Atlas Mountains & Three Valleys Day Trip

Step away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to witness the impressive Atlas Mountains and traditional Moroccan life. Explore broad valleys and lush orchards with views of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Ride a camel through a broad gorge, pause for tea in Imlil Valley, then hike to the isolated village of Ait Souka to share a meal in a Berber family’s home. A truly unforgettable experience.

Bab Debbagh Tanneries

Witnessing the age-old craft of leather treatment at the Bab Debbagh tanneries is a fascinating experience. Situated near a river for water supply, these tanneries have been operating for centuries. The distinctive odour, resulting from ammonia used in the leather-softening process, will let you know you've arrived. Unlike some other Moroccan tanneries, the focus here is on treating leather in its natural state; the dyeing happens elsewhere. Visiting the site can be a bit tricky due to the presence of unofficial 'guides' demanding payment. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider hiring a certified guide as part of a medina tour. Otherwise, prepare to navigate past these unofficial attendants by offering a small tip and insisting on entering without their assistance.

• Address:

  Nr Bab Debbagh Gate, Marrakesh

• More info:

  The best time to see the tanners at work is in the morning

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa is an old Koranic school, built in the 14th century. It housed up to 900 students at its peak, and it was one of the largest theological schools in North Africa. It closed down in the 1960s but opened again in 1982 as a public sight. Even though the building looks modest on the outside, the inside will amaze you with its intricate beauty.

• Web:

  medersabenyoussef.com

• Address:

  Rue Souk el Khemis, Marrakesh

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–6pm

• More info:

  Just off Rue Souk el Khemis

Cactus Thiemann

At 17 acres and over 150 varieties of cacti, Thiemann is the biggest cactus farm in the whole of Africa. The farm was founded by a German agricultural engineer who wanted to expand beyond growing cacti in grow house conditions and thus came to Morocco in the 60s. Today, you can admire his life's work of lined-up rows of cacti, in what amounts to a massive pool of different types and shapes.

• Web:

  www.cactusthiemann.com

• Address:

  Km 10 route de Casablanca, Marrakech

• Phone:

  +212 6778 42206

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun–Tue closed. Closed in August

City Walls

The iconic walls of Marrakesh, stretching over 12 km, are more a statement of aesthetic grandeur than a fortification for defence. Originally erected in the early 12th century by the city's Almoravid founders, the walls have undergone several expansions, including the notable addition of the Kasbah to the south and later extensions towards the northern districts. These walls offer an idyllic backdrop for romantic interludes, especially as dusk settles over the city. For those looking to explore further, caleches — traditional horse-drawn carts — are available for leisurely tours around the medina and the ramparts.

• Address:

  Place de Foucault, Marrakesh

• More info:

  North side of Place de Foucault

El Badi Palace

Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace — the "Incomparable Palace" — was once hailed as a marvel of its era. Initially featuring 360 rooms, an expansive courtyard, and a 90-metre-long pool, the palace was a monument to the Sultan's affluence and influence. Adorned with a lavish selection of materials sourced globally — from Italian marble to Malian gold — the palace was envisioned as an opulent space for grand receptions and ceremonies. However, following al-Mansur's death in 1603, the palace was abandoned and gradually succumbed to decay, especially during the waning years of the Saadian rule. Many of its precious elements, particularly its marble, were harvested and repurposed in various Moroccan structures. Nowadays, El Badi stands as a significant point of interest in Marrakesh, housing various exhibitions and even showcasing the Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque. Though largely in ruins, the palace still whispers stories of a bygone era of wealth and grandeur.

• Web:

  badipalace.com

• Address:

  Ksibat Nhass, Marrakesh