A Weekend in Marrakech

Morocco is only three and a half hours away from London, but a world away in sights and sounds. Atlas Blue, a subsidiary of Royal Air Moroc is operating direct flights from London Gatwick to Marrakech and their newly introduced Executive Class is highly recommended to enhance the journey to this fascinating, full of history cultural centre of Morocco. Marrakech, situated in south west, is Morocco’s second largest city and lies in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It is an ideal destination for a long weekend break.

Adventure starts at the Medina (old city). Wander around the labyrinth of narrow streets in the medina and visit the well-known souks that are divided into small areas that specialize in diverse crafts: metal work, leather, jewellery, wool goods, spices, carpets and so on. The souks of Marrakech are considered to be amongst the best in Morocco, so if you like shopping you'll enjoy yourself enormously, and don’t forget to bargain as it is part of the Moroccan culture as well. For those who don't like shopping, the souks are still a cultural experience and shouldn’t be missed.

The famous Djemaa El Fna Square is the heart of Marrakech with the biggest and busiest market in Morocco. During the day it is occupied with freshly squeezed orange juice and stalls, water sellers in colourful costumes, snake charmers and in the afternoon it is even more crowded and you can see acrobats, magicians, storytellers... Traditional music fills the air to accompany the dancers in their bright costumes.

Towering over the city is the Koutoubia Mosque, an example of Hispano-Mauresque architecture, built in 1199, is visible everywhere in Marrakech with its 77 metre minaret.

Marrakech is only an hour away from the magnificent Atlas Mountains. If you are on a short break it is worth going for lunch and remarkable scenery to one of the Kasbahs that is located in the gateway of the mountains. Our choice was a new kasbah Bab Ourika, with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, traditional Berber villages and the river valley beneath. The food was absolutely delicious and offered a variety of dishes including the traditional Tajine.

Morocco is also famous for its spas. Nothing can compare with revitalising steamy hammams (traditional Moroccan spas), where you can avail yourself of soothing body wraps and massages.

If you are exasperated with the busy lifestyle why not escape to a totally different culture for a long weekend?!..