Hi, welcome to The Morocco Travel Way, a Morocco travel guide and blog! It is at that time that Mogador finally became Essaouria, literally the well-drawn. Skiing & Sledding at Le Massif in Quebec! 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. The walls have remained and have been well-preserved as the medina was declared aUNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. 13 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Visiting Morocco, Where to Stay in Essaouira: 10 Amazing Riads in Morocco's Windy City, Magical Marrakech: What to See, Where to Stay, and What to Eat, Guide to Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy & How to Bargain, The Top 8 Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco. Wed recommend unwinding here for a few days at least. You can reach the rampart in two ways. Hence, the spelling of the name in Arabic script according to the classical pronunciation is al-Suwayrah (with sn not d). Grab an Orwell or Dostoevsky and graze on homemade muesli, avo on toast and fresh fruit salads. Through a wall of seagulls, the port sings to the hubbub of fishermen hauling in the mornings catch. Essaouira Morocco The coastal city of Essaouira is one of the most picturesque places in Morocco! Yoo Healthy Food If you have your daily sugar intake from too many cups of mint team, head to Yoo and try out their local fruit juices, yoghurts and smoothies. Read our driving in Morocco guide to see if hiring a car is the right way to go for you. Sometimes crashing angrily against the towns fortified walls. Phoenician plate with red slip, 7th century BCE, excavated in Mogador island, Essaouira. Supratours is the main bus company that travels between Marrakech and Essaouira. Check out all of our favorite luxurious riads, right in the heart of Essaouira! 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. You can leave at 8 AM to be back in Marrakech early in the evening. Our favorite is probably Riad Chbanate; it has a lovely Moroccan patio. 5 - KITE SURF ON ESSAOUIRA BEACH. Its also the windiest time. This is where locals do their shopping. This nutty, golden and very expensive oil enhances fine Moroccan cuisine; and is now a healthy component in almost everything from salad dressings to medicines and cosmetics. Perfectly located just inside the medina this cosy riad has lovely rooms overlooking a peaceful courtyard. Also referred to as Bab Sidi Bouzerktoun, Bab Doukkala is the entrance to the medina of Essaouira. At the time of writing, the conversion rate was about 9.25 Dhs to $1 USD. A shared terrace with beach loungers has great views of the beach. During the 16th century, powers including Spain, England, the Netherlands and France tried in vain to conquer the locality. 13 Things to do in Essaouira - Go to a Hammam. The gap between highs and lows is small and summers are warm while winters are mild. 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. Hundreds of blue boats bob up and down in the small harbour, nestled against the honey-colour walls of the ramparts. Essaouira experiences a very mild year-round climate. The indoor pool is perfect for a dip when the afternoon sun is at its height. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There is no railway running through Essaouira but plenty of buses run to and from cities all over Morocco throughout the day. Book a 1 Hour Horse Ride or a Full Day Horse Ride with Free Lunch. Beginning in the late 1960s, Essaouira became something of a hippie hangout.[21][22]. Pull up a seat, order a cocktail and join the storks to watch the setting sun light up the medina walls before dipping into the sea. 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. Thanks, Stuart. In the 20th century, an open-air prison was built there. Just a for a few days of peace if nothing else! And only in one tree the one your transport stops by. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It has become a tourist attraction due to the tree-climbing goats who are unique to the region, as argan trees are the only type the goats climb. Essaouira had a Franco-Moroccan school, still visible in Derb Dharb street. There are several ATMs conveniently located in the center square as well. Our list of things to do has some of the usual Essaouira haunts, but we also explored further to bring you some of the more unique places. The name of the city is usually spelled Essaouira in Latin script, and in Arabic script. It has 77,966 inhabitants as of 2014. And if youre lucky, you may get to see a few brand new baby camels! The bus takes 3 hours and includes a 20-minute stop halfway for bathroom and snacks. The seagulls are a constant sight in the city. There are a number of languages spoken in Morocco but the two official languages are Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jklamo used under CC BY-SA 3.0. 