This is what the sqala looks like from the port. A shared terrace upstairs is a great place to either begin the day with breakfast or cool down in the evening. So, are you in love with the city of Essaouira yet? Through it and right up to its top branches; and, believe it or not, these agile, little animals are an essential part of the process of the oil production. Afterward, head to the seafood stalls located nearby where you can see the daily catches and choose which one youd like thrown on the grill. Essaouira is protected by a natural bay partially shielded from wave action by the Iles Purpuraires. By 631indiai. I highly recommend staying inside the medina. Heavy rain is rare in Essaouira but drizzly days, particularly throughout January and February are not. That was the number of goals scored with precision by Germany on Morocco's Atlas . The alleyways are wider, there is less frequent motorbike traffic through the medina, and people just seem friendlier. However we must have been very lucky when we were there. The temperature was around 90-100 degrees F in the cities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 16 BEST Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco Here it is - 16 of the BEST things to do in Essaouira, Morocco. Essaouira Guided Tour: 3 on 1 - Nightlife tour, Live like a local & Street food. Visit the Historical Ramparts Looking for more details on things to see and do in Essaouira? There are three main entrances to Safi medina. Essaouira is a charming little town in Morocco, located 180 kilometers (110 miles) west of Marrakesh, on the Atlantic coast, by the sea. Locals normally avoid the beach in winter but if you still want to take a dip, its possible with a wetsuit on. 5 Amazing Things To Do In Essaouira Morocco These are the 5 AMAZING things to do in Essaouira, Morocco! The annual Gnaoua World Music Festivalstarted in 1998 and now attracts many thousands of visitors each year festival Gnaoua. Soak up the stunning port views from here. If youve never tried camel cheese, you absolutely must! Amazing afternoon horse riding with Mohammed. The atmosphere is increasingly international. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Essaouira (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor So it is possible to travel to Essaouira, spend the day there and get back to Marrakech if thats where your accommodation is. There are several ATMs conveniently located in the center square as well. Its the perfect place to sit outside in the sunshine while enjoying different cheeses made from the milk of a variety of animals. The traditional Moroccan food is flavoursome and sumptuous and changes daily. Its very easy to get to from Marrakech to Essaouira. Its one of the most mesmerising places in Morocco. They tell stories of visiting once and falling in love with Essaouira and subsequently purchasing a one-way ticket. . Essaouira connects to Safi to the north and to Agadir to the south via the N1 road and to Marrakech to the east via the R 207 road. You should definitely add Essaouira to the list if you go back to Morocco. On either end of the rampart, youll find the Skala du Port which functions as a gateway to the fish port. It is the coastal wind - the beautifully named alizee, or taros in Berber - that has allowed Essaouira (essa-weera, or es-sweera in Arabic) to retain its traditional culture and character. Harrell, Of Essaouira: "He employed European architects to design it, one a Frenchman said to be his prisoner, and the other an Englishman, converted to Islam and known as Ahmed el-Inglizi otherwise Ahmed the Englishman." It has 77,966 inhabitants as of 2014. [12] Mohammed III took numerous steps to encourage the development of Essaouira including closing off the harbour of Agadir to the south in 1767 so that southern trade could be redirected through Essaouira. If you are interested in a day trip from Marrakech with fun surf lessons, you can book this tour. And Essaouria has some decent ones in its old medina. Don't miss out on visiting Its similar to goat cheese in texture and flavor and is served in several different ways so you can get the most out of your tasting experience. Its too much travel. Enjoy the best of Essaouira with the help of the friendly staff. Supratous (run by ONCF the national rail network) also provides comfortable coaches from Marrakech train station but book inadvance at peak times. Plan on spending a few hours in the beautiful outdoor seating area, basking in the sun and savoring every course. Make sure to go there in the morning to enjoy the great atmosphere. Many riads are quite lovely to visit in the summer as they have gorgeous rooftop areas, perfect for lounging. For most of the year, the wind blows so hard here that relaxing on