Want to treat yourself to a wonderful vacation in Morocco but don't know which destination to choose? Essaouira is a magical city worth visiting at least once in your life.
Essaouira is a port and seaside city located on the Moroccan coast, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The city's greatest attraction is its magnificent medina overlooking the sea, so much so that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Essaouira was originally called Mogador, meaning "little fortress," a name derived from its role as a strategic port between Morocco, Africa, and Europe.
What to do and what to see in Essaouira
The tranquility of its inhabitants, the white walls and the artisan workshops are the main characteristics of Essaouira.
One of the main attractions is the Medina, a well-preserved example of 18th-century European military architecture built in North Africa.
You can take long walks through the city's whitewashed streets, discovering the architectural masterpieces hidden within the Medina.
Essaouira is also a fishing town: every day hundreds of boats return to the port with fresh fish. A visit to the port allows you to taste excellent seafood or simply admire the fishermen at work.
Also worth a visit is the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum, located in a 19th-century residence near the Skala of the Medina. Inside, you'll find a collection of local handicrafts and musical instruments.
Don't miss the Bastioni area, which offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the city. Here you'll find 19 cannons and one of the main gates, known as "the gate to the sea" for its breathtaking ocean views.
It's also worth strolling along Rue Mohammed el Qorry, lined with shops, boutiques, and street food stalls. Local specialties include msemmen bread, snail soup, lamb skewers, freshly squeezed orange juice, cotton candy, and prickly pears.
In the evening, Essaouira offers traditional bars and restaurants where you can sample Moroccan cuisine, primarily seafood. Ranch de Diabat also offers many activities: horseback riding, sunset tea rituals, hiking or camel treks, with the option of staying overnight under the stars.
Essaouira: surfing, beach and port
Essaouira is an ideal destination for surfing enthusiasts. The year-round wind creates perfect waves for this sport, which is especially popular with young people.
In addition to surfing, Essaouira offers beautiful beaches also suitable for swimming, such as Tafedna, Azrou, Sidi Kaouki and Chict.
Opposite the port are the Mogador Islands , a nature reserve inhabited by hawks and seagulls.
The port is chaotic but authentic: fishermen unload their catch, sell it at stalls, and set up their long red nets. It's the beating heart of the city, filled with the smell of fresh fish and the cries of seagulls.
The town beach is a popular meeting place for locals and children playing in the sea. From here, a walk leads to the Borj el-Berod fortress , partially covered by sand but still open to visitors.
Essaouira Events 2022
Among the events to remember in 2022 is the 24th edition of the Gnaoua Festival , in June. The four-day festival celebrates Gnaoua musical and artistic heritage with exhibitions, concerts, and performances that attract an international audience.
Essaouira is an ideal place for those who love the sea, brightly colored architecture, good food, and tranquility. It's close to Marrakech, easily reached in just over two hours, and is an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Morocco.
