Tripatini: The Blog

Staying in a Riad in One of Morocco’s Grooviest Towns: Essaouira

by Max Pesling

A 2-1/2 to 3-hour drive from Marrakesh, one of Morocco’s jewels is the Atlantic port city of Essaouira, built by the Portuguese as the fortified town of Mogador in the 18th century and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here in this mix of traditional and hip alternative vibe (along with some nearby beach resorts), as elsewhere in Morocco, the most atmospheric places to stay are the riads (traditional houses) converted into inns. A good example, starting at just over US$100/night, the 10-room, lilac-hued Casa Lila in the medina (old city center) is a marvelous mix of affordability and elegant design. More info: RiadsMorocco.com.