Amid Marrakech’s sepia-hued, sandstone buildings are smatterings of flourishing green spaces. Much quieter than the buzzing city souks and the cultural centrepiece, Jemaa el-Fna, these places offer peace and tranquillity. And you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see them where they’re placed, so they feel extra-inviting when you need a stroll among pure beauty.

Not sure where to visit? Between the more famous picks and the hidden gems, these are the gardens we’d recommend wandering in...

Jardin Majorelle

Dating back to 1923, the two-acre Jardin Majorelle has long been a stunner – so much so, in the 1980s, renowned fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent bought it. Nowadays, you’ll recognise those iconic Instagram shots of the block blue building enveloped by tall, prickly cacti. But that’s not all that’s there – you’ll also come across the very apt Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Berber Museum within the grounds. It has an effortlessly arty vibe accompanying its pops of kaleidoscopic Islamic works, and you’ll spy North African textiles as well as lots of flora. Fascinating sculptures, fountains and more than 15 species of local bird also adorn the gardens. It’s about 170 Moroccan dirhams to visit (roughly £13.50), and tickets are only available to purchase online, so make sure you book ahead!

Le Jardin Secret

Secret by name, but not so much by nature anymore – it’s such a hotspot that people really rave about it. Tucked down Rue Mouassine, Le Jardin Secret is an essential go-to before or after exploring the Ben Youssef Madrasa. The quaint complex’s humble origins hark back to the Saadian Dynasty, though today, you can amble down the emerald-hued tiles to reach the pavilion, rooftop café, tower and the orange and lemon trees that frame it. And you’ll hear the soft whisper of birdsong as you flit between the cacti and larger plants. Different species are signposted for reference, and there’s even a gift shop with bespoke-made items sold exclusively on-site. You also get this gorgeous brown-paper, parchment-style leaflet to peruse when you buy a ticket at the desk – they’re about 100 Moroccan dirhams (£8) per person.

Menara Gardens

With undulating Atlas Mountain views as the backdrop against the pavilion here, you can bet Menara Gardens happen to be a photographer’s dream. Punctuated by palm trees and blessed with a flowing pool and olive groves, it’s an unmissable sight when you’re holidaying in Marrakech. They’re situated outside the city walls, but that doesn’t stop anyone heading to this restful oasis. It’s one of the must-see landmarks that’s evolved from being a core element of a once-royal retreat to now a bucket-list box on a tourist’s itinerary. The gardens are free to access but you can pay for a guided tour if you want the full cultural experience.

Parque Lalla Hasna

You’ll find plenty of trees and leafy greenery at Parque Lalla Hasna, which surrounds Koutoubia Mosque. It offers a verdant patch of calm, studded with benches and the odd water feature, and the gardens are free to walk around. It’s a well-kept plot that sets a pretty scene around the place of worship, and it isn’t far from the thriving Jemaa el-Fna and the web of souks that jut off it. So it’s worth ticking off while you’re on your Marrakech city break.

Jnane El Harti Garden

Perhaps a little more arid than some of its lush-garden neighbours, Jnane El Harti lays on free botanical bliss for you to swing by and see. Cacti, dainty pink flowers and rows of towering trees and palms decorate this diverse area. What’s more, there’s also a dedicated rose garden – well worth the holiday snaps! It’s located past the roundabout in Gueliz, just a ten-minute taxi ride from the central markets. Or, if it isn’t too hot, you could stroll there leisurely within about 45 minutes, depending on where your riad or hotel is.

Ready to put your walking shoes on and admire some of Marrakech’s prettiest parks and most glorious gardens? We don’t blame you.