'So unchanged it is almost otherworldly': the oasis town of Skoura, Morocco

As I step into Skoura, Morocco's oasis town, a sense of tranquility washes over me. The temperature drops, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of palm trees and damp earth. It's easy to understand why desert travelers have long sought refuge in these havens, seeking peace and solace from the harsh desert landscape.

The town itself is a testament to its rich history, founded by Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur in the 12th century as an important stop for the trans-Saharan trade. The intricate network of irrigation canals, known as khettara, brings water from the Atlas Mountains, a remarkable feat of engineering that dates back over 2,500 years.

As I wander through the town, I'm struck by the simplicity and charm of its rammed-earth architecture. The houses are cool in the summer and warm in the winter, thanks to their thick walls made of mud and palms or wood. Roofs are flat, with grass or palm fronds poking out above the gutters to direct water away.

Skoura is a place where time stands still, where the rhythms of rural life remain unchanged. I love exploring the town's narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of everyday life. The chicken and chips sold in roadside cafes are a particular highlight – crispy skin, fresh bread, spicy harissa sauce, and salted tomatoes all combine for a delicious meal.

One of my favorite experiences is exploring the town on a bicycle, winding through the date palms and discovering hidden gems along the way. I've learned about the unique relationship between male and female palm trees, with males needed for pollination but not bearing fruit, and how farmers climb the trunks in their bare feet to harvest.

The local food scene is also a highlight, with traditional dishes like tagine and meatballs cooked in tomato sauce on offer in all the restaurants. And then there's L'ma Lodge, a French-Belgian couple's organic garden and restaurant that's a must-visit for any foodie.

As I prepare to leave Skoura, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated – like I've undergone decompression therapy. This tranquil oasis town is a world away from the crowded markets of Marrakech or the clubs of Casablanca, a reminder of how to live in simplicity and harmony with nature.

In short, Skoura is a place that will leave you feeling calm, refreshed, and inspired to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. It's a haven for those seeking peace and tranquility, and a reminder of Morocco's rich history and cultural heritage.

I mean, can you even imagine living in Skoura?! it's like they're basically taking all the chill vibes from the desert and wrapping them around this tiny oasis town in a big ol' hug I'm literally drooling thinking about those chicken and chips in roadside cafes - crispy skin, fresh bread, spicy harissa sauce... what more could you ask for?!

And have you seen those khettara irrigation canals? like 2,500 years old! that's some serious ancient engineering skills right there I love how the houses are all made of mud and palms or wood - it's like they're saying, "Hey, we've got this whole desert thing covered"

But what really gets me is how Skoura still feels like a normal village, you know? no crowds, no noise pollution... just people living their best lives under the sun I mean, who wouldn't want to leave their stress behind and take up residence in a palm tree-lined paradise?! it's like they're saying, "Come for the peace, stay for the tranquility"

I don’t usually comment but I just got back from Skoura and it was love at first sight! The way they incorporate nature into their architecture is so cool . I mean, who wouldn't want to live in a house with walls made of mud and palm trees? It's like they're one with the environment, you know? And the food! Oh man, I tried all the local specialties and my fave was those crispy chicken and chips . But what really gets me is how they've managed to preserve this ancient way of life. It's like a breath of fresh air from the chaos of the cities. And have you seen their bike paths? They're so scenic ! I think we could all learn a thing or two from Skoura about living in harmony with nature and taking it easy .

I was thinking about trying to learn how to cook all these delicious Moroccan dishes I've been reading about... like tagine with chicken and preserved lemons , or b'stilla pastry filled with meat and spices . And have you ever tried making a proper cup of coffee in a traditional Turkish ibrik? It's all about the brewing process and getting that perfect balance of strong and smooth ️. I mean, I love the idea of Skoura being this peaceful oasis town, but sometimes I think what I really need is a good strong coffee to get me going in the morning .

Skoura's got this old-school charm I mean, how cool is it that they've been using the same irrigation system from like 2500 years ago? It's not exactly innovative, but you know what? Sometimes simplicity is the best innovation of all. And let's be real, who needs a fancy smart home when you can have a mud and palm wall that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter? I'm not saying Skoura's perfect or anything, but it's definitely a breath of fresh air from all the tech overload we get nowadays.

I'm not entirely sure I buy this "oasis town" vibe. Like, isn't Skoura just a small village with some ancient buildings and stuff? And what's up with all the romanticized descriptions of it being "tranquility personified"? Can someone provide me with some actual facts and figures to back up these claims? I mean, 2,500-year-old irrigation systems are cool and all, but how big is this town really?

And another thing, what's the deal with the chicken and chips in roadside cafes? Are they actually that delicious or is this just tourist hype?

I'm not saying Skoura isn't worth visiting or anything, but I need some credible sources to back up all these claims before I start planning my own trip there.

Skoura is like a breath of fresh air , you know? I've been reading about this oasis town in Morocco and it sounds like the ultimate chill spot . The way they've managed to bring water from the Atlas Mountains 2,500 years ago is just mind-blowing . And have you seen those rammed-earth houses? So cool , I mean, literally.

I love how they've preserved this piece of history and made it into a thriving community again. The food scene sounds amazing too - who wouldn't want to try that chicken and chips with harissa sauce?

What I find really interesting is the connection between nature and daily life in Skoura. It's like they've found this perfect balance between living off the land and enjoying the simple things. And it's not just the town itself, but also the people and their traditions.

Anyway, if you ever get the chance to visit Skoura, you should totally take it . Trust me, you won't regret it . It's like a mini-vacation from the hustle and bustle of city life, and a reminder that there's still so much beauty in the world waiting to be discovered .

I'm totally obsessed with this desert oasis town Skoura! The way they've maintained their traditional architecture and farming methods is so inspiring. I mean, who wouldn't want to live in a house made of mud and palms? It's like they're defying the heat and taking care of themselves naturally. Plus, that food scene sounds amazing - tagine and meatballs cooked to perfection! And have you ever tried biking through date palm forests? It's like a dream come true! I've been trying to implement some of these eco-friendly practices in my own DIY projects, like making natural insulation for my home using recycled materials. It's all about living simple and sustainable, you know?

Skoura, Morocco sounds like an amazing getaway spot . I mean, who wouldn't want to escape the heat with some palm trees and damp earth? It's cool that it has such a rich history and its khettara irrigation system is over 2,500 years old – that's some serious engineering skills! The rammed-earth architecture must be really cool too, all thick-walled and stuff. And the food sounds delicious - chicken and chips with spicy harissa sauce? Yes, please! What I love about Skoura is how it feels like time stands still, you know? Like, people are just living their best lives, no stress or drama. It's so refreshing to explore a place that's not all touristy and crowded. I'm definitely adding Skoura to my bucket list now - it sounds like the ultimate chill destination!