Marrakesh

Despite having a good map it wasn’t until my third day in Marrakesh that I managed to navigate my way purposefully and accurately through the maze of alleys in the souks to reach everyone’s primary and ultimate destination - the Jemaa el Fna square. But of course that’s the point of the souks – to lose your sense of order as well as direction, to give yourself up to the claustrophobic sensuality and vibrancy of the markets. If you really want to know where you are, the map More...

Marrakech – the streets have no name, the maps are a picture of noodle soup and the whole city is an assault on all the senses.

Single-serving friends pop up around every corner and yet it seems that round the next bend there’s danger lurking.

Moustafa, a teenager in a dusty, orange tracksuit, complete with a single yellow toothy grin found me by the Marché des Épice. Here, spice sellers congregate to the rumble of mopeds and twittering birdsong. In the centre of the square traders pile their stock in tall neat stacks, careful to keep them inside their designated zone marked with yellow More...

For those wanting a city break with a little more spice Marrakech is perfect. It is a vibrant, tantalizing blend of North African, Middle Eastern and European cultures which arouses all the senses. Stroll through the souqs to find craftsmen making traditional silver jewellery, ornate leather slippers and wooden toys. Then for the brave (and carnivorous) tourist, a visit to the traditional street tanneries to see animal skins drying in the scorching sun is a must (if you can stand the smell!). More...

I had never been to Africa before, and the prospect of arriving in Marrakech, at night, after a brief stop at Casablanca, was thrilling. The airport is hardly luxurious, and before long the dry heat began to make itself felt as we waited in line to have our passport stamped. We were almost the last of our party to leave the airport, and it seemed to shut down around us, the frenetic activity caused by the plane load of tourists dissipating away.

The journey from the airport to the hotel was ridiculousy romantic as More...