Menara Gardens Marrakesh
A historic 12th-century garden featuring a picturesque pavilion, vast olive groves, and a large reservoir, offering a tranquil escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Menara Gardens Marrakesh
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 12th-century garden featuring a picturesque pavilion, vast olive groves, and a large reservoir, offering a tranquil escape.
"A nice and beautiful area, with lots of palms and a very big pond. Looks better from the air."
Bring Cash for Entry
Carry enough Dirhams for the pavilion entry fee; not all places accept cards.
Picnic Paradise
The vast olive groves are perfect for a relaxing family picnic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Pavilion
Center of the reservoir
A historic pavilion set against a vast water reservoir, offering stunning photo opportunities, especially with planes overhead.
Expansive Olive Groves
Surrounding the gardens
Wander through ancient olive trees, providing ample shade and a serene atmosphere for a leisurely stroll or family picnic.
Fresh Fruit Juices
Stalls within the gardens
Refresh yourself with freshly squeezed orange juice or other local fruit drinks from vendors scattered throughout the gardens.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Cash is King
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Entry
Carry enough Dirhams for the pavilion entry fee; not all places accept cards. +1
Picnic Paradise
The vast olive groves are perfect for a relaxing family picnic.
Hydrate with Fresh Juice
Enjoy delicious and refreshing fresh fruit juices from local vendors.
Capture the Views
Great spot for photos, especially with the pavilion and planes flying over.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Entry
Carry enough Dirhams for the pavilion entry fee; not all places accept cards. +1
Picnic Paradise
The vast olive groves are perfect for a relaxing family picnic.
Hydrate with Fresh Juice
Enjoy delicious and refreshing fresh fruit juices from local vendors.
Capture the Views
Great spot for photos, especially with the pavilion and planes flying over.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Menara Gardens is appreciated for its historical significance, expansive olive groves, and the iconic pavilion, offering a peaceful escape and pleasant picnic spots. However, some visitors find it lacks extensive attractions and can appear somewhat neglected in certain areas, suggesting it's more of a brief stop than a major destination.
"Nothing much to see here and certainly not on the to-do list. It's basically a lake with a building in front. Takes about 45 mins max to go around and take some pics. To enter the building, there is ticket which in my opinion is no worth it. The entrance is surrounded by huge Olive farms. The place is guarded by some cool looking cops on horsebacks."
Shaik Masood
"Olive gardens, fresh fruit juice, huge water reservoir and lots of shade for family picnic."
Crimson 786
"Disgusting. Wow what an absolute mess this place is. Everything is falling apart. Trash sitting around, structures with huge holes in them… do not waste your time here. I recommend you go to the Hotel Mamunia and walk around their huge perfectly maintained grounds."
Jesse Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Menara Gardens is conveniently located near the airport, about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the city center. Using the 'InDrive' app is recommended for setting your price, aiming for around 50-60 Dirhams. Taxis are readily available, but agree on the fare beforehand if not using an app.
Yes, Menara Gardens is situated very close to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). You'll often see planes flying directly over the pavilion, making it a unique sight.
While taxis are the most common and convenient option, local buses may also serve the area. It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules upon arrival in Marrakech.
For getting around Marrakech, including to Menara Gardens, downloading the 'InDrive' app is highly recommended. It's Morocco's version of Uber, allowing you to set your own price for rides.
Yes, there are typically parking areas available for visitors arriving by car or taxi. However, it's always good to be prepared for potential crowds during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the gardens themselves is generally free. However, there is a small fee to enter the pavilion located in the center of the reservoir.
For the gardens, no advance booking is required. If you wish to enter the pavilion, it's usually possible to purchase tickets on-site, though booking ahead might be an option during very busy periods.
Menara Gardens typically opens in the morning and closes around sunset. It's best to check the most current opening hours upon your arrival in Marrakech, as they can vary seasonally.
The extensive olive groves surrounding the main garden area are generally accessible without an additional fee, contributing to the overall free access to the park's natural beauty.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic, especially to enjoy within the shaded olive groves.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic pavilion set against the water reservoir is a prime photo spot. The surrounding olive groves also offer beautiful, shaded backdrops. Keep an eye out for planes flying overhead for unique shots.
Photography is generally permitted within the pavilion, allowing you to capture its interior architecture and the views from its windows.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public spaces and near airports. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone in the vicinity of Menara Gardens.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and creating softer, more appealing images.
While the guards on horseback add to the ambiance, it's respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can stroll through the olive groves, admire the historic pavilion, enjoy a picnic, and refresh with local fruit juices. It's a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
Absolutely! The open spaces and shade from the olive trees make it a great spot for families to relax and play.
Yes, there are usually restrooms available, and small shops selling drinks and souvenirs can be found within the gardens.
A leisurely visit to Menara Gardens, including exploring the pavilion and enjoying the grounds, can take around 45 minutes to an hour.
The reservoir was historically used for irrigation of the surrounding olive groves and gardens, a testament to traditional Moroccan agricultural engineering.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day to ensure everyone stays comfortable. The availability of fresh fruit juices from local vendors also provides a healthy and tasty refreshment option for younger visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to capture the planes flying overhead, creating a dynamic contrast between the ancient gardens and modern aviation. The expansive olive groves also provide excellent opportunities for capturing atmospheric shots with dappled sunlight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
The architecture of the pavilion is simple yet elegant, offering a shaded retreat and a picturesque viewpoint. Its design reflects the traditional Moroccan aesthetic, blending harmoniously with the natural landscape. While the gardens themselves are expansive, the pavilion is the focal point, often depicted in stock images and postcards of Marrakech.
Visitors often note that while the gardens are pleasant, the true charm lies in their historical context and the tranquil atmosphere they provide. It's a place where you can imagine centuries of history unfolding amidst the rustling olive leaves.
Experiencing the Gardens: What to Expect
While the gardens are generally well-maintained, some reviews mention that certain areas might show signs of wear. However, the overall experience is one of tranquility and natural beauty. You can purchase fresh fruit juices from vendors within the gardens, a refreshing treat on a warm day.
For those seeking a peaceful respite from the bustling medina, Menara Gardens offers a welcome change of pace. It’s a place to relax, take photos, and appreciate the simple beauty of a historic Moroccan garden.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit