The medina, the heart of the city
The ideal starting point for a visit to Essaouira is the medina , the old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you'll find narrow, winding alleys lined with artisan workshops and souvenir shops.
Essaouira, a city of art, is filled with street artists, musicians, and jewelry makers. Young people express their artistic side, adding color and dimension to a vibrant city.
One of the must-see sights is the harbor , where you can watch the fishing boats returning with the day's catch. The seagulls that populate the harbor are another characteristic of the city.
Also not to be missed are the northern 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 lies the southern beach , an ideal place for strolling, surfing, simply relaxing, or taking a two-hour quad bike ride . A long, deserted beach that extends for 27 kilometers from Sidi Kaouky via a cordon of dunes pushed by the north wind that rise all the way to Cap Sim; Essaouira on horseback becomes even more magical.
The salt mines of Smimou, the sugar production and the Koranic school
About 30 kilometers south of Essaouira are the Smimou salt mines , an ancient nature reserve. Here you can observe salt extraction, preparation, and transportation.
Larbaa Ida Ougard , a small village east of Essaouira, is home to ancient sugar production . The walls of the large factory are half destroyed but bear witness to the ancient work that made this village famous. The ancient Koranic school of Immintlit, nestled in the rocky canyon and accessible on horseback during our Argan Horse Trek , bears witness to an ancient cultural heritage still being preserved by the new generations.
Iftane and Tafedna beaches, two hidden gems
For nature lovers, a quad bike ride or horseback riding tour is recommended in this area south of Essaouira, where you can reach the beaches of Iftane and Tafedna , two hidden gems overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Fishermen here sell their fresh catch on site. These are the stops on the Atlantic Coast Horseback Trek or the multi-day Quad Bike Tour.
How to get to Essaouira
Essaouira has an international airport with flights to and from Europe (France, Spain, Belgium, and England), located 15 km from the medina. Taxis are available upon arrival for 150 dh or €15.
Marrakech Airport is also a valid alternative for getting to Essaouira, located 3 hours away by car. You can connect the two cities by Soupratour bus at a cost of 100dh or €10 or by 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. Its charm and multiculturalism attract tourists from all over the world with its mix of history, culture, and nature, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip.
