If you’re pondering what to visit in Essaouira, look no further. The city truly has it all. Rich in history, culture, and music, Essaouira’s natural setting on the coast is both inspiring and a blessing, offering cooler days to what was once a simple fishing village in Morocco. Known as the ‘Windy City’ due to the strong trade winds, it’s a haven for water sports that harness the power of the wind. The striking contrast of beige Mediterranean ramparts, white houses, and blue boats and doors will leave a lasting impression. Essaouira has long been a magnet for poets, craftsmen, scholars, designers, and artists of all kinds since the 18th century. You’re bound to fall in love with this charming city, returning again to this unique, relaxing spot unlike any other in the North African country of Morocco.
Argan oil: This is also the region of Morocco’s Argan tree from which the famous Argan oil is produced. Women’s co-operatives punctuate the route trading in handcrafted Argan oil, Argan foods and beauty products and where black coated, tree climbing goats, can be seen perched like hens on trees, munching on the Argan leaves, where else could you find such a sight but Morocco!
Many single and vulnerable women in Morocco are supported by their self-sustaining co-operatives. The money they make is their only source of income. Their products are all natural and handmade of course, and quite, quite lovely. Therefore should you visit a co-operative any support you can offer in way of purchases is money well spent.
What to visit in Essaouira
At the port, get near the blue fishing boats and the countless seagulls to observe the locals bringing their fresh fish and mending the nets. Look for the places you have seen in Astapor, the red city in the TV series “Game of Thrones”, or in films such as Gladiator, the Kingdom of Heaven, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Watch art being created in front of your eyes. Learn a new sport from trained experts, such as kite surfing, at a water sports school. If you are not that into doing sports, sit by the beach to see the athletes dance with the wind. If you are lucky enough to be in Essaouira in June, attend the phenomenal Gnaoua World Music Festival. Many of the jazz, pop, rock, and world music performances are even free.
Sights and landmarks you can’t miss
Essaouira medina is where most of the land action happens. The walled old town is a place to get lost but also to find a piece of the everyday culture of Morocco at every corner. It will not be hard to come across the souks and buy a souvenir. You know what to look for in Morocco. People-watching in a café is a popular pastime here. Try it yourself.
Walk along the thick city walls and climb to the top of the massive fort. The ramparts of Essaouira are a piece of history that miraculously survived all these years. Encounter cannons between the blue and white Skala du Ville and Skala du Port. Discover where ammunition and animals were kept. Finally, use the vantage point to admire the ocean from atop.
Essaouira’s port is a hectic explosion of life, daily Moroccan life. Pretty much all day long, there will be something happening. Experient hands build boats that are going to become some fishermen’s livelihood. Boats go out of the harbor to later come in with the catch of the day. Seagulls fly frenetically all around. Everything is quite a sight! At sunset, you must return to capture the burning orange sky as a backdrop for the glooming blue fishing boats.
Getting up early in the morning will bring you the joy of being able to visit the fish market. Most sales happen between 6 and 7. By lunchtime, you will be able to taste what the ocean offers in a nearby restaurant or further into the medina.
Essaouira’s Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Museum bears the name of the city’s founder. Located in a 19th-century former riad, it displays historical artifacts ranging from ancient pottery to jewelry. This is an excellent way to learn about the Berber culture, its rituals, and traditions.
