love souks Smata

I love souks as i find them so photogenic - the people and the variety and diversity and shapes and colours and designs of goods that are usually there and the vibrance of the atmsosphere. So ive been to quite a few around Morocco including those in combination with festivals - on my own but mostly with my moroccan connections - and shopped for orders from my UK moroccan friends eg babouches particularly of the type made in Tetouan.
And then also theres the souks in Tunisia that ive been to too - such as also the excellent Tunis souks! where i did buy some excellent babouches!

Not that it makes it fool proof or even easy! but it does make it a lot easier to have seen the ways of checking and comparing for quality and haggling for prices. Going to the artisanal ensembles helps too in seeing how low the set prices can be and therefore how low you should go in the souks - or in some cases how much cheaper we can get things haggling in the souks.

As for the souks of Marrakech its been said that they are renowned for their variety and high quality and that the craft of leatherworking is even said to have originated here and the craftsmen of Marrakech regarded as master-leatherworkers.
The souks are arranged and known by the type of goods on offer ie Souk Smata for its slippers and belts!but you will also find that as babouches are generally such saleable attractive items for tourists you will find them prominently placed in shops soon after entering the souk and also in the covered markets (kissarias).

Generally aim for babouches that you particularly like of course - and as for price if they ask for 200 dhm or more they are probably worth around 80 dirham - yes even for good leather - or even 60! and if going for nice leather ones check that the leathers soft and nice quality and dont smell!

Leather pouffes are also a favourite and good value - if you haggle well - a standard design should be about 120-150 dirham for medium sized pouffe - the ones that look fabulous and are all one colour of beautifuly soft leather or with lots of colour and work on them can be up to 350 dirham with good haggling - check the smell though - have a good whiff for that nice smell of leather - if its got a pong it probably wont get any better but rather worse and sorry but...stink your house out!....especiallly leather lamps, use something like a fire lighter if you have or ask for some matches to test to apply some heat to the leather and see what aroma is achieved...if its not good quality leather it will release an aroma you dont like.....

Address: Place jemaa el-fna via rue du souk smarine
Directions: In between Rue Souk el-Attarine and Rue Souq el-Kebir. It can help to utilise a guide for a first visit to the souks to locate various souks and sights especially if you dont have much time.


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Moroccan Slippers

Moroccan Slippers

HLATC 1985.14.6, Slippers (babouches), Morocco, 1975-1985

One of my most recent photography projects was a group of footwear from Morocco. This heavily decorated pair of slippers (babouches) was likely created for wear at a special occasion, such as a wedding.



Notice how the slippers don't have backs, very similar to shoes we would call "mules." These slippers were made by the Berber people, traditionally a Muslim culture. The shoes not having backs is likely to allow for easy removal upon entering the Mosque for daily prayer.

An added benefit of backless shoes is allowing for more air circulation, keeping the wearer cool in the heat of Morocco!

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Popular Coastal Cities in Morocco

Morocco may conjure images of sand dunes, dusty mountain trail heads and steamy medina alleyways, but that doesn’t mean those are your only travel options. In fact, not only does Morocco have an extensive coastline to explore, but its coastal cities are some of the most beautiful in the country.

Whether you’re looking for sand or surf, a holiday in Morocco can provide it all. Here are some of the must-see cities on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Sidi Ifni – In the far south you’ll find Sidi Ifni, a former Spanish port city that still wears much of its history on its sleeve. The town’s art deco architecture is one of the main tourist draws, but don’t overlook the dramatic seaside cliffs and roaring surf below.

Mirlift – Just north of Sidi Ifni is the tiny fishing village of Mirlift. Easily reached by taxi or bus from Tiznit (15 km down the road), it’s an easy day trip, and one that promises a mellow atmosphere. Stroll along the wide sands, collect shells and beach glass or explore the caves on the northern edge of the beach.

Agadir – Truly Morocco’s beach town, the city was all but destroyed in the 1960 earthquake. The government rebuilt it brick by brick but with an eye for tourism and beachgoers. Visitors can now lounge on the beach or watch the world go by at a boardwalk café. You may even want to head out to one of the many nightclubs.

Essaouira – Have you seen Othello? What about Kingdom of Heaven? If yes, then you’ve seen Essaouira. The new town is built up around the original Spanish fortress, which contains the medina, markets and much of the original fortress structures, including cannons along the waterfront ramparts. The wide sandy beach is also excellent but the city is truly known for kite surfing. The constant off-shore winds provide ideal conditions almost year round, and you’ll be hard pressed to go a day without at least a few daredevils showing their stuff in the water.

Safi – Safi is a beach town, but if you want a beach experience, its best to look elsewhere. Where Safi truly shines is in its ceramics and pottery industry. The city boasts some of the finest work in the country and at the best prices available.

Ceuta/Melilla – These two cities are not Moroccan, but they’re a fun, easy diversion if you’re in Morocco for a long period of time. Both cities still belong to Spain and boast all the trappings of Europe just a stone’s throw from Morocco’s larger northern cities.

Rabat – Rabat’s beach is not much more than a few dozen yards of sand, roped off from port traffic, but that’s not the true draw of the city. Here, the sea sits as backdrop to a thriving medina, dramatic citadel and a fascinating history, all in the current government’s backyard. The fresh fish and sea air serve only to deepen the experience.

Tangier – Tangier has long been considered the gateway to Morocco and for good reason. Sitting on the southern edge of the Straight of Gibraltar, Tangier is but a short ferry ride from Spain, and many visitors to the city are there for their first taste of North African and Arab culture. While you’re there, check out the café hang out of your favorite author (believe me, they’ve been).

Saidia – This Mediterranean town boasts a beach nearly 14 kilometers long, making it an obvious draw for beach lovers. The city is easily reached from Oujda and hosts a folk festival every summer.

What coastal cities do you admire in Morocco – tell our team at Journey Beyond Travel in our comments section below.


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