10 things to do in Marrakech in April

April is the perfect time to visit Marrakech, as it is one of the most interesting times of the year due to the events taking place in this beautiful city.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year to visit Marrakech and, for me, the best time is April, as the temperatures start to rise and the weather becomes drier and sunnier. In short, it is the perfect month to discover the most special traditions of Marrakech.

April usually coincides with the month of Ramadan, so you'll find many places closed. This makes it the perfect time to get to know the Medina in a very special way.

During this month, the pace of life in the city changes: the markets close in the mornings, but open at midnight. After the Ramadan meals, the locals take to the streets and the atmosphere becomes lively and pleasant for wandering around the streets of the Medina of Marrakech.

You can take the opportunity to do some shopping, enjoy the street shows in Jamaa el Fna, go to the souk for souvenirs, try some Moroccan specialities or book a tour of Marrakech.

The chebakia is one of the most coveted sweets of the month of Ramadan. Due to their high calorie content, they are the perfect way to break the fast at the end of the day.

They stand out for their particular flower shape and are made mainly with flour, toasted almonds and dipped in honey. They are a very special sweet for Moroccans and it is usual for them to gather at nightfall to enjoy them with the family.

You can savour them in cafés, while enjoying a typical mint tea, or order them for dessert in many of Marrakech's best restaurants. And when you book a food tour of Marrakech during Ramadan, the guide is sure to take you to taste them.

April is a high season month for tourists in Marrakech, so you'll appreciate some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I invite you to lose yourself in the less touristy streets of the Medina, such as the Dar el Bacha street or the mysterious Secret Garden.

You'll need to be vigilant and use common sense to avoid ending up in some unwanted alleyways. Make sure you always have internet on your mobile phone. The streets of Marrakech are somewhat labyrinthine, so internet access is essential to avoid getting lost.

If you're worried about safety in Marrakech and would prefer a local to accompany you, you can opt for a private tour of Marrakech with a guide who can tell you all the secrets of the city.

If you have enough time on your trip to Marrakech in April, I recommend booking an excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech. It's a very pleasant and peaceful place, with fascinating beaches and beautiful narrow streets.

April is the perfect time for it, thanks to the good weather and the warm, dry climate.

You can enjoy the best views of Essaouira from the Skala du Port fortress and the unique sunsets that are already a symbol of the city. As a curious fact, Essaouira is the setting for some scenes from Game of Thrones, so it is very likely that some of the locations will be familiar to you.

How to get to Essaouira

If you prefer to make your own way, the easiest way to get from Marrakesh to Essaouira is by bus, which costs around €10.

Please note that Ramadan can affect timetables and fares for transport and activities.

If you fancy discovering the city from a different perspective, I recommend a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise. April is an ideal month to make the most of the experience, as it allows you to fly over the city in a clear, cloudless sky.

Not only will you fly over the most spectacular landscapes of the Atlas Mountains under an unparalleled sunrise, but at the end you will enjoy a tasty traditional Moroccan breakfast and freshly brewed Berber tea.

Must be booked in advance as these excursions tend to be in high demand. I assure you it's worth the early start!

A perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech during your April visit is to book a full-day getaway to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, just over 150 kilometres from the city.

A local guide will show you all the sights until you reach an amazing natural waterfall where the water cascades down from a height of 110 metres. You can take a dip in the inviting cool waters of the Abid River in the wild nature with the company of the friendly local monkeys that inhabit the area.

The tour lasts about 7 hours and costs approximately €21 per person.

The Marathon des Sables is considered to be one of the toughest races in the world. It consists of a 250-kilometre run in just seven days over dunes and rocky terrain in extremely hot temperatures.

The race is usually held during the first week of April and is open to all daring enough to sign up, the only condition being that they are in good health.

So, if you consider yourself a great athlete and think you are ready to face this difficult race, don't miss the opportunity to take part in this adventure, I assure you it will be a once in a lifetime experience.

One of the events par excellence is the Grand Prix Hassan II, which takes place every year between the first and second week of April at the Royal Tennis Club of Marrakech.

It is one of the most popular events in the city, being the only professional tennis tournament (ATP) held in Morocco. Moreover, it is entirely financed by the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI.

The Jardin'art Festival is also held in April in the Jardin des Arts in the city. It consists of several botany-related events, which adorn the park with exhibitions, ephemeral sculptures and other magnificent floral displays.

It's a great place to go with children, as they can enjoy gardening workshops and other activities for them. In the evenings, concerts are organised where local artists perform and create a very pleasant atmosphere.

Admission is free.

The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) is one of the most exciting international car championships, where the best drivers in the industry compete alongside the most prestigious car brands.

Every year, the championship stops off in Marrakech, usually on the first weekend in April. It is held at the Moulay El Hassan Circuit, a fascinating urban route through the city.

If you are a fan of speed, make the most of your visit to Marrakech in April to stop off at the most impressive car tour in Africa: excitement and adrenaline are guaranteed.

Ramadan is the most important holy event in Morocco. It is celebrated every year and usually takes place between March and June.

During this holy month, which lasts 29 or 30 days, Muslims around the world are obliged to abstain from eating and drinking during the day, until sunset.

Because of this celebration, the pace of the city changes, and slows down. Shops, transport, restaurants and cultural monuments are likely to be closed or change their opening hours.

If you are going to visit Marrakesh, April is the best time to do so, as the spring temperatures will allow you to visit every corner of the city in comfort and to make your excursions without suffering from the stifling heat of summer or the bad weather of winter.

In summer, temperatures usually reach over 40ºC and winter is the rainy season. Spring, and more specifically the month of April, is the perfect time to visit Marrakech, as the average temperature is 26ºC.

• Lightweight clothing in cool, breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton.
• It gets cooler at night so don't forget to pack a jumper and some warmer long trousers.
• Marrakech is a fairly conservative city, so choose loose-fitting clothes that cover your legs and shoulders.
• Comfortable, breathable shoes that you can walk in without suffering from chafing and sores.
• Remember that the sun is very intense there, so you should always wear a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Mosquito repellent.