One of my favourite things about being based in Europe is the access to the low cost airlines and being near so many wonderful destinations. North Africa has been on my travel list for a while now and I had been keeping my eye on flights to Marrakech. I was so pleased when I found a return flight for 48 euros from Rome. The flight from Rome to Marrakech takes just over 3 hours. I left Rome at the end of November and when I arrived in Marrakech it was warm and sunny. It is a great destination for anyone wanting to escape the cold European autumn/winter for a warmer climate.
Marrakech is a vibrant city and is often referred to as The Red City because of the sandstone buildings. The Medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, souks, mosques, and riads. There is so much to see and do in the Medina of Marrakech.
Riads
You will probably come across the word Riad when searching for a place to stay in Marrakech. So, what is a Riad? I thought it was just a regular guesthouse or B&B, but it is more than that. At one time, riads were homes for the wealthy, but now they have been converted into hotels and guesthouses. Riads are rectangular shaped houses with multiple levels and an open air courtyard. The rooms surround the courtyard. Riads do not generally have windows facing the street because they are supposed to be a place to escape from the loud city streets. Â
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
The heart of the Medina of Marrakech is the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. While it is called a square, it is actually in the shape of a triangle. The square is filled with sights and sounds. Here you will find snake charmers, dancers, henna artists, fruit vendors, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and so much more. In the evening, street food stands will appear and you can purchase affordable food to eat in the square while listening to traditional music.
Souks
The word souk means marketplace or bazaar. This word is used in both North Africa and the Middle East. In Marrakech, you can enter the souks from the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. The souks of Marrakech are endless narrow alleyways filled with market stalls. They are extremely colourful and beautiful. Here you can find spices, tajines, lamps, leather goods, olive oil soap, and other souvenirs.Â
Tajines
When you are wandering around the souks of Marrakech, or in the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, you will probably notice cone-shaped earthenware pots being sold at almost every souvenir shop. These are called tagines and tajine is also the name of the North African dish cooked in these pots. Basically, tagine is a slow-cooked stew made with meat or vegetables and various spices, and is usually served with bread. You must try tagine while in Marrakech.Â
Moroccan Black Soap
Moroccan Black Soap (also known as Beldi Soap) is a castile soap. Castile soap is made from plant-based oils, and Moroccan Black soap is made from olive oil. The soap is mild, has a butter consistency, and you will see it displayed at the various market stalls in the souks. It is safe for all skin types. Moroccan Black soap is traditionally used in the Hammam, which are the public bath houses that are a very important part of Moroccan culture.Â
Moroccan Mint Tea
One of the first things I noticed in Marrakech was the tea everyone was drinking. It is Moroccan Mint Tea. The tea is yellow with green leaves. It is made with gunpowder green tea, spearmint, and sugar. When it is served, it is generally poured from a high distance above the cup to create foam. The people in Morocco drink this tea all day. It will probably be offered as a sign of hospitality while checking into your riad.Â
Bahia Palace
I would recommend visiting the Bahia Palace in Marrakech. It has stucco walls with Arabic inscriptions, tiled floors, and seemingly endless courtyards. It is very affordable and worth the visit.
Even if you are short on time, it is possible to have a fulfilling adventure in Marrakech. You can stay in a Riad, walk to the Jamaa el-Fnaa Square, enter the souks from the square, do some browsing or shopping, drink mint tea, and end the day with a tagine.