ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO
City Guide by Journey Morocco
WHY YOU'LL LOVE ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira's bohemian vibe, windswept beaches, and vibrant arts scene will win you over, providing an idyllic coastal escape with a laid-back atmosphere.
BEST FOOD TO TRY IN ESSAOUIRA
Stroll through the fish market to select your fresh "catch of the day." Bring it to one of the food vendors who will grill it to succulent, flavourful perfection with a side of spicy chermoula sauce.
CAN'T MISS IN ESSAOUIRA
Make sure to stroll along the historic ramparts and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, casting a golden glow over the fortified city.
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Essaouira, the Meeting Point
Essaouira, properly known as Mogador, is situated at the meeting point of two tribes: the Haha Berbers to the south and the Arab Chiadma to the north. The Gnawa, who originally hail from a region of southern Africa, and the Europeans round out the diverse cultural mix.
Essaouira (essa-weera, or es-sweera in Arabic) has been able to maintain its original culture and identity because of the coastal breeze, the elegantly termed alizee, or taros in Berber.
Reasons to visit Essaouira
MOST POPULAR SIGHTS IN ESSAOUIRA
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Royal Mogador Castle Forteresse
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Medinas of Essaouira
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Kasbah Boulaouane
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Port of Essaouira
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Gnawa Music
Contact us to learn more about Essaouira
FORTRESS PARAPETS
Crenellated walls, special wind, houses with white and blue facades, Essaouira, the ancient Mogador is the "Bride of the Atlantic".
It is one of those coastal cities where the unique atmosphere and water activities seamlessly blend. Walk quietly in the shade of its ramparts, the very ones that draw the contours of Astapor, the red city of the "Game of Thrones" series.
Climb these walls and take the parapet walk, from where you can see the Purpuraires Islands, falcons, gulls and seagulls hovering above this nature reserve. On the other side, surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers are taming the waves, taking advantage from the wind.
UNESCO CITY OF ART & HISTORY
The "well drawn" Essaouira has some pleasant surprises in store for you. You can see every last piece of its history in the alleys.
Two citadels, the Squala of the Kasbah and the Squala of the port, flank its fortified ramparts, which are carved with imposing gates, works of art, and defensive structures.
You can wander around and get a general sense of the city in the shade of these walls.
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ACTIVE FISHING PORT
You can get to the fishing port where the sailors are working by taking a stroll. Visit the fish market to sample the seafood that was caught that night. The medina, located in the heart of the city, welcomes you to explore its twisting lanes. The city, which Unesco named one of Morocco's most beautiful, beats to the rhythm of music every summer during the Gnaoua festival, which honors Afro-Maghrebin rhythms and makes visitors' stays memorable.
THE MEDINA
Explore its alleys to learn more about the enigmatic medina.
The Medina incorporates elements from both the east and the west, much like the rest of the city and the original Mogador that later became Essaouira.
Many consular residences are dispersed along the Ben Youssef mosque's winding streets, and the mosque's minaret stands.
Essaouira is the ideal location for artists due to its reputation as a crossroads of civilizations. The Sidi Mohamed Ben Adbdallah Museum, which maintains the memory of the crafts and common customs of the area, as well as other galleries and other locations that honor beauty and creation are waiting for them
ESSAOUIRA, SEASIDE SPLENDOUR
TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN ESSAOUIRA
Attraction | Hours | Price | Address | Location | Phone Number | About |
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Essaouira Medina | Medina | Essaouira | UNESCO World Heritage site. Stalls, souks, fish market, vendors. Late 18th century. Set of movie Othello (Orson Welles, 1951) and HBO TV show Game of Thrones. Jimi Hendrix old hangout. | |||
Essaouira Beach | Negotiate camel ride Dh50 or under | Coastline | Essaouira | Kitesurfing destination. Seasonal winds can make swimming a challenge. Beach football, camel rides. | ||
Fishing port | Near the Medina, outside Bab El Marsa gate | |||||
Skala de la Ville | Coastline | Essaouira | Historic 18th century ramparts. Appeared in Season 3 of Game of Thrones as city of Astapor | |||
Fish Auction | Fishing pier just market hall just outside the Bab El Marsa gatee | Essaouira | Afternoon when the blue boats come in from sea | |||
Souq Joutiya Flea Market | Clothes Dh20 | Turn left outside Bab Doukkala, walk 15 minutes, turn left at the wooden doors and scrap metal | Essaouira | Local art galleries from converted fishing hugs, rummage sales | ||
Had Draa Souq | Sunday | Had Draa | 30km from Essaouira | Largest souk in the region. Animals and produce trading center for centuries. Barter for camels, goats and livestock. Enjoy mint tea. halal abattoir, grilled meat kebab stalls | ||
Bbio Organic Farm | 11am-5pm | Dh500 | Outside of Essaouira | Return taxi 300Dh | 0667965386 | Indigenous farm tour with owner Khaled, includes alfresco lunch with hand-pressed olive oil, homemade bread, corn-fed chicken, seasonal salad |
Domaine du Val d'Argan | 11am-7pm | 0524783467 | Vineyard tours, Moroccan food restaurant, wine tastings (Reservations required) | |||
Simon Attias Synagogue | Rue Ziry Ibn Atiyah | Essaouira medina | Restored 19th-century synagogue and museum of Jewish culture in Mogador |
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