Marrakech: 15 incredible things to do around the red city

Looking for new adventures and unforgettable experiences during your stay in Marrakech? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here are 15 incredible tours around the red city that will amaze your senses and take in the breathtaking scenery.

1. Experience quad biking in the Jbilets desert

Dreaming of a unique and thrilling experience? Set off on a quad bike tour of the Jbilets desert, just outside Marrakech. Cross arid landscapes, desert plateaux and traditional Berber villages. This adventure will give you a complete change of scenery and allow you to discover a different side of Morocco.

Several local agencies offer quad bike excursions in the Jbilets desert, suitable for all levels of rider. Don’t hesitate to compare the offers to choose the one that best suits your wishes and budget.

2. Hike around Lake Lalla Takerkoust

Located around 30 km from Marrakech, Lake Lalla Takerkoust is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and go hiking. The lake is surrounded by exceptional mountain scenery and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

There are several signposted footpaths to help you discover the natural and cultural riches of the region. You can walk along the lake, passing through Berber villages and even picnic by the water’s edge. The lake is also popular for its water-based activities, including kayaking, windsurfing and jet-skiing.

3. Sleep under the stars in the Agafay desert

Just 30km from Marrakech, the Agafay desert offers an unforgettable experience: spending a night under the stars in a luxury bivouac. This stony desert, with its lunar appearance, is a haven of peace and tranquillity.

After a day exploring the surroundings, relax around a campfire with a delicious Moroccan dinner, then let the silence of the desert and the twinkling of the stars lull you to sleep. During your stay, you can also enjoy activities such as camel rides, mountain biking and yoga classes.

4. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Zat Valley

The Zat Valley, at the foot of the High Atlas, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers. This verdant valley, crossed by the river of the same name, is home to numerous Berber villages and offers breathtaking panoramas.

Discover its diverse landscapes, with gorges, waterfalls and dense forests. A number of hiking trails allow you to explore the valley at your own pace, passing through authentic villages and meeting the local people.

5. Adventure in the Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley, around 30 km from Marrakech, is a haven of peace. Surrounded by the Atlas Mountains, it offers lush green landscapes, refreshing rivers and waterfalls. The valley is also famous for its many Berber villages, where you can discover the traditional way of life of the local people.

There are a number of walks in the Ourika valley, some of which lead to the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma. The nearby Toubkal National Park is also an excellent starting point for longer, more challenging hikes.

6. Relax at the Berber farm

Just a few kilometres from Marrakech, the Berber farm invites you to enjoy a unique experience in the heart of the Moroccan countryside. In this haven of peace, discover Berber culture and traditions while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.

The Berber farm offers traditional, comfortable accommodation, as well as a variety of activities such as cookery workshops, pottery classes and donkey rides. You can also relax in the traditional hammam and sample local specialities prepared with produce from the vegetable garden.

7. Visit the picturesque village of Asni

Nestling at the foot of the High Atlas mountains, the village of Asni is a haven of peace. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Asni is famous for its weekly market, where you can buy local produce and discover the customs and traditions of the region.

Take advantage of your visit to explore the surrounding area, in particular the Imlil valley, the starting point for many hikes to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.

8. Take a refreshing break in Ouirgane

Situated in the heart of the valley of the same name, Ouirgane is an ideal destination to recharge your batteries and enjoy nature. Surrounded by mountains and pine forests, the region offers stunningly beautiful scenery.

Take advantage of your stay in Ouirgane to relax by the lake, go hiking in the surrounding area or visit the surrounding Berber villages. The region is also renowned for its many charming accommodations, such as inns and traditional kasbahs.

9. Awaken your senses with a visit to the Ourika bio-aromatic garden

The Ourika bio-aromatic garden is a veritable treasure trove of greenery in the heart of the Ourika valley. This unique garden invites you to discover the scents and flavours of aromatic and medicinal plants grown with respect for the environment and local traditions.

During your visit, you can stroll through the paths of the garden, take part in workshops on making natural products and taste infusions made from local plants. A sensory experience not to be missed!

10. Discover saffron

Morocco is one of the world’s leading producers of saffron, and the Marrakech region is home to several plantations of this precious spice. Discover saffron on a guided tour of a plantation, where you can learn more about the cultivation, harvesting and processing of this spice with a thousand virtues.

The tour usually ends with a tasting of saffron products and the chance to buy the spice directly from the producers. A unique and authentic experience not to be missed!

11. Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon

For an unforgettable experience, treat yourself to a hot-air balloon flight over the grandiose landscapes of Marrakech and the surrounding area. Admire the breathtaking panoramas of the snow-capped Atlas mountains, desert plains and Berber villages nestling in the valleys.

Hot-air balloon flights are usually offered early in the morning, when the weather conditions are most favourable. Several companies offer this activity, with packages including transport from Marrakech, the flight and sometimes a traditional breakfast on landing.

12. Discover Marrakech and the surrounding area in a vintage sidecar

Looking for an original, offbeat experience? Opt for a vintage sidecar ride through Marrakech and the surrounding area. This guided tour will allow you to discover the red city and its surroundings in a unique way, as you wind your way through the narrow streets and along the ramparts.

There are several itineraries on offer, ranging from the discovery of Marrakech’s emblematic monuments to the exploration of the contrasting landscapes of the surrounding area, including visits to traditional Berber villages. An original and fun way to discover the region!

13. Meet the craftsmen of the village of Tamesloht

Located around twenty kilometres from Marrakech, the village of Tamesloht is renowned for its craft workshops. Meet the local craftsmen and discover their ancestral skills in pottery, weaving, jewellery and leatherwork.

A visit to the workshops will allow you to learn more about the techniques and materials used by the craftsmen, and why not leave with some authentic, handmade souvenirs.

14. Explore the archaeological site of Aghmat

Located around thirty kilometres from Marrakech, the archaeological site of Aghmat is home to the remains of an ancient Berber city that was once an important commercial and cultural crossroads. Discover this site steeped in history and immerse yourself in the region’s prestigious past.

During your visit, you can admire the remains of the ramparts, the public baths and the governor’s palace. A local guide will be on hand to tell you all about the fascinating history of this forgotten city.

15. Stroll through the village of Amizmiz

The village of Amizmiz, at the foot of the High Atlas, is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and discover traditional Berber life. Stroll through the narrow streets of the village, admire the adobe houses and chat with the locals.

The weekly market in Amizmiz is also a unique opportunity to discover local produce and observe the daily life of the locals. Finally, don’t hesitate to go hiking in the surrounding mountains to admire the region’s breathtaking scenery.

In conclusion, Marrakech and the surrounding area are full of treasures to discover and unique experiences to enjoy. Whether you’re a lover of nature, culture or adventure, you’re sure to find something to suit you among these 15 incredible visits. So don’t wait any longer and let yourself be tempted by these unforgettable escapades!