Essaouira

Essaouira is the counterpoint to Marrakech: Where the Red City is hectic, hot, and demanding, the "City of Wind" welcomes with a cool Atlantic breeze, relaxed atmosphere, and a medina where you can drift without constantly being hassled. No wonder Jimi Hendrix lingered here (and allegedly wrote the song "Castles Made of Sand").

★★★ Medina (UNESCO World Heritage)

The medina, laid out by the Portuguese in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of military architecture: straight streets (revolutionary for Morocco!), white-blue houses, heavy wooden gates, and mighty bastions (Skala de la Ville, Skala du Port) with cannons pointing to the sea. The alleys are wide enough not to feel lost but winding enough to offer surprises: art galleries, thuja wood workshops, spice merchants, Gnaoua musicians at every corner.

★★★ Harbor

The fishing harbor is the heart of Essaouira. In the morning, the blue boats return with the catch, and on the harbor mole, dozens of grill stands sizzle fresh fish and seafood — sardines, shrimp, squid, lobster. You choose the fish, negotiate the price (about 50-80 MAD for a platter), and 10 minutes later it's served. The best lunch in Morocco for under 5€.

★★ Gnaoua Music

Essaouira is the center of Gnaoua culture — a mystical music tradition with West African roots, combining trance, healing rituals, and Sufism. The annual Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde (June) turns the whole city into a stage for four days: international stars meet local Maâlems (master musicians), and the atmosphere is electrifying. But even outside the festival, you can hear Gnaoua everywhere — in cafes, on squares, in riads.

Beach & Wind

The main beach south of the medina stretches for kilometers — wide, sandy, and constantly windy. Swimming is possible, but the surf is strong, and the current is powerful. Essaouira is primarily a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers: The trade wind (Alizé) blows reliably and strongly from April to September. Several surf stations on the beach rent equipment and offer lessons.