Day 1. Marrakech - El Jadida - Oualidia. 210 km, 3 hours + 80 km, 1.5 hours We'll depart from Marrakech early in the morning to ensure we don't miss a single moment of this beautiful day and head towards the ocean. We'll climb the walls of a 16th-century Portuguese fortress and get lost in the narrow alleyways of the old city, descend into the underground cisterns, visit the Jewish district and walk around the most picturesque port in Morocco. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a lavish lunch of freshly caught fish, oysters, crabs, octopus, sea urchins, and whatever your heart desires. After lunch, we will head along the ocean to one of the most enchanting destinations on the Atlantic coast. Oualidia is a series of tranquil lagoons, islands, fantastic scenery of salt marshes and dunes, abundant migratory birds, gorgeous beaches and oyster farms. Here, the oysters are large and flavourful - an unusual trait for Atlantic oysters. And the Japanese variety is tender, delicate and irresistible! And of course, you can go for a swim, take a boat trip around the lagoon and, when in season, spot some pink flamingos. Fancy a surfing lesson, fishing, clam harvesting or birdwatching? It's all possible! Just let us know in advance.
Day 2. Oualidia - Safi - Essaouira. 60 km, 1 hour + 140 km, 2.5 hours We will stay in Oualidia until lunch to explore the surroundings, achieve all our plans and enjoy our break at the ocean. After having lunch at our favourite fish restaurant, we'll head to Safi, a coastal city with a beautiful authentic medina, a historic fortress and outstanding potters. Feel like making your own vase or tagine? Let's give it a try! After a tour of Safi, we'll head off to watch the sunset in the snow-white city of Essaouira, a favourite of artists and musicians.
Day 3. Essaouira - Marrakech. 190 km, 2.5 hoursAfter the very impressive but quiet, non-touristy places, Essaouira dazzles you with its drive, music sounds, and the bright colours of art galleries and souvenir shops. For centuries, this city has been loved by travellers, pirates, explorers, musicians and artists. It's both bustling and fun but also very cosy. Together, we'll climb the fortress walls and visit the royal, Jewish and residential districts of the old town and the harbour. We'll meet the Gnawa musicians and "sorcerers" and learn a thing or two about crafting. You can read more about what we'll be doing in Essaouira
here. After having lunch on a terrace with a spectacular view, we'll return to Marrakech. What if you want to stay in Essaouira for a few days to go horseback riding along the ocean, taste all the "grey" wines at the local winery, or go to a cheese factory or a giant nomadic market? It's all possible! We'll reschedule your Marrakech transfer to any day that suits you.