The picturesque seaside town of Essaouira, with its ancient Portuguese ramparts and bright blue and white painted houses, is perhaps one of the best known coastal towns in Morocco, and can be reached easily by road from Marrakech in just under 3 hours, or from the UK on the new direct flights in just about the same time!
Essaouira still remains remarkably unspoilt by tourism and has a distinctly laid-back atmosphere. Walking around the Medina, is like being transported back in time, as you rub shoulders with long-robed locals, while exploring the fascinating array of traditional souks, art galleries and restaurants, including the harbour-side fish market where you can buy fresh fish directly and even have it cooked for your lunch!
- Essaouira Medina: 1 min walk
- Charming, traditional riad
- Terrace with panoramic views, dining room, great for groups!
- Essaouira Medina 2 mins walk
- Legendary, stylish, traditional riad
- Hammam, massage rooms, bar and restaurant
- Essaouira Medina 5 mins walk
- Family friendly
- Lovely pool and gardens
- Essaouira Medina 25 mins drive
- Family friendly hideaway moments from the beach
- Hammam, swimming pool, tennis court, camel rides and water sports
- Essaouira Medina 15 mins drive
- Countryside retreat with pool, perfect for small groups
- Access to restaurant and larger heated pool nearby
- Oualidia - 10 mins walk
- Pretty gardens and pool
- Direct access to beach
The warm temperatures in Essaouira remain remarkably constant all the year round, and there is always a breeze, which attracts both wind-surfers and sun lovers to this resort’s lovely horseshoe bay and sandy beaches, where seagulls swoop beneath perfect blue skies. There’s also plenty to do here for both couples and families with young children; the wide sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing, walking or camel riding, and there are many restaurants and beach clubs to relax in, soak up the sunshine and enjoy some delicious fish menus.
Just a short drive from Essaouira, lies the tranquil village of Sidi Kaouki, which overlooks a sweeping bay and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Once a haven for hippies and keen surfers, this unpretentious village has now become popular with weekenders and a favourite retreat for families, looking to recharge their batteries and get close to nature, the sea and the sandy beach. With the direct flights into Essaouira, from both London and Paris, visitors have increased to the Sidi Kaouki region, resulting in a wider choice of local activities, restaurants and cafes, to suit all tastes.
Originally a small fishing village, Oualidia is a small and friendly seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, which in spite of having become more popular over the last few years, has still managed to retain its laid-back charm, where everyday Moroccan life still continues…
We discovered Oualidia many years ago, when it was a well-kept secret and there were only a handful of small hotels and a large choice of small fish restaurants. With its superb sandy beaches and fabulous cobalt blue lagoon, it was easy to fall under its spell. Just under a 3 hour’s drive from both Marrakech and Essaouira, Oualidia is a wonderful place to visit to relax in, to swim, windsurf or sail and sample some of Morocco’s best seafood in one of its many beachside restaurants
There’s plenty of things to do for all the family; you can take boat trips on the lagoon, spot curlews, herons and pink migrating flamingos, haggle in the bustling souks and take the kids to the beach for some fishing in rock pools, or wind-surfing lessons.