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. While temperatures are warmer, the beach is not ideal for sunbathing or swimming due to the large waves and windy conditions. Legend has it that during Welles' sojourn in the town he met Winston Churchill, another guest at the Hotel des Iles. [9], The present city of Essaouira was built during the mid-eighteenth century by the Moroccan King. Must Read: 13 crazy adventures to have in Morocco. One of the best things to do in Essaouira is absolutely nothing. There are numerous places around the city for a great viewpoint. Horse and camel rentals are abundant on the beach, but its wiser to book ahead to ensure youre getting professional horses that are healthy and well cared for. The annual Gnaoua World Music Festivalstarted in 1998 and now attracts many thousands of visitors each year festival Gnaoua. The Essaouira Medina is smaller compared to that of Marrakesh, but its special because it sits by the North Atlantic. The town of Essaouira was formerly known asMogador. 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. [citation needed], He departed for Sal on 20 July 1629 with a fleet composed of the ships Licorne, Saint-Louis, Griffon, Catherine, Hambourg, Sainte-Anne, Saint-Jean. 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. Essaouria Mogador morocco is around 6:30 H (380Km) away from Casablanca. [32], There is a French international school in Essaouira, Groupe scolaire Eric-Tabarly. Its a very labor-intensive process! We were in Morocco at the end of June, and it was HOT everywhere else in Morocco! The views from its fortress-like walls are excellent. Essaouira is a haven for surfers and kitesurfers thanks to its powerful Atlantic winds. Here are some of our favourites. Morocco. Subscribe to receive all the latest news, tips, and travel updates about Morocco, delivered right to your inbox! Climb the walkway to the top of the ramparts to admire views of the sea while soaking in the history of this massive fort. The most popular destination for grand and rippling sand dunes is Erg Chebbi. 11 Surfing and Kitesurfing in Essaouira. They swallow the fruit and, once digested, they expel the stone. Book a reservation for dinner at 8:30 pm to ensure you get a table. That was the number of goals scored with precision by Germany on Morocco's Atlas . This summer I spent 2 weeks in Morocco. Moroccan-inspired pasta, fresh fish and creative meat dishes occupy the menu, while 60s memorabilia and gadgets occupy the walls. Essaouria doesnt change too much and hasnt yet attracted package tourism! If you want great pictures of your trip, this is definitely the place to be! If you enjoyed this post, follow us day-to-day on Instagram @kevinandamanda! I'm Amanda, an American girl who married a Moroccan guy nearly 20 years ago. With their European cannons facing out to the nearby islands, the Purpuraires, and the ocean beyond. The medina in Essaouira is easy to navigate and you can generally trust people to point you in the right direction if you get turned around. You can wander around its charming pedestrian streets and shop around at local artisan shops. After snapping a few photos, climb the stairs to watch the bustling port from above. There are established restaurants too, where the fish and shellfish are quite outstanding, and you can enjoy traditional Moroccan foods. Practice your bargaining skills before heading off to other massive Moroccan souks. 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. Thdore Cornut designed and built the city itself, particularly the Kasbah area, corresponding to the royal quarters and the buildings for Christian merchants and diplomats. Take your first lessons or if youre already experienced, rent equipment from the many rental companies at the beach. The second way to get from Marrakech to Essaouira in Morocco is by Taxi and you can take it from the Marrakech bus station located at Bab Doukkala. 8 Visit the Port and the Fish Market. Were sure you will love the colorful artistic decoration. Yes, Essaouira feels extremely secure to visit. We prefer to stick to riding ATVs over cute animals, but thats up to your personal preference. The medina is full of shops and restaurants. Whatever it is, its a place to relax and enjoy. Essaouira remains one of the major fishing harbours of Morocco. Since 1998, the Gnaoua Festival of World Music is held in Essaouira, normally in the last week of June. The road from Marrakesh to Essaouira is a straight line, explaining the king's choice of this port among the many others along the Moroccan coast. Points of Interest & Landmarks. These are Bab Jdid, Bab Agrour and Bab Chabaa.The latter is the one most visitors use as there's a parking area just outside. Its very easy to get to from Marrakech to Essaouira. If kite surfing isnt your thing, you can also rent regular surfboards and stand-up paddleboards with wetsuits for alternative water adventures. Walk Along the City Walls of Essaouira, 6. Soak up the stunning port views from here. Dont miss out on any tips and recommendations if youre planning to travel to Morocco or anywhere in Africa, subscribe now to our social media: Facebook, Instagram. There are cafs, bistros, and restaurants. Its an easy day trip if you want to escape the crowds during peak months like July and August. One of his objectives was to establish a harbour at the closest possible point to Marrakesh. You