Medinas of Morocco

19 to 26 March 2026

One of the joys of travelling is exploring the old market places that are the heart and soul of any city. We even enjoy wandering through a local supermarket and examining what is offered.

The medinas in Morocco and Tunisia are a little more complex than a simple market. They are in fact a city’s old town or historical centre. The souk or market is just a part of the town. There are also palaces, mosques and homes.

Visiting these medinas during Ramadan created further interest.

Marrakesh’s medina is one of the most famous and certainly the craziest. When we visited it was full on with locals, tourists and motor scooters all competing for space along the twisted, narrow lanes. Really quite a challenge to not be lost or bowled over.

Meat hangs from hooks over the counter, colourful arrangements of fruit and vegetables are piled high, spices and incense arouse your senses and trades people continue their crafts.

And of course, in the Jemaa el-Fnaa (square) there were the snake charmers and monkey handlers.

We were in Fez for the end of Ramadan, and the anticipation of the Eid holiday. Many stalls were closed in the souk and the mood was quieter and less chaotic. But what was interesting was to see the medina without the distraction of the many stalls. The architecture stood out. The houses with their extended windows, the decorated doors, the arches.

We were treated to demonstrations of pottery and weaving, but the famous tannery was quiet – no smell!

The ancient Qur’an school Madrasa al-Attarine was less crowded than it’s counterpart in Marrekesh so we had time to admire the beautiful architecture. These were schools where religion, the Arabic language, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine were taught.

We were left to find our own way through the medina of Meknes. The souk was nearly empty for Ramadan, but we enjoyed the stroll through the quiet laneways. It was a challenge when we got lost and had to find our way out.

The white medina of Tangiers was far more ordered and the more palatial residences stood out. Ramadan had finished so there was a massive selection of cafes and coffee houses.