Cheap flights to Marrakech

The popular Moroccan city of Marrakech, set against a backdrop of mountains and filled with the sights and sounds of centuries past, is full of drama, excitement and a little mystery.

Often referred to as the “The Rose City,” or “The Jewel of the South,” Marrakech is a country built on symbolism. The jewel symbolizes Marrakech’s importance as Morocco’s trading place. The rose references the city’s pink-painted buildings and landscape. With Berber, Arab, and African influence present in Marrakech, it’s no wonder the country is known as the heartbeat of Morocco.

Saving money on a cheap flight to Marrakech with one of the low-cost airlines that now fly to the city allows travelers to spend extra cash in the many souks. Start in the old city and let your nose guide you. The scents and aromas that fill the air will lead you through open shops and markets throughout the city. Watch the human spectacle take place at the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, perhaps the greatest open-air market in the world, where businessmen walk alongside magicians and snake charmers perform. Tour the historic monuments and mosques before resting while watching the colourful Moroccan sunset.

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Marrakech climate

Marrakech is very hot in summer with 37-degree (Celsius) days in July made even hotter by the chergui, a desert wind. Ocean winds often keep the temperature in the high 20s in August. The heat is so intense that it is best to plan your excursions for early morning and return to your hotel by midday, then head out again in early evening.Winter is from November to March and the average daytime temperature is 21 degrees. Even though the rainy season, the annual rainfall is about 23cm (9 inches), and there are usually only six or eight rainy days a month.

When is the best time to fly to Marrakech?

Peak Season:

Despite the heat, July and August are the busiest times to visit Marrakech. In spring the Christian Holy Week (Easter) brings huge crowds of holidaymakers, especially from France.

Off Season:

September to December are pleasant with cool evenings. January through February the weather is unpredictable and sometimes chilly.

The Muslim Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (July in 2012) and nearly all restaurants and cafes are closed during the day.

Getting around Marrakech

After your Marrakech flight arrives, you’ll want to take a cab into the city’s centre. There are two kinds of taxis in Marrakech: Grands and Petits. Grands taxis use set fares based on the route and can be found waiting outside the airport terminals. Petit taxis have metered rates and are all beige-coloured. They can accommodate up to three people, plus luggage. At night, make sure you negotiate your fare before departing, as rates tend to shoot up. 

If you’re walking through the city, an easy way to keep your bearings is by noting the names and sizes of the streets. Streets in the Medina are narrow and Arabic-named, while Gueliz streets are French and wide enough for two cars. The nearby parks are easily navigated with available maps, though you can hire an available guide if you’d prefer. 

For longer travels, the public bus system is a great way to get around. It’s safe, inexpensive and runs on a regular schedule from dawn to dusk. Night buses continue to run after dark on the most popular routes. Buses will be very crowded during rush hour, so keep calm and go with the flow. The City Sightseeing Bus also offers multilingual tours in English, French, Italian and Japanese on red, double-decker buses. Embrace the tourist in you and hop on or off at the designated spots to explore many of the city’s sites. If you prefer to be your own tour guide, you can rent a bike to enjoy the Marrakech scenery. 

Avoid renting a car though, as many of the streets are unmarked, one-way and difficult to get around.

What is good to know if travelling to Marrakech?

• Djemaa el-Fna, the town square, bustles day and night. Apart from shopping opportunities (the souks), relaxing (in the hammams) and dining (in the cafes and restaurants), there are the musicians, snake charmers and merchants to enjoy.
• Dar Si Said museum has a fine collection of Moroccan art.
• The gardens of La Menara (just outside the city centre) date from the 12th century. They are considered to be the most romantic place in Marrakesh. Planted with palms and olives, the gardens have an artificial lake and overlook the Atlas Mountains.
• Gardens: the Majorelle Gardens were created by Jacques Majorelle, a French artist, in 1924 and have been open to the public since 1947. Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent bought the garden in 1980. The gardens feature plants from five continents including cacti, palms, bamboo and aquatic plants. Many of the built features are painted a cobalt blue.
• The riads (the palaces and private homes of the nobility) can be found in the medina (Arab part of town) and many are now boutique hotels or B&Bs.
• The coastal city of Essaouira (formerly known as Mogador), close to Marrakech, has a fascinating history that dates back to prehistoric times. Sailors, saints, emperors and pirates all feature in its past. Today, the resort is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed city, an example of a late-18th century fortified town. In the bustling medina, look for wood crafts made from the Thuya tree, pottery, jewellery and Argan oil, which comes from a tree native to Morocco and is used in cooking and baking.

What airport do you fly into for flights to Marrakech?

For a flight to Marrakech, you will be flying into Menara. Marrakech Menara (RAK) is just 5.3 km from the centre of the city.