Marrakech in summer

During the summer, the deep blue sky contrasts with the reddish landscapes of the streets of Marrakech, creating an exotic and undeniably captivating atmosphere that adds to the number of things to do during a trip to Marrakech. And if the temperatures rise too high, you can use the excuse to hit the beaches of Essaouira.

Eid al Adha, literally "celebration of sacrifice", is the feast of the lamb and the most important celebration in the Muslim world. On this day a biblical episode is remembered: when God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his first-born son to test his faithfulness before stopping him at the last moment and ordering him to kill a lamb instead of his son. The Feast of Sacrifice takes place after the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The date therefore changes every year.

In the days leading up to it, you can already sense the magnitude of the event: locals flock to markets to buy sheep and then transport them to their homes by any means of transport. Don't be surprised if you see a goat stuffed in the boot of a car!

They also prepare typical sweets such as ghribas (almond-based biscuits) or the iconic Kaab el Ghazal, crescent-shaped biscuits made with almonds, orange blossom water and cinnamon. If you want to know more about local delicacies, I recommend you read the article Moroccan food: the dishes you can't miss.

The feast day begins with prayers. Afterwards, families gather in their own homes for the slaughter, and in the evening, they go out into the streets for the celebrations. During the two days of the festival, the locals go to the outskirts of the city (musallas) to eat sheep and lamb dishes. Moroccans tend to use all their parts, from the most common parts to less 'noble' parts such as brains, stomachs and feet.

Matthew's advice

Most shops, cafes and museums will be closed for at least the morning and, in some cases, for a day or two. Make sure you have alternative plans for the day of Eid al Adha.

Located in a garden between the Bab Agnaou Gate and the El Badi Palace, the Sa'didi Tombs are a cemetery that houses the remains of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur and five other members of his family. The most famous room is undoubtedly the Hall of the Twelve Columns, a room with a marvellous dome carved from cedar wood, Carrara marble columns and a mosaic-covered floor.

For many years the tombs were forgotten. After the fall of the Sa'did dynasty, the Alawite Sultan Mulai Ismail seized power and condemned his predecessors to damnatio memoriae. He therefore ordered all traces of the past to be destroyed. Fortunately, the Saadid Tombs were discovered in 1917. During the colonial period, the French photographed Marrakesh from the air for a topographical survey and when they analysed them, they realised that something could be hidden in this place.

As it is a mausoleum, the heat of the city remains outside the threshold. You can visit the Sa'did Tombs every day of the week from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00. The ticket costs approximately €7.

When the heat starts to get stifling, there's nothing better than a nice dip. Most of the hotels and riads in Marrakech allow you to enjoy their pools even if you're not staying there. Not bad, right? Now that you know, grab a towel, sunscreen and a swimming costume and get ready to spend a day in the Red City's pools.

In the heart of the city is Riad Ambre Et Epices, the former mansion of a wealthy spice merchant. Completely renovated in 2009, the hotel has a wonderful outdoor swimming pool surrounded by olive trees. Another recommended destination is the Palais Namaskar, a luxury hotel characterised by its oriental style.

With a day pass you can relax on the sun loungers and enjoy the scented towels and citrus sorbets. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, opt for the Manzil la tortue, a hotel with a tranquil private pool and golf course.

Some noteworthy pools can be found in the nearby Agafay desert. Terre des Etoiles, for example, is an oasis with luxury camping and a pool overlooking the nearby arid hills. Just a few kilometres away is La Pause, a luxury eco-resort with no electricity or Wi-Fi - the ideal place to unwind. To enjoy the pool, you'll need to spend at least one night there. If you would like to discover this natural spot, I recommend you read the article Excursions to the Agafay desert from Marrakech.

Mateo's advice

In the summer, the swimming pools are usually very crowded. If you want to avoid being left out, I recommend you book your place a few days in advance.

The Ouzoud waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in Morocco and are less than three hours drive from Marrakech. If you want to visit them in the day, it's best to choose an organised excursion. There are several options available and most of them provide for pick-up from your hotel or riad. After leaving the city, the bus or minivan crosses the valleys of the High Atlas, passes through Berber villages and finally arrives at Ouzoud. E

From below, you will be able to appreciate the 100-metre waterfall and the mist that is generated by the fall. To enjoy the view, you can start the climb up the mountain, which generally takes about an hour. Halfway up you will come across a colony of monkeys, but don't worry, they are more than used to human presence. If you bring some food with you, they will approach you in no time.

Once you've descended, you can complete the excursion with a boat ride. The river formed by the Ouzoud waterfalls is crossed by curious wooden boats that add an adventurous touch to the experience. This visit is one of the 12 best excursions from Marrakech.

The path leading to the summit is quite steep. To avoid falling, it is best to wear hiking boots. When travelling in summer, it is advisable to drink water frequently.

This is the nickname given to Essaouira, a fortified town on the ocean shore. Its fine sandy beach and the trade winds that blow constantly attract thousands of surfers from all over Europe. The Tagharte, Safi and Sidi Kaouki coastlines are perfect for surfing, and if you're not a surfer, you can choose from several alternatives. For example, you can head for the harbour and eat fresh fish in the local restaurants. Another attraction worth mentioning is the Medina, the old part of Essaouira with its typical Arab architecture.