the beach is impossible, meaning that the town is bypassed by the . They swallow the fruit and, once digested, they expel the stone. Mine? The lowest maximum temperature ever recorded was 11.8C (53.2F) on 15 February 2018. Hi, welcome to The Morocco Travel Way, a Morocco travel guide and blog! Updates // We do our best to keep the information in this guide up to date, if you notice anything has changed, please leave a comment below. Is one day enough? The huge stone wall circling Essaouira was built in the 18th century to protect the city from foreign invaders. Find a quiet spot, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere of this refreshingly relaxing Moroccan town. Here are the best things to do in Essaouira. The fishing harbour, suffering from the competition of Agadir and Safi, remains rather small, although the catches (sardines, conger eels) are surprisingly abundant due to the coastal upwelling generated by the powerful trade winds and the Canaries Current. Following Morocco's alliance with Algeria's Abd-El-Kader against France, Essaouira was bombarded and briefly occupied by the French Navy under the Prince de Joinville on 16 August 1844, in the Bombardment of Mogador, an important battle of the First Franco-Moroccan War. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps. Which requires 30 kilograms of berries and eight hours of intensive manual labor (always done by women, by the way!) I bet thats awesome to see with your own eyes. Rich of many information I need also good for any newcomers. Fishermen in Essaouira after a good fishing day. Were sure you will love the colorful artistic decoration. But the wide sandy beach is also beautiful and a popular place for surfers, kiters, and people on vacation to the beach. [23] The Canary Current is responsible for the generally southward movement of ocean circulation and has led to enhancement of the local fishery. Essaouira remained a haven for the export of sugar and molasses and as an anchorage for pirates. in, The attack of Mogador by the French fleet, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of twin towns and sister cities in Morocco, "POPULATION LGALE DES RGIONS, PROVINCES, PRFECTURES, MUNICIPALITS, ARRONDISSEMENTS ET COMMUNES DU ROYAUME D'APRS LES RSULTATS DU RGPH 2014", "Moroccan schools to teach Jewish history and culture", "Morocco's little idyll of Jewish-Muslim coexistence", "Moroccan king visits restored Bayt Dakira in Essaouira", "The 1970s Hippie Trail: drugs, danger, and a magical pudding shop in Asia", "60222: Essaouira - Mogador Intl. The decorative little streets are full of small shops selling this woodcraft! Chems Bleu is a light and airy house in a perfect location just inside the medina walls. A Roman villa was excavated on Mogador island. Nearby, couples and families stroll the beaches of Cape Sim and Sidi Kaouki, which also attract surfers of all types. With their European cannons facing out to the nearby islands, the Purpuraires, and the ocean beyond. 13 Things to do in Essaouira - Go to a Hammam. Place Moulay el Hassan - Mingle with some locals and seek out the true character and charm of this special place. Until the 1960s, Essaouira was generally known by its Portuguese name, Mogador. The views of the blue fishing boats below while birds fly overhead are truly stunning. Essaouira has a vibrant food scene that preserves the traditional Moroccan cooking methods but also isnt afraid to step away from tagine every so often. You Can Spend The Night In An Ice Hotel In Canada! Youll find all this on The Morocco Travel Way with travel guides and tips to help you make the most of every trip. But commercial trade soon became what this area was most known for as it linked Morocco and the Sahara with Europe and the rest of the world. So instead, hire some kite-surfing equipment and head out for a different Essaouira Beach experience. In 1506, the king of Portugal, D. Manuel I, ordered a fortress to be built there, named Castelo Real de Mogador. Both spellings represent its name in Moroccan Arabic, -wia. La Table by Madada We were at the beach, so we definitely wanted to eat seafood! Ali at stall #33 is super friendly and not as pushy as some of the other vendors. This dye colored the purple stripe in the togas worn by the Senators of Imperial Rome. On the formation of diminutive nouns in Moroccan Arabic, see R.S. Most of the artifacts are now visible in the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum and the Rabat Archaeological Museum. Essaouira (/swr/ ESS--WEER-; Arabic: , romanized:a-awra; Tachelhit: , romanized:Taort, formerly Amegdul), known until the 1960s as Mogador, is a port city in the western Moroccan region of Marakesh-Safi, on the Atlantic coast. And if youre lucky, you may get to see a few