A large bowl of cooked potato’s and a separate dish of eggs make the basis of this wonderfully simple but delicious traditional meal. For 5 Dirhams (0.35p) you receive a sandwich that melts in your mouth. Freshly baked bread, delivered on motorbikes with enormous attached wicker baskets on their rear, populates these stalls several times throughout the day. These are filled in front of you with recently cooked hot potato and your choice of free range of warehouse eggs, with the addition of cream cheese if requested. Topped off with a helpful drizzling of beautiful fragrant olive oil and cumin, this is a Moroccan street food treat at its most basic level.

Visit number 110 (pictured) in the Jemaa El Fna mobile restaurant market for a more vibrant sit down culinary experience among the countless hungry locals. Although costing slightly more, 8 Dirhams/ 0.60p, this is the best place to feast on these Moroccan sandwich delicacies. You will not be disappointed.

Only a 10 minute walk from Riad Cinnamon, the iconic Jemaa El Fna square is easily accessed from here and sits hand in hand with the beautifully prepared cuisine available at this memorable Riad.

For a long time populated heavily by ‘take is at it comes’ hippies, this small costal bohemian mecca still possesses the highly English literate local population who were ‘there’ 40 years ago and as a result, able to speak the language so proficiently and psychedelically.

Standing at one end of the medina on the main street, you can see through to the opposite end making this medina easily navigable, however it is complete with the country wide narrow and winding derbs filled with Essouira specific Aladdin’s cave uniquities.

We buy our freshly caught Atlantic fish straight from the side of the incoming boats on the harbour then take the 30 second stroll to two bystading makeshift cafes, complete with barbeue, built into the harbor wall (pictured). We hand over our plastic bag filled with 30 dirhams of still wet sardines and take a seat amongst the large beached blue boats and basking cats. The crisped steaming fish arrives a few minutes later with a small plate of spicy tomato’s and a pot of warming absinth tea, all for 20 dirhams, then after saying grace (‘bizmilee’) we taste the wonderous delights of life in lazy Essouira.

Evening in Essouira is a hive of quality international restaurants, night market food shoppers and impromptu jams raining out from countless music envious shops. Commence your evening with a roof top drink aloft the classy blue and white Tarros Terrace or try the restaurant Elizir for a delightful culinary expeience among the very tasteful flea market décor and forever obliging waiting staff.

For a day trip from Marrakech Essouira is the perfect all year round stop (although sometimes a little windy in the winter months) and is so much more than the world acclaimed Gnawa music festival this year in its 16^th appearance. Ton Marrakech-riad will be able to help you with travel arrangements.

We welcome and publish all customer feedback so please use the form below to share your experiences of staying with us using the form below.

A small village that is not too far from your Marrakech riad and not too touristy Setti Fatma has beautiful cafes alongside bags of character, charm and relaxation plus is the door to 7 mesmerizing waterfalls. Aside from these joyous cascades, the routes up to the waterfalls are littered with small but wonderfully bohemian cafes, built intricately into the mountainous banks of the many streams coming down from the mountains. Intriguing looking artisans of varying craft are spaced randomly along the paths, many using very basic tools to make their trade.

During the summer, these cafes are a hive of local Marrakechi people escaping la médina for some pacifying tranquility whilst engulfed in these imposing yet very inviting mountains. Visiting these café’s is a blissful experience and a great way to spend a relaxing sunny afternoon alongside the wild monkeys and chilled ambient staff while the more energetic group members clamber the rocky paths up to the water source.

For an excursion from RiAd Cannelle, Riad Papillon, ou Dar Habiba the Riad staff will be able to arrange a transport at very reasonable prices. (around 800 dirhams for two people to have exclusive use of an air-conditioned car with driver).

Hiring a guide for around 30 dirhams per hour to take you up to the waterfalls is a very good way to discover, in-depth, this fantasia. The shortest waterfall is reachable within an hour and a half, the longest is a whole day trip.

For a short day trip from marrakech, Sitti Fatima’s cafes make for a great visit from this grand historical city and a year round must see.

