Marrakech and Essaouira travel guide

Marrakech has an abundance of history and unparalleled architecture, brimming with colourful souks and narrow alleyways leading to the Medina quarter. Essaouira is probably the best known coastal tourist town of Morocco with miles of superb sandy beaches.

Sights and places to see in Marrakech and Essaouira

Marrakech is an astonishing city which has a proud and turbulent history. It brings together ancient customs and beliefs and marries them with the most modern outlook of today's Morocco. A city which welcomes visitors with open arms, its people are friendly and extremely helpful. There are beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens and its fascinating souks are centred around the unique main square, the Place Jemaa el-Fna.

Essaouira is a former Portuguese pirate port and has been used as a backdrop in many films. One of the town's main attractions is its long, wide sandy beach - one of the finest in Africa - where windsurfers and kite boarders enjoy the prevailing Atlantic winds. Essaouira may not be what you would expect from Africa, there is a relaxed ambience combining Moroccan and European influences.

Weather, flight and travel information in and around Marrakech and Essaouira

Marrakech can be visited at any time of the year although it can get very hot in the centre of Medina during mid summer, Spring and autumn are the best times but mid winter is also good although it can be quite chilly at nights.

Essaouira has a genuine year-round climate thanks for the effect of the Atlantic Ocean. There is a small risk of rain in the winter but you get beautiful clear warm days most of the time.

Menara International Airport is situated four miles (6km) southwest of Marrakech. Taxis are available for transport to the city and there is a bus that runs to the main points in the city at a small cost. Many airlines fly to Marrakech including some of the low cost carriers.

Money; £1 = 12.03 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD)

Time; GMT/UTC +1

Telephone; 00 or + 212

Last updated; March, 09