Holiday rentals in Marrakesh

Marrakesh is an ancient imperial city in central Morocco, surrounded by the Agafay Desert and the Atlas Mountains. Founded in 1070, the city is steeped in history yet remains firmly rooted in the 21st century, with skyscrapers and wide boulevards. There is no better place to feel this history come alive than in the tightly packed streets of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Marrakesh’s historic heart. The souks (bazaars) buzz with energy as vendors sell pottery and lanterns, brightly coloured textiles, and mountains of spices balanced precariously on wide silver platters. Narrow covered alleyways burst into squares surrounded by red sandstone houses, ornately decorated riads, and Moorish-style mosques.

As you leave the Medina and enter the New Town, the roads get wider and the pavements become less crowded. Modern buildings replace traditional Moroccan structures, and you may even spot your favourite high-street names amongst a sea of other shops on Avenue Mohammed VI. One unique piece of architecture not to miss is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a bright-blue villa surrounded by extensive cacti-filled gardens.

Marrakesh has dry weather year-round, making it an excellent destination for any season. Summers can get extremely hot, but you can avoid high temperatures by visiting outdoor sights in the morning or evening. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat. Many Moroccans stay home during the day to avoid the intense heat, so the nighttime ends up being busy. Autumn and spring are good times to secure your Marrakesh apartment, as temperatures will be milder. Winter brings slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a particularly good time to travel.

If you plan to visit Marrakesh during Ramadan, remember that many Muslims will be fasting until sunset, which may affect opening hours of restaurants and shops.

The Medina

This old part of the city is full of historic homes, ancient mosques, and lively markets where you can use your haggling skills. Browse the stalls packed into the crowded Jemaa-el-Fna market square for unique souvenirs, spices, and street food, and marvel at the variety of architectural styles represented. In the evenings, the square is filled with dancers, musicians, and storytellers.

Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion

Once the private residence of a famous French architect, the tranquil Jardin Majorelle feels a world away from the busy streets. The home mixes the rich, colourful decor that is prevalent in Moorish architecture with a splash of Art Nouveau to create a kaleidoscopic wonderland. The adjacent gardens feature plants from around the world, including cacti, banana trees, bamboo groves, palms, and bougainvillaeas, interspersed with raised platforms, marble pools, and fountains.

Koutoubia

As the largest mosque in Marrakesh, the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Its stone minaret soars above the surrounding buildings, topped with green and blue tile motifs and intricate arches. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter, you can sense the grandeur of the structure simply by gazing at the imposing exterior and enjoying its beautiful gardens.