I spend about three weeks in Andalucia every March, in the same B&B outside Vejer de la Frontera.
Before my stay there I set aside a week for another destination; last year it was Barcelona; in the years prior to 2026: Sevilla; Cordoba; Cadiz; Madrid.
I need a destination with a direct flight to Sevilla or Jerez, where I pick up my rental car for the stay in Vejer.
For 2027 I am thinking of Marrakech; I would fly there, direct, from NYC, spend about a week there which would include an overnight in the desert (Erg Chebbi, I think). and then take the Ryan Air flight to Sevilla. Return would be Jerez-MAD-JFK.
So far, a few questions:
Does Ryan Air allow a large check-in suitcase? Or large suitcase and a smaller one?
In Marrakech, I want to stay in a hotel with a heated pool so I can swim laps. There are a few (I think) near the Medina and many more in the outskirts...Gueliz, Hivernage, etc... Can someone describe the last two areas--Gueliz and Hivernage? I imagine there is much more to the city than the Medina,, so I am open to all upscale hotels with large pool. (No riads, for that reason, uses someone knows of one with a large swimming pool..)
How much time would you devote to the Medina itself? (I am trying to control shopping). I was thinking maybe wander around there for two mornings?? I'd also like to visit the Jardin Majorelle. Nighttime in the main square... Other than that (????).
Should I plan two nights in the desert? (Not interested in riding on a camel). I know it's a long drive..interesting stops??
Thanks for any and all comments..particularly interested in fixing the hotel dates in Marrakech
I should add that I have been to Marrakech before and also visited other key destinations in Morocco. This is a more of a relaxing, eating good food, wondering around and interacting with people... I have no fear of traveling there alone--single female.