The KOUTOUBIA inspired the architects of the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower

A mosque built in the XIIth century, the Koutoubia is distinguished by its exceptional minaret.

Over time, the Koutoubia Mosque has become emblematic of Marrakech. Its construction was decided in 1158 by the sultan Almohades Abdel Moumen soon after his conquest of Marrakech. It was completed in 1199 with the building of his famous minaret ordered by the little son of Sultan Yacoub el Mansour. Koutoubia, literally the "Mosque of the booksellers' in Arabic, is named after the many merchants of books and manuscripts that set up their stalls in the immediate vicinity of the building from 12 ° -13 ° century.

Asni VALLEY - Getaways and Hikes

To reach this place, we will pass through landscapes of infinite subtlety. We imagine the comfort of our vehicle, style of life that the citizens had in a not so long ago. The mule tracks, the douars hillside or the shepherds leading their flocks are a constant reminder of the relativity of time. The arrival in Asni tends to break this contemplation. This village does not represent any particular interest but it marks the moment of choice between continuing straight Marigha, Ouirgane and Tizi n'Test or turn to Imlil and Jebel Toubkal, the highest point of the Atlas.

Imlil and the Toubkal Mount: make beautiful hikes

The charming village of Imlil mountain is the choke point for all hikers who wish to undertake the 4167 m of Toubkal Mount. Located 64 km from Marrakech, it is also a doorway to the National Toubkal superbeparc. Established in 1942 and covering an area of 38,000 hectares, this park offers the opportunity to make beautiful hikes. Over time, plateaus and cliffs alternate with deep gorges, cypresses alternate with junipers in an explosion of colors and scents.

The Medersa of ben Youssef: The masterpiece of sacred architecture

The Medersa of ben Youssef is one of the most spectacular monuments of Marrakech. The current structure of this Koranic school was built around 1570 by the Saadian and restored in 1950. At the time of its splendor, the Ben Youssef Madrasa could accommodate up to 900 students in 150 cells that make up the building. This architectural feature makes this sacred building the largest madrasas across the Maghreb.

Bab Agnaou

Considered to be one of the most important gates of the Medina of Marrakech, Bab Agnaou was built in the thirteenth century by the Almohads Sultan, Yacoub el Mansour, to protect access to the administrative and military headquarters of the Kasbah.

LALLA TAKERKOUST LAKE: Activities for all the likes

A haven of tranquility and freshness at 30 minutes from Marrakech

Built during the French protectorate, the dam of Takerkoust provided Marrakesh and its region with electricity. It also allowed the formation of a nice artificial lake just 40 km from Marrakech. Several square kilometers, this body of water offers a refreshing opportunity to escape from the heat that plagues Marrakech at certain times of the year.

Activities for all the likes

Whether one is a follower of "idleness" or ecotourism, goshawks easily are found on Lake Takerkoust an activity offer suitable to his liking. There are especially many public and private beaches that provide a relaxing and peaceful environment in conformity to the desires of all. With the wild pose at the water's edge, you will not miss temptation to lay your towel.you'll find also paragliding, canoeing,and the jet ski offers.

Hiking and getaways deals

Agafay desert Land of stars - Morocco Desert tours

Vast desert expanse located on the plateaus of the High Atlas, the desert Agafay is a fascinating perfectly preserved natural environment, despite its proximity to Marrakech, is still untouched by mass tourism.

Getaway off the beaten tracks by excellence, the discovery of this stone desert will remain as one of your favorite memories of your holiday in Marrakech.

The Agafay Desert: travel for a real getaway

Located thirty kilometers of the Red City, this little-known jewel extends for several hundred hectares on the first heights of the massif of the High Atlas. Its arid landscape made of stones and rocks offer a vast panorama punctuated by white dunes, the shape and color evoke those of the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Desert Pearl Marrakchi, the enchanted oasis nestled in the heart of the Agafay Desert, along the bed of a river in a valley trough. The contrast between the profusion of greenery and clear dunes sculpted by erosion is striking. At the bottom of the oasis amid this profusion of olive groves, vines and eucalyptus, an abandoned farmhouse was converted into a restaurant with guest rooms.

Farther along the course of the river, pretty small canyons dug by the Oued's flood violent bring to enrich the variety of landscapes of the desert exceptionally beautiful.

Peaceful haven for meditation, desert Agafay blow to merit a visit of several hours to several days.

From simple getaway to a long holiday

Oukaimeden: high-mountain ski holidays.

A winter holidays spot

The field of Oukaimeden covers an area of 300 hectares. Once there, one can only be amazed by the spectacle offered to their eyes. The ski slopes await the followers of this sport at an altitude of nearly 2500 meters.

