Morocco, a captivating destination throughout the year, offers a unique charm during winter. If you are planning to explore Marrakesh in winter, we have some travel tips for you. You can immerse yourself in local culture, sleep under the Saharan stars, unwind in a traditional hamam, hike through scenic landscapes, and even indulge in a bit of skiing.
Intrigued? Let’s delve into the possibilities!
Discover the city centre of Marrakesh
Regardless of the month, a visit to Marrakesh is always a splendid idea. Nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and boasting over one and a half million inhabitants, Marrakesh is fondly known as the “Red City.” This nickname stems from the reddish-ochre hue of the local earth used in traditional building materials.
Stroll through the alleys of the medina to reach Jamaa El Fna square, the pulsating heart of Marrakesh. Every day, this square comes alive with food stalls, fruit juice vendors, and intriguing sights, from monkeys to snake charmers. If you’re a fan of shopping, don’t miss the famous Souk, located on the northern side of the square.
Must-visit landmarks include the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, Marrakesh’s city walls, the imposing Koutoubia Mosque, and the captivating Majorelle Gardens, owned by Yves Saint Laurent since 1980.
Stay in a Riad
One of the highlights of your winter journey to Morocco is staying in a riad. In Marrakech, you’ll find a plethora of riads, and the same applies to other Moroccan cities. But what exactly is a riad? Riads are ancient palaces or mansions adapted into accommodations, providing a much more authentic experience compared to conventional hotels. Characterized by a few rooms surrounding a central courtyard with a fountain, these courtyards often feature tiled designs on the walls, plants, arches, cisterns, and meticulous decorations. Additionally, riad owners usually reside in the same building, offering a more personal touch to their guests. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture during your Moroccan journey!
Explore the Sahara Desert
As the world’s largest hot desert, covering an area equivalent to China, the Sahara Desert is a must-include on your list of things to do when exploring Marrakesh in winter. This unique ecosystem boasts towering sand dunes, some reaching a height of 190 meters, alongside oases with lakes and date palm trees.
From Marrakech, the journey to the Sahara passes through Ouarzazate, also known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” and the fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for being the backdrop of blockbuster movies like Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia. There are various excursion options, including jeep rides, camel treks, quad biking, and tours of varying durations. While day visits are possible, spending at least one night in a traditional tent (jaima) is highly recommended to savor the starry desert night and relish the typical cuisine of nomadic communities.
Don’t forget to consider the temperature contrast in the desert. While daytime heat is milder than in summer, nighttime temperatures can be significantly colder. Therefore, in addition to sunglasses and sunscreen for the day, don’t forget to pack thermal clothing and windbreakers in your suitcase!
Relax in a Hamam
Moroccan public baths, known as hamams, serve as social hubs for locals. Originating from Roman thermal baths, their popularity spread throughout the Ottoman Empire. Today, the hamam ritual is internationally recognized for its skin-care benefits.
The heart of the hamam experience is Beldi soap, made naturally with black olive oil, boasting excellent exfoliating properties. After washing and passing through a hot room to open pores, generously apply Beldi soap to your skin, leaving it on for about 10 minutes. Following this, use a black glove called kassa to achieve optimal exfoliation. There’s nothing better than concluding the hamam ritual with a soothing massage!
Skiing in the Atlas Mountains
Are you a skiing enthusiast? Fear not, as you can indulge in this winter sport during your trip to Marrakesh. Surprising as it may seem, the Atlas Mountains offer slopes with 100% natural snow, making them the only natural ski resorts in the North African hemisphere.
The most renowned is Oukaimeden in the High Atlas, equipped with Western-style facilities, including chairlifts and tow lifts, and various slopes, including 8 red and 2 black runs. The second in importance is Michlifen, located in the Middle Atlas near the town of Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
Ready to delve into all these amazing activities? Book now your flight to Marrakesh!
