Things to do · Essaouira
Essaouira rewards a slow pace. Two days are enough to walk the walled medina, watch the fishing fleet come in, feel the Atlantic trade winds on the beach and still have time for an argan cooperative or a sunset on the ramparts. Here is a relaxed two-day plan for Morocco's windswept port town.
6 experiences
Start inside the UNESCO-listed medina, laid out in the 18th century by the French engineer Théodore Cornut. Walk the Skala de la Ville sea bastion with its line of old brass cannons and Atlantic spray, then wander the calm, gridded lanes of woodworkers and galleries.
Watch the blue wooden sardine boats unload at the working port beside the Skala du Port. Grilled-fish stalls line the quay at lunchtime, and the gulls and ramparts make it the town's most photographed corner.
The wide bay sweeps south toward Cap Sim. Strong afternoon winds (the alizés) make it a kitesurf and windsurf hub; calmer mornings suit a walk or a camel or horse ride along the sand toward the dunes and Diabat.
End the day back on the Skala as the light drops over the Îles Purpuraires offshore, then dinner in the medina — Essaouira is known for fresh seafood and a laid-back, artistic evening mood.
Cross the Oued Ksob to the ruined Borj el Berod (linked in local lore to Hendrix) and the village of Diabat, or head out on the Marrakech road to a women's argan-oil cooperative — and yes, the goats that climb the argan trees.
Back in town, browse the marquetry workshops carving fragrant thuya wood, visit a gallery or two, and pick up the rhythm of Gnaoua — the trance music Essaouira celebrates each June at its famous festival.
Two days is a comfortable amount of time for Essaouira. It is enough to walk the medina and ramparts, see the fishing port and beach, take in a sunset and add one excursion such as Diabat or an argan cooperative, without feeling rushed.
While many visit on a day trip from Marrakech, Essaouira is best with at least one night. Staying lets you enjoy the medina after the day-trippers leave, catch a rampart sunset and an evening seafood dinner, and see the port at its morning best.
Essaouira's trade winds (the alizés) are strongest through spring and summer afternoons, which is why it is a leading windsurf and kitesurf spot. Mornings are usually calmer, and autumn tends to be a little gentler overall.
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