The Palmeraie is the palm grove of Marrakech, a green area of about 15,000 hectares located about 8 km northwest of Marrakech. 15,000 hectares, located about 8 km northwest of Marrakech. of the city.
You will see references to it in many tourist-oriented locals, as it has become an attraction for very different profiles of travelers.
Therefore, in this post we tell you why it can be interesting to visit it, in case you want to know it during the free moments that your circuit leaves you.
What is it, from a natural and historical point of view?
The palm grove of Marrakech combines natural and historical interest.
This is because it is an area with a large concentration of date palms (about 100,000), whichaccording to some estimates).
It is true that its density is not as great as other famous palm groves located on the other side of the Atlas, such as Skoura, but its proximity to the city favors its visit by many travelers interested in this type of tree, which in many cases reaches a considerable height.
This height is due to the longevity of some specimens.
It is known that this palm grove has been here for centuries: it was most probably created during the Almoravid period (11th century).
Este árbol no suele vivir más de 400 años, pero dado que ha habido reposición natural desde entonces, es fácil suponer que muchos de sus ejemplares tienen varios siglos de vida.
But its historical value is not only that: its origin is due to the hand of man, who planted the first specimens to economically exploit the tree (its fruits, dates, and leaves, appreciated in basketry, weaving and so on).
For the palm grove to survive in such an arid environment, the scarce water from the humble Tensift River was not enough, so it was necessary to bringing water by means of khettarasirrigation system that extracts water from subway layers and channels it through tunnels under the surface.
What is it and what to do, from a tourism point of view?
In recent times, some sectors of the Marrakech Palm Grove have undergone major urban development, turning it into a resort area. resort area: its quiet location and its historical and naturalIts quiet location and its historical and natural symbolism have prompted large hotel chains to build huge structures here for accommodation and enjoyment.One of the favorite activities for those who stay here is golf. golfThe Rotana Palmeraie Golf Club is located here, one of the few golf courses in the city’s surroundings.
It is the Golf Club Rotana Palmeraie, which allows the golfer to walk through its 18 holes among centenary palm treesThe palm trees are surrounded by a carpet of grass that gives greenery to the landscape, which the palm grove outside the enclosure lacks.
But the Marrakech Palm Grove is not only for the enjoyment of resort guests and golf club users: excursions are also organized from the city for other activities.
One of the most famous are the rides in dromedaryThere is ample space here to come into contact with these noble animals, so accustomed to the arid conditions of the desert.
More adrenaline from the ATV rides organized here: this vehicle, associated with stony and sandy roads such as those found here, is the protagonist of routes lasting one or several hours, allowing you to visit the most important places in the palm grove.
And for the most classic and sporty people, we also organize hiking trails The tours are designed for those who wish to focus on discovering the natural and historical value of the Marrakech palm grove.