Usually neglected by the standard vacationer crowd, the windswept seaside city of Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast appears like a well-kept secret.
With art-filled alleyways, sunlit squares, and spice-scented streets this underrated coastal gem is (Picture: Portia Jones)
For those who’re planning your subsequent journey and craving a brand new and underrated seaside spot, it is time to let Essaouira, Morocco’s coastal gem, steal the highlight.
Overlook the historic appeal of Marrakech or the Sahara’s dramatic dunes — Essaouira presents completely different magic. Usually neglected by the standard vacationer crowd, this windswept seaside city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast appears like a well-kept secret.
The coastal metropolis of Essaouira is perched on the blustery Atlantic coast and options an lively fishing port and a UNESCO World Heritage website medina. Town is legendary for its chilled vibes, ramparts, historic port, and vibrant markets the place neighbourhood cats roam freely.
Generally known as the ‘Wind Metropolis of Africa’, it’s a haven for windsurfers, particularly between April and November, when the winds are in full drive. However you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to fall in love with this place.
With its art-filled alleyways, sunlit squares, and spice-scented streets, Essaouira is ideal for anybody in search of a slice of genuine Moroccan life, minus the hefty price ticket.
READ MORE: Seaside city with ‘greatest fish and chips within the nation’ and wonderful views
Essaouira could also be a small coastal city, however it’s full of issues to see and do (Picture: Portia Jones)
What to see and do in Essaouira
Essaouira could also be a small coastal city, however it’s full of issues to see and do, and you may rapidly realise {that a} single day right here is much from sufficient.
With a mixture of historical past, artwork, and nature, this coastal spot presents a vibrant vary of actions for travellers in search of a deeper dive into Moroccan tradition.
The Skala de la Ville: Stroll the ramparts
No go to to Essaouira could be full with out exploring the Skala de la Ville, the traditional defensive partitions that when protected the city from pirates and invaders. Stretching alongside the oceanfront, these fortified ramparts are house to bronze cannons which have stood the check of time for the reason that 18th century.
Not solely are they a slice of Essaouira’s army historical past, however additionally they provide epic views over the crashing Atlantic waves.
As you stroll alongside these battlements, you’ll be able to spot the place scenes from Sport of Thrones had been filmed.
Essaouira was the situation for Astapor in Sport of Thrones, one other of the cities of Slaver’s Bay that Daenerys efficiently conquered.
Astapor is house to the Unsullied, the elite warrior-eunuchs who be part of Daenerys after she sacks the town. She tells them to kill their masters and subsequently asks them to struggle for her as free males.
A number of key Astapor scenes for season 3 had been shot across the distinctive metropolis partitions and the port full of vibrant blue boats.
In episode one in every of season 3, Daenerys’ ship arrives at Astapor after leaving Qarth, and she or he is given a tour of the Unsullied barracks by the Unsullied’s proprietor, Kraznys mo Nakloz.
To stroll in Khaleesi’s footsteps, head to the ramparts of the 18th-century Skala de la Ville, and also you’ll discover the arch that she walks via when she first enters Astapor and meets the Unsullied military and Missandei – who would change into her closest advisor. You may also discover the massive round port gap featured in one of many exterior location pictures.
The harbour additionally had a starring position and was additionally featured in Episode 1 of Season 3 when Daenerys is sort of assassinated on her solution to meet Barristan Selmy, the previous Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
To stroll in Khaleesi’s footsteps, head to the ramparts of the 18th-century Skala de la Ville (Picture: Portia Jones)
Bike alongside the shoreline
Among the finest methods to discover Essaouira and its environment is by hopping on a motorcycle. The city’s laid-back ambiance, wide-open areas, and comparatively flat terrain make biking a great solution to see the coastal sights and native tradition.
Nanea Bike is a go-to possibility for bike leases and excursions in Essaouira. Positioned conveniently on the town, they provide quite a lot of bikes to go well with completely different sorts of adventures, together with mountain bikes, electrical bikes, and traditional metropolis bikes. The rental costs are cheap, providing half-day, full-day, or multi-day leases should you plan to discover extra.
What’s nice about Nanea Bike is its vary of guided biking excursions catering to all health ranges and pursuits. Well-liked excursions embrace scenic rides via Essaouira’s forests, visits to Berber villages, or rides alongside the rugged Atlantic shoreline.
These enjoyable excursions are a incredible solution to expertise Essaouira’s pure magnificence whereas studying extra concerning the native tradition from educated guides. Plus, Nanea Bike additionally presents tailor-made personal excursions, so you’ll be able to customise your route and discover at your personal tempo.
