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Writer's pictureRedouane Ouadi

The world-famous fish market and blue ships of Essaouira, Morocco's ancient port city

Essaouira Morocco is a beautiful, historic city located on the Atlantic coast. The city is known for its strong wind, which makes it a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Essaouira is also home to a number of art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. If you're looking for a city with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of things to do, Essaouira is definitely worth a visit.


Essaouira city t is the capital of the Essaouira Province. The city has a population of about 200,000 (2010 census). The name Essaouira is derived from the Berber word for "wall", a reference to the fortress walls that still surround the city.

The town has a relaxed and laid-back vibe, and the people are incredibly friendly. The beaches here are absolutely stunning, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and exploring the medina. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy some stunning scenery, Essaouira is definitely the place for you!


What is Essaouira known for?


Essaouira is a small city located on the coast of Morocco. It is known for its windy, sandy beaches and its relaxed atmosphere. The city has a long history dating back to the Phoenician era. Essaouira is a popular tourist destination for both Moroccans and foreigners alike.


This charming city has a lot to offer including history, culture, and stunning architecture. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely worth seeing. The vibrant colors and patterns of the buildings are unlike anywhere else. The food is also amazing and you can find a variety of seafood dishes. Overall, Essaouira is a great place to visit and you won’t be disappointed!


History of Essaouira


The city was formerly known as Mogador, is a Moroccan city located on the southwestern Atlantic coast. It has a long history dating back to the Phoenician era. The city's name originates from the Arabic "سويرة" (sūrā), meaning "the well-protected".


he city has a long history dating back to the Phoenician era. The city's name comes from the Arabic for "the little fortress", a reference to the city's walls and battlements.



Essaouira has been a fortress city and important trading port since its founding. The city's history is reflected in its architecture, which is a mix of Moroccan, Portuguese, and Moorish styles.


The city's modern history dates to the 18th century. The city was founded by the Alaouite sultan Muhammad III as a fishing port and trading post. Essaouira was a key port for the export of Moroccan goods, including slaves, to Europe and the Americas. The city's history is also marked by a number of battles and sieges, as well as periods of rule by the Portuguese and the British.


Over the millennia, Essaouira has been occupied by the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Vandals, and the Arabs. In the 18th century, the city was under the control of the Almoravids, and then the Almohads. From the 16th to the 18th century, it was known as Mogador. The city was conquered by the Portuguese in 1506, and then by the Moroccans in 1684. Essaouira has been a major trading center for centuries, and is known for its woodworking, leatherwork, and weaving.


Essaouira fortress and battlements


Essaouira's battlements are a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The imposing walls and fortifications date back to the 18th century, when the city was under Portuguese rule. Visitors can walk along the walls and get a panoramic view of the city and its environs.


The Essaouira battlements are a series of walls and towers that were built to protect the city of Essaouira from invaders. The battlements are made up of a series of walls and towers that are connected by a series of staircases. The battlements are open to the public and offer a great view of the city and the sea.


The city's walls and battlements are some of its most iconic features. They were built in the 18th century to protect the city from pirates and invaders. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can walk along the top of the walls and enjoy views of the city and the sea.


Essaouira medina


The city has a medina, which is a walled city with narrow streets. Essaouira's medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Also called a souq, the medina is a walled city with narrow streets and a labyrinthine layout. The medina is home to a number of historical sites, including the Essaouira Citadel and the Skala du Port.


The Essaouira souk is a place where you can find everything from spices to handmade goods. It's a great place to bargain for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home. The atmosphere is festive and the colors and smells are intoxicating.


Here, you will encounter a traditional Moroccan market where you can find all sorts of traditional handmade crafts, pottery, and artwork. Haggling is expected, so be sure to brush up on your bargaining skills before heading in.


The medina of Essaouira is the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts or try out some new spices for your next dish.


Essaouira: Game of Thrones


The battlements of Essaouira served as the filming location of the Westeros city of Astapor and Slaver's Bay on HBO's hit fantasy series Game of Thrones. The main set location of Game of Thrones in Essaouira are around the ramparts and Sqala du Port.


Both are free to enter and explore. Sharp-eyed fans will notice that there was little in the way of CGI touch ups;


Essaouira really does look like Astapor in real life, except there are no ‘Unsullied’.


The city's walls, ramparts, and blue-painted buildings make it the perfect place to imagine you're in another world.


Essaouira: Jewish heritage


The Jewish community has been living in Essaouira for over 2,000 years, and the Jewish community has always been an important part of life in the town. Today, there are only a few hundred Jews left in Essaouira, but the Jewish quarter is still an important part of the town.


Essaouira was home to a large and thriving Jewish community for centuries, until the community was forced to leave in the early 20th century. The Jews of Essaouira were known for their craftsmanship, and their unique style of jewelry and pottery is still treasured by many.


The city is home to a Jewish heritage and history museum that is free and open to all visitors. The museum is located in the old Jewish quarter of Essaouira, Morocco and is dedicated to the history of the Jewish community in Morocco. The museum has a collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of the Jewish community in Morocco, from its early days to the present.


The museum is a great place to learn about the history of the Jewish community in Morocco and to see some of the beautiful artifacts that have been preserved. You'll learn about the community's culture and religious traditions, as well as their contributions to the city's economy and way of life.



Famous fish market of Essaouira


The town is known for its fresh fish, which is caught daily and sold at the local markets. The fish is typically grilled or fried, and served with a variety of sides.


If you're looking for a delicious seafood experience, you need to head to Essaouira, Morocco! This charming coastal town is known for its fresh fish, and you can find some of the best seafood in the country here. From grilled sardines to seafood tagines, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And of course, no visit to Essaouira would be complete without indulging in some of the fresh seafood!


Every morning, the Essaouira fish market is bustling with activity. The market is located right on the water, so the fresh catch is brought in and sold each day.


The market has a wide variety of seafood, from small fish to large crabs and everything in between. There is also a wide variety of seafood, from small fish to large crabs and everything in between.


Consider, on your trip, taking the pleasure of visiting the Essaouira fish market. The market is located on the waterfront, and it was a bustling scene of people buying and selling fish. You will be struck by the variety of fish on offer, and the freshness of the seafood.


Photo Gallery: Essaouira, Morocco



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