Holidays to Marrakech
Holidays to Marrakech. Morocco is infectious. I’m a repeat offender of Morocco with no plans of changing. It’s a special place that’s energy keeps you coming back for more. As you know, this trip was an impulse reaction to a 2-for-1 flight deal and a desperate plea for rest and relaxation. Morocco was precisely the culture-slap, forced pause and recitation of my long-dormant creativity I so desperately needed. Without even knowing it. A week spent exploring chaotic Marrakech, hippie-esque Essaouira and melting away the days in the Atlas Mountains – a sensory overload in the best of ways.
I could spend weeks writing about Morocco and everything you need to know if you’re considering making the trip. In fact, that’s exactly what I plan to do! Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing travel blog posts that will not only inspire but also share useful information to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Morocco is a destination that can feel incredibly daunting and so I wanted to simplify that for you. A one-week road trip through the southern part of Morocco. Fortunately for you, I’ve already mapped out the route so you won’t have to and it’s the perfect itinerary to ease your way into Morocco. Holidays to Marrakech and beyond!
To keep things organised and neat, you’ll discover the following topics when it comes to navigating an epic road trip in Morocco. Feel free to use these links below, to navigate the post.
THE ITINERARY:
Morocco has so much to offer. Unless you have two weeks to meander through the country, this itinerary was created to strike a balance between rest and exploration. Three days in Marrakech, two in Essaouira and two days in the Atlas Mountains. The perfect trifecta and one that doesn’t require an overexertion of commuting. As this was my third trip to the country, I wanted the opportunity to visit a few favorites while discovering a destination entirely new-to-me – the Atlas Mountains. And so, I’ve put together the perfect 1-week itinerary with all my insider tips!
HOLIDAYS TO MARRAKECH
MARRAKECH
Where do you even start with Marrakech? It’s overwhelming in every sense of the word but that’s its allure. Stepping into the bustling medina is exactly the sensory overload that most of us foreigners beg for when traveling to exotic locations like Marrakech. I arrived when trees were in full bloom and the smell of exhaust and spices were sweetly masked with the intoxicating scent of bitter orange blossoms. Since I had been to Marrakech a handful of times before but this was Vasilis’ first time, I hoped to strike a balance of revisiting my favorites while still exploring and discovering the must-sees of the city. There was a lot of eating involved; there is no shortage of excellent food and restaurants in Marrakech. Shopping and exploring the souks was my daily excercise and riad hopping for mint tea breaks was a daily ritual.
I returned to NoMad for the best sardine tart – I’ve raved about this for years and finally made it to Majorelle Gardens where a stop at their Berber museum is an absolutely must – it’s incredibly well-done, albeit small in size – returned to Le Jardin Secret Marrakesh for my own gardening inspiration and even enjoyed the nightlife in Marrakesh with DJ’s spinning amazing North-African beats. Marrakech is a vibe. Period and an absolute must on your destination list. I’ll share a more detailed itinerary in a few upcoming blog posts with everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Marrakech!
ESSAOUIRA
While I was in Essaouira this time for work, penning an article for BBC Travel – you can read my article, here – I had been to the coastal town before and even with its howling, Atlantic winds, Essaouira always feels like a reprieve coming from Marrakech. I had escaped the red city and arrived to buildings painted in white and blue, the smell of salt water and fresh seafood. It reminds me of my new, Mediterranean home. Much like Tangier, there’s this laid-back, hippie-esque vibe to the town – you’ll spot Jimi Hendrix paraphernalia sold in the medina and your typical souk souvenirs; rugs, perfumes and spices. This surfer’s paradise attracted quite the crowd in its heyday and while Agadir was a more well-known pin in the map – the Moroccan royal family used to holiday there – Essaouira has slowly established its own fanbase, growing its popularity among tourists.
I would definitely recommend spending a few days in Essaouira and if you happen to be here during warmer months, enjoy the benefits of being seaside while spotting the occasional camel on the beach. It’s an unexpected juxtaposition nestled in a country that feels ultimately dominated by sand. I’ll be sharing my favorite spots, including an unexpected and delicious Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of the medina in a separate blog post.
ATLAS MOUNTAINS
A final stop in the Atlas Mountains was my idea of disconnecting – which in fact was the main goal for the trip to Morocco. After a whirlwind first-half of the trip, I promised the second-half would be relaxing and restful. Not to mention, I had never been to this part of Morocco before and Kasbah Bab Ourika was a major driving force in my decision. Yes, hotels are very much part of the experience and Kasbah Bab Ourika was nothing short of an experience. A mere 45 min trek outside of bustling Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains feels like a true oasis and so close to the city – a different world, entirely. After disregarding an inconspicuous sign and two very friendly locals showing us the way, we ended up on a dirt road navigating through local Berber villages before arriving to a view of snow-covered mountain tops.
It was surprisingly warm during the day in which we surrendered to poolside; indulged in locally-inspired meals, read in one of the nooks of the Kasbah and turned-in early each night to the sound of a roaring fire the hotel staff prepared for us. A true highlight of our trip!
HOW TO GET FROM MARRAKECH TO ESSAOUIRA
Driving in Morocco is not for the weary – you’ve been forewarned but if you can muster up enough courage, escaping Marrakesh westward to the Atlantic Coast will feel like one, large exhale. The drive is around three hours each way on a one-lane straight road. The unexpected detour? Goats in trees. When you’re just about an hour outside of Essaouira, you’ll likely see cars and buses pulled over on the side of the road with yes, goats casually cascading trees. While a bit touristy, it’s a fun and free side note on your way to the coast.
HOW TO GET FROM MARRAKECH TO THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
I was pleasantly surprised that the Atlas Mountains are only 45 minutes from bustling Marrakech – another world entirely. While you can drive through some of the local villages – I recommend, if you have the time – otherwise, you can bypass and head straight for the snow-covered tops. I took the road less travelled and followed a dirt road through local Berber villages until I reached my idyllic destination, Kasbah Bab Ourika. While it was touch and go there for a bit, the return drive was much easier. One tip? Make sure to arrive before night – it will make for a much easier and enjoyable drive.
THE BEST RIADS MARRAKECH AND BEYOND
There are no shortages of exceptional stays in Morocco,, not to mention their hospitality surpasses most destinations. I’m sharing some of the best options I’ve found either by research or through personal experience.
Marrakech: There are so many riads in Marrakech that I’ve rounded them up in a separate post for you. Here are a few of my favorite and in my opinion, best riads in Marrakech! El Fenn for it’s design and overall vibe; I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Dar Charkia and would definitely go back; while outside of the city, can’t recommend enough the dream that is Beldi Country Club.
Essaouira: The boutique hotel and member of Relais & Chateaux means that Heure Bleue Palais is an absolute gem of a hotel. Perfectly located at the west gate of Essaouira old town and a true reprieve of the Atlantic winds; their hospitality goes above and beyond. A home away from home that I keep returning to.
Atlas Mountains: I can’t recommend Kasbah Bab Ourika enough. An inconspicuous dirt road will take you to this lush and green oasis in the Atlas Mountains. Their spotty wifi will force you to disconnect and surrender to the nature around you.
LOOKING FOR OTHER TRAVEL IDEAS? HERE ARE A FEW OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES:
- A Weekend Guide to Hydra
- Travel Guide to Serifos, Greece
- Travel Guide to Charming and Delicious Sifnos, Greece
- An Authentic Guide to the Island of Milos
- A Guide to the Best Beaches in Milos
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