Getting to the Pearl of the Atlantic from Marrakech is easy, just take a bus. There are many bus companies and the journey takes about two and a half hours. However, the buses don't usually follow a fixed timetable. If you want to save time, it's best to book an organised tour. If you want to know more, you can read the article How to get from Marrakech to Essaouria.

Essaouira is a very important fishing port. Make the most of your stay to eat sardines, lobsters and sea urchins. Le Triskala and La Table are two safe bets.

Before being converted into a museum, Dar el Bacha was the residence of Pasha Thami El Glaoui. The Moroccan nobleman was a very wealthy man, known for his style of dress and his frequent trips to Europe. In fact, he built his estate to impress guests that included personalities such as Winston Churchill, Charles De Gaulle and Charlie Chaplin.

The aim of this museum is to delve into the history of Morocco and the influences that have interested the country over the centuries. The main exhibition area is devoted to Islamic art, but you can also admire the international collection of Patti Cadby Birch, an American archaeologist and lover of the Red City. Her collection includes more than 3,000 ancient objects from the Mayan, Cretan and Chinese civilisations. The works of art range from 5000 BC to the present day.

Opened in 2017, the Musée des Confluences is largely unknown to most tourists. Take advantage of this to see a traditional residence with beautiful courtyards full of greenery, ideal for escaping the heat.

Oasiria is the largest and most important water park in Morocco and the ideal place for a family day out. The little ones can play at being pirates in the Pirates' Lagoon while the teenagers can speed down the slides or go down the Crazy River. As for the adults, Oasiria has an attraction designed exclusively for them: the Calme & Chauffée, a swimming pool with water at 28°C where children are not allowed. Here you can relax while your children have fun at the Moussaillons, a club that organises fun activities.

As well as a water park, Oasiria is a luxuriant green area, so much so that its own website advertises it as "Le plus grand jardin de Marrakech". And when hunger strikes, you can choose from five restaurants. Oasiria's flagship is called Le Jardin & les Cabanas and offers seasonal cuisine with fresh, quality ingredients. Alternatively, the beach bar Le Café Ola has a simpler menu with sandwiches, salads and refreshing ice creams.

Mateo's advice

It is forbidden to bring food and drink into Oasiria, although you are allowed to bring a few bottles of water.

When the temperature rises, visiting a museum is always a good idea. The latest addition to the Red City is the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum, which houses 5,000 items of clothing, 15,000 haute couture accessories, sketches and objects of all kinds. The cultural institution was inaugurated in 2017 and is located within walking distance of the Majorelle Gardens. Built in terracotta, concrete and Moroccan stone, the building fits in perfectly with its surroundings while its brick façade evokes the weave of a fabric.

The museum's extraordinary collection is the result of an artist's intuition: Yves Saint Laurent was the first designer of his generation to systematically archive his work. After a stroll among the garments, you can relax at Café Le Studio, a bar/restaurant with a menu that fuses Mexican and Californian cuisine. The chef uses organic ingredients from the Marrakech region to make ceviches, tacos and green aguachile.

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum opens at 11am and closes at 5pm. Last entry is at 16:30.

Located in a riad in the Medina, the Perfume Museum is the creation of Abderrazzak Benchaâbane, Moroccan perfumer and main restorer of the Majorelle Gardens. It is located in the heart of the old town and has been well reviewed by tourists and locals alike. Here you will discover all the steps involved in making a fragrance, and learn the secrets of frankincense, argan, floral waters and other essential oils.

If you think you have a talent for fragrances, the museum offers perfume-making workshops as well as olfactory awakening workshops for children. In the Perfume Bar you will find several Soliflore, i.e. scents made up of a single note. You can mix them to make original creations that you can take home as souvenirs.

Matthew's advice

The Museum is at 2, Derb Chérif, Rue Diour Saboun. If you can't find it, you can ask someone in the Medina who will accompany you in exchange for a few dirhams.

A Moroccan cookery workshop will teach you traditional recipes so that you can replicate them at home. Most courses start with shopping for fresh ingredients in the souks of the Red City. Subsequently, you will return to your hotel/riad or course venue to prepare your culinary creations. At all times, an expert cook will teach you the tricks of the trade, and once the process is over, you will be able to taste the dishes you have prepared.

In Marrakech you will find all kinds of courses. You'll learn how to prepare traditional recipes such as harira, cous cous, chicken or beef tajine and Moroccan pastries. You will also learn how to use spices (cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger and saffron). These courses usually cost €50 and are highly appreciated by tourists.

Mateo's advice

Choose this workshop if you have some basic knowledge of cooking. You don't need to be an expert cook but it is preferable to have some basic skills.

In the Moroccan city, summer starts in mid-June and ends in mid-September. In the "border" months, nights tend to be a little cooler (lows usually reach 15º/17º) while daytime temperatures easily reach 35º. Things change when it comes to July and August, Marrakech's hottest months. In these months, the highs exceed 45ºC for several days and in some cases the temperature limit is close to 50ºC. If you want to travel in the cooler months, check out the post on Marrakesh in April or Marrakesh in October.

When the heat sets in, you can seek some refreshment in Marrakesh's air-conditioned museums. In addition to the aforementioned institutions, there are other options such as La Maison de la Photographie (Rue Ahl Fes, 46 Rue Bin Lafnadek) or the Boucharouite Museum, a former guesthouse converted into an exhibition of local crafts.) To cool off, opt for La Plage Rouge (a pool with sun loungers on the outskirts of Marrakech) or Nikki Beach, a glamorous pool with a DJ set.