Essaouira, also known as Mogador, is a port city located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its mild climate, its sandy beaches and its cultural heritage.
The medina, the heart of the city
The ideal starting point for a visit to Essaouira is the medina, the old city, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you can find narrow and winding alleys, full of artisan workshops and souvenir shops.Essaouira city of art, full of street artists, musicians, jewelry manufacturers. Young people who express their artistic side by giving color and dimension to a city full of life.
One of the places not to be missed is the harbor, where it is possible to see the fishing boats returning with the catch of the day. The seagulls that populate the port are another feature of the city.
Also not to be missed are the north bastions, an ancient fortification overlooking the ocean. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the sea.
The south beach, an ideal place to relax
A few kilometers from the medina is the south beach, which is an ideal place for walking, surfing, simply relaxing or cruising during a two hour quad excursion. A long deserted beach that connects Sidi Kaouky in 27km, via a cord of dunes pushed by the north wind that rises up to Cap Sim; Essaouira on Horseback it becomes even more magical.The Smimou salt pans, sugar production and the Koranic school
About 30 kilometers south of Essaouira are the salt flats of Smimou, an ancient nature reserve. Here you can observe the salt extraction, preparation and transport.Larbaa Ida Ougard, a small village east of Essaouira, which is home of the ancient sugar production. The walls of the large company are partially destroyed but testify to the ancient work that made this village known. The ancient Koranic school of Immintlit nestled in the rocky canyon and reachable on horseback during our Argan Horseback Trail, are witnesses of an ancient cultural heritage that is still preserved by new generations.
The beaches of Iftane and Tafedna, two hidden jewels
For those who love nature, it is advisable to take a quad trip or one horseback riding in this area south of Essaouira, where it is possible to reach the Iftane and Tafedna beaches, two hidden jewels overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The fishermen here sell their fresh catch on site. These are the stages of the Atlantic Coast horseback trekking or the multi-day Quad Tour.How to reach Essaouira
Essaouira is equipped with an international airport with flights to and from Europe (France, Spain, Belgium, England), located 15km from the medina; upon your arrival, taxis are available at a cost of 150dh or 15€.But also Marrakech airport is a valid alternative to get to Essaouira, located 3 hours away by road, you can connect the two cities via Soupratour bus at a cost of 100dh or €10 or a private taxi at a cost of 800dh or €80.
Essaouira has now become a tourist destination and no longer a daily stop on organized tours charm and its multiculturalism attracting tourists from all over the world with its mix of history, culture and nature, it is a perfect destination for an unforgettable trip.