Luxury holidays in Essaouira

When to go

The north-westerly winds can be fierce here, but this only makes it extra-alluring to windsurfers, especially between March and September. When Marrakech is at its most scalding in the summer months, Essaouira can make for a balmy alternative.

Getting there

• Planes

  The nearest airport is the tiny Aeroport de Mogador, but flights tend only to be from Casablanca and Paris. Marrakech’s airport is two and a half hours away by car. Direct flights from Gatwick and Heathrow to Marrakech and Caablanca with Royal Air Maroc, GB Airways and Air France; from July 2006, EasyJet starts flying from Gatwick.

• Trains

  There aren’t any trains, but you can get a coach from Marrakech and Agadir through Supratours (+212 (0)524 435525); the journey takes around three or four hours and costs up to 200dh return.

• Automobiles

  No cars are allowed in the medina | so there’s not much need to have your own car in this compact seaside town | but if you do drive there | parking is easy. You can get a taxi to or from Marrakech for around 800dh and the journey takes about two hours.

• Taxis

  You probably won’t need any transport while you’re staying here, as restaurants and sights are never more than a ten-minute walk away, but if you do fancy a day trip, your hotel can organise you a driver.