From Asilah in the north to Laayoune in the south, Morocco’s 1,000-kilometre Atlantic coastline is a succession of blue and white citadels, small fishing villages and wild, sandy beaches. Any Morocco holiday is complimented by adding a coastal experience to your personal itinerary. From Marrakech, one can easily add a few nights in either Essaouira or Oualidia (under 3 hours drive). From Fes one can either head north for Tangier or west to El Jadida, Oualidia or a bit further south Essaouira or the wonderful areas around Agadir. Even southern Morocco can be reached within a five hour drive from Agadir. Not to be missed!
With its brilliant blue and white architecture, windswept beach and easy-going charm, Essaouira is a popular excursion for day-trippers from Marrakech. It’s also a great place to kick back and relax for a few days.
Probably the best-known coastal town of Morocco, Essaouira has been occupied over the centuries by the Carthaginians, Romans and Portuguese. Behind the 18th century sea walls are thuya wood workshops, artists’ enclaves and silent alleyways where cats sun themselves and veiled women emerge from studded doorways. The harbour is a photographer’s dream, with fishing nets laid out on the quayside, boats unloading their catches and the smell of freshly-grilled sardines and lobster in the air.
Despite a wave of development, Tangier still retains the raffish charm it enjoyed as an International Zone from 1912 to 1956. Its radiant light, picturesque medina and fine views over the straights of Gibraltar have attracted artists and writers from Matisse to Paul Bowles and the Beat poets.
Our travel arrangements ran exactly to time...
Dear Max
We had a lovely time in Morocco. Our travel arrangements ran exactly to time and transfers vehicles were ready and waiting for us at each step of our journey. The accommodation we selected was perfect for us,each providing an oasis of calm with high quality service and food. The half day city tour was very interesting and informative. …
Novelist Anna Stothard travelled to Essaouira with Lawrence of Morocco in August 2012, writing for the Observer Magazine.
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