Visit Essaouira: Top 10 things to see and do
Essaouira is bewitching and can only seduce anyone who visits it for the first time. What a contrast with Marrakech or the other cities of the Kingdom ... The storks of the red city give way to the gulls who stir by the hundreds in the fishing port and around the fortifications of Esssaouira, this city that almost resembles Saint Malo
We leave the frenzy of Marrakech, this city so bubbling to finally find calm, wide open spaces, and fully enjoy this city so authentic
We take full eyes with these colors so bright, white and blue being the main colors of this beautiful painting. It is not for nothing that many international artists have decided to settle there
There is also this mix of powerful odors mixed with the iodine air swept by the sirocco, with the subtle scents of the alleys of the medina with woody notes accompanied by scents of orange blossom or jasmine. There is also this surprising and spectacular marine scenery that amazes us every moment
Did you know that the Medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Whether on the fishing port with these blue boats piled up by hundreds, or on the ramparts of the old city with the Atlantic as far as the eye can see in the background, in short we take full eyes
Question flavors, we are far from disappointed, what is more if we are fond of fish and seafood
Listen and you will hear the song of gulls on the ramparts, but also, in the squares and at sunset, the sound of African drums that resonates in all the alleys of the medina ... Yes, Essaouira also lives to the rhythm of Gnaoua music, famous all over the world. Moreover, the Gnaoua Festival of Essaouira attracts many visitors every year
This port city of 70,000 inhabitants is also recognized for the quality of craftsmanship of the craftsmen who work cedar wood, leather and copper
We have also discovered the artistic side of Essaouira with many art galleries where local artists are exposed, not to mention the street-art installations of beauty in the alleys of the medina
If you are still looking for things to see and do in Essaouira, here are our favorites to enjoy the best of this city
At the end of the article you will find plenty of information and practical advice on transport, budget and more. Have a nice trip
Want to do other activities? Here is a link to book activities in Essaouira
Stroll on the port of Essaouira
The port of Essaouira is one of the most spectacular and lively places of the city, especially when the fishermen come back. Imagine the scenery: there are these dozens of trawlers in the shipyard and many blue wooden boats moored in tight rows in the large harbor basin.
Fishermen deliver and trade on the wharf their fish and seafood just caught, and there are countless gulls and seagulls that arrive by the hundreds to feast on the remains all around the auction
A convivial, authentic hubbub that disconnects from reality. A major attraction of the city not to be missed
Once the sailors return to port, they deliver their goods in the restaurants of the city but also in the many barracks located between the Moulay Hassan place and the port. Finistère, Morbihan, Quimper, Brest, they all have very original names
Just choose the fish and seafood you want to eat, and the vendors prepare them under your eyes, grill them on the grill, and bring them to your table
A treat to the good franquette for less than 150 Dirham for two, and the guarantee of savoring fresh products during your stay
Admire the view from the ramparts of Essaouira
You can not leave Essaouira without going to the famous ramparts of the citadel to admire the sunset and the Atlantic Ocean which is unleashed
A wonderful show! For our first evening in Essaouira, we made sandwiches in the main alley of the medina, then savor them on the ramparts. We keep an unforgettable memory, the setting is magical and it is a luxury that is priceless
Historically, the first ramparts of the city were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century to protect the Castelo Real fortress from French, Dutch and Spanish invaders
The city of Mogador (former name of the city) was a commercial port of high importance ... After the destruction of the first fortifications in the 18th century, it is Theodore Cornut, student of the famous architect Vauban who built, at the same time as the medina of Essaouira, the ramparts as we can see them today
You will always find the old Portuguese guns all aligned facing the ocean. At the foot of these, medina coast, there are many small shops selling local crafts, but also the bar restaurant Mega Loft that we particularly love
Where to go out at night in Essaouira
The Mega Loft
Although the dishes are pretty good, it's not for the kitchen that we cracked for the Mega Loft but for the retro and vintage decoration, as well as the friendly atmosphere and a hipster / alternative hair of places
Othman, the boss of the place, has walked many objects in the markets to realize a unique decoration of the 60s-70s style by also adding elbow oil to make unique DIY furniture. We like the old cash registers, the old colorful telephones with circular dialing that our grandparents had, the old cameras fixed on the wall, the colored ceiling with in the center a lighting made in audio cassettes, the furniture industrial style, the benches manufactured with wooden pallets, etc ... In short, we love it
Every night local singers and musicians perform on a small stage, but do not expect to attend a traditional music concert, but rather a friendly beef between pals, on tunes from Patrice, Keziah Jones or Selah Sue
I highly recommend this address, you will spend a pleasant moment in this establishment that breathes creativity, originality and brings an alternative touch by sublimating the identity of Essaouira
The Taros Café
If you are looking for a little atmosphere, go to Cafe Taros, located at the corner of Moulay Hassan Square. From the terrace on several levels you can enjoy the panoramic view of the square and the harbor
In the evening there are many animations with live music. Admittedly, there is a large majority of tourists, and the prices are equivalent to those practiced in Europe, but the atmosphere remains friendly and friendly
A tip, do not go for dinner but rather for dessert, a drink and enjoy the bands
Get lost in the alleys of the medina of Essaouira
The best way to discover the medina is to lose in its many alleys, and I can assure you that the ride remains an essential experience, especially at night
Keep in mind that it is quite easy to find your way around the old city because it is not a labyrinth as in other cities, but rather a grid structure because of the influence of the city. French architect who made the place
We discover small shops, art galleries, antique dealers, booksellers, grocers, we stroll, we take our time, we talk with passers-by, we meet school children dressed in white blouses who go to the school. Cycling school, we look up to observe these beautiful white facades with blue shutters that contrast with the colorful carpets that sublimate the street corners and small squares
The atmosphere is much quieter than in some places in the medina of Marrakech, but hey, it's different
What to see and do in the region of Essaouira
Diabat
The first stage of the road trip is Diabat, a small village located 3km south of Essaouira, known for its ranch that houses thirty horses for hiking on the main beach, but also known to have hosted many hippies and singers in the 70s, including Jimi Hendrix who stayed there for 3 days
He also drew inspiration from the ruined palace "Dar Sultan" to write the song "Castle Made Of Sand". There is a very colorful bar with many paintings of the famous guitarist. It's worth it to stop there to watch 😉
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