Essaouira

The former Mogador

While most of the medina and its fortifications date back to the eighteenth century, the history of Essaouira back to Phoenician times.

Built on a rocky peninsula with advanced access to the port and a beautiful beach, ocher walls now enclose a medina incomparable charm that comes including pedestrian and colorful streets, white houses with blue shutters bathed in a special atmosphere where craft and art have a special place.

Essaouira has a mild climate where the trade winds blow, tempering the oppressive heat of summer all year making the souirie coast a paradise for surfers, windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts.

Essaouira life is punctuated by cultural or religious events, including the Gnaoua World Music Festival in June and the pilgrimage of the brotherhood Regraga in April.

discover Essaouira

It's a long stroll that invites the Medina of Essaouira, near lively streets lead some souks, countless art galleries and antique shops, as well as systems based sqala kasbah artisans and cooperatives argan or cedar, regional specialties.

Essaouira has a vast historical heritage well represented in the museum Sidi Mohammed ben Abdellah. The constant activity of the port, long walks on the beach and water sports here many, add to Essaouira some interest.

Music and culture are celebrated at annual events and during the year, some nightspots offering live or musical evenings.

As in all coastal towns, the fish is featured in most of the restaurants and enjoyed just landed boats in the harbor and the shops at the fish market. Whether the popular little bar or cozy cafe, Essaouira has something for all tastes and all thirsts.

To explore the countryside around Essaouira, several agencies offer equestrian circuit of one or more days, while on the beach, walks proposed horse or camel takes place in the day.

14 km south of Essaouira by the coastal road to Agadir, the village of Diabat made ​​famous by Jimi Hendrix's visit in the early 1970s coexists today with the project of tourist complex "Essaouira-Mogador" including marina, classified hotels, restaurants and golf. Continuing on a few kilometers, the beach of Sidi Kaouki welcomes surfers from all over during the summer.

The panoramic view from the jbel Amsittene of the surrounding area offers insights into the nearby mountains covered cedar and argan trees, the ocean, the beach and the village Tafalda adjoining fishermen

To the north by the coastal road to Safi, the marabout of Moulay-Bouzerktoun 20 km gives a strong beach popular with windsurfers, but is also a step in the famous traditional moussem Regraga. Every Sunday morning is the big market of camels Had-Draa just 25 km from the city.