6 reasons to fall in love with Marrakech

For those who are thinking about escaping from their daily routine for a few days with their loved one and aren’t sure where to go yet, you can stop doing some research as we have the ideal destination for you: Marrakech. This cultural and colourful hub situated in northern Africa at the gates of Europe offers a delightful climate all year round as well as fantastic activities for a truly invigorating holiday. Keep reading to find out why you will fall in love with Marrakech! 

>>> Itinerary for a 3 day escapade in Marrakech

1) The souks

Located in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech, on the famous Jemaa el Fna square,the souks are the perfect place to fully immerse yourself into the Moroccan culture.  Otherwise known as a labyrinth made of narrow and colorful alleyways, the souk is the place to discover Morocco’s local products and handicrafts such as spices, babushes, jewellery and many other oriental objects. These are not only perfect for bringing souvenirs back to your friends and family or for yourself so that you can be reminded of the beauty of Marrakech but also to meet local vendors and hear their amazing stories; a large number of locals in Marrakech are Berbers, a minority with an impressive culture and heritage. It is important to know how to say no in the souks as the vendors know how to be persuasive and you will need to negotiate your prices, always kindly and politely of course!

>>> The game of negotiation in the souks

2) The mint tea ritual

The Moroccans are very particular when it comes to serving their local mint tea. The latter is prepared with green tea, mint leaves and a touch of sugar. It is traditionally served as a polite courtesy to welcome guests and has to be served hot regardless of the weather in a Moroccan tea service with an engraved teapot which is called a ‘berrad’. Mint tea is served in Morocco as a sign of politeness and hospitality, which the Moroccans are renowned for and it would be considered rude not to accept it.

>>> The secrets of Moroccan mint tea

3) The vibrant colours

Renowned as ‘The red city’ Marrakech will not fail to impress with its positively overwhelming spectrum of colours. From the salmon-coloured ramparts of the Medina which glow during golden hour, to the magnificent blue of the Majorelle Gardens house, there is a vibrant colour at every corner of the city. These energising colours don’t just improve the quality of your photographs or your instagram stories, they also put a smile on people’s faces and are the highlight of your trip combined with the warm Moroccan sun. Morocco is also famous for its ceramic tiles, known as zellige tiles, which can be seen in various sightseeing spots such as the Koutoubia Mosque or the Saadian tombs but also in riads and villas around the city.

>>> The secrets of Moroccan mint tea

4) The fine gastronomy

Morocco is not only home to some impressive monuments but also to unique cuisine which offers colourful dishes with fantastic smells from the various spices used. Moroccan dishes such as couscous and tagines are traditionally prepared and presented tastefully to make each bite a delight. As mentioned, Morocco is renowned for its spices and flavours which include orange blossom, cinnamon, cumin, saffron and paprika, all of which promise an explosion of both colours and taste for your palate! A must-try experience while on holiday in Marrakech is the culinary markets in the Jemaa el-Fna square: locals gather around and share their precious food recipes as well as positive energy to strangers, a remarkable experience! 

>>> The food scene in Marrakech

5) The authentic and luxurious riads in the Medina

The truly amazing experience in Marrakech begins with the right accommodation. For an authentic and traditional stay, we recommend staying in a riad in the Medina. These are Moroccan traditional houses which are usually 2 storeys tall and are organised around an Andalusian-style patio. In the past, these were built to protect families from the weather and to allow them to have privacy as they are built inwards. The riads which we offer at Villanovo are delightful to stay in and include various facilities and services which you can choose from, in order to ensure a memorable stay. Some of our riads include a hammam, which is a turkish bath which needs to be experienced when in Marrakech and most of them include house staff, from housekeeping to chefs, who will be delighted to give you a taste of the Morocan gastronomy.


>>> Discover our luxurious riads in Marrakech

6) The cultural heritage

If all of the above wasn’t enough to tempt you to escape to Marrakech for a few days, then wait until you hear about its cultural heritage. Its rich past, which consists of dynasties after dynasties such as the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad, Saadian and finally the Alaouite dynasty Marrakech was left with impressive monuments from these such as the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, koranic schools such as the Ben Youssef Madrasa and more recently, the Yves Saint Laurent museum and the Majorelle Gardens built by Jacques Majorelle in 1924. This country between desert, ocean and mountain has successfully managed to create a lifestyle based on the past but also on the future with the help of their legendary hospitality which is appreciated from all over the world.

>>> Yves Saint Laurent: Fall in love with a city and a culture