Consisting of 99 equally sized beads plus one extra larger bead (‘tassel’) that connects the loop together, followers of the religion, while in prayer, pass the beads through their fingers repeating the mantra Subhan’Allah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamduillah (Praise be to Allah) and Allahuakbar (Allah is the Greatest) 33 times and a further Allahuakbar on the final 100^th slightly larger connecting bead which concludes the prayer.

Found all around the Marrakshi medina’s shops and riads from the boutique souks to the makeshift salesmen selling their wonderfully diverse possessions on the side of the road, the Tasbih is typically made of inexpensive wood or different stones allows all Muslims access to this right of passage. Some however are lavishly carved from ivory, pearls and tortoiseshell with associated spiraling costs, but more seen in the wealthier Gulf countries.

Physically present less so these days however, the Tasbih is being replaced by the 3 digits on each right handed finger of the increasingly westernised Moroccan youth, which are used instead to keep count of these 100 holy utterances. The respect and understanding of the ritual however, as with the majority of Islamic practices, is still highly regarded and truly cherished by all that follow the religion.

Passionately informed from the worldly managers of the riads of Marrakech-riad, The Tasbih pictured, although not having the correct number of beads, spells out the word Allah in classical Arabic, which always seems to bring a moment of tranquility and energy for those who encounter this name.

Steeped in culture, tradition and generous personalities, Marrakech offers visitors a deep learning and wonderfully welcoming experience shared by the beautifully tranquil and relaxing riads of this great city.

Aside from the black flags flying aloft the many Mosques around the medina’s riads, this dish indicated that it is indeed a Friday. The tajine pot is filled with freshly made couscous from Tarique and his brother Hassan who run a small convenience store opposite. As the hardest of all Moroccan dishes to make correctly, couscous is saved each week for this special day of worship in the Islamic calendar.

After ten minutes Tarique arrives with two friends as he vacates his shop temporarily to walk the two meters to the Henna Café, and they commence with spoons to eat. As the meal continues, three others arrive as Tariques friend is departing and exchange a few courteous words between the group before finding a stool, spoon and a small section of couscous to eat. This process goes on for a further forty five minutes with around 15 men, including the host, coming and going after a few mouthfuls and a small but intimate catch-up.

Not seen however outside the medina walls of the old cities around Morocco, this national cultural custom is an example of the hospitality and brotherhood shared among those of the Muslim faith living and working inside these close knit and traditional parts of many Moroccan cities and a very good reason to visit Morocco.

An authentic traditional feeling of homeliness and unpretentious welcoming is what makes the riads of Marrakech-riad the warm and unforgettable experience that they are for so many, and what aid in making your visit to Marrakech exquisite.

Wasted food is not seen in Morocco and as a result you will find in kitchens and homes any post meal leftover bread is collected in a bag to be used again. As is so obvious by the Islamic hospitable mentality of Morocco, Muslim brother and sisterhood denotes that none should go hungry if food is plentiful.

Bread is distributed to those in need such as the rag and bone men who wander the Medina’s derbs calling out for peoples unwanted items, or the well respected, cherished and looked after beggars who are an active part of the Moroccan society. Anything else is collected (pictured) by good willing locals and given to the countries plentiful cats, donkeys or other animals.

As a representation of an ingrained recycling culture, the people of Morocco humbly value what they have but also what they can do for others. Another reason to visit the Riads of Marrakech enjoy the company of, value this culture and learn from these giving people in such a vibrant and warming city as Marrakech.

To secure FREE tickets to the show follow the link below and use the code MSC68

www.destinationsshowtickets.com

There is no better place to stay in the Marrakech old town than one of our restored hôtels Riad.

