8 Things to Do in Marrakech in Winter

If you've booked a flight in December, January or February, you've made a good decision. At this time of year, the city is much quieter, as tourists tend to visit in spring or autumn. Winter in Marrakech is generally warmer than on the peninsula, and if it's not, you can always warm up in a traditional hammam.

If you thought Morocco was just a land of sun and deserts, you'll be surprised to discover that it's also famous for its ski resorts. In this country, you can enjoy this sport in two areas:

• In Mishliffen, in the province of Fez.
• At the Oukaïmeden resort, the most important in Morocco and the entire African continent. This town is located in the Toubkal, a massif in the High Atlas at an altitude of 4,164 metres.

Although the facilities at Oukaïmeden are not of the same quality as those in Europe, much of their charm comes from the exotic nature of the place: it is not uncommon to see donkeys and street vendors near the slopes, as well as improvised skiers and people sliding down the slopes on homemade sleds.

And if it doesn't snow, you can still visit the mountains by taking a trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech. It will certainly leave a lasting impression.

In the Gueliz neighbourhood lies a green area that is very popular with tourists and locals alike. We are talking about the Majorelle Gardens, a botanical garden that is home to palm trees, coconut trees, cacti and other species that make up a true Eden.

Visiting in winter is ideal because you won't find the hustle and bustle that can be found at other times of the year.

What's more, if you book a tour of the Majorelle Gardens, the experience will be complete because you can take a camel ride and drink delicious tea in a traditional house.

When the temperatures drop, there's nothing better than a steam bath. You can find them everywhere, from the souk to the most modern neighbourhoods, but the ritual usually follows a precise sequence:

• First, you enter a room where you will find two buckets, one with cold water and the other with hot water. This is the antechamber of the hammam and serves to acclimatise you to the heat of the place.
• After a quick wash, you move on to the second room: the steam room, which is designed to expel impurities from the skin.
• When you can no longer stand the heat, you must return to the first room where the real ritual begins. Once your pores are open, it is time to scrub yourself with beldi soap, a dark detergent made from black olive oil, caustic soda and olive paste.
• After cleansing and purifying your skin, you can conclude the experience with a massage with argan oil and an invigorating shower.

If you book a hammam experience in Marrakech, you will enjoy multiple benefits:

• Stimulates the nervous system.
• Eliminates toxins and impurities.
• Has a beneficial expectorant effect.
• It is very useful for counteracting colds and combating sinusitis.
• It is exceptional for the complexion.
• Contributes to relaxation.

Marrakech may not be the first place that springs to mind as a winter holiday destination. However, the Red City is perfect for a different kind of festive break. As a Muslim country, you won't find many decorations in the streets and squares, but that changes when it comes to hotels.

If you're travelling just before Christmas, you can buy your last-minute gifts in the souk. That way, you'll return home with some original gifts. Among the most sought-after items are leather goods, textiles, spices and Moroccan pottery. If you have enough space in your suitcase, you can buy a colourful Arabic lamp.

Before buying any clothing or objects, remember to always negotiate the price. To explore the area, keep in mind the tips on what to see and do in the Medina of Marrakech.

Matteo's tip

During your first visit to the souks, it is advisable to browse the shops without buying anything. On this first "foray", just ask for prices so you can get an idea of the market value of the products you are interested in.

Marrakech is a dynamic and captivating city. Its streets and squares are bustling with life, but it can sometimes be a little chaotic. If you don't feel like seeing in the New Year in the city's hotels, you can opt for a different and more relaxing activity: a trip to the Marrakech desert

Its high golden dunes form a moving landscape and are the ideal setting for activities such as a camel ride or a quad bike race. At nightfall, you will enjoy a typical dinner and shows featuring jugglers, fire eaters and belly dancers.

However, the main attraction is the sky sprinkled with thousands of stars. It is not surprising that Morocco is one of the top destinations for stargazers.

The Marrakech International Marathon is a sporting event organised by the Le Grand Atlas Association (AGA). The first edition was held in 1987 and, year after year, it has become an important event in the Red City. The race usually starts and finishes on Avenue de la Menara (near the La Mamounia Hotel) and has a total length of 44 km.

Every 5 km, you will find refreshment stands with water and orange slices. The Marrakech International Marathon is held in January and is a must for anyone who wants to prepare for other sporting events such as the Tokyo Marathon. You can pick up your race numbers at Place du 16 novembre (Gueliz district). Remember to bring your passport with you.

Winter is the best time to travel to the desert. If you like the idea, you can opt for a two-day excursion to the Marrakech desert, where you will spend the night camping in a Berber settlement.

The jaimas (tents or huts of Arab origin) are equipped with all kinds of luxuries: private bathrooms, hot water, heating, towels and refined decorative elements. In addition, the camps usually include a chill-out area where you can relax with a cup of tea or gaze at the stars.

The packages often include activities such as sandboarding (sliding down dunes on boards) or a more traditional camel ride.

The Menara Gardens cover a large area of land in the south-west of Marrakech. Cypress, olive and orange trees thrive here, fed by water from the Atlas Mountains. Thanks to an underground tunnel system, the precious liquid travels some 30 km to reach the pond in the middle of this green area.

The place is undoubtedly captivating and well worth a stroll to enjoy the contrast between the fruit trees and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains.

The Menara Gardens are open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m.

Marrakech has a semi-desert subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot summers.

The cold season begins in December and ends in late February; during these three months, minimum temperatures hover around 5º, while maximum temperatures reach 20º.

As you can imagine, there is a big difference between day and night, even more so if you take a trip to the desert.

Although rare, rain does occur in the form of downpours. February is one of the months most affected, but even so, you shouldn't worry too much. According to statistics, this month sees an average of 40 mm of rainfall.

If the day looks stormy, it's best to take refuge in a museum or indoor attraction. For example, you can visit:

• The Saadian Tombs, the burial place of the dynasty of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur.
• The Dar Si Said Museum, the museum of Moroccan art.
• The Ben Youssef Madrasa, a Koranic school near the mosque of the same name.
• The Yves Saint Laurent Museum.