Dubbed as the "Moroccan Woodstock" it lasts four days and attracts annually around 450,000 spectators. Of course, you are! 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. Essaouira is a beach town on the coast of Morocco. The traditional Moroccan food is flavoursome and sumptuous and changes daily. It cost 50 cents per bag for us to check a bag. [5] A Roman vase was found as well as coinage from the 3rd century CE. Essaouria doesnt change too much and hasnt yet attracted package tourism! Heavy rain is rare in Essaouira but drizzly days, particularly throughout January and February are not. The Genoese-built citadel by the harbour. The freshly squeezed orange juice was incredible!! Essaouira connects to Safi to the north and to Agadir to the south via the N1 road and to Marrakech to the east via the R 207 road. Theres no entrance fee so feel free to explore the stone arches and marvel at the mosaics on display. Which cities were worth visiting and how long should I spend there? There are not many days you can lie on the beach without being sand blasted. Just beyond the southern gate to the medina lies the buzzing harbour, Skala du Port, which is one of the iconic places to visit in Essaouira. But the coastal towns in Morocco are known to be MUCH cooler and more pleasant, normally around 70-80 degrees F. The cooler temperatures in Essaouira were . [23] The Canary Current is responsible for the generally southward movement of ocean circulation and has led to enhancement of the local fishery. 1. WiFI and breakfast are included. Read about all my tips for visiting Morocco. This is the diminutive[2] (with definite article) of the noun u which means "wall (as round a yard, city), rampart". Morocco is hot. Essaouira is also renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected, almost waveless, bay. [16], In the 19th century, Essaouira became the first seaport of Morocco, with trade volumes about double those of Rabat. Head to Essaouira beach for surfing, kite-surfing, wind surfing, plus there is also quad biking and camel rides! The famous and trusted one for foreign tourists is CTM and you can book your ticket online. It is jam packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour (with photos). Essaouira, Morocco: Ultimate Travel Guide | Rough Guides 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! Its small, intimate, and relaxing, a wonderful contrast to the fiery, emotional furnace of Marrakech. Whether you want to make the most of the waves, wander around local art galleries or navigate the medina, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Essaouira, Morocco. From there, it takes approximately 3 hours to make the trip by minibus. At the time of writing, the conversion rate was about 9.25 Dhs to $1 USD. But the coastal townsin Morocco are known to be MUCH cooler and more pleasant, normally around 70-80 degrees F. The cooler temperatures in Essaouira were a welcome relief for us!! Far in the distance, youll likely see several kites skirting across the ocean head that way. 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. Top 10 Things to do in Essaouira, Morocco - Wandering Wheatleys Our pick would be May and late September to early October when the wind is the least fierce and the temperatures are lovely. Supratous (run by ONCF the national rail network) also provides comfortable coaches from Marrakech train station but book inadvance at peak times. Leather bags, shoes, and cushions spill out into the alleyways and plush Berber carpets hang from the walls. Check out all of our favorite luxurious riads, right in the heart of Essaouira! It has 77,966 inhabitants as of 2014. It was my first time in Africa, and I was so excited to finally cross it off my bucket list. If you go on a walk on the beach of Essaouira, you shouldnt miss the view of the Mogador island. 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. Free parking is available on the street. Essaouira is a beach town on the coast of Morocco. The town's name means "little picture" in . Its only a 10-minute walk from the medina to the beach. The goats do not voluntarily climb the Argan trees. There is a small airport some 7 to 8km (4 to 5mi) away from the town, which schedules several flights a week to Paris-Orly, London-Luton and Brussels-South (Charleroi) and daily to Casablanca. Set in a quintessential seaside medina, Essaouira is a coastal gem in Morocco that boasts an incredible array of things to do. 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. Behind and beyond Essaouria, the gentle hills are covered in gnarled argan trees, prehistoric relics that are unique to Morocco! 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. Utah Ski Resorts 5 Reasons Why Deer Valley Is Our Favorite! 