Taking a freshly bought red onion in her hand and a knife in the other, away from any counter top, Fatima, the chef and henna artist of the Henna Café in Marrakech, begins frantically but precisely to chop lines in the onion one direction then the vertical other, barely missing her fingers and palm. Horizontally slicing the onion sprinkles perfectly regimental shaped pieces into a bowl which this time was mixed with tomato, olive oil, cumin and salt, making a very common and deliciously simple local Marrakshi salad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdsjP_Y828k

Cutting an onion Marrakshi-style

A technique to be admired at by all and a symbol of an ingrained hospitable lifestyle, for this any for so many other reasons, the women of Marrakech are truly valued and prized possessions of this beautiful culture and further assist in making the city and its traditions the special experience that it is. Getting to know the hospitable riad staff of Marrakech-riad is truly insightful and offers a unique education into Marrakshi life and all it’s passions.

Seven new routes will commence to Baden, Bergerac, Cuneo (L'Italie), Dole (France), Munich, Paris (Vatry) & Tours bringing the number of ryanair routes to Marrakech to a total twenty two and the projected number of Ryanair passenger passing through the airport to an amazing one million per year.

It has never been easier or to reach Marrakech and there is no better place to stay than one of our Boutique Riad Hotels where the old town medina is on your doorstep!

This is the numerically marked restaurant market of Jemaa El Fna square that trundles in daily around 5pm then dispands into the night as if never there around midnight. A site in itself is awing at the process of empty square to bustling food centre in a very short period of time, which can be looked upon from one of the surrounding rooftop cafes.

A seeming tourist attraction at first site, you would be greatly mistaken. As tourism in Marrakech has been around for a relatively short time, these mobile restaruants are filled with local people wanting excellent, fresh and locally priced food while discussing the days stories and welcome in inquisitive tourists with open arms and shuffling bums.

With set menu’s around 30 dirhams the norm ranging from sheeps head and Moroccan snails, to fresh orange juice bars and tea stalls and with everything in between, this is a site that cannot be missed for those wanting to experience what life in La Medina is truly like.

Surrounding this square heart of Marrakech lie the beautifully traditional riads of Marrakech-Riad which give you all and them some for your culturally diverse and memorable stay in Marrakech.

A little muddy in parts near to the water, but only in parts, this lake makes a perfect retreat for a morning stroll or sunny afternoon picnic where your company will be the occasional group of local children playing, or goat herders feeding their flocks on the grassy sides.

A little off the beaten track, but only adding to its secrecy and serenity, this is a surreal area, just beyond the village of Lalla Takerkoust, which is worth a visit for those wanting to escape the vibrant bustle of La Medina.

Leisurely exploring the area surrounding the lake, we came across a small village named Makhefamane which homes a dusty local highstreet with a few general grocery shops, crumbling mud and clay built houses, and some very happy, friendly and accommodating people.

Being invited into peoples homes seems like a national symbol of Marrakech and Makhefamane is no exception. Adballa approaches us mid cigarette as we look over the small football pitch that sits at the end of the village, and in some broken French and finger pointing we visit his home and wonderful family. They treat us to a Moroccan continental lunch of bread, olive oil, jam, butter and sugary tea while his wife feeds her 2 week old baby and his 6 year old daughter jumps around excited to practice the English that she has just learned in school that morning.

At the end of the village is Jnane Tihihit, an eco centre which houses a small diverse farm of seasonal agriculture and amazing array of animals, including some out of place pigs. We take a tour of the Belgian run site and come out feeling placid and inspired.

An example of why Morocco is such a diverse and culturally interesting place, and Marrakech, situated between the pictorially award winning and breathtaking Atlas Mountains, this country makes you see life in beautiful ways, and brings reality to a sense of what it actually is.

With breakfast looking out over Marrakchi rooftops and Atlas contours as your backdrop, Riad Cinnamon offers this plus a team passionately dedicated staff committed to making your stay in Marrakech one to remain with you forever.

As the Henna artist and cook of the Henna Café in the north-west of La Medina, Fatima has been a practicing Nquasha (master of an artform) for over 26 years and a producer of local cuisine exquisites.

A small courtyard with scooter, clothes line and a picture of the atlas mountains greets you through a heavy almost un-openable metal door. We walk into the family room bordered by four benches which doubles as the marital bedroom. This is where the feast of people and supply of food will soon congregate.

