Essaouira

About Essaouira

Formerly known as Mogador, Essaouira was laid out in the 18th century by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, with European engineering influences. Its medina was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

The town is known for its woodcarvers working thuya wood, its music — notably the Gnaoua World Music Festival, usually held in summer — and steady trade winds that draw kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Top things to do

• Skala de la Ville. Ramparts lined with old cannons and views over the ocean.
• Fishing port. Watch blue boats come in and choose fresh fish grilled at nearby stalls.
• The medina. Relaxed lanes with art galleries, thuya woodwork and spice shops.
• Beach and water sports. A long sandy beach with kitesurfing and windsurfing schools.
• Argan cooperatives. Women’s cooperatives on the road from Marrakech show how argan oil is made.
• Sunset on the ramparts. One of the finest sunset spots on Morocco’s coast.

Outdoor activities

• Kitesurfing and windsurfing with local schools
• Beach walks and horse or camel rides along the shore
• Birdwatching: Eleonora’s falcons breed on the Mogador islands in summer (viewed from the shore)
• Photography at the port and ramparts

Getting there & best time

Getting there

• From Marrakech: approx. 3 h by road.
• From Agadir: approx. 3 h by road.
• From Casablanca: approx. 5–6 h by road (or via Marrakech).

Best time to visit

Year-round. Summer stays cooler than inland Morocco, though it is windy. Spring and autumn are lovely for walking.