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. Equestrian Trails Hiking Trails. Once youre in Essaouira, you can buy your return tickets right when you arrive, or since bus station is right in the city center, its not too far out of the way to go back another time to buy them. Today, the city retains a small-town feel but it wasn't always this way. The town of Essaouira was formerly known asMogador. Jews once comprised the majority of the population,[13] and the Jewish quarter (or mellah) contains many old synagogues. The seagulls are a constant sight in the city. 15 Best Things to Do in Essaouira (Morocco) Written by Bart Meeuwesen Updated on January 26, 2020 Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. It even enticed the production crew of Game of Thrones to film several episodes here. 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. Spices delight your senses and blankets in every size and color make the perfect gift for your friends back home. The strong wind coupled with the sandy shore of Essaouira creates the perfect conditions to learn a new sport kite surfing! Essaouira Morocco The coastal city of Essaouira is one of the most picturesque places in Morocco! Book a reservation for dinner at 8:30 pm to ensure you get a table. You should definitely add Essaouira to the list if you go back to Morocco. Morocco is an incredibly safe country and the crime rate is quite low but the winding maze of alleyways can definitely make you feel uneasy at times. Go early or book in advance. Where did you take the transportation? [11][12] Originally called "Souira" ("the small fortress"), the name became "Es-Saouira" ("the beautifully designed"). What To Do in Essaouira, Morocco Because it's relatively small, you can explore key attractions in the city just by walking. Email them in advance to book a wine-tasting session. You can also see this small island with the remains of a historic fort. Beneath the energy, a chilled vibe spreads throughout the small town. The small circular portal in the wall is picture perfect and even has steps to help you to get into position. Following the 1541 Fall of Agadir, the Portuguese had to abandon most of their settlements between 1541 and 1550, although they were able to keep Ceuta, Tangier and Mazagan.[6]. 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. Ready to explore this walled city? So many cool things to do here, especially the goats in trees! The Essaouira Medina is smaller compared to that of Marrakesh, but its special because it sits by the North Atlantic. Known as Astapor in HBOs massive hit series, The Game of Thrones, Essaouira, Morocco is a tantalizing gem. Love good wine? They swallow the fruit and, once digested, they expel the stone. So instead, hire some kite-surfing equipment and head out for a different Essaouira Beach experience. Its certainly one of the top things to do in Essaouira! 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. Essaouira in Morocco remains a charming, unspoiled, quite conservative town. 12 Gnaoua Festival - Essaouira Music Festival. It thrived as a port through the 19th Century but by the middle of the 20th Century its economy, and the town itself was all but dead. And as soon as you get there you know you have arrived somewhere completely different! Wander around the streets of Essaouiras medina where youll find countless stalls selling typical Moroccan sweets, creamy gelato, chocolaty crepes, and everything in-between. It is at that time that Mogador finally became Essaouria, literally the well-drawn. Its wildly entertaining and will make for an unforgettable evening. Aegean amphora found in Essaouira, 3-4th century CE. Be sure to negotiate the price before hopping on. Your email address will not be published. Remains of the 19th-century Dutch Consulate in Essaouira. 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. Essaouira has a small airport with flights arriving from Casablanca, Bordeaux and Paris, but most travellers visit during a road trip around Morocco. Essaouiras souks are laid-back with stalls for just about everything you need fish, textiles, Ras el Hanoutspice mixes, handmade jewelry, and more! The sand is great for building sandcastles especially in the summer months. There are several ATMs conveniently located in the center square as well. Check out our favorite Moroccan guidebooks! 