As is common in Moroccan homes, the large ‘dining room’, again bordered by ornate benches, is separated off by a key reserved only for expensive crockery, unusual ornate items, boxes of henna paste and families all inviting grand sheep slaying gatherings.

Fatima brings us mint tea, as her husband tunes the tv into Russian news for some background noise. Questions pass back and forth discovering everything about each others customs, customs and when we will be married.

Cousins, nephews and friends join slowly as the normal midweek evening meal commences. Moroccan food aficionado, Fatima brings out two large tagine dishes one couscous with a range of different cuts of lamb, the other a beautifully presented potato, egg and tomato tagine. With family eating what looks like a black pudding of slow cooked jiblets and several strings of small intestine, no part of a Muslims precious sheep is snuffed at.

Apres food consists of my girlfriend having her hair cut by Fatima’s niece after a passing comment about not being able to find a female hairdresser in the medina, as I am entrenched in Fatimas’ son’s tour of his personally designed bedroom with over 1000 satellite channels and trouser press.

A completely unintrusive, welcoming and intruiging evening at what is the Moroccan hospitable mentality and something that can be experienced by all once you open your inhibitions and yes vocabulary to such an enchanting and giving population.

With bespoke and truly personal warmth of the managers/ staff of Marrakech Riads, your stay in the heart of the Medina will be one that is truly cultural and never forgotten.

The present day walled Mella is a Muslim district inhabited by some of the poorest inhabitants of Marrakech with the vast majority of Jews having left for Israel during the 60s; leaving no more than about 200 or so of the original Marrakech Jewish community.

The Marrakshi Mellah however, as with other Moroccan cities, remains an area seeped in history, culture and distinct characters: the Jewish synagogue; the cemetery yard; the big spice stores; the jeweler’s shops, reflecting the favored trade of the Jewish people, and the numerous balconies which distinguish the area since traditional Muslim Riads rarely have external windows.

A short distance from this area of such deep and recent history lies the beautiful surroundings of traditional riad Dar Habiba. Located parallel to an elegantly local market street 5 minutes from Jemma El Fna Square, make your stay special here, in this beautifully interesting, slightly Jewish, city.

El Glaoui’s palace Dar El Bacha, not currently open to the public, is a feast of history and architecture that transports visitors into Themis’ world and love of pretty things. Guests at our Riad Papillon arrive at a taxi rank next to the palace. Above are pictures of Dar el Bacha in 2012 and in its heyday in the 1930′s.

Dar El Bacha, a facade, cross the neutral unprepossessing doors and you enter one of the most beautiful palaces of Marrakech! Do not wait for a guide, marvel in the great presentation and detail on the architecture of the palace, open your eyes and see the work of craftsmen who built this masterpiece only a century ago.

A long corridor is awaits gripped visitors. Moving your head to the ceiling you see the Zelliges multicolored cedar wood door painted with the natural pigments available (poppy, indigo and saffron), engraved with the common but highly symbolic star of Morocco.

We move towards the reception room where the Andalusian inspired ceiling rivals colors and forms: exposed cedar wood beams and coffers detailed with beautiful geometry and floral motifs. Tiles and Stucco carvings adorn the columns contours along with rigorous star polygons, Friezes diamond-shaped jewels or “Lion’s Claws,” braids and knots whose colors meet, continuously overlapping.

The seductive courtyard, which is the reception room and room for a grand harem, provides an atmosphere of calm and serenely planted palm trees, banana trees, roses and other colourful plants. By the patio, notice the intriguingly secret ironwork, door knockers and hinges. Opposite the reception hall is the office of the Pasha of Marrakech and open on occasions invite yourself in the hammam, even if the premises are undeveloped and basic by western eyes. Hammam consists of three small rooms (hot, warm and cold) and a relaxation room. The plaster ceiling is painted lace with small openings allowing light to pass just: but the blue, green and red ceiling reflect the ambient light.

Moroccan architecture is unique is many ways and well represented by this beautifully crafted palace seeped in recent history. Decor, ambiance and local techniques can be appreciated at the warming and welcoming and beautiful raids of Marrakech-Riad.