Bike alongside the coast (Picture: Portia Jones)
Artwork galleries and artisan workshops
Essaouira is a haven for artists and creatives, and its vibrant artwork scene is among the city’s highlights. Numerous galleries are scattered via the medina, showcasing the whole lot from modern Moroccan artwork to conventional crafts.
The Galerie d’Artwork Damgaard is a must-visit. It’s probably the most well-known galleries on the town, selling the works of Moroccan artists, a lot of whom draw inspiration from the city’s colors, rhythms, and textures.
Past the galleries are loads of artisan workshops the place you’ll be able to see conventional crafts being made. Essaouira is understood for its nice woodworking, significantly utilizing thuya wooden (a aromatic, golden wooden native to Morocco) to create intricate containers, chess units, and furnishings. Take a detour to one of many many workshops within the medina the place artisans rigorously handcraft this stuff.
The Essaouira Citadel
Constructed by the Portuguese within the sixteenth century, the Essaouira Citadel is one other historic spotlight. The imposing fortress looms over the coast, providing panoramic views of the harbour and the Atlantic.
This construction was a strategic army publish, and whereas it’s now not used for defence, it’s an exquisite spot to take in some historical past whereas having fun with the ocean breeze.
For those who’re into images, the citadel is an ideal spot for capturing the essence of Essaouira — the distinction of the rugged stone partitions towards the limitless blue of the Atlantic makes for beautiful images.
Essaouira Seashore is greater than only a spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers (Picture: Portia Jones)
Souk Jdid: Discover Essaouira’s markets
No journey to Morocco is full with out diving into its market tradition, and Essaouira’s Souk Jdid is a perfect place to do exactly that. Not like the customarily overwhelming souks of bigger cities like Marrakech, Essaouira’s market is extra laid-back, making it simpler to take your time and benefit from the procuring expertise.
Wander via stalls piled excessive with spices, rugs, ceramics, and handmade textiles. That is the best spot to select up souvenirs or presents, significantly argan oil, produced regionally.
The souk can also be a superb place to strive recent dates, olives, and nuts and to watch the native lifestyle as distributors and patrons haggle and chat.
What to eat in Essaouira
Concerning meals in Essaouira, one phrase involves thoughts: seafood. The city’s location on the Atlantic means the catch is all the time fairly priced and recent, and also you’d be hard-pressed to discover a higher place to take pleasure in Morocco’s unimaginable coastal bounty.
For an genuine Moroccan expertise, the vigorous fish market close to the port is an journey in itself.
Right here, you’ll be able to select your fish of selection — sardines, sea bass, or octopus — and have it grilled on the spot at one of many close by stalls. Easy, recent, and completely scrumptious.
For a extra refined eating expertise, head to La Desk by Madada, an elegant restaurant specialising in French-Moroccan fusion. Their seafood tagine, slow-cooked with fragrant spices, is the stuff of desires.
For those who’re in search of one thing extra native, Le Chalet de la Plage is a superb spot for an informal lunch by the ocean. Their grilled lobster is an absolute must-try, and the views of the Atlantic aren’t dangerous both.
Vegetarians, don’t despair — whereas Essaouira is understood for its seafood, Moroccan delicacies is wealthy in plant-based dishes too. Loads of locations will serve hearty vegetable tagines, recent salads, and heat, fluffy Moroccan bread to mop all of it up.
Contemporary oysters pile on fish market in Essaouira medina port (Picture: Getty)
The place to remain
Essaouira’s lodging choices vary from luxurious riads to budget-friendly guesthouses, however all of them have appeal in widespread. Staying in a riad (a standard Moroccan home with an inside backyard or courtyard) is an expertise you gained’t miss.
They’re dotted everywhere in the medina, providing an genuine style of Moroccan life, full with intricate tilework, ornate wood doorways, and pleasant hosts who’ll deal with you want household.
For luxurious, contemplate L’Heure Bleue Palais, a five-star riad housed in an 18th-century palace. It’s a splurge, however the rooftop terrace panoramic views over the medina and the Atlantic make it value each penny.
For those who’re after one thing extra budget-friendly, Riad Dar Maya is a stunning boutique possibility, mixing conventional decor with trendy comforts. And should you want a beachfront keep, Villa Maroc presents wonderful sea views and easy accessibility to the seaside and the medina.
With all transport, lodging, and native guides included, Intrepid’s excursions are a incredible possibility for these wanting a deeper and stress-free Moroccan expertise.
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