can also see this small island with the remains of a historic fort. The desert road between Marrakesh and Essaouira. Be sure to enjoy a delicious meal at Le Sirocco which offers both Moroccan and French cuisine while a talented man with a guitar and a microphone serenade you. France had also set its sights on Essaouira during the war between Morocco and France. Go up to the City Walls for this panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Spices delight your senses and blankets in every size and color make the perfect gift for your friends back home. 14 Take a Walk in the Park. When you arrive, you will be greeted by the hilarious and outgoing owner, Anouk, and an amazing and attentive crew. The alleyways are wider, there is less frequent motorbike traffic through the medina, and people just seem friendlier. Dont be surprised if you pass an argan tree on the roadside with a herd of goats clambering in it! Many riads are quite lovely to visit in the summer as they have gorgeous rooftop areas, perfect for lounging. Its an open-air museum! The thick walls surrounding the medina of Essaouira were constructed in the late 18th century to defend this coastal town from invasion. Several world-class clubs rent top-notch material on a weekly basis. Art galleries hide down narrow side streets and cafes line shaded pavements. This is a great time to stroll the medina and catch sunsets drinks from a rooftop. Because its relatively small, you can explore key attractions in the city just by walking. Cheers Mark. The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (Dhs). Behind and beyond Essaouria, the gentle hills are covered in gnarled argan trees, prehistoric relics that are unique to Morocco! After consulting TripAdvisor, Google, and our hotel, we learned that the best restaurant in Essaouira for seafood was La Table by Madada. Go wine tasting at a vineyard in Essaouira. For the hamlet in Surrey, see, Foundation of modern Essaouira (17601770). Being used as a filmset for the popular tv series 'Game of Thrones' make that the visitor numbers increase quickly. Copyright 2019 African Wanderlust, All rights Reserved. For an entrance fee of just 10 Dhs, you can get one of the best views of the old city in all of Essaouira from theSkala du Port. [15] On 15 January 2020, King Mohammed VI visited Bayt Dakira, a Jewish heritage house, in Essaouira. The lowest maximum temperature ever recorded was 11.8C (53.2F) on 15 February 2018. Its well worth the short detour from Marrakech. The Medina of Essaouira (formerly "Mogador") is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, an example of a late 18th-century fortified town, as transferred to North Africa by European colonists. Taros is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset but be sure to bring a jacket! There is a fierce wind that rushes off the Atlantic and batters Essaouira relentlessly. Royal Air Maroc, Transavia, and EasyJet are the airlines that operate flights to and from ESU. 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." The objective was to create a base against the Sultan of Morocco and asphyxiate the harbour of Safi. Newer international hotels have been built along the sea front, with local planning regulations restricting buildings to 4 storeys in height. The beach of Essaouira is also famous for being a popular surf spot. Essaouira is a beach town on the coast of Morocco. Theres definitely enough to see and do for 1-2 days. Essaouira shot to fame thanks to Game of Thrones with the walled seaside port providing all the old-world mystery required. Copyright 2018, African Wanderlust. An energetic woodworkers market, selling all sorts of practical (and not so practical) goods, is tucked just underneath. You cant book online so youll have to check directly with your hotel or riad in Marrakech if they can do that for you. Heavy rain is rare in Essaouira but drizzly days, particularly throughout January and February are not. 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). Amazing blog!! The best way to see them all is to take a short walk. You should definitely add Essaouira to the list if you go back to Morocco. The medina in Essaouira was my favorite medina out of all the cities we visited. [33], Essaouira presents itself as a city full of culture: several small art galleries are found all over the town. Highly recommend! [31] There are several businesses in Sidi Kaouki which offer gear rental. In 1506, the king of Portugal, D. Manuel I, ordered a fortress to be built there, named Castelo Real de Mogador. Artists and craft vendors often have stalls set up on the ramparts, providing a splash of colour to the stone walls. Enjoy the best of Essaouira with the help of the friendly staff. Amazing afternoon horse riding with Mohammed. The stones are cracked open and the nut inside is roasted and then ground to produce the oil. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There's a bohemian feel to this walled town, its souks selling musical instruments and proud owners sitting outside their small art galleries. It's known as Africa's windy city and it's right on the beach. Youll encounter a stairway leading to the ramparts. Learn how to cook couscous or tagine in Essaouira by taking a cooking class. For another great view, thebest view in Essaouira is from theSkala du Port. Until the 1960s, Essaouira was generally known by its Portuguese name, Mogador. The famous and trusted one for foreign tourists is CTM and you can book your ticket online. Look through the huge medina gateway and youll most likely recognise the location from Game of Thrones featuring the old city wall and the large tower. If its not too windy, the Essaouira beach long and flat perfect for a morning or evening walk!! Take the bus from Marrakech to Essaouira. Best Things To Do In Quebec City In The Winter! 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. We would not recommend that option as its worth spending three or four days exploring this amazing city. You can opt for a short ride along the beach or a longer one through the small sand dunes. The second (or third) language for most Moroccans is French. dotted with olive trees and thorny argans (whose oil is now a healthy component in everything from salad dressings to cosmetics); Essaouria perches on a rocky outcrop on Moroccos Atlantic coast. The ramparts of Essaouira are really beautiful and they give the city a medieval ambiance. Its better to purchase your tickets at least one day in advance. France had an important administrative, military and economic presence. Ready to explore this walled city? This dye colored the purple stripe in the togas worn by the Senators of Imperial Rome. Both spellings represent its name in Moroccan Arabic, -wia. But due to their open-air design, they can be quite cold in the winter. Its the perfect relaxing ambiance for a wonderful night out in this darling little town. Grab one of the simple wooden tables and chairs that spill onto the pavement and chat to Anis the super friendly owner. Subscribe to receive all the latest news, tips, and travel updates delivered right to your inbox! The wide, sandy beach of Essaouira in Morocco sweeps out from below the city walls in a curving bay; almost as far as the eye can see. The foundation of the city of Essaouira was the work of the Moroccan 'Alawid sultan Mohammed bin Abdallah, who made an original experiment by entrusting it to several renowned architects in 1760, in particular Thodore Cornut and Ahmed al-Inglizi, who designed the city using French captives from the failed French expedition to Larache in 1765, and with the mission of building a city adapted to the needs of foreign merchants. The hippies were the first to come, following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, then came the surfers. Most visitors are here because they appreciate its tranquility. Copyright 2023 Wandering Media LLC. By lukey132. How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. This day trip from Marrakech includes hotel pick-up. Compared to larger cities like Marrakech and Fes, Essaouira feels quite a bit safer. Its only a 10-minute walk to the medina and spotlessly clean. Is it the same information? Children like it too, with its sandy beaches, rock pools, and ramparts. There youll find a plethora of activities to keep you occupied. Go early or book in advance. This mesmerizing spectacle has been around since the 1900s and a must-see when visiting the Essaouira port. We traveled all over the country. Mellah - Take a stroll around this historic attraction and learn a couple of secrets from yesteryear. And dont leave Essaouira without making a stop atBoulangerie Ptisserie Patachouin New City to try their mouthwatering desserts and freshly baked bread. European communities in the northern harbour of Rabat-Sal were ordered to move to Essaouira through an ordinance of 21 January 1765. But the wide sandy beach is also beautiful and a popular place for surfers, kiters, and people on vacation to the beach. The sand is great for building sandcastles especially in the summer months. And once you visit, youll understand why. Hi Ioana, You are welcome. The paintings and sculptures in Galerie Espace Othello cover a broad cross-section of artistic styles, and Galerie Damgaard is a bright and colourful place dedicated to local artists. We recommend rentalcars.com if you need a hire car; they compare prices across all major car rental companies making it easier to choose. Much more temperate than inland Morocco, mists and showers can drift in off the sea, and sometimes it can be a bit on the windy side. Chems Bleu is a light and airy house in a perfect location just inside the medina walls. Anouk has brought her amazing New York sense of style to Morocco to create an Instagrammers dream! It is an authentic city that tourists and visitors love, particularly for its beautiful medina, its fishing port, and its beautiful beaches. It is hard to go anywhere and not see or hear the gulls screaming overhead. Its the perfect place to sit outside in the sunshine while enjoying different cheeses made from the milk of a variety of animals. After a few days, however, the Griffon reembarked the colonists and departed to rejoin the fleet