London

Six great reasons to visit Marrakech

The Souk

1. The souk
The souk is the quintessential Marrakech shopping experience. The vast bazaar that spreads north of Jemma El Fna, the city’s main square, is actually a coalescence of different markets, most specialising in one kind of item: babouches (Moroccan slippers), carpets, ceramics, lanterns or leatherware. Haggling is de rigeur.

Al Fassia

2. Al Fassia
Al Fassia dishes up excellent versions of Moroccan standards, served by all-female staff (the place is run by a women’s cooperative) in a dining-room with traditional touches, or a pleasant courtyard. We love the Moroccan salad – lots of little bowls of vivid-tasting, spicy vegetables – but there are also tagines and couscous dishes, all in very unladylike portions. Reservations recommended.
55 boulevard Zerktouni, Guéliz, 024 43 40 60

3. Pacha
Pacha is monumentally massive – it markets itself as ‘the biggest club in Africa’ and the dancefloor and associated bars can accommodate up to 3,000 smiley souls. Guest DJs are flown in most weekends, including the likes of Erick Morillo, David Morales and Bob Sinclair. If that’s not enough, there’s also a swimming pool with plenty of sunbeds for lounging with a cocktail.
Boulevard Mohammed VI, Zone hôtelière de l’Aguedal, 024 10 28 87, www.pachamarrakech.com

Café des Épices

4. Ourika Valley
Take a day out to the Ourika Valley, a spectacular cut that runs deep through the Atlas Mountains. The road passes through dramatic scenery and peters out at Setti Fatma, a high-altitude village with a wonderful setting, ringed by mountains, with streams and grassy terraces.

5. Café des Épices
A much-needed spot in the souks where you can sit down in pleasant surrounds, and refresh with a soft drink or snack, wi-fi and good music is Café des Épices (75 Rahba Lakdima, 024 39 17 70, www.cafedesepices.net). Overlooking the spice market, there’s a ground-floor terrace, a first-floor salon for lounging, and a few tables on the roof for chilling out at sunset.

6. Low-price fares
Fly to Marrakech
• London Gatwick from £61.99.
• Flights daily, seven days a week.
• All fares are single and include tax.

Win and escape!
Go to www.timeout.com/competitions and tell us

Easyjet.com - book online for low-cost travel: cheap flights, hotels, car hire, parking and insurance across many top European destinations.