Marrakech & Essaouira

The towns of Marrakech and Essaouira sit on a plain in the middle of the country. There is plenty to be said about Marrakech in particular, and it justifiably finds itself to be Morocco’s main hub for flights from Europe. It’s a place where influences from Africa, Europe and the Middle East merge in a glorious, frenetic melange and it offers excellent access to desert and mountain terrain as well as an easy journey to Essaouira, a coastal town that complements Marrakech perfectly.

Marrakech Medina

The Marrakech medina is the ancient walled city and wandering the quaint, and sometimes bewildering, alleyways of the medieval town is what keeps people coming back to the place. There are said to be around 9000, mainly pedestrianised, pathways and the area is home a dizzying mix of artisans who ply their trades from tiny holes in the walls, ruined and renovated palaces, and a mind-boggling array of beautiful guesthouses, restaurants, cafes….. Not to mention neighbourhoods and communities where people still live, shop, and go to shared bread ovens and local steam rooms. It’s a fascinating place that shouldn’t be missed.