Why Marrakech?
Marrakech, one of the 4 imperial cities of Morocco and the forth largest, lies west of the foothills to the Atlas Mountains. Founded nearly 1,000 years ago, the red sandstone walls of have given the name of the "Red City". The old fortified city medina quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a large number of souks and many historic and cultural sites. The city serves as a major economic centre and has seen dramatic development in the 21st century. Numerous foreign celebrities own property in the city.
Local Climate
Marrakech features a hot semi-arid climate with long hot dry summers with mild winters. Weather patterns mirror those of the Mediterranean but with less rainfall, typically a quarter that of London. The Atlas Mountains act as a barrier to the extensive heat of the Sahara and acts to refute the common misconception about Morocco in that the country is just a desert and is always hot.
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The resulting weather means that most activities can be carried out all year round, though in July and August it is probably best to avoid the midday sun.
As Marrakech continues to grow as a luxury destination, the demand for high-end accommodations is expected to remain strong. There has been a massive increase in wealthy visitors and with the city looking to double visitor numbers by 2030 the real estate market is thriving. Whether you are looking to live in your property or rent to high-end visitors, there are plenty of new breathtaking properties to choose from. European buyers are particularly interested in properties that offer a mix of luxury and authenticity. ​
Here at MBP we are particularly associated with new or nearly new modern villas because our clients are looking for equivalent alternatives to Southern Europe but also want a very modern and clean style. These types of properties tend to be in purpose built gated developments, often on or near to golf courses. Of course there are many other types of properties such as elegent clasically styled villas and ultra-modern apartments that can be sourced.
Property Types
Local Landscape
Marrakesh, a city renowned for its vibrant souks, historical sites, and captivating culture, is equally a marvel of nature and geography. Nestled in the heart of Morocco, at the crossroads of diverse landscapes, Marrakesh serves as a gateway to exploring a range of ecosystems from lush valleys to barren deserts. With its unique geographical position at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, it embodies a tapestry of natural beauty that draws tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. In essence, Marrakesh is not just a cultural hub but a beacon for those seeking the wonders of Moroccan nature.​
Marrakesh’s location offers easy access to several natural attractions. One of the most notable sites is the Toubkal National Park, home to the country’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal. This national park spans an impressive 94,000 acres of protected land, presenting an array of landscapes that range from verdant valleys to dramatic peaks.
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Just a few miles away from the bustling city lies the Ourika Valley. Known for its stunning scenery and traditional Berber villages, the valley provides a serene escape from the vibrancy of Marrakesh. Visitors can explore the lush gardens, pristine rivers, and the dramatic mountain backdrops that embody the essence of a riverside retreat.
Marrakech is a lively city, for it has the most modern facilities to accommodate a full range of recreational activities to satisfy the most eager quest for outdoor experiences.​
The city's golf offerings invite you to indulge your passion in splendid backdrops and with 12 original courses designed by the best architects. Course conditions and facilities are superb and best of all , are not as busy as European alternatives.​
Located on a short distance from downtown, the palm grove is a lovely destination for family outings. Explore the lavish vegetation on horseback or on a quad bike.​
The mountainous surroundings of Marrakech also give you the opportunity to indulge in skiing. Rising to 3200 metres, the Oukaïmeden ski area offers all the amenities allowing you to ski during the day, and to join the gentler atmosphere of Marrakech, in the evening.​
Sport and Activities
Transport Links
Marrakech is served by Menara Airport (RAK) located conveniently only a few miles from the city centre. Most UK airports have multiple direct flights per week consisting of British Airways and budget airlines such as Easyjet. Flight times are on average 3.5 hours, similar to Greece but with no time difference all year round.
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The road network, excluding the walled city which can be a bit chaotic, is very good and between cities, excellent and uncrowded. Roads are generally well maintained with speed limits similar to the UK. You can drive with a UK licence for up to 1 year. Police checkpoints are common.
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The main railway station on Marrakech is a beautifully designed building offering clean, modern facilities and efficient layout. Trains leave for all major Moroccan cities and tend to be fast, punctual and clean using the new high speed ONCF trains.
Quad biking in Marrakech offers an exhilarating way to explore the diverse terrains of Morocco, including sandy dunes, rocky paths, and scenic palm groves. Agafay desert features rolling dunes and breathtaking views, making it a popular choice for quad biking adventures.
As an international tourist destination as well as a large and important city in its own right, Marrakech has an abundance of entertainment options throughout the year. Whether you like music, sports, art, film, food, or traditional culture, there is sure to be an event or festival in Marrakech you’ll love!
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Food is central to Moroccan life, and nowhere is the culinary scene more delicious, exciting or innovative than in the Red City of Marrakesh. It’s not all tradition and tempting tagines — globally inspired innovators are raising the culinary stakes, too. Marrakesh is home to many of the country’s best restaurants and contemporary, global restaurants with design-led dining rooms fill the streets of the Gueliz district.
The Royal Theatre of Marrakech is an iconic venue in the Moroccan arts scene. It covers over 20,000 m² and its main hall can accommodate over 1,200 spectators. It is a pillar of local cultural life and offers a wide variety of performances and artistic events.
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The Marrakech International Film Festival has drawn an impressive crowd of filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, and film critics from around the world. Offering many public screenings, masterclasses, associated events, and intense competition for festival prizes, the festival is one of the annual highlights in Marrakech.​
As an upcoming venue for the 2025 African Nations Cup and as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the recently built football stadium will get further substantial upgrades, making a symbol of Morocco’s growing stature on the world sporting stage.
Entertainment
Shopping
Of course the first image everyone has of Marrakech shopping is the historic souks of the old city. Imagine wandering through a vibrant maze of alleyways where the air is thick with the scent of spices, the hum of friendly bargaining fills your ears, and every corner bursts with colour and craftsmanship. That’s what it’s like to shop in the souks of Marrakech. These historic marketplaces aren’t just places to buy things—they’re places to experience Morocco’s rich culture first hand. However, whilst the souks are exciting and great for picking up traditional wares at bargain prices, they are not for your everyday shopping essential.
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In Marrakech, you’ll discover many places to shop. From old markets to new shopping areas, there’s something for everyone.
The trendy Gueliz neighbourhood offers a fresh shopping experience famous for its high-end boutiques. Gueliz is perfect for a modern shopping adventure. It has wide streets and lots of amenities. You can browse boutiques, have lunch, and explore the local culture. Gueliz’s mix of modern and traditional makes it a top spot in Marrakech.
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Sidi Ghanem combines traditional and contemporary styles beautifully. It’s filled with high-end fashion stores, featuring famous designers and local talent.
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Having private healthcare in Morocco, much like anywhere else outside of the UK is not only essential but compulsory for any resident visa. In an emergency, Marrakech offers both private and public hospitals equipped to handle urgent care situations. Private healthcare facilities such as Clinique Internationale de Marrakech and Polyclinique du Sud provide top-notch services, with many staff members fluent in English.​
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Pharmacies in Marrakech are prevalent; you’ll often find them marked by a green cross. They typically offer after-hours services on a rotational basis. It’s essential to have your prescription on you or know the generic name of your medication. Most pharmacies stock a wide range of medications, but if you require specific or rare medications, visiting larger pharmacies or those within hospitals is recommended.​
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For those invested in wellness, Marrakech offers a plethora of options. From traditional Hammams to modern spas, there are ample opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. Holistic services like yoga and meditation are also readily available
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Health and Wellness
