Travel: Sunshine in winter - The madness and magic of Marrakech

Prepare yourself for a sensory bedazzlement – a smorgasbord of smells, sights sounds and tastes. Marrakech’s bewitching Souks, gardens, palaces, streets, secluded riads and rooftop cafes offer a range of experiences, bustling to tranquil. So don your best Moroccan slippers and step right in…

Although the clouds may be ever present in February’s Scotland, just a short four hour journey away lies blaring sunshine, highs of 28 degrees and poolsides beckoning for your presence.

Marrakech, located in the north west region of Morocco is a glistening jewel in Africa’s north. Loved by celebrities from Jimi Hendrix to Yves Saint Laurent, this historic area offers more than just yearly sunshine.

Food stalls at Jemaa El-Fna Square, the main tourist location in Marrakech.

Djemaa el Fna square

This head-spinning, senses-bashing square is said to be the busiest in the whole of Africa. Snake charmers, fruit sellers and henna painters pepper the Djemma el Fna, while horse drawn carriages canter through the crowds as if completely unaware of their presence. Be prepared to be bombarded with offers of goods and beware the men with monkeys on chains – if that monkey goes on your shoulder, they’ll expect you to pay for it.

Go in the morning and the square is a completely different, calmer world to after sunset, where the crowds reach the thousands and the sounds of Arabian music and the shouts and cries of pedlars and magicians fill the air.

Souks

Hold your breath and dive head first into the Souks of Marrakech’s medina, which link like an outstretched trunk and branches from the Djemma el Fna.

Don’t worry about getting lost – you will – and it’s all part of the burrow-like, Alice in Wonderland-esque experience. Nearer the square more general shops are prevalent, but delve deeper into the souks and areas specialising in meat, metals, jewellery and pottery unveil themselves.

It’s a photographer’s dream but the locals will not thank you for snapping willy-nilly. If you are going to take a picture, make sure to ask first – some spare change may be required if asking a performer or shop owner.

Riads

Meander down a side street, through some tunnels and you’ll find yourself in an unexpected scene of large oak doors in the ochre rock of the medina. Go through one of these and you’ll find an even more unexpected vista – the majestic riads of Marrakech.

Originally owned by the wealthy of the city, these oases are now mostly boutique hotels and spas, many suiting a range of budgets. The riad’s layout is what makes it most appealing – most feature a small turquoise pool surrounded by rooms and balconies and dangling plants – all beneath an open roof and blue sky.

Le Jardin Marjorelle

Located just a fifteen minute (albeit manic) walk from the Souks, Le Jardin Marjorelle – like the riads of Marrakech – offers a tranquil transportation to exotic bliss.

Situated in gardens of shady cacti, tropical plants and lush bamboo, the main attraction of the garden is the cubist villa painted in ‘Marjorelle blue’ by the French painter Jacques Marjorelle in 1923.

The garden was saved by famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s and now remains one of the most visited locations in Morocco.

A man barters for fish in Essaouira’s old port.

Venturing further afield

Marrakech is the jumping off point for trips to the Sahara, the Atlas mountains which tower behind the city and the Atlantic coast of northern Africa.

Hippy meets traditional in the fishing turned surfer port of Essaouira, just two and a half hour’s drive from Morocco’s capital. It’s a laid-back version of Marrakech – where salty sea air and the cry of fishermen selling their catches replace the Arabic music and the plethora of smells of the Souks.

One of the infamous tree goats on the road to Essaouira.

Camels and donkeys line the beaches as surfers catch waves in one of Morocco’s windiest points. The city is home to one of North Africa’s oldest forts, built by European settlers in the 18th century.

On your way to Essaouira from Marrakech, look out for Argan eating goats, who climb trees looking for their next meal – one of the most bizarre sights you’re likely to see in this unique region, and that’s saying something.

On a budget? Try Labranda Targa in Marrakech for great winter all inclusive deals.

Looking to splurge? Try Riad Yasmine for an upmarket, luxurious Moroccan experience.

Return flights from Edinburgh start at £123.