Essaouira, Morocco, June 2026

After returning from Canada, Mum and I spent a day in Warsaw before setting off once again. It was one of those pleasant pauses between journeys: a sunny day in the Polish capital, still full of memories from Canada, conversations about Tahir, Amna and little Hania, and anticipation for what awaited us next.

Ahead lay Morocco.

The flight from Warsaw to Agadir was smooth and uneventful, carrying us from the green landscapes of Central Europe to the warm Atlantic coast of North Africa. As the aircraft descended over southern Morocco, the colours below changed dramatically. The greens gave way to ochres, browns, and the soft blues of the ocean stretching endlessly along the shoreline.

For the following week, Agadir became our home.

Unlike many historic Moroccan cities, Agadir is a place shaped by renewal. The devastating earthquake of 1960 destroyed much of the old city, and what visitors see today is largely the result of reconstruction and resilience. Modern and spacious, it combines long beaches, palm-lined boulevards, fishing traditions, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it particularly welcoming.

Our hotel stood close to the beach, and many mornings and evenings were spent simply walking along the broad promenade. The Atlantic was never far away. Sometimes calm, sometimes wild, it accompanied the city with a constant rhythm.

We explored Agadir slowly.

We visited the reconstructed Medina, wandered through the lively souk, and climbed to the old Kasbah overlooking the city. From there, the views stretched across the bay, the modern city, the fishing port, and the distant mountains. Standing above Agadir, it was easy to appreciate both the beauty of the landscape and the remarkable story of a city rebuilt from tragedy.

One of the pleasures of travelling is conversation, and Agadir offered many opportunities for it. Shopkeepers, guides, restaurant staff, and ordinary residents were often eager to talk. Through these conversations we learned more about local life, the region’s history, and the importance of agriculture, tourism, fishing, and particularly argan oil, which has become one of Morocco’s most famous exports. Produced almost exclusively in this region, argan oil supports thousands of local families and has become known worldwide for both culinary and cosmetic uses.

Naturally, we also experienced a traditional hammam. For Mum, it became one of the highlights of the trip. The combination of steam, warmth, scrubbing, and relaxation left us both feeling refreshed and wonderfully pampered.

One evening, our travel agency organised a cultural and culinary event that proved particularly memorable. There was music, traditional dances, horse displays, stories about Morocco’s Arab and Amazigh (Berber) heritage, and a feast of local dishes. It was an evening filled with colour, movement, and hospitality, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped Morocco over centuries.

Beyond Agadir, we ventured further afield.

One excursion took us to Marrakech. Few cities announce themselves quite like Marrakech. The old city seemed to vibrate with energy. The narrow streets, crowded souks, historic palaces, and bustling squares created a sensory experience unlike anywhere else I have visited. Every corner seemed to offer another surprise: spices piled high in vibrant colours, craftsmen at work, hidden courtyards, and centuries of history woven into daily life.

A second excursion led us north to Essaouira, a city entirely different in character. While Marrakech feels intense and vibrant, Essaouira moves to the rhythm of the ocean. Its white walls and blue shutters, fortified ramparts, fishing harbour, and artistic spirit create an atmosphere that is both relaxed and deeply attractive.

The journey to Essaouira itself was part of the experience. Travelling by coach with fellow Polish holidaymakers, we passed village after village, watching everyday Moroccan life unfold through the window. Markets, farms, roadside cafés, mosques, and children walking home from school created an ever-changing panorama. At one point we stopped in a colourful village where vivid walls and local crafts added even more colour to an already beautiful day.

I found myself enjoying these moments almost as much as the destinations themselves. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a country reveal itself gradually through its roads, landscapes, and ordinary daily life.

As our week drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on how much we had seen and experienced in a relatively short time. Morocco had offered us magnificent scenery, fascinating history, generous hospitality, excellent food, and countless opportunities to learn.

Most importantly, it had given Mum and me another adventure together.

Now, as I pack my suitcase and prepare to fly back to Warsaw, I find myself thinking not only about the places we visited, but also about the privilege of sharing these journeys with her. The beaches of Agadir, the colours of Marrakech, the sea breezes of Essaouira, the conversations, the meals, and the laughter have all become part of a collection of memories that will stay with us long after the journey itself ends.

I leave Morocco with gratitude, curiosity, and a quiet certainty that I would very much like to return one day.

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