brand new baby camels! It cost 50 cents per bag for us to check a bag. Nowhere else in these vast Argan forests. I wanted to see as much of Morocco as possible in our 2 short weeks! Take full advantage of the beaches of Essaouira by taking a horseback or camel ride. Book a 1 Hour Horse Ride or a Full Day Horse Ride with Free Lunch. The hippies were the first to come, following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, then came the surfers. Once built, it continued to grow and experienced a golden age and exceptional development, becoming the country's most important commercial port but also its diplomatic capital between the end of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. From the time of its rebuilding by Muhammad III until the end of the nineteenth century, Essaouira served as Morocco's principal port, offering the goods of the caravan trade to the world. Behind and beyond Essaouria, the gentle hills are covered in gnarled argan trees, prehistoric relics that are unique to Morocco! It even enticed the production crew of Game of Thrones to film several episodes here. Leather bags, shoes, and cushions spill out into the alleyways and plush Berber carpets hang from the walls. Everything is very close. During the 16th century, powers including Spain, England, the Netherlands and France tried in vain to conquer the locality. From there, it takes approximately 3 hours to make the trip by minibus. Their trained experts will teach you the basics so you feel confident getting in the water and giving it a try. When you arrive, you will be greeted by the hilarious and outgoing owner, Anouk, and an amazing and attentive crew. And of course, Others selling carpets, patchwork jackets, and other touristy trinkets. Today, the city retains a small-town feel but it wasn't always this way. 14 Best Things to do in Essaouira Morocco, the Complete Guide to While small in size it's a favorite for many visitors. However, youre likely to get a mouthful of sand if you attempt to do any sunbathing. Essaouira is an escape from the chaos of other Moroccan towns with a seaside vibe that has a relaxed charm and plenty of character. When you exit the medina near the port, youll see the beach stretching out for miles in front of you. The scene of the rows of crucified slaves were props to cover the Portuguese cannons. Its not as crazy as the exotic medina of Fez and it doesnt have the big attractions of Marrakech, but there is plenty to enjoy in the unique Essaouira way. Rejuvenate your skin and body by taking a wonderful soak at a traditional Hammam. A broad sandy beach extends from the harbour south of Essaourira, at which point the Oued Ksob discharges to the ocean; south of the discharge lies the archaeological ruin, the Bordj El Berod. There's no need to give your credit card a workout in Essaouira. 14 Take a Walk in the Park. France had also set its sights on Essaouira during the war between Morocco and France. Also referred to as Bab Sidi Bouzerktoun, Bab Doukkala is the entrance to the medina of Essaouira. Practice your bargaining skills before heading off to other massive Moroccan souks. Here are some recommendations from us. Our pick would be May and late September to early October when the wind is the least fierce and the temperatures are lovely. [11][12] Originally called "Souira" ("the small fortress"), the name became "Es-Saouira" ("the beautifully designed"). Altogether, the Portuguese are documented to have seized six Moroccan towns and built six stand-alone fortresses on the Moroccan Atlantic coast, between the river Loukos in the north and the river of Sous in the south. The town's name means "little picture" in . Located about 15 minutes outside of the old city of Essaouira, surrounded by beautiful lush gardens, youll find your own little paradise at the Villa Anouk. The island kept the old Phoenician name of the city of Essaouira. Portuguese, French and Berber architecture frame the maze-like streets of Essaouira, a charming and vibrant port and resort town on the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks for your support Paul & Mark. If you are traveling with a group of people, you can rent a private minivan. In the 18th century, the sultan of Morocco Mohamed III began the construction of the Medina. The journey takes 3 hours by bus, with a 20 minute comfort break enroute. While here, dont forget to check out Dar Sultan Palace. Read our driving in Morocco guide to see if hiring a car is the right way to go for you. If you have a suitcase (even a carry-on size) you have to check your bag. The township of Sidi Kaouki is located 25km south of Essaouira and is becoming one of the best locations in Morocco for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. 