Essaouira

Essaouira: Morocco’s Bohemian Coastal Gem

Officially known as the “Windy City of Africa”, Essaouira is a UNESCO-listed port town where Atlantic waves crash against 18th-century ramparts. Founded in 1760 as a fortified trading post, this blue-and-white paradise blends Portuguese, French, and Berber influences into Morocco’s most laid-back destination.

Unlike Agadir’s resorts or Casablanca’s hustle, Essaouira moves to its own rhythm—where fishermen haul in the day’s catch as Gnaoua musicians jam in the square and surfers chase the perfect wave.

Why Essaouira is Unforgettable

✔ UNESCO Double Crown – Medina and annual Gnaoua World Music Festival
✔ Africa’s Wind Capital – Kite-surfing and windsurfing 365 days/year
✔ Cinematic Legacy – Orson Welles filmed Othello here; Game of Thrones used it as “Astapor”
✔ Artists’ Haven – Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Frank Gehry all found inspiration here

Best Places to Explore in Essaouira

1. The Historic Medina

  • Skala de la Ville – Seafront cannon ramparts with ocean panoramas
  • Moulay Hassan Square – Sunset mint tea with street performers
  • Secret Gem: Dar Souiri – Hidden 19th-century mansion turned art gallery

2. The Working Port

  • Fish Auction at Dawn – Watch fishermen unload sardines like a Renaissance painting
  • Boat Builders’ Yard – Last workshop crafting wooden dhows by hand
  • Hidden Spot: Île de Mogador – Ruined Portuguese fortress (accessible by kayak)

3. Beyond the Walls

  • Sidi Kaouki Beach – Horseback riding past dune-backed coves
  • Argan Forests – Meet Berber women’s co-ops producing liquid gold
  • Local Secret: Diabat – Hippie-chill café where Hendrix allegedly wrote Castles Made of Sand

Essaouira by the Numbers

  • Founded: 1760 AD by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah
  • Windspeed: Avg. 22 knots (top global windsurfing spot)
  • Languages: Arabic, French, Berber, surfer slang
  • Unique Fact: The medina’s grid layout was designed by a French slave (Théodore Cornut)

Come to Essaouira For…

🎸 Musical Magic – Where Gnaoua trance meets reggae
🌊 Ocean Adventures – Surfing, dolphin-watching cruises, tidal pools
🎨 Creative Energy – Gallery hops in Morocco’s “Little Saint-Tropez”