Visit Marrakech’s Palmeraie
Visit Marrakech’s Palmeraie, Just a few kilometers north of the Medina, Marrakech’s Palmeraie is a must-see when visiting the city. Between nature and modernity, it attracts many tourists for a variety of reasons. Visiting the Palmeraie de Marrakech is first and foremost an opportunity to encounter Moroccan flora and fauna, as you lose yourself in the midst of almost 100,000 palm trees. But it’s also a popular destination for golf enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxing break in one of the hotel residences, complete with swimming pool, spa and trendy bars.
Marrakech’s Palmeraie, far from the hustle and bustle of the Medina, remains a privileged location that, whatever your reason for visiting, will not leave you indifferent. So be sure to stop by and follow the guide!
The history of the Palmeraie de Marrakech:
A genuine part of Morocco’s natural heritage, the Palmeraie de Marrakech has left its mark on the country’s history through its economic and tourist influence. It was during the 11th century, under the Almoravid dynasty, that Morocco’s sovereign Sultan Youssef Ben Tachfine founded this vast oasis at the foot of the Atlas Massif, with the aim of exploiting the local water table to protect against the heat. The Palmeraie de Marrakech then used an ancestral network of underground khettara pipes to irrigate its hectares of palm trees and crops.
The palm grove’s economic influence stems from its numerous crops and production of dates, palm oil, palm wine, palm hearts and timber. Over time, however, people have made the area their own and developed a tourism-related economy, combining natural heritage with modern urban planning. Numerous hotel complexes have sprung up, making the Palmeraie de Marrakech a luxurious destination for tourists.
What to see and do in the Palmeraie de Marrakech?
Covering some 15,000 hectares, you’ll never be bored if you visit the Palmeraie de Marrakech. The most popular activity in this mythical setting is undoubtedly a camel ride. A typical way to admire the 100,000 or so palm trees and the many crops growing around them. The more adventurous can also opt for a quad bike tour of this oasis.
The Palmeraie de Marrakech is also the ideal playground for sports enthusiasts, who can work on their swing. At the heart of the Palm Golf Resort lies one of Marrakech’s finest golf courses. Covering more than 120 hectares, including 11 lakes, this 27-hole course has hosted some of the world’s greatest professional golf tournaments. It’s a great opportunity to practice the sport against the exceptional backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
In addition to this immense golf course, the luxurious hotel residences also offer numerous activities for visitors. Most are equipped with swimming pools, hammams and spas. Many tourists prefer the calm of Marrakech’s Palmeraie during a stay in the city, to relax after a camel or quad ride, and recharge their batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina. This is your chance to take advantage of the exceptional services offered by our hotel residences in a tropical setting. And don’t forget to try the famous Moroccan tea in one of the nearby restaurants.
And if you’re wondering what to do with your evenings, you’ll find plenty of trendy restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the Palmeraie de Marrakech. This once again underlines the contrast between nature and modernity.
How to visit the Palmeraie de Marrakech?
There are many ways to visit the Palmeraie de Marrakech. The most popular, and undoubtedly the most typical, is to book a horse-drawn carriage from the famous Place de Jemaa el-Fna in the medina. This old-fashioned means of transport is still very much in use today, allowing you to discover or rediscover the charms of Marrakech’s Palmeraie. The journey is fairly long, however, so you’ll need to allow several hours to take in the sights and sounds of this immense oasis. If you’re short of time, you can also get there by car (by renting a vehicle for your entire stay) or by cab. The ride may be a little less magical, but you’ll still be able to admire the beauty of this natural heritage.
Once there, you can opt for a walking tour to discover the different species of palm trees, a camel ride at sunset or a quad bike ride. In all cases, you’ll need to follow the road that leads you through the Palmeraie. The site is well preserved, so you won’t be able to stray off the beaten track.
If you’ve decided to stay at one of the many hotels in Marrakech’s Palmeraie, we recommend that you ask about the guided tours and visits that are organized there. Most of the resorts offer stays with activities included.
Timetables & Rates for the Palmeraie de Marrakech
As you’ll soon discover during your stay in Marrakech, the locals have taken full advantage of the Palmeraie’s economic potential. As a result, you’ll be offered a wide range of packages and tours to get you there. A tour of the Palmeraie de Marrakech usually costs between 7 and 25 euros (depending of course on the time of year, the number of people and the route chosen). However, many of the city’s hotel residences also offer tours, so it’s a good idea to enquire when you’re planning your stay.
You can visit Marrakech’s Palmeraie at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are the best times to enjoy a magical moment.