Marrakech-Safi Travel Guide
The Koutoubia minaret, Marrakech. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Marrakech is Morocco's great southern city: founded in 1070 by the Almoravid leader Youssef ibn Tachfine, walled in red pisé earth, and still the country's most visited destination. The medina and its Jemaa el-Fnaa square are the beating heart of Moroccan street life, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2008.
Beyond the Red City, the region runs west to Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina and windy Atlantic beaches, south to the High Atlas and North Africa's highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m), and to Safi's pottery workshops. This is the region most first-time visitors should start with.
Destinations in Marrakech-Safi
Jemaa el-FnaaThe great square: storytellers, drummers and food stalls from dusk.
Koutoubia MosqueThe 77-metre minaret (completed 1199) that defines the skyline.
Essaouira medinaThe 18th-century walled port town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Ben Youssef MadrasaThe 16th-century Quranic school, a masterpiece of zellige and cedar.
Bahia PalaceThe 19th-century grand vizier's palace with 150 rooms.
Majorelle GardenJacques Majorelle's blue villa and garden, restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
Jebel ToubkalNorth Africa's highest peak at 4,167 m, a two-day trek from Imlil.
Saadian TombsThe 16th-century royal necropolis, rediscovered in 1917.- The souksCovered markets of metalwork, carpets, leather and spices.
El Badi PalaceThe ruined Saadian palace, once inlaid with Italian marble and Sudanese gold.
Ourika ValleyThe Atlas valley of Berber villages and waterfalls, an easy day trip.
SafiThe pottery capital on the Atlantic, and its 16th-century sea castle.
Hover a region to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Marrakech-Safi
Regional food
- Tanjia (Marrakech's beef slow-cooked in ashes, the bachelor dish of the city)
- Harira (the tomato and lentil soup that breaks the Ramadan fast)
- Msemen (the square griddle bread sold warm in the souks)
Getting there
Marrakech Menara (RAK) is about 6 km from the medina and takes direct flights from Europe. ONCF trains link Marrakech with Casablanca, Rabat, Fès and Tangier. CTM and Supratours buses run to Essaouira (3 hours) and Agadir.