I was enchanted by Essaouria from the moment I arrived there. On disembarking the bus at the station, there are men with carts ready to help you bring your luggage to your accommodation if you wish. You can see one of the gates the old Medina and smell the ocean – there is a much more relaxed feeling here and you can feel it straight away. I’ve been a few times, now. The accommodation that I chose was always Airbnb type apartments. This suited me and the price was right! I was never disappointed – the best apartment even had a roof terrace with a barbeque! My daughter also returned to Morocco with her boyfriend and made a trip to Essaouria. They stayed in a riad near the Atlantic – the price was so reasonable and they really enjoyed their time there.
- Stroll Around the Old Medina
The old medina in Essaouria is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, and is filled with market traders selling everything from jewellery, Moroccan rugs, leather goods, pottery, arts & crafts, traditional foods and all manner of things – just like the souks in Marrakech. However, there is a more relaxed feeling here. As you wander through the maze-like narrow streets, you can look at your leisure at the goods on offer, without feeling pressurized into buying something. There are beautiful, authentic, little cafes and eateries. With the sun shining down and the cooling Atlantic breeze, it is a pleasure to stroll around this ancient and history-filled town.
2. Visit the Harbour and Fish Market
A visit to this beautiful sea-side town would not be the same without a trip to the harbour. Here, local fishermen bring in the ‘catches of the day’ and you will not find a more varied market of seafood, including sardines, crabs and conger eels, that is fresh from the ocean. You can sample oysters from the Atlantic! Also, there are many eateries in the medina that will allow you to bring your choice of fish from the market, any vegetables that you choose from the markets and herbs and spices, and cook them for you while you wait! I had never experienced this before in any other places I had visited!
3. City Walls and Fortifications
The ancient city of Essaouria has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has always been considered one of the best harbours along the Moroccan coast. It has had Berber, Roman, Islamic, Portuguese influences and the fortress and city walls have been reconstructed many times through history. A walk along the city walls will bring you back in time. The Dutch canons along the walls that were installed in the 18th century are imposing and the views of the Atlantic Ocean from the walls are spectacular. It’s a particularly amazing place to watch the sun setting!
4. Walk Along the Strand
There are wonderful beaches in Essaouria that attract many visitors. There is a board-walk that goes from the old medina all the way to the newer part of the city – lovely to do in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not so high! There are bars and restaurants along the way, some traders and henna artists and you can even grab a taste of some pomegranate or sugar cane juice! In the evening there are often locals playing football and basketball on the courts there. The last time I visited there were even some young people taking part in a gymnastics competition on the sand. This is a great place just to relax and unwind and feel the rigid routines of life wash away with the waves of the ocean!
5. Camel Trekking/Horse Riding on the Beach at Sunset
You will find camels pretty much every where you visit in Morocco. On the way into Essaouria there is a stop with a panoramic view with some camels there to greet you! Along the beach, nearer to the newer part of the city, there are also handlers there with camels that are popular with visitors. Camel trekking in the desert is an amazing experience, but if you don’t have the time to do this on your visit to Morocco a camel ride at sunset along the beach in Essaouria is not a bad second! There are also handlers with horses there if you are interested in horse-riding – a different way for you to explore the coast!
6. Surfing/Kite-Surfing
Morocco is a popular spot for surfers, as it is close to Europe and the weather is good for most of the year. October to April is the best time as the coast receives an abundance of swell during these months. The harbour in Essaouria is particularly good for beginners – there are a number of surf schools there that provide equipment and lessons for those looking to learn or to try surfing out for the first time! The waves are usually best during the mornings and this is often a quiet time on the beach. Kite-surfing and wind-surfing are more popular in the afternoon as the wind generally gets stronger at this time. If you walk along the beach, you will come across kite-surfing and wind-surfing instructors who also offer equipment and instruction.
7. Quad Tours/Bicycle Tours on the Beach
Another exciting way of seeing the coastline in this area is to do a Quad Tour or Bicycle Tour along the beach. A little bit outside of the city, there is the possibility to book a guided tour along the coast on quads or bikes. This is an exciting activity for groups or for families – a fun and active way of seeing everything that this part of the Moroccan Atlantic Coastline has to offer!
8. Just Outside Essaouria (Sidi Kaouki & Safi – Surfing and More Secluded Beaches)
Located just north of Essaouria is the town of Safi. Here there is a bigger beach break with rocky slabs – it offers powerful and curly waves. Sidi Kaouki is also a popular spot for surfers and there are some more secluded beaches to be found here, too. Also great spots for watching the sun setting!
Morocco - Kingdom of the West 