No. 03, The districts · 10 of 11
The Palmeraie: Marrakech's palm oasis on the northern edge
The Palmeraie is a palm oasis on the northern edge of Marrakech, traditionally dated to the Almoravids and watered by khettaras, underground channels from the foothills. Its palms number in the tens of thousands, often put at over 100,000. Go in early morning or the last hour before sunset, when the heat breaks.
Best timeEarly morning or the last hour before sunset
The Palmeraie at a glance
- Best time
- Early morning or the last hour before sunset, when the heat breaks.
- What it feels like
- A palm oasis on the city's northern edge: dust tracks, villas, camels and the Atlas on the horizon.
- Eat here
- Tea on a villa terrace; picnics under the palms.
- See
- Palm groves
- Old khettara (underground channel) lines
- Villas and gardens
An Almoravid oasis
The grove is traditionally dated to the Almoravid period, when khettaras, tunnels carrying water underground from the foothills, made it possible.
How many palms
Tens of thousands of palms, often put at over 100,000, across a wide area of groves, tracks and villas.
When to go
Early morning or the hour before sunset. In July and August highs are about 37 °C, so midday is for the shade.
What you'll see
Dust tracks, palm groves, villas and gardens, and on clear days the Atlas on the horizon.
Don't miss
- Palm groves
- Old khettara (underground channel) lines
- Villas and gardens
Msemen and mint tea
Lamb and prune tagine
Mint tea at a café on Jemaa el-Fnaa
Worth knowing before you go
- Agree any camel or ride price before you mount, and ask whether it covers the whole loop.
- Carry water; there is little shade on the tracks.
See The Palmeraie with someone who lives here
Tell us your dates and group size. A planner writes back within 24 hours with a plan and a fixed written quote. Asking costs nothing.
Questions people ask
How many palm trees are in the Palmeraie?
Tens of thousands, often put at over 100,000.
How old is the Palmeraie?
It is traditionally dated to the Almoravids, who founded Marrakech in the 11th century.
What is a khettara?
An underground channel that carries water from the foothills to the fields by gravity.