15 Best Things To Do In Essaouira, Morocco - Updated 2023 Local markets favour a traditional way of life, and while you can still pick up all the Moroccan crafts that tourists love, you can do so with much less hassle. The strong wind coupled with the sandy shore of Essaouira creates the perfect conditions to learn a new sport kite surfing! | About | PR and Media | Contact | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2022 Mint Tea Media, Moroccan Hanukkah Recipes to Celebrate This Year, Ramadan Recipes to Make Your Month Easier. Colorful, vibrant, interesting and sooooo different than anyplace Id ever visited. And from which the precious argan oil is extracted. Its also the windiest time. Boys play music together in. It also offers spacious rooms with everything you could possibly need, including a chimney to warm you up in the winter. There are six buses per day from Marrakech to Essaouria leaving at 07:45, 09:00, 10:45, 14:45, 16:45 and 19:00. C$90.94. [19] In the 1820s, European diplomats were concentrated in either Tangier or Essaouira.[20]. Expats from all over the world have flocked to this peaceful place to open colorful riads and lively restaurants. Medina of Essaouira was designated by the UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 2001. The best time to visit Essaouira is between May and September when the south Atlantic breeze keeps the temperatures much more bearable than other Moroccan cities. I obsessed over the itinerary. If youre wondering how many days to spend in Essaouira, we spent two nights and I think it was the perfect amount. The best way to get from Marrakech To Essaouirais the Supratours bus, because it drops you off closer to the city center (medina) in Essaouira. The second (or third) language for most Moroccans is French. All the above pictures in this post I took in the medina. It is a small, sleepy town that has gained some prominence lately as a getaway from Marrakech. The Top 10 Things to do in Essaouira, Morocco December 15, 2022 / By Valerie Wheatley Located about 2.5 hours west of Marrakech is the darling coastal town of Essaouira (pronounced sweera , essa-weera, or es-sweera depending on who you talk to). 7 Visit the Ramparts. Where you can pick amazing things to buy in Morocco, and craftsmen carve and polish wonderfully intricate marquetry from thuya and cedarwood; everything from ornate boxes to chess sets and furniture. Moroccan-inspired pasta, fresh fish and creative meat dishes occupy the menu, while 60s memorabilia and gadgets occupy the walls. The thick walls surrounding the medina of Essaouira were constructed in the late 18th century to defend this coastal town from invasion. Essaouira-Mogador Airport(ESU) is the small international airport serving Essaouira. Our cross cultural life has taken us around the world and we currently call Morocco home. Of course, you are! Its a cool and relaxing place to hang out for a couple of days. Dubbed as the "Moroccan Woodstock" it lasts four days and attracts annually around 450,000 spectators. While the beach in Essaouira isnt exactly ideal for sunbathing, it is great for taking long walks, watching the kite surfers, befriending the local horses and camels, and taking a ride on an ATV. Its a cute colourful caf also serving sandwiches and salads with vegetarian and vegan options. What To Do in Essaouira, Morocco Because it's relatively small, you can explore key attractions in the city just by walking. The most popular destination for grand and rippling sand dunes is Erg Chebbi. Artists and craft vendors often have stalls set up on the ramparts, providing a splash of colour to the stone walls. Top 6 things to do in Safi, Morocco: from pottery to Portuguese history Essaouira is also a center of argan oil production. But what else does this beautiful city have to offer? If you like private and a guided tour and you dont have a problem with your budget; you can book a tour with a transfer company. [citation needed] There are also many privately owned riads, also known as dars, that may be rented on a daily or weekly basis. From March to August, is the best time of year to visit Morocco and Essaouira. [11] The other was to cut off trade from Agadir in the south, which had been favouring a political rival of Mohammed III, and the inhabitants of Agadir were forced to relocate to Essaouira.[11]. Betica amphora found in Essaouira, 1-2nd century CE. I'm a writer, entrepreneur, and lover of all things delicious. A weekend in Essaouira: what to see and to - and where to stay Legend has it that during Welles' sojourn in the town he met Winston Churchill, another guest at the Hotel des Iles. 8.99 Add to cart Explore Essaouira ebook Updated for 2023, the Explore Essaouira ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring Essaouira.