in Sal. From there, it takes approximately 3 hours to make the trip by minibus. The temperature was around 90-100 degrees F in the cities. Ive only been to Marrakech so far, but this is one place that really interests me and hopefully Ill get there next time I visit Morocco. Agadir Morocco All You Need To Know To Plan Your Trip, Fes Morocco A Complete Travel Guide To Visit The Countrys Cultural Capital, The Best Things To Do In Rabat Morocco & More Travel Tips, 10 Awesome Things To Do in Marrakech Morocco + More Travel Tips, Essaouira Morocco Your Guide To Visit This Charming Coastal City. 5 Amazing Things To Do In Essaouira Morocco These are the 5 AMAZING things to do in Essaouira, Morocco! Which cities were worth visiting and how long should I spend there? Be sure to negotiate the price before hopping on. Quite apart from the vast sweep of the sandy bay at Essaouira in Morocco, there are the best beach towns in Morocco (wild beaches) located further south; found down little tracks which lead off the remote road! Love good wine? 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. It costs 200 dirham. 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. There are various hotels in Essaouira Morocco from non classed hotels about 10$ per night to five stars beach ressort from 100$ per night. Little by little, tourism has revived Essaouira in Morocco. And from which the precious argan oil is extracted. Bookings // Booking your trip via the links in this guide will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. There are three main entrances to Safi medina. Two became permanent urban settlements: Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gu (modern Agadir, founded in 150506), and Mazagan, founded in 151417. . [7], France was involved in an early attempt to colonize Mogador in 1629. 16 BEST Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco Here it is - 16 of the BEST things to do in Essaouira, Morocco. As you can see, the beach in the city is huge and you can lie down sunbathing wherever you want! Visit the Historical Ramparts Your email address will not be published. Several other film directors have utilized Essaouira as a location due to the photogenic and atmospheric qualities. Its original name is Mogador which comes from the Phoenician word migdol, meaning fortified city. Essaouira is also renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected, almost waveless, bay. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Essaouira sounds really intriguing and quite laid back. If youre looking for things to do in Essaouira you landed in the right place! Around the end of the 1st century BCE or early 1st century CE, the Berber king Juba II established a Tyrian purple factory, processing the murex and purpura shells found in the intertidal rocks at Essaouira and the Iles Purpuraires. Visitors to Essaouira are attracted to its beaches, fresh seafood, and medina. As you can see, this place is actually an old traditional Moroccan house that has been refurbished into a nice hostel. Breakfast is served overlooking the sea every morning. There are not many days you can lie on the beach without being sand blasted. It has 77,966 inhabitants as of 2014. Average temperatures in summer are around 28C (82F). Essaouira's climate is semi-arid (BSk/BSh) with mild temperatures year round. [19] In the 1820s, European diplomats were concentrated in either Tangier or Essaouira.[20]. From March to August, is the best time of year to visit Morocco and Essaouira. And no visit to Essaouira is complete without a night of dinner and entertainment at the Caravane Cafe! 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. Here are the top things to do in Essaouira on your visit. While here, dont forget to check out Dar Sultan Palace. The Kasbah of Dar Anflous was taken on 25 January 1913. Aegean amphora found in Essaouira, 3-4th century CE. The highest minimum temperature ever recorded was 26.7C (80.1F) on 13 October 2017. Morocco is hot. [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. Perhaps its the pretty houses, painted white with jaunty blue shutters and hanging flower baskets; its the lovely old fishing harbor with its endeavor and colors! 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. Visit the Skala Port ramparts The fortified ramparts of the old Medina in Essaouira were used as a set in the popular series Game of Thrones and when you walk there, you'll totally understand why. There are quite a few amazing riads right in the center of the city if youd rather be within walking distance to all of the highlights of Essaouira. Its one of the most popular hangout spots in Essaouira with locals and tourists alike! There are numerous galleries dotted about town dedicated to the local flair for creativity. As you can see, the ancient Mogador has an incredibly rich history throughout which it has been influenced by many cultures. So it is possible to travel to Essaouira, spend the day there and get back to Marrakech if thats where your accommodation is. COPYRIGHT 2023 MOROCCO TRAVEL WAY.

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