Morocco Gardens Majorelle to Menara

Built 1923 by Jacques Majorelle, restored by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980

The iconic cobalt blue villa surrounded by exotic plants from five continents

The most visited garden in Morocco and the second most popular attraction in the country after the medina itself. French painter Jacques Majorelle spent 40 years creating this botanical fantasy, which was rescued from demolition by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge in 1980. The garden contains over 300 species of plants, including bamboo groves, bougainvillea, cacti, and water lilies. The signature cobalt blue (now called Majorelle Blue) creates striking contrasts with the yellow pots and green vegetation.

16th century, fully restored 2016

A restored historic riad garden in the heart of the medina with two garden styles

Hidden within the medina walls, this 16th-century palace garden was painstakingly restored and opened in 2016. It features two distinct gardens: an Islamic Garden following the traditional chahar bagh layout with a central marble fountain, and an Exotic Garden with tropical plants from around the world. The tower (accessible for an extra 40 MAD) offers panoramic views over the medina rooftops to the Atlas Mountains.

12th century Almohad dynasty

Iconic Atlas Mountain reflections in the ancient basin

The oldest garden in Marrakech, created by the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century as a royal retreat. The centrepiece is a vast rectangular reflecting pool (the menara) fed by an underground irrigation system that has functioned for 800 years. Behind the pool stands a green-tiled pavilion, and behind that, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains create the most photographed view in Marrakech.

12th century, expanded 19th century

400 hectares of royal orchards behind the Bahia Palace

These vast royal gardens stretch south from the Royal Palace for over 3 km. Originally planted by the Almohads, they contain centuries-old olive, orange, pomegranate, and fig trees irrigated by a system of underground channels (khettaras) bringing water from the Atlas Mountains 30 km away. Two large basins (the Tank of Health and the Tank of Stars) served as swimming pools for the sultans.

Created 2016 by Andre Heller

A contemporary art garden with sculptures amid lush tropical planting

Austrian artist Andre Heller created this fantastical garden in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Part botanical garden, part open-air gallery, Anima combines thousands of plant species with large-scale sculptures, mosaics, and art installations. The garden is built on terraces following the natural slope of the land, with water features, a bamboo forest, and whimsical surprises around every corner.

18th century, restored 2011

The largest public garden in Fes with ancient trees and a lake

Located just outside Bab Boujloud (the famous blue gate), these 18th-century royal gardens were restored by the city of Fes with Italian funding in 2011. The 7.5-hectare park features mature trees (some over 200 years old), rose gardens, a small lake, fountains, and a network of paths shaded by towering palms, cypress, and jacaranda. It is the main green escape for Fes residents.

20th century, French protectorate era

Serene walled garden inside the Kasbah of the Udayas

Perched within the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg river, these gardens were designed in the Andalusian style during the French colonial period. Geometric flower beds, citrus trees, bougainvillea, and jasmine fill the walled space with fragrance. The views from the kasbah walls above the garden extend across the river to Sale.

Created 1951 by Marcel Francois

A tropical jungle hidden on the Rabat-Kenitra road

French horticulturist Marcel Francois created this 4.5-hectare tropical garden over decades, importing thousands of species from Asia, South America, and Polynesia. The result is an improbable jungle in North Africa, with towering bamboo, banana groves, rare palms, and a Chinese garden. After years of decline, it has been partially restored and remains one of Morocco's most surprising botanical attractions.

18th century, modernized 2005

Public park with free Wi-Fi between the medina and Gueliz

This 8-hectare park occupies the site of an 18th-century royal garden and was renovated as a public technology park in 2005. While not as botanically spectacular as Majorelle, it serves as the main public green space between the old medina and the new city. Olive trees, palm-lined walks, fountains, and rose beds make it a pleasant shortcut between Jemaa el-Fnaa and the Gueliz district.