Essaouira: Morocco’s Coastal Gem
City Guides

Essaouira: Morocco’s Coastal Gem

Youssef Ait Lahcen
February 18, 2025
10 min read
8,400 views
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Essaouira: Morocco’s Coastal Gem

If Marrakech is Morocco’s fiery heartbeat, **Essaouira** is its cool breeze. Known as the “Wind City of Africa,” this charming coastal town combines historic medinas, Atlantic beaches, vibrant souks, and a famously laid-back vibe.

Whether you’re here for **surfing, seafood, music festivals, or blue-and-white alleyways**, Essaouira is the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Here’s your ultimate guide.

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1. A Brief History

  • Originally a Phoenician trading post (7th century BC).
  • Developed by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah in the 18th century as a fortified port city.
  • Known historically as “Mogador,” a melting pot of Arab, Amazigh, Jewish, and European influences.
  • Today: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its medina and fortifications.

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    2. Why Visit Essaouira?

  • **Laid-back vibe**: Far calmer than Marrakech.
  • **Atlantic beaches**: Great for surfing, kitesurfing, and camel rides.
  • **Cultural mix**: Music, art, and food influenced by diverse communities.
  • **Cooler climate**: Ocean breezes make it pleasant even in summer.

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    3. Top Things to Do in Essaouira

    Explore the Medina

  • Narrow blue-and-white streets filled with artisan shops.
  • Less chaotic than Marrakech or Fes, making it beginner-friendly.
  • Great place to buy argan oil, jewelry, and textiles.

    • Walk the Skala de la Kasbah

  • 18th-century seafront ramparts with cannons.
  • Incredible ocean views and Game of Thrones filming location.

    • Visit the Fishing Port

  • Watch fishermen bring in their catch of the day.
  • Eat grilled sardines at simple seaside stalls for €2–3.

    • Relax on Essaouira Beach

  • Windy, but perfect for surfing and kiteboarding.
  • Camel and horse rides available along the shore.

    • Check Out Local Art

  • Essaouira has a thriving art scene. Visit small galleries and studios inside the medina.

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    4. Food & Dining

    Essaouira is a **seafood paradise**:

  • Grilled sardines → cheap and delicious.
  • Lobster, crab, and calamari → available fresh at the port.
  • Tagine de poisson → local fish stew cooked Moroccan style.

    • Top picks:

  • **Chez Sam** (harbor views, fresh fish).
  • **Taros** (fusion food with live music).
  • **La Table by Madada** (upscale dining in the medina).

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    5. Surfing & Watersports

    Essaouira’s nickname, “Wind City of Africa,” comes from its constant Atlantic breeze.

  • **Surfing** → Best months: September–April.
  • **Kitesurfing & Windsurfing** → Year-round, especially June–August.
  • **Surf schools**: Many offer rentals and lessons (€20–40/day).

    • Nearby beaches worth exploring:

  • **Sidi Kaouki** → A quieter surfing village.
  • **Moulay Bouzerktoun** → Windsurfing hotspot.

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    6. Festivals & Culture

  • **Gnaoua World Music Festival (June)**: One of Morocco’s most famous festivals, mixing traditional Gnaoua with jazz, reggae, and world music.
  • **Local souks**: Smaller and friendlier than Marrakech’s.
  • **Jewish heritage**: Visit the Mellah (Jewish quarter) and restored synagogues.

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    7. Where to Stay

  • **Budget**: Hostels inside the medina (€10–20).
  • **Mid-range**: Boutique riads with courtyards (€30–60).
  • **Luxury**: Heure Bleue Palais (five-star riad with rooftop pool).

    • **Tip:** Choose a riad inside the medina for charm, or a beachfront hotel for ocean views.

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    8. How Long to Stay?

  • **Day trip from Marrakech**: Possible, but rushed.
  • **2–3 nights**: Ideal to enjoy beaches, medina, and relax.

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    9. Getting There

  • **From Marrakech**: 2.5–3 hours by Supratours or CTM bus (€8–10).
  • **From Casablanca**: 5–6 hours by bus or car.
  • **From Agadir**: 3 hours by car.

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    10. Final Thoughts

    Essaouira is Morocco at its most **relaxed and soulful**. Whether you’re wandering the medina, eating seafood by the port, or learning to surf, this coastal town offers a slower rhythm that balances perfectly with the intensity of Morocco’s big cities.

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    Related Posts

  • [The 10 Best Festivals in Morocco](/morocco-festivals-guide)
  • [A Food Lover’s Guide to Morocco](/moroccan-food-guide)
  • [How to Travel Morocco on a Budget](/morocco-budget-travel)

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    Tags

    EssaouiraSurfingSeafoodMorocco

    About the Author

    YAL

    Youssef Ait Lahcen

    Travel writer and Morocco expert with over 10 years of experience exploring North Africa.

    Quick Stats

    Reading Time:10 min read
    Views:8,400
    Published:February 18, 2025
    Category:City Guides

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