The list of surprising souks in Morocco could be endless: the popular street markets are at the very essence of the country, and all cities and towns have one. Some are permanent and others temporary, and you will identify them by their name in Arabic: souk, from which the term in Spanish comes. In these souks it is possible to find all kinds of products, especially handicrafts and food. But there are some souks that specialize in some type of article or technique, or are famous for their picturesque atmosphere. In this post we list some of them in case you want to and can visit them during your tour of the country.
Marrakech: a World Heritage Souk
Marrakech can boast of having one of the few markets that are declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, so it could not be missing in this post about the surprising souks in Morocco: the one in Jemaa el-Fna Square. Here, the important thing is not so much the merchandise for sale, which is very varied, but the popular and evocative atmosphere that is produced at the foot of the medina walls.
Spice Souk in Fez
The medina of Fez is the largest in the world, so inside it houses some neighborhoods of artisans and shops that function as authentic permanent souks. One of the most surprising souks in Morocco is the spice souk, which still are sold in bulk in sacks. Given the extraordinary variety of products, its interest is visual due to the color it has, but also olfactory, due to the genuine aroma that is breathed, creating an authentic ras el hanout in your nose.
Tanner’s Souk in Fez
There is no doubt that leather goods are one of the hallmarks of the country. And the most important souk in terms of leather is the Chowara souk, in the medina of Fez. Here, the aroma is also characteristic, because inside, natural leathers are still dyed and treated, as in the past, and then put on sale without leaving the neighborhood.
Ceramic Souk in Safi
Although Fez also has great prestige in the production of ceramics, another of the iconic cities for this craft is Safi, a destination with a Portuguese influence on the Atlantic coast. Here is a neighborhood called the hill of the potters where it is still possible to see how these masters of clay work in situ. And of course, buy all kinds of articles made with this material, which are stacked spectacularly all over the street. From plates to vases, passing through tagines and countless products of artistic and colorful shapes.
Artistic Souk in Essaouira
But the souk that perhaps has a more artistic and bohemian air is that of Essaouira, located inside the walled medina, south of the Bab Doukkala gate, around Mohamed Zerktouni Avenue. Like any other souk in the country, countless stalls of very varied products coexist, but you will undoubtedly find some of the most creative, such as textiles, canvases or sculptures in plant materials that would give an exotic and charming touch to any corner of the house or office.
Animal Souk in Rissani
Finally, we mention the animal souk in Rissani even though its genre, obviously, you will not be able to bring it as a souvenir back home. But it is worth knowing because it is a very traditional market, where it is traded with sheep, goats and even donkeys which, by the way, also serve as a means of transport and are parked in a specific and nearby parking for them.
In any case, if you are looking for surprising souks in Morocco, we recommend that you find out on your route, as there are many markets that are organized weekly in any locality, and also those that are set up in an extraordinary way to celebrate some local moussem.