In ski resort, worthy of the name, of Oukaimeden offers benefits that are usually found in such places. Vacationers can rent skis there and learn to ski there. They can also find hotels and restaurants. To facilitate the movement of skiers, the area has five tele-skis. The ski slopes are five in number. We must be aware that they are not marked. They are not groomed. We must therefore have experience in order for skiing safely.

OURIKA VALLEY a valley of getaways and family vacations.

In fine weather, the Ourika Valley is the favorite destination of holidays and getaways of the inhabitants of Marrakech. Freshness contrasts with the oppressive heat of the imperial city while its bucolic setting allows an escape from the urban frenzy.

Interesting vacation ideas

After crossing the fertile plain of Haouz and its many orchards planted with citrus and olive trees, they quickly come near the banks of the Oued Ourika with a background the towering peaks of the Atlas. At km 34, we succeed in Douar Tnine-de-l'Ourika. This charming little town is a hub of the region because of its souk. Every Monday, people from neighboring hamlets meet there to negotiate their precious crops, buy the necessary and simply talk about latest news from the region. All in an indescribable atmosphere that mixes cries of barkers, caps carts pulled by donkeys and a good mood.

Continuing his journey along the Ourika valley, one is struck by the banks of the Oued which grasslands are generously shaded by poplars and other little usual weeping willows in this latitude. There is enthusiasm for this multicolored landscape that blends perfectly the ocher of the earth and surrounding greenery.

THE OUZOUD WATERFALL - a sweet getaways

THE WATERFALL OUZOUD

A sweet Getaway for your vacation in Morocco

Take the side roads to enjoy a sweet getaway at the feet of one of the most beautiful waterfall in North Africa.

From Marrakech, the Ouzoud are natural wonders reached after a journey of over 150 km or 2h30( a sweet getaways in Marrakech), which takes many roads, the most famous waterfall of Morocco worth the trip. High of 110 meters, its water bounce on several levels and tiny droplets projected into the air. The waterfalls are almost permanently underlined with a beautiful rainbow.

THE WATERFALL OUZOUD Rhesus Macaques (monkeys of the desert)

Activities in THE OUZOUD WATERFALL.

On arrival at Ouzoud, you will find many small eateries that serve excellent traditional Moroccan cuisine, souvenir stalls or cheap hotel offer. However, it is easy to overcome without being harassed too, and begin its descent to the sesame awaited following a well arranged path and dotted with olive trees. Arrived at the foot of waterfalls, one can indulge in the joys of swimming, enjoy a meal feet in the water, or just sip a mint tea by observing the Armoury Rhesus Macaques (monkeys of the desert).

Rhaba KADIMA THE PLACE OF "WITCH" - holidays Morocco

Marrakech Morocco Holidays

Located in the extension of the souk Smarine, instead Rhaba Kadima is one of the most famous squares of the Souks of Marrakech. Lively during the day with various Souks, it also features cozy cafes where you can relax off the crazy animated Souks.

A distinct souk that worth to visit when you are in Marrakech for holiday

Rhaba Kadima plays a central role in organizing the Souks. It is held from time immemorial, daily commodities markets. If the "slave market" to happily disappeared since the early twentieth century and the grain market its successor is now held outside the city, the place is always busy for several markets daily.

THE MARRAKESH SOUKS - Marrakech Morocco Holidays

Marrakech Morocco Holidays: THE MARRAKESH SOUKS - visit Marrakes

Marrakech Morocco Holidays: The souks.

Under a reed screens that filter the light, kilometers of streets and alleys to endlessly that intersect, intertwine and form a vast maze from Ben Youssef Mosque to the outskirts of the Jemaa El Fna. We are immersed in the marrakchis souks which are among the most authentic and the most famous of all the Sherifian kingdom.

Its streets, punctuated by doorways, blind alleys and dead ends, spread a thousand colors and as many flavors and odors from escaping. Countless shops and boutiques are full of verve merchants and hard work of artisans. Each day brings its stream of visitors. Some marvel of a heritage relayed already forgotten in the West, others seek eye the gem at the best price. In this ocean of crafts, it is difficult to identify themselves. We let loose, guided by our senses, with a scent of burnt amber, by the reflection of hammered copper or wool woven by the clatter of tools, a tanned leather scent, or density crowd. Later, dazzled, we find ourselves in the same place where people fled the arrests of an enterprising merchant ... because the souk remains the primary trading area.

Jemaa El FNA or Djemaa el fna

When you visit a touristic city for the first time you’ll seek the most amazing places. If Marrakech is your destination for your next holiday you should read this article first

Marrakech Morocco Holidays: Jemaa el FNA

ECO-MUSEUM OF THE NATIONAL PARK TOUBKAL

After a long period of hard work every one need to getaway for relaxes and has some rest. 

If you are agree with me, and want to travel for a getaway this park is what you are looking for.

Marrakech Morocco Holidays: ECO-MUSEUM OF THE NATIONAL PARK TOUBKAL