CounterClifton, your experience of Marrakech sounds great. I like Fes, too, have friends there with whom I stayed a couple of times, and a couple of time in hotels. I've just found that Marrakech entertains me more and when I want a break there's Essaouira. Fes has Chefchaouen for a break but again, Essaouira entertains me more. Chefchaouen seems to me more just a pretty face. But none of what I like is definitive. I keep repeating it but I think it's true that no one place is better, only the individual's experience of it. Nothing new about that. But when people ask "where should I go" there's simply no legitimate answer as the real best for them may very well be the place not mentioned at all.

MmePerdu, very true that there's no legitimate right answer!

Though I do agree with you about Essaouira. Very nice town to spend a few days. I actually liked Chef well enough, for a smallish town. But at first, once we got off the bus from Fes, I walked around the main town. marveled at the colours and view and then wondered if it was worth staying. The next day was wash day though, with everyone out and about... plus I walked way up to the highest part of town. Being a photography buff, it kept me busy and I think they were my best shots of the trip. (maybe because we didn't feel compelled to sightsee more and I could take my time)

I didn't time it, but it did seem quicker and comfier to get between Marrakesh and Essa than between Fes and Chefchaouen.

I've only been to Chefchaouen once, it was spring and on the drive from Fes the wild red poppies were in bloom in the fields. The driver stopped so my friend & I could have a stroll among the flowers so I'd have to say that I thought the drive there nicer than to Essaouira. And the town's beautiful, no getting around it, I did enjoy it. Sometimes the photos are enough, aren't they?

Here are some of mine from Essaouira, a place I could easily live:
A House in Essaouira | TravelGumbo
Gallery: Groceries in Essaouira, and Maybe a Caftan | TravelGumbo

"Sometimes the photos are enough, aren't they?"

Yes! And Morocco is so photogenic.

Thanks for sharing your sites. Love seeing Essaouira again.

Both Essa and Chef seem to have their own advantages for photos. Sunsets vs the colors of the town.

I see you liked the fishing dinghies too.

Yes, I like simple honest boats anywhere.

Lovely photos, MmePerdu and CounterClifton! I'm looking forward to my upcoming trip to Morocco in April. Can't wait to go -- we will be visiting both Essaouria and Chefchaouen, so we'll be able to chime in on our preferences soon as well.