Oudaya

Marrakech

Marrakech

With holiday breaks to Marrakech revealing the high Atlas mountains, desert-like landscapes and the sweep of sandy beaches along the coast, holidays in Morocco have lots to offer the visitor. Marrakech holidays are the stuff of dreams where you will encounter some of the most exciting and exotic attributes imaginable. A visit to this city is like stepping into a bygone century where much of the rich culture and language of the indigenous Berber people is preserved.

We offer fantastic holidays to Morocco from Ireland. Without doubt, the jewel in Morocco's crown is Marrakech. To visit the city at sundown, stand around the famous square, Djemaa el Fna and soak up the extraordinary atmosphere is a near religious experience. I can only describe watching snake charmers, fakirs, acrobats, organ grinders, flame throwers and water sellers as being part of an enormous tapestry where the threads of a biblical way of life are still being woven.

Many elements of the 20th century have not yet intruded here. Bemused tourists wander wide-eyed where, every evening, food stalls are set up to do a roaring (literally) trade catering to the local and visiting population. Bringing a whole new meaning to an open air restaurant, the marketplace at Djemaa el Fna takes on the allure of a street party where every night is one riotous, happy get together. By day, Marrakech quietens down a bit and shoppers emerge to haggle fiercely in the 16k labyrinthine maze that is the medina or souk. Practice your school French and communicate with the friendly stall holders. Admire the tidy conical mounds of spices and immerse in the fragrance of cumin and coriander; fit on a colourful kaftan; buy some intricately embroidered "Aladdin" slippers or choose a gorgeous copper pan.

The souk has many different sections where artisans specialise in leather, copper, slippers, clothes and spices. The waft of tanned leather mixed with the fragrance of burnished gold turmeric and chilli, zesty mint tea and dark, swarthy bodies is a memory you will carry with you. An assault of colours, sights and smells, this is sensory overload on a massive scale. Drift off to enjoy a glass of freshly pressed orange juice, sip coffee in La Mamounia, the wonderful iconic Marrakech hotel where Winston Churchill stayed or just lounge poolside at your hotel and languish in the sultry heat of the afternoon.

In Marrakech you will witness a way of life that has not changed for centuries and yet, you will experience quality modern hotels, delightful local and luxurious riads and superb service side by side. A great anomaly. This stunning medieval city with its ramparted walls of characteristic rose red stone and nine famous gates is a mesmerising reminder of the grandeur of times past. Doubtless, memories of a holiday in Marrakech will remain with you long after you have returned home.

Visit the gorgeous Majorelle Gardens (resting place of Yves St Laurent's ashes); explore the Saadian Tombs which housed Sultans and their harems or view the Koutubia Minaret, but whatever you do, you'll be charmed and bewitched by Marrakech, the Cinnamon City. It is simply entrancing. No wonder it is the 5th most visited city in the world........ The magic of Marrakech unfolds before your very eyes. Make sure it is on your Bucket List.

So what are you waiting for? Marrakech holidays await! A selection of hotels is also available in lovely traditional Essaouira and the coastal resort of Agadir with its marvellous sandy beach. Check out our Morocco holidays from Dublin now and get great value flights, hotels and transfers.