13 Things to do in Essaouira - Go to a Hammam. Its an easy day trip if you want to escape the crowds during peak months like July and August. Grand taxis make trips to Essaouira from the airport in Marrakech during daylight hours only for a price of about 500 Dhs per person. There are not many days you can lie on the beach without being sand blasted. The good way to get to Essaouira in Morocco is by public transport. Plan on spending about 300 Dhs for a large leather poof like this one: If youd rather wait to buy a leather poof until you get home, Amazon hasoptions that can be shipped directly to your home. Music in Essaouira, Morocco Travel Traveler Music in Morocco: The ultimate sonic journey From Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, here's where to rock the casbah. A cool breeze blows all year, making it an ideal place for kite surfers and for anyone looking to escape the intense heat in Marrakech. All Rights Reserved. Boys play music together in. This island is, of course, fortified because it is exposed to potential attacks. On the other hand, you can go on boat excursions around the island of Mogador. 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. Must Read: 13 crazy adventures to have in Morocco. If you are interested in a day trip from Marrakech with fun surf lessons, you can book this tour. Essaouira: An Insider Travel Guide To The Coastal Gem (2023) The Best Things To Do In Essaouira, Morocco | Anywhere We Roam By 631indiai. Airport (Morocco)", "Mto climat stats | Station Essaouira / Donnes Mtorologiques Gratuites", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Klimatafel von Essaouira (Mogador) / Marokko", "Climate Essaouira - Climate data (602200)", "Mto climat stats | Moyennes 1991/2020 / Donnes Mtorologiques Gratuites", "La diversit de la culture et des traditions de Chine sous les feux des projecteurs Essaouira", UNESCO World Heritage site: Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Essaouira&oldid=1165507034, Bayt Dakira - "House of Memory" (Jewish museum), Jewish cemeteries of Essaouira (old and new), Gravesite of the Great Rabbi Haim Pinto (and many more rabbis), Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption church (catholic, operational), David Bensoussan & Asher Knafo, "Mariage juif Mogador" ditions Du Lys, www.editionsdulys.ca, Montral, 2004 (, David Bensoussan, Le fils de Mogador, www.editionsdulys.ca,ditions Du Lys, Montral, 2002 (. Copyright 2019 African Wanderlust, All rights Reserved. Where Orson Wells shot some of his filmOthello. Theres definitely enough to see and do for 1-2 days. Its the perfect place to sit outside in the sunshine while enjoying different cheeses made from the milk of a variety of animals. Wed recommend unwinding here for a few days at least. Explore medieval medinas, bustling souks, and stunning scenery with more of our Morocco guides. For the hamlet in Surrey, see, Foundation of modern Essaouira (17601770). Now a bird sanctuary, the rocky islands were! Hi Tracy, Thanks very much for your comment. The bay at Essaouira is partially sheltered by the island of Mogador, making it a peaceful harbor protected against strong marine winds. Hence, the spelling of the name in Arabic script according to the classical pronunciation is al-Suwayrah (with sn not d). Or its the drama and power of the ever-present ocean. However, the store owners tend to be far less aggressive in their techniques to coerce you into buying. [14] Changes in trade, the founding of Israel, the resulting wars with Arab states, and the independence of Morocco all resulted in Sephardic Jews leaving the country. Essaouira travel - Lonely Planet | Morocco, Africa This island is, of course, fortified because it is exposed to potential attacks. The Carthaginian navigator Hanno visited in the 5th century BCE and established the trading post of Arambys. Looking for travel inspiration, culinary encounters, culture and adventure in Morocco? Read our driving in Morocco guide to see if hiring a car is the right way to go for you. The Institut Francais often has free rotating exhibitions set in a beautiful building. Have you visited Essaouira this relaxing city on Moroccos Atlantic coast? 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. Sightsee the beach, go over sand dunes or discover the forests around Essaouira. For lovers of travel, food and adventure in Morocco. If you appreciate what we do, here are some ways you can support us. By lukey132. Many riads are quite lovely to visit in the summer as they have gorgeous rooftop areas, perfect for lounging. Notice that they only seem to be in trees close to the road. 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. Grab an Orwell or Dostoevsky and graze on homemade muesli, avo on toast and fresh fruit salads. Local markets favour a traditional way of life, and while you can still pick up all the Moroccan crafts that tourists love, you can do so with much less hassle. The climate in Essaouira in Morocco, too, is coastal. Taros As the evening comes around, the best thing to do in Essaouira is to score a spot on the terrace at Taros. There are great views across to the medina and out to the ocean. The second (or third) language for most Moroccans is French. Once used as a quarantine station for pilgrims returning from Mecca who might be importing plague. These buses are luxury coaches with comfortable, reclining seats and air conditioning. Expats from all over the world have flocked to this peaceful place to open colorful riads and lively restaurants. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Essaouira - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Essaouira has a vibrant food scene that preserves the traditional Moroccan cooking methods but also isnt afraid to step away from tagine every so often. In the Berber language, which is spoken by a sizeable proportion of the city's inhabitants, it is called Taort, meaning "the small fortress". Most visitors are here because they appreciate its tranquility. in, The attack of Mogador by the French fleet, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of twin towns and sister cities in Morocco, "POPULATION LGALE DES RGIONS, PROVINCES, PRFECTURES, MUNICIPALITS, ARRONDISSEMENTS ET COMMUNES DU ROYAUME D'APRS LES RSULTATS DU RGPH 2014", "Moroccan schools to teach Jewish history and culture", "Morocco's little idyll of Jewish-Muslim coexistence", "Moroccan king visits restored Bayt Dakira in Essaouira", "The 1970s Hippie Trail: drugs, danger, and a magical pudding shop in Asia", "60222: Essaouira - Mogador Intl. So, are you in love with the city of Essaouira yet? Essaouira is protected by a natural bay partially shielded from wave action by the Iles Purpuraires. As you can see, the ancient Mogador has an incredibly rich history throughout which it has been influenced by many cultures. | About | PR and Media | Contact | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2022 Mint Tea Media, Moroccan Hanukkah Recipes to Celebrate This Year, Ramadan Recipes to Make Your Month Easier. There are various hotels in Essaouira Morocco from non classed hotels about 10$ per night to five stars beach ressort from 100$ per night. Its a cool and relaxing place to hang out for a couple of days. Go in the morning for the best atmosphere. The lowest maximum temperature ever recorded was 11.8C (53.2F) on 15 February 2018. Each day they make the journey into the Atlantic to return packed with fish. (Getty Images) Sechs. We were in Morocco at the end of June, and it was HOT everywhere else in Morocco! I see National Geographic recently released an article about the goats too. It is a small, sleepy town that has gained some prominence lately as a getaway from Marrakech. Two became permanent urban settlements: Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gu (modern Agadir, founded in 150506), and Mazagan, founded in 151417. Essaouira Guided Tour: 3 on 1 - Nightlife tour, Live like a local & Street food. They quickly saw in Essaouira a strategic connection point in West Africa and settled there. Will we get bored? The city of Essaouira is about 200 km west of Marrakech. You have entered an incorrect email address! If you have questions, let me know in the comments section below. Its only a 10-minute walk to the medina and spotlessly clean. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Essaouira sounds really intriguing and quite laid back. 5 Amazing Things To Do In Essaouira Morocco - Third Eye Traveller Essaouira shot to fame thanks to Game of Thrones with the walled seaside port providing all the old-world mystery required. Take full advantage of the beaches of Essaouira by taking a horseback or camel ride. I highly recommend staying inside the medina. When you exit the medina near the port, youll see the beach stretching out for miles in front of you. This day trip from Marrakech includes hotel pick-up. Popular things to do City Tours Day Trips & Excursions Cultural & Theme Tours Hiking Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Multi-day & Extended Tours Walking Tours Surfing Lessons Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Shopping Tours Classes & Workshops Food, Wine & Nightlife Likely to Sell Out In the 18th century, the sultan of Morocco Mohamed III began the construction of the Medina. Alternatively, this 2-hour surf lesson is a great way to take a break from the medina. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Subscribe to receive all the latest news, tips, and travel updates delivered right to your inbox! 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. By Bus Regular buses run from Casablanca (7 hours), Marrakech (3 hours, 30 minutes) and Agadir (2 hours, 30 minutes hrs) and arrive at the Essaouira bus station a 10-minute walk north of town. This is what the sqala looks like from the port. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Archaeological research shows that Essaouira has been occupied since prehistoric times. An energetic woodworkers market, selling all sorts of practical (and not so practical) goods, is tucked just underneath. Ending most every meal with a delicious pastry and a few cups of sugary sweet mint tea, its impossible not to develop one as well while youre here. Well be referring to costs in Dirhams so just keep in mind that if we say something costs 100 Dhs, thats just about $11 USD. Throughout the day youll see live music, acrobatics, clowns, and other talented people trying to make a few dirhams. 5 - KITE SURF ON ESSAOUIRA BEACH. Just like the port, the best time to visit this place is early in the morning. Take your first lessons or if youre already experienced, rent equipment from the many rental companies at the beach. If you get hungry, you can also buy fresh fish and have it cooked here for a delicious feast. The medina is much grittier that Essaouira's and displays a really interesting fusion of Portuguese, Moroccan, French and Jewish communities living in harmony. If you are traveling with a group of people, you can rent a private minivan. It takes about three hours to drive across the dusty plain from Marrakech to Essaouira in Morocco. 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. The decorative little streets are full of small shops selling this woodcraft! Nouhaila Benzina and Morocco blazing a path of inclusion at Women's Right off of the central square, you cant help but stop at the window ofPatisserie Drissas it showcases the most decadent-looking little goodies. We recommendKhadijas Kuzinaclasses as these are privately held in her home. to produce one liter of oil. We have amended the article accordingly. How to experience the magic of Jemaa el Fna, Our self-guided walking tour of the Fez Medina. You can customize the length of your lesson as well. Artists and craft vendors often have stalls set up on the ramparts, providing a splash of colour to the stone walls. The fishing harbour, suffering from the competition of Agadir and Safi, remains rather small, although the catches (sardines, conger eels) are surprisingly abundant due to the coastal upwelling generated by the powerful trade winds and the Canaries Current. Hi, welcome to The Morocco Travel Way, a Morocco travel guide and blog! The gap between highs and lows is small and summers are warm while winters are mild. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Essaouira (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor While small in size it's a favorite for many visitors. Plan on spending a few hours in the beautiful outdoor seating area, basking in the sun and savoring every course. Make sure to go there in the morning to enjoy the great atmosphere. Mohammed III encouraged Moroccan Jews to settle in the town and handle the trade with Europe. However we must have been very lucky when we were there. 16 BEST Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco Here it is - 16 of the BEST things to do in Essaouira, Morocco. Top Things To See and Do in Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi - Culture Trip Essaouira is an escape from the chaos of other Moroccan towns with a seaside vibe that has a relaxed charm and plenty of character. The atmosphere is increasingly international. The island kept the old Phoenician name of the city of Essaouira. Head to the La Joutia square and time your souk visit on a Sunday for the best thrifted treasures to take home. [33], Essaouira presents itself as a city full of culture: several small art galleries are found all over the town. Essaouira is also a center of argan oil production. Take the bus from Marrakech to Essaouira. There's a bohemian feel to this walled town, its souks selling musical instruments and proud owners sitting outside their small art galleries. There are cafs, bistros, and restaurants. But this windy escape on the Atlantic Ocean is more than a picture-postcard view of honey-coloured stone walls dotted with bobbling blue boats. Each room is uniquely decorated with ornate woodwork, brass fixtures, traditional bedding, and every amenity you could wish for. per adult (price varies by group size) Berber Cooking Class at a Farm in the Countryside & shopping at a rural Souk. The temperature was around 90-100 degrees F in the cities. The scene of the rows of crucified slaves were props to cover the Portuguese cannons. 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. The Gaspesie Tour The Ultimate Canadian Road Trip in Quebec, 5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms In Vancouver Canada, Best Things To Do In Vancouver Canada Ultimate One-Day Itinerary.
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