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.
Lawrence of Morocco made this a very enjoyable.
Hi Max,
Overall a great holiday:
Les Deux Tours - loved this hotel, food was excellent, service was ok, but could have been better, internet connection was sporadic. Superb setting.
Medina Treasures Tour - was too long for us, we didn't finish it til half one and it was a really hot day. Was interesting though and worth doing. Our …
Freelance travel writer, Stephen Bayley, travelled to Fes with Lawrence of Morocco in April 2013, writing for the Independent.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
