Essaouira

Essaouira is a port city along the Atlantic coast of Morocco and one of the many tourist destinations in the country. The existence of the port of Essaouira is not new, since it was founded by Carthaginian sailors to serve as a stop to the islands of the Atlantic and their wealth, such as Cape Verde . Berbers, Portuguese and Arabs successively had possession of the port in the centuries that followed .

This is the ideal place for people looking for a thrill while enjoying the tranquility of a quality tourist destination . The Moroccan city has many endearing qualities and interesting tourist . Essaouira is full of cultural and historical riches .

Succession of different communities passing on his land was forged and made ​​it a city of many cultures. Romans , Portuguese, Jews , Europeans ... at a time when another story of Essaouira has left traces of their arrival. Essaouira symbolic places are represented by the factory specializing in the extraction of purple, souks, Riad , ramparts, Skala de la Kasbah Medina ... the city belongs to the World Heritage List of humanity.

Moreover, this town by the sea offers the opportunity to enjoy fish and fresh seafood .

Positive point restaurateurs with products quality are numerous. Thus, the best places to enjoy delicious traditional dishes of fish and succulent kebabs are legion.

Essaouira : relaxing , surfing , beach, souks and riads

Now place a taste of dream Essaouira offers all visitors who wish to discover the charm of an old city that has adapted to modern life .

Essaouira is also famous for its beaches conducive to long hours of relaxation as well as surfing . The weather of the coast of the Moroccan city is perfect for surfers can indulge fully in their business. Of restaurants serving Moroccan specialties like couscous and tajine local .

The Essaouira heritage is the image of the splendor of his site: Medina is a model of its kind , classified by Unesco , the souks offer a variety of products and a popular entertainment , while many art galleries include features of the city .

The ramparts and the kasbah overlooking the harbor , located on a coast known for its beautiful beaches and the wind can blow hard , to the delight of fans of windsurfing .

Things to see and do in Essaouira

This is a quiet city that surprises us during our first visit charm. Essaouira has everything a great effect and has nothing to envy to Marrakech or Casablanca. And fortunately for her and all her lovers , Essaouira remains away from mass tourism could withdraw it exudes innocence . In 2011 , UNESCO pays tribute to him and entered the city in the World Heritage Site .

The fishing port of Essaouira we could visit Essaouira without discovering its port. This is one of the places most familiar with animation and life. It must be said that much of the local economy revolves around fishing. This is a great moment when the boats return to port . The fish is sold at auction and the show is definitely worth taking a closer you . In this setting , come daily to add a flock of seagulls come for lunch. On the docks you can also see build boats made ​​of wood using traditional techniques and processes . There are only Essaouira that we can attend and participate in this kind of show .

The Skala of the Kasbah : is the small path that you will take to get to the medina (old city). It is a narrow street with a vaulted passageway , which will give the illusion of magic. You should know that you will see the fortifications at this level were intended to protect the city once , attacks from the sea

The medina of Essaouira : here we are and you will inevitably find yourself on the Place Moulay Hassan . You can not miss it , it is the busiest square in the city with all its cafés and shops. After that , do not hesitate to take the narrow streets at random, according to your desires. You will see that each stone conceals incredible secrets that you will enjoy to read.

Main handicrafts

Essaouira is primarily a city rocked by the charm of its artisans. You can see several crafts that have made it famous is the case for example weaving or argan oil. You can also see cabinetmakers in the Medina, the work on the cedar. About argan oil, you should know that not only is a specialty of the region, but especially as the tree grows nowhere else.

Food and culinary 

Moroccan cuisine is delicious and the Essaouira is especially so. Tasting typical dishes, enjoy the mixtures of fruits and vegetables all grémenté a delicate refinement. 

Couscous occupies an important place in particular. It can also be enjoyed in its salty sweet version with raisins. 

In addition, there are many restaurants and cafes on the main streets and squares. 

Essaouira : a luxury hotel park

Among the major tourist destinations of Morocco , Essaouira has logically offers significant accommodation : in short, it should not be difficult to find housing, although to be sure to stay at his choice , better is book in advance in high season ...

