Essaouira — The Windy City
Essaouira (formerly Mogador) is the perfect counterbalance to Marrakech: a relaxed, windy coastal town on the Atlantic, 175 km west (2.5 hours drive). The Medina (UNESCO World Heritage) surrounded by Portuguese fortress walls is a labyrinth of blue and white alleys, art galleries, fish restaurants, and a long sandy beach.
What to Experience?
- Harbor & Fish Market: The colorful fishing harbor is the heart of Essaouira — blue boats, seagulls, fishermen mending nets. At the fish market, you buy fresh fish and have it prepared directly at the grill stands next door — the freshest meal in Morocco.
- Medina: Smaller and more relaxed than Marrakech's Medina — art galleries (Essaouira is Morocco's artist city), Gnaoua music shops, thuya wood workshops, and boutiques. Haggling yes, but much less aggressive than in Marrakech.
- Beach: An endless sandy beach with constant wind — Essaouira is Morocco's surf mecca and the number one kitesurfing spot. For swimmers: only pleasant in summer (Atlantic is cold). Camel riding on the beach at sunset is a classic.
- Sqala de la Ville: The Portuguese fortress wall with cannons and panoramic views over the Atlantic. The slave scene in "Game of Thrones" (Astapor) was filmed here.
- Gnaoua Festival: Every year in June — one of Africa's largest music festivals: Gnaoua trance music, jazz, world music. Four days of live music in the Medina. Free admission.
💡 Tipp
Essaouira as a day trip is doable (2.5 hours each way), but an overnight stay is worthwhile — the city reveals its charm in the evening when the day tourists are gone and the sunset over the Atlantic turns the Medina golden. Riads in Essaouira: 25–80€.
