08 Atlantic Coast and Medinas

Suggested Itinerary Number : 08

Atlantic Coast And Medinas

Relax around the smaller fishing towns, harbours and beaches on the Atlantic coast, and enjoy access to a range of beachs, sports and activities and explore the contrasting Medinas of Marrakech, Essaouira or Rabat.

Overview: Suggested length 7-10 nights, all year round, flights into Marrakech (Casablanca possible). 3 centre itinerary can be circular starting at Marrakech or Casablanca.

• 2-5 days Essaouira and/or Oualidia
• 2-5 days Marrakech and/or Rabat

Extension options - Rabat, or High Atlas Mountains (Ourika valley or Ouirgane or Imlil).

Transport options - Taxi or car (self-drive or with driver); coach from Essaouira to Marrakech possible; train from Marrakech to Rabat recommended.

Activity options – Treks on horses, camels or on foot in Essaouira; bird watching in Oualidia; windsurfing, kite surfing and surfing in Essaouira or Oualidia. 

Essaouira

Boasting a photogenic traditional fishing harbour and a wonderful fortified medina (a World Heritage Site), this charming town - 2.5 hrs west of Marrakech - built by the Portuguese, offers 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

By contrast to Essaouira, Oualidia is a large 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 a peaceful except in August.

Azzemour

A small town 90 km north of Oualidia, popular amongst artists and sculpture inspired by the Portuguese fortress overlooking the estuary.  It is an interesting day trip from Oualidia, or lunch stop en route to Rabat.

Rabat

Three hours by car or taxi from Oualidia, Rabat is the current administrative capital of Morocco sees relatively few tourists. Well known for its pretty Kasbah des Oudayas overlooking the sea and estuary, ruins of the Chellah inhabited by storks, the incomplete Tour Hassan and the ornate mausoleum of Mohammed V.

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.

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