Morocco - Essaouira and Marrakesh

[Aridane]

I’m going to Morocco next month on a small group organised tour. I will have a free day in each of Essaouira and Marrakesh, staying in the old town close to the medina.

I was wondering if anyone has been to either of these places and has any tips or suggestions as to making the best of just a day in each place? My guide book will be coming soon but it’s always good to hear other people’s experiences.

Marrakesh seems to be one of those places people either love or hate!

I love Essouira. I shopped like a demon!

What did you buy?!?

Essouira has a more European feel and you don't tend to get pestered as much so I found it more comfortable

I love Essaouira too, I bought way more there than in Marrakech, just way more relaxed. I'd make sure you fit in a walk through the port past all the fishermen selling their catch and the lovely blue boats, and out along the sea wall - then go up the tower. Then just wind your way through the streets in the medina really, there's a more tourist-friendly row of shops tucked inside the wall on the left, and then you'll just find loads of lovely textiles and ceramics all over. Worth checking out the silver souk if you're into jewellery.

If you want a bit of an 'away from it all' drink then the L'Heure Bleue Palais is nice either the inside or the roof, and I love Taros for a sunset drink but have heard good things about Beach & Friends which is a walk along the beach.

Oh me too, I loved Essaouira and bought home loads of lovely stuff, and I'm not usually a big shopper on holiday. Such a pretty blue and white town. I went to the hamam there, not a touristy one, but one the locals used, that was a very interesting experience. Also, if you are a cat lover, you will be in heaven, all the strays were so sleek and well fed from the fishing boats. Marrakesh was a bit more daunting, very crowded. Your tour guide will be able to give you plenty of ideas of what to do on your free days. Enjoy!

Thank you. If the bustle of Marrakesh is too overwhelming after a while, I can always retreat to the very nice hotel I’ll be staying at

Thank you for the tips on Essaouria - I loved it too! Took in the port / harbour and the fishing boats (also ate their for fresh fish for lunch), the tower, a little roof top cafe for freshly squeezed fruit juice and home made yoghurt, a couple of synagogues and the Christian and Jewish cemetery, plus of course just wondering round the souks.

Would be a wonderful place for a long weekend, especially as there are direct flights too.

Now just Marrakesh left!

This thread couldn't have come at a better time! Have just booked flights to Marrakech and looking for some recommendations myself. Does anyone have a recommendation for a Riad or any trips to do? I've heard a lot of good things about Essaouira and from this post it sounds like I'll have to factor that in too!

Shamelessly following!

I’ve booked Marrakesh for the end of November and can’t wait.
I went once 10 years ago and have always wanted to go back. Back then we stayed at Riad Nesma which was great. I wanted to book Riad Kherridine this time as I’ve heard great things but it was fully booked so we’ve found a small Road called Adika which seems nice and had good reviews.

We arrive late evening so plan to eat in our Riad that night.
First full day will be a mooch around the souks.
Second day will be a hamman/massage and then the YSL muséum and gardens.
We have been recommended to eat and drink at Nomad/El Fenn/Cafe des Épices/Le Jardin.

In Marrakech, definitely do the Majorelle gardens and the souk. We enjoyed the Saadien Tombs too.

I am going to do the gardens tomorrow as today is rainy and cold ! (Currently sitting- indoors - in a roof top cafe overlooking Place Jemaa el Fna, sipping mango juice and mumsnwtting!

PS I think I will visit La Mamounia hotel this afternoon- a beautiful hotel and a favourite haunt of Winston Churchill apparently