The Palmeraie is a 13,000-hectare palm grove on the northern edge of Marrakech — a landscape of over 100,000 date palms planted during the Almoravid dynasty in the 11th century that has been both an agricultural resource (the dates, olives, and gardens irrigated by the khettara system) and a recreational retreat for nine centuries. The palm grove is traditionally said to have grown from date stones discarded by the Almoravid army as they ate their provisions during the siege of Marrakech.
The Palmeraie's character has changed dramatically in recent decades — luxury hotels, golf courses, and gated residential compounds have colonised much of the grove, and the traditional irrigation system (which sustained the palms for centuries) has been disrupted by groundwater extraction for the new developments. The tension between heritage preservation and commercial development is one of Marrakech's most visible environmental debates.
Despite the development, the central sections of the Palmeraie retain their agricultural character, and a camel ride or quad bike excursion through the palm groves provides a glimpse of the landscape that has surrounded Marrakech since its founding. The golden light filtering through the palm canopy in the late afternoon creates the kind of luminous atmosphere that has attracted painters and photographers since Orientalist artists began visiting Morocco in the 19th century. The Palmeraie is a 15-minute drive from the medina.
Verified Facts
The Palmeraie covers approximately 13,000 hectares
The palm grove contains over 100,000 date palms
The palms were planted during the Almoravid dynasty in the 11th century
The grove is irrigated by a traditional khettara water system
Get walking directions
Circuit de la Palmeraie, Marrakech
