When To Go

With minimal rainfall all year round, Marrakech is ideal for sun worshippers. Temperatures range from 40C in August to 20C in the winter, and the further inland you go, the hotter it is. Springtime sees the Atlas Mountains that border the city bloom with flowers.

Top 5 Places To Stay

• Sofitel Marrakech

  Combining modern architecture with a Moroccan sensibility, Sofitel’s guestrooms feature traditional Moroccan decor, sumptuous fabrics and marble bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the landscaped Arabic gardens (complete with fountains), and take in views of the Atlas Mountains from the bar.

• Les Deux Tours

  Built in the style of a 14th century Andalusian village, Les Deux Tours is a successful clash of cultures, materials and colours. The eight villas and five private suites with heated swimming pools and private gardens of this fabulous residence offer the promise of an unforgettable stay.

• La Villa Bleue

  A modern and contemporary styled villa with six nicely decorated rooms and suites, a swimming pool and a French restaurant. Other amenities include air conditioning, central heating, parking and televisions.

• Es Saadi Gardens & Resort

  Set in 20 acres of parkland, this modern hotel is 2km from Marrakech’s historic centre. Light walls and bright Moroccan-style fabrics characterise the guestrooms which include balconies, internet services and an oriental spa, where guests can indulge in scented oil massages and relax in the sauna.

• Hotel Islane

  Guests can take in panoramic views from the hotel terrace, which overlooks the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens, and enjoy organised excursions to the Atlas Mountains and the Ourika Valley. Wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel, and further amenities include a multilingual concierge service, onsite parking and dry cleaning facilities.

Top 5 Things To Do On Your Visit

• Djemaa el Fna

  An endless spectacle of entertainers, artists, musicians, snake-charmers and tradesmen make Marrakech’s central square its most vibrant area. Buzzing day and night, there is little in the way of routine here – which just adds to the general chaos of the place!

• Souks

  A short distance from the Djemaa el Fna, the market stalls that cropped up in the alleyways to the north of the square used to be dominated by textiles. Now, you’re just as likely to find designer goods, jewellery and western imports there. The haggling nature of the souk workers embodies the very culture that makes Marrakech so alluring.

• Ben Youssef Mederssa

  In the midst of the souks is this stunning 14th Century white marble building, originally built for students attending the nearby mosque. It has a distinct Andalusian influence, and was used for filming in Kate Winslet’s 1998 film Hideous Kinky.

• Saadian Tombs

  Now fully restored after lying dormant for several centuries, the 16th Century tombs to the south of the city are impeccably designed and not to be missed. Outdoor gardens are scattered with the relics of over a hundred more princes and royals, all embellished and celebrated with serene engravings and grand tombstones.

• Maison Tiskiwin

  – A superb Moroccan art house, this gallery lies to the south of the city in between two mansions, including the Palais El Bahia (which is still used by the royal family today and is also open to the public).