One of the most beautiful Atlantic coastal towns, Essaouira is famous for its laidback atmosphere and long, sandy beach. Intimate and romantic, this seaside resort is ideal for a relaxing break.
The town has enjoyed agreat love affair with the film industry having been the setting of Orson Welles’ Othello and Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven. Frequented by the likes of Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane, Essaouira has became a ‘hip’ place to stay.
Today, going through a great revival Essaouira is now home to a number of chic boutique hotels, maison d'hotes and riads, quickly becoming Morocco’s sought after beach destination.
Frequented by photographers, artists, the rich and famous the cooling winds of the Atlantic, its proximity to Marrakech, and the great atmosphere amongst the many medina cafes have helped put Essaouira on the map.
Essaouira is a city in the west of Morocco, and a popular destination for beach fanatics and culture lovers alike. This is a great place to bring the family for a relaxing break, or perhaps you could come here as a romantic, cultural getaway with your partner.
Essaouira Holidays
Essaouira enjoys a rich and varied history with large parts of the city dating back to the 16th century. The name comes from an ancient Berber word, believed to have been a reference to the original fortress walls that once surrounded Essaouira.
Fishing is a popular activity on holidays to Essaouira, and the harbour here is one of the best-loved fishing spots in all of Morocco! In these waters you’ll be able to catch sardines, conger eels, and a whole host of other exotic marine life. If you don’t have the patience however, there is also a large fish market you can visit during your holiday in Essaouira, and pick up the fresh catch of the day. A slightly more relaxed approach to discovering the marine life of Essaouira would be to visit one of the numerous local diving schools, where you’ll be able to hire out scuba gear, have a lesson or two, and even take a guided underwater tour around the bay!
There are a good range of other water sports which you can try out during your holiday to Essaouira, most of which are operated from down at the beach. These include jet skiing and windsurfing, as well as the option of hiring out pedalos or yachts for the day. Or, if you prefer to take things a little easier, there is ample space down at the beach to sunbathe or play in the sand, and the warm waters provide the perfect conditions for swimming.
Anyone in search of a little local culture during their holiday in Essaouira should head straight for the old part of town. Here you can try the local cuisine at any of a wide selection of restaurants, stop off for a drink, or shop for souvenirs in one of the large, covered markets – or souks, as the Moroccans call them. Essaouira also boasts a number of fascinating historical sites, including the beautiful Chaim Pinto Synagogue and a number of elaborate mosques.
ormerly known as Mogador, Essaouira is the pride of Morocco. Essaouira holidays are just like a visual poem unveiling in front of the visitor. Positioned on North Africa’s Atlantic coast, holidays to Essaouira offers a visit to a typical dream city composed with neat white dwellings with a jigsaw puzzle like streets and lanes, elegantly carved wooden cloisters and dappled squares. Essaouira lies in western Morocco’s Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz region. Essaouira holidays attracts people admiring architecture and history as the place dates back to the prehistoric times when the island of Mogador worked as a shield against strong marine winds to protect its harbour. Since then, Essaouira is known as one of the best anchorages of the Moroccan Coast and the Medina of Essaouira is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage city- an18th century fortified town.
Essaouira holidays are all about enjoying under the bright sun that shines almost throughout the year. The beautiful beach that compliments the magnificence of the sea, the mountains rising above grandeur, is the USP of holidays in Essaouira. The gushing waters and the gusty winds at the beachfront make the place ideal for water sports such as windsurfing. Such is the allure of Essaouira holidays that heroes, such as Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, often visited this paradise to unwind and rejuvenate in the seventies. For women, Essaouira is a dream destination as they can empty out their credit cards at the local souks here which are excellent for woodwork crafts, carpets and jewellery.General Etiquette in Essaouira
In Morocco, tipping is not mandatory during Essaouira holidays. However, if tourists wish to leave behind some reward they can leave up to 10% of the total bill at restaurants, lesser in taxis and tip handsomely to hotel staff. Also do keep in mind that Morocco is a Muslim country, therefore dressing appropriately is advisable during holidays to Essaouira.
