age-old healing practices.
Additionally, consider a day trip to Essaouira, a picturesque coastal town about a 2-3 hour drive from Marrakech, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant blue-and-white architecture. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing goats along the way; Moroccan oil is made from goats digesting nuts from Argan trees.
More to come!
Stay tuned for a Moroccan follow-up blog! Check out the photo gallery and socials for details on the trip. Subscribe to the email-list or fill out a contact me form if you have questions.
