Essaouira
From its innovative gastronomy, essential to reserve a table at Dar Moha , in the medina, a palatial oasis full of minimalist temptations, to its lively night terraces such as the recently released NoMad . A luxury if you like to enjoy the night between candles, suggestive cocktails and beautiful people.
Once you have taken the pulse of the seductive Marrakech It is essential to discover the appetizing secrets that surround it, that is why we propose five essential getaways to get all its essence. Places that you can visit in the day and that will remain forever in your memories.
1. THE ATLAS
The largest mountain range in North Africa is a paradise for lovers of natural emotions. the surroundings of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa they are a whirlpool of activity. Surprisingly, it has excellent routes for bike lovers, technical shoe fans and devotees of great panoramas It is essential to come with a camera to immortalize everything. The view is worth it.
Get ready to see lush valleys surrounded by rivers and waterfalls and to discover why the clouds are so fond of them. The small town of Imlil It is perfect to buy hazelnuts and apples and to spend some time relaxing in its cozy cafes.
The largest mountain range in North Africa
two. THE OURIKA VALLEY AND THE SEVEN WATERFALLS OF SETTI FATMA
Just one hour from Marrakech, Ourika is a friendly and visually stunning destination . A green valley where disconnecting is almost an obligation. Unless you want to stretch your limits and give your adrenaline levels a kick with a meandering rafting ride. For the rest, don't forget a good pair of hiking shoes, that hybrid footwear that helps to walk comfortably on terrain that is not very flattering for the human being.
The seven waterfalls are impressive, if only because of the noise of the water, which instantly puts us in direct contact with the force of nature. If you add to this the visit to a Berber family and a camel ride… it is more than likely that you will end up totally surrendered to the charms of the desert.
Ourika Valley
3. ESSAOUIRA, IRRESISTIBLE
Two hours by car from the red city, and open to the Atlantic, the sea makes the air of Essaouira addictive . From the atolls where the port merges with the medina and the whiff of grilled fish awakens all the senses of pleasure to the long golden sand beach where surfers abound. Add an average temperature of 20 degrees and you will have found your particular paradise.
If you also like shopping, the medina is an ideal place to practice your haggling among spices, miracle recipes, boots with handmade fabrics, leather bags and the inevitable and wonderful Argan oil . It is worth entering one of the establishments run by women where you will go out with a true master's degree in beauty care . Afterwards, the best thing is to relax looking at the sea in any of the many cafes that populate the promenade and where you can listen to the best and most eclectic chill out from North Africa.
Essaouira, territory of seagulls
If the serene charm of the city that fell in love with Bob Marley and Jimmie Hendrix catches you, don't hesitate to extend your getaway and sleep in one of its charming riads. We recommend the Heure Bleue, an oriental luxury where handcrafted wood and pampering , and the delicious Dar Maya with a traditional hammam and an appetizing swimming pool on its panoramic roof terrace.
A perfect riad to get lost in Essaouira
Four. OUZOUD FALLS
A classic that you will have heard all lovers of Morocco talk about. Hanging from the highest mountains of the Atlas, they are an orchard of humid beauty, the perfect counterpoint to the earthy desert geography of the surroundings of Marrakech. Even with rain the view of the waterfalls is spectacular.
With waterfalls over 100 meters high, they are considered the most beautiful in the country. The ponds that form where the cliff ends are fantastic to discover on its many hiking trails. But the locals have improvised a lot of boats to get as close as possible to strategic points. Don't miss out on the pleasure of exploring this breathtaking gorge and stopping to eat in its many places with terraces and views.
Ouzoud Falls
5. THE OLD CARAVAN PASSAGE OF TELOUET, IN AIT BENHADDOU
If you are one of those who just by listening to the word kasbah You start to salivate with pleasure and your imagination fires, attentive to this destination. The Berber kasbahs emerge from the desert lined up on the old Salt Route . The mystery of the old commercial caravans floats in the atmosphere and the wind comes loaded with promises. It will take three hours to reach the pass between the Atlas and the Sahara , to the Tichka Pass , to then calmly explore the fortress of Ait Benhaddou , a World Heritage Site and one of the most used scenarios by the film industry.
A Berber rests in Ait Benhaddou
To continue with the route, imagine the old camel caravans loaded with gold, slaves, ivory, salt and spices from the remotest parts of Africa to the bustling Marrakech. It will be very easy to understand why the Telouet Palace is it in ruins or why Ouarzazate It has the movie studios where scenes from blockbuster movies such as The Mummy, Gladiator or Lawrence of Arabia were filmed.
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Ruins of Telouet