PHOTOGRAPHS: PHILIP LEE HARVEY, MICHAEL HEFFERNAN
Marrakesh often serves as a winter escape for northern Europeans, but – after a couple of days of sensory overload in its historic medina – many visitors feel in need of a second escape. In the last year, intercity travel in Morocco has become easier, first with the opening of a high-speed rail line in the north of the country, and now with the launch of Souk to Surf’s bus shuttle services linking Marrakesh to various wave-blessed spots along the Atlantic coast. In the former, find a peaceful riad from which to set out to explore intricately tiled palaces, contemporary art galleries and markets where there’s every chance of returning with an unforeseen purchase of an ornamental lamp or teapot. Once you’ve experienced Marrakesh to the full, book a £14 bus transfer for the three-hour trip to Essaouira. This old walled fishing port with its peeling white and blue paint shows a more restrained side to Morocco – except when the alizee is blowing, and the waves are cresting to the delight of surfers.
Find shuttles between Marrakesh, Essaouira and other destinations at
souktosurf.com