Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent, especially regarding serious diagnoses that must be addressed quickly. That was certainly the case when my husband, Eldar, was diagnosed with cancer and received immediate, high-quality care — something he has written about here.
But getting help can take time for less urgent conditions. Eldar experienced this firsthand and found a creative way around it during a one-week visit to Marrakech, Morocco.
Last summer, Eldar became concerned about a small growth under his right eye. He consulted his doctor, who referred him to a dermatologist. Autumn came. The growth had grown slightly, and Eldar was sure it was a basal cell carcinoma. He had one removed from his chest many years ago. He checked with his doctor about his place in the queue. The answer was discouraging: due to a doctor’s extended leave, no appointments would be available for many months.
At the same time, Eldar and I spontaneously booked round-trip tickets from Porto to Marrakech with Ryanair for just 88 euros. The deal was too good to pass up. Once Eldar realized how long he would have to wait for treatment, he got an idea: why not get the growth removed at a local clinic in Marrakech? And that’s precisely what we did.
We flew out of Portugal’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and landed late at night at Marrakech Menara Airport. There have been concerns online about arriving at this airport, but perhaps due to the late hour, our arrival was smooth and peaceful. We had booked a Ríad (a traditional Moroccan guesthouse) within our budget. We were picked up from the airport and driven through softly lit streets. The silence of the city at night created a solemn and serene welcome. I quietly whispered, “Morocco, I’m really here now.”
The Ríad was everything I had hoped for: clean, atmospheric, and tucked away within the walls of the old town. The décor felt like stepping into a Moroccan painting, with warm earth tones, elegant arches, and the gentle charm of the inner courtyard. The staff welcomed us with patient kindness, making our late check-in feel effortless.
We were lucky to stay near the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the medina.
A medina is the historic heart of many North African cities. Often surrounded by ancient walls and made up of narrow, winding streets, it’s where tradition thrives. It has bustling souks (markets), artisan workshops, old mosques, and family-run homes. Walking through a medina is like stepping into a living museum: chaotic, colorful, and full of stories.
Most days, we explored on foot, only taking a taxi to the clinic Eldar had found online. I’ll admit, the medina initially overwhelmed me. The noise, the crowds, the dizzying array of scents and sounds… it was a sensory storm. But once I let go of trying to control the pace, I began to feel Marrakech. Shops burst with color and texture: woven carpets, glassware, spices piled high like pyramids, leather goods, and sweets. My eyes were in constant motion, catching glimpses of things I’d only seen in travel documentaries or imagined during our planning stages.
The food was rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. This foodie was happy with tagines, couscous, fresh mint tea, and desserts.
When we visited the skin clinic, it felt like entering a different world. The building was modern, minimalist, and serene, starkly contrasting the vibrant chaos outside. The doctor was professional and reassuring, and the staff were welcoming and efficient. This improvised visit felt almost surreal, woven into a journey of color and spontaneity.
With just a week in the city, we took a relaxed approach. The Red City has many attractions, but we didn’t rush to tick them all off. There was no pressure, just the joy of waking up slowly and choosing a local restaurant or experience for the day. My husband went for a massage, and I tried a traditional hammam at another Ríad.
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan steam bath, deeply rooted in Islamic and North African culture. It’s not just about cleansing the body; it’s a social and spiritual ritual. You move through rooms of increasing heat, followed by exfoliation and rinsing, often with black soap and scrubbing mitts. Locals go regularly, and visitors usually describe it as intense and rejuvenating. It was both literal and symbolic for me: the washing away of built-up stress.
One afternoon, I had a cinematic moment. I wandered and got lost in the souks, watched the sunset over the city while sipping tea, and listened to the prayer call echoing in the distance. The trip gave us so much. It was short but rich, intentional yet full of life. I came away with deeper insight into a culture that pulses with generosity, rhythm, and art.
The removal of the skin growth took only a few minutes and cost us just 60 euros. And yes, Eldar was right. It was a basal cell carcinoma. We spared ourselves a long wait and the Spanish healthcare system a minor procedure 🙂
Here are some of our photos:
