South of Marrakech
Desert and Hills, landscapes with surprising colours where you go through old Berber villages full of tradition and culture.


Fes
The oldest of the imperial cities, Fes is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco. Its labyrinthine streets and crumbling grandeur add to its air of intrigue and self-importance. The medina of Fes el-Bali (Old Fes) is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world and the gates and walls that surround it make it all the more magnificent. Unlike many walled cities of this vintage, Old Fes hasn't burst its banks. The population has instead exploded out towards the south-west and spread to the hillsides in an arc stretching north and south of the new city.

To stay:
Riad Mabrouka
Talaa K'bira, 25 Derb El Miter
Phone: +212 (0) 55.63.63.45
Web site: www.riadmabrouka.com


Essaouira
This town is the most popular of Morocco's coastal spots with independent travellers, and only rarely do you see package tours here. However, this won't last forever. Essaouira has a beautiful but breezy beach that curves for kilometres to the south. Those who've had enough haggling and jostling in the big cities will be glad to hear this town can be summed up in one word: relaxing.

The forts of the old city are a blend of Portuguese, French and Berber military architecture, and their grandeur lends a powerful mystique to the town. The Skala du Port, designed to protect the town's sea, has good views and was also where Orson Welles shot some of his film Othello.

To stay:
Riad Dar Adul
63 Touahen, La Médina
Phone: +212 (0) 44.47.39.10