4 Days in Marrakech

On day one we arrived at the Riad Karmela, a great experience in Marrakech is a stay in a Riad in the heart of the Old Medina. These are traditional Morrocan houses, typically characterised by an inward facing design of a central courtyard with a fountain and lush greenery, providing a peaceful retreat away from the bustling streets of the medina with a touch of Moroccan elegance. After unpacking we ventured out into the Old Medina with its intricate maze of souks, where the air is filled with the scent of exotic spices and Orange Blossom, and the call to prayer echoes through the narrow alleyways.

On our second day we had a wonderful local guide called Kamel, he was extremely knowledgeable and he took us to some hidden gems and told us about the history and the Moroccan way of life, this was an invaluable experience which really helped our understanding of the locals. In the afternoon we explored the souks, these really are a treasure trove of Moroccan craftsmanship and culture, alleyways of shops with leather goods, textiles, ceramics, metalworks, wooden crafts, jewellery and spices. A personal highlight for me was a visit to the herbalist La Sagesse, providing us with a glimpse into the traditional healing practices crafted from an array of natural products that have passed down through generations such as teas and essential oils.

On our third day we started the day by visiting many places of cultural architecture such as Bahia palace, these amazing buildings feature intricate tileworks known as Zellige in vibrant colours and geometric patterns, elaborate wood carvings to the ceiling, door, and various other architectural details in arches and domes. One of my favourite places we visited was the Madrassa Ben Youssef Madrasa school. In the afternoon we went over to the Gueliz (new Marrakech) and visited Lejardin Majorelle Gardens. These are beautiful to see and they are just a short taxi ride from outside the walls of the Old Medina, costing around 5 euros each way.

On our final day we went back to the souks for some final shopping and exploration, our day included relaxing on rooftop terraces whilst enjoying the lively atmosphere of the main square Jemaa el-Fnaa and the various attractions.

We visited many restaurants in Marrakech and had some wonderful meals during our stay, my favourite spots were…

Grand Café Poste – In the Gueliz

Kabana – Rooftop Restaurant & Cocktail Bar just outside of the Medina (reservations)

Dar Dar – Rooftop Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in the Old Medina (reservations)

Les Jardin – Courtyard Restaurant in the Old Medina (reservations) (no alcohol served)

Al Jawda - Pastries and Smoothies

L’Mida – Rooftop Restaurant (reservations) (no alcohol served)

The friendliness of Marrakech's people stood out during my stay, whether it was the local people in the Souks, the genuine hospitality of Riad Karmela staff or the attentiveness of the various restaurant staff. The personal connections and authentic smiles made our visit more than just exploring historical sites and enjoying delicious cuisine, it really was a wonderful experience overall.