La Diouana Oualidia
Getting to Oualidia
Oualidia is around 180 km equidistant from Marrakech, Casablanca and Essaouira. Most of our visitors fly to Marrakech or Casablanca. We can arrange a transfer for you - prices start at 1,000 dirhams (£80) one way. The journey from Marrakech takes 3 hours and from Casablanca 2 hours. Visit easyjet and travelsupermarket for flights. Check-in at La Diouana is 16.00 and check-out is 11.00.
Car hire?
A hire car will give you more flexibility, especially with very young or infirm guests. However, a car is not really necessary for a stay at La Diouana. The villa is central and most places are within walking distance. Local taxis are readily available for excursions. Should you opt for car rental you will need to collect the vehicle in Casablanca or Marrakech as there are no facilities in Oualidia.
The best time to visit Oualidia
Every month in Oualidia has its own special attraction. Year round, days are warm (20-26 degrees) and nights are cool (14-20 degrees). July and August are the best months for swimming but the beaches can be crowded. For bird watchers the most interesting seasons are spring and autumn..
The northern lagoon, May
The northern lagoon, October
The Atantic beach, August
Wild flowers are at their height from January to April when calendula and poppies carpet the hillsides. The rainy months are November and March but showers rarely last more than a couple of hours. At Christmas and New Year expect bright blue skies and cosy evenings.
The beach opposite the villa, June
The headland, November
The fishing harbour, September
Marrakech
Many visitors choose to spend the start or end of their holiday in Marrakech. The city is a full-on sensory experience, great for sightseeing - and shopping! A stay in a riad is a wonderful way to experience the medina and enjoy traditional home cooking. On the downside riads can be noisy and rarely have swimming pools.
Two of our favourites are the centrally-located Riad Kitula and Riad ZamZam, which both have plunge pools.
Hotels: these are located far from the medina but have more space and amenities. For a family-friendly hotel in the new town of Guéliz try the Hotel Tichka or Hotel Es-Saadi. All riads and hotels can arrange transfers to the airport.
Holiday reading?
A Death in the Medina will give you a great flavour of the city behind the tourist clichés.