Essaouira

The Windswept Atlantic Jewel

Essaouira, a fortified port city on Morocco's Atlantic coast, is a place of effortless charm and artistic soul. Its blue-and-white medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was designed by French architect Theodore Cornut in the 18th century and is one of the finest examples of a North African fortified port. Wide, wind-swept ramparts overlook crashing Atlantic waves, while seagulls wheel overhead and fishing boats bob in the harbor below.

The city has long been a magnet for artists, musicians, and free spirits. In the 1960s and 70s, Jimi Hendrix, Orson Welles, and Cat Stevens were among the legends who found inspiration in Essaouira's laid-back magic. Today, the city retains that bohemian spirit — galleries, live Gnawa music, and artisan workshops fill the medina with a creative energy that feels distinct from anywhere else in Morocco.

The long, pristine Atlantic beach stretching south of the medina is famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing, as consistent winds make Essaouira one of the top spots for these sports in Africa. Fresh seafood grilled at the harbor stalls is among the best you'll find anywhere in the country.

Top Experiences in Essaouira

1. Gnawa Music Experience

Essaouira is the world capital of Gnawa, a mesmerizing spiritual music tradition brought to Morocco by sub-Saharan African communities. Listen to live performances in the medina or attend the annual Gnawa World Music Festival, one of Africa's greatest music events.

2. Ramparts and Sea Bastion

Walk the dramatic sea walls of the Sqala de la Kasbah, where ancient bronze cannons still point out to sea and the views of the ocean and medina are spectacular in every direction.

Things to See and Do

• Medina Exploration: Wander the clean, wide streets of the compact medina, browsing galleries, artisan workshops, and music stores without the overwhelming crowds of larger Moroccan cities.
• Harbor and Fish Stalls: Watch fishermen unload their daily catch and savor incredibly fresh grilled fish, prawns, and calamari at the simple wooden stalls along the harbor.
• Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: Take lessons or rent equipment for the best wind sports experience in Morocco on the wide, sandy Atlantic beach.
• Argan Cooperative: Visit a women's argan oil cooperative just outside Essaouira to learn about the production of Morocco's liquid gold and support local communities.
• Thuya Wood Workshops: Watch skilled artisans carve intricate objects from the fragrant thuya root that grows in the region, a craft unique to Essaouira.
• Day Trip to Diabat: Explore the ruins of Orson Welles' filming location and the dunes south of Essaouira on a horse ride or camel trek.