Medina , classified by UNESCO provides a framework incomparable stay ... there are many riads, a typical formula hosting Morocco , which puts you directly in the bath ! Addresses are varied in terms of price but also the quality of services ... before making his choice, consult the reviews of previous customers may be interesting to get a general idea about a riad.

Thus , good full addresses exist charm in the heart of the historic center , offering an extra dimension to the cheering fueled by the discovery of this charming town !

In addition to the medina, beachfront focuses traditional hospitality of Essaouira few large modern hotels and residences are then the norm. The course interest lies in the proximity of the beach and its attractions, but it often loses charm ... Rates are variable orders based on the addresses of five stars not given the proper residence market. Again, take stock of the real benefits of the hotel before you book avoids surprises.

Nightlife in Essaouira

A stay in Essaouira ? This is undoubtedly surfing or Gnaoua and World Music Festival that attract you there. Essaouira attracts more and more tourists come to put a face on this little harbor city is talking about her beyond borders. The day, there is no photo, surfing, swimming and cultural outings will no doubt your core business. At nightfall , just go out in the streets of Essaouira to offer you the most beautiful of landscapes . The sidewalk cafes are crowded , popular restaurants as well as fancier welcome small and big appetites and bars open their doors to young revelers . By cons , do not expect you romp on the dance floor , nightclubs are almost non-existent in Essaouira. Lovers fear not, Essaouira music is a religion. In addition to concerts that take place in the streets of the city, Mogador houses the most famous music festival : Gnawa , from 25 to 28 June, which plunged the city into a magical atmosphere. If you do not tackle the crowd , opt for a stay in Essaouira during the festival you will surely regret it.

Tourist itineraries in Essaouira

Essaouira, Morocco is a city with much to offer , you can enjoy the beaches , it is a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing, Old Town and the colonial city are beautiful, you will discover Moroccan craftsmanship, you can stay in a beautiful riad .... You will find many opportunities to stay in Essaouira. You can enjoy the great beach of Essaouira which extends over 6km . To visit the city of Essaouira , first you walk in the streets to soak up the atmosphere of the city. Visit the Medina which is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can lose yourself in the colorful streets and discover the Arab - Portuguese style of the great mosque , sit on the shady terraces and shop at the souk Jdid , where you can watch the work of artisans .... Then visit the ramparts of the Scala and Casbah . You can admire the sea or the sunset from the Portuguese bastion. The ramparts , take a walk on the port of Essaouira among the permanent animation fishermen. The island of Mogador you see off is no longer accessible to the public, it became a bird reserve. Enjoy your stay in Essaouira to attend a concert of Gnawa .

Gnaoua Festival

The Gnaoua Festival of Essaouira is a festival that welcomes artists and enthusiasts worldwide. 

Since its inception in 1998, the festival of Essaouira has emerged as a cultural celebration of the utmost importance due to the participation of international artists and a public increasingly numerous. Twenty thousand people participated in the first edition, and the last received over 400,000, mostly from abroad. 


Crossing dialogues and exchanges , the festival includes all musical trends but focuses on the work of famous musicians from the Essaouira region.

The Gnawa are descendants of former slaves from black Africa. States in fraternities across Morocco , the Gnawa musicians and magicians are ( maâlem ) in the country , snake charmers , seers , healers ... Their practices in all these arts incorporate African traditions and Arab- Berber . Although musulamns the Gnawa base their beliefs on the existence of ' jinns ' (spirits) , and their rites retain characteristics similar to African cults of possession . The most important and spectacular celebrations is the ' Lila ' whose function is primarily therapeutic . During the rite maâlem pray saints el spirits have followers , entering a trance. The ceremony is similar to Voodoo in Haiti and Macumba of Brazil. The result is an intense encounter between the heirs of the secular tradition and artists of different backgrounds, a kind of trip to the common roots of yesteryear.

Master Gnawa musicians invite pop , jazz , rock, and others to participate , creating an extraordinary laboratory of musical fusions . It should be noted that in the traditional music of the most used instruments are the lute, drum three strings ( guembri ) , rattlesnake ( qraqeb ) and drums ( ganga ) s musicians from the Essaouira area.