08 Atlantic Coast and Medinas

Overview

Our recommendations

Season: all year round.

Length: 7 nights.

Flights: Marrakech

Destinations: Marrakech can be combined with the traditional coastal town of Essaouira, or the lagoon side village of Oualidia.

Alternatively the traditional walled town of Taroudant can be combined with the cliff top village of Mirleft or the coastal resort of Agadir.

Pricing: See Details tab - from £395 pp based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options: Car (self-drive or with driver) outside Marrakech; coach from Essaouira to Marrakech possible. All travel times are approximate.

Extension options: Essaouira, Oualidia, Mirleft, Rabat (Atlantic Coast), or High Atlas Mountains (Ourika Valley or Ouirgane or Imlil).

Activity options: ** Day or overnight trekking on horse, camel or foot in the High Atlas or Marrakech and day excursions from Marrakech.

Weather: Please have a look at our 'Weather' page with further details and an average temperature guideline in various locations throughout the year.

Details

Atlantic Coast and Medinas Holiday Suggestion

We reocommend a holiday of 7 nights split between 2 wonderful different locations, for example:

Prices from £395 per person (7 nights) excluding flights*

Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Riad Zahra (Essaouira) and Riad El Borj, (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Location

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so.  One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors.  From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

Essaouira

Essaouira is a charming town on the Atlantic coast 2.5 hrs west of Marrakech. Built by the Portuguese it has a photogenic traditional fishing harbour and a wonderful fortified medina (a World Heritage Site) with a wide range of shopping in traditional souks, a good range of restaurants and a large range of activities for all the family. It is a great place to relax or be as energetic as you wish, and offers a number of water sports related courses on a huge sandy beach a short walk from the medina.

Oualidia (Alternative to Essaouira)

By contrast to Essaouira, Oualidia is a village overlooking a spectacular lagoon with safe swimming on the Atlantic coast, famous for its oysters and migratory birds. About 3 hrs north west of Marrakech and 2.5 hrs north of Essaouira, it is more difficult to get to than Essaouira, hence has fewer tourists.