Feb 26 2009
Morocco: Essaouira
Just North of Agadir, still along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, is the seemingly ancient walled town of Essaouira. Its’ light-colored buildings, narrow criss-crossing alleys, panoramic rocky beach (right next to a sandy beach), and art-inspired atmosphere has made the charming port-side town a favorite destination for anyone visiting Morocco.
Essaouira first became a port in the 7th century when it was discovered by the Phoenicians and continued as an important location for importing and exporting under various powers including Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and, of course, France (cannons purchased by those powers still surround the town). Although the city lost some of its status when the French chose to focus on using Casablanca as its port, the city regained fame with the filming of Othello by Orson Welles in the 1950s and visits from Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix in the 60s and 70s. The city was also named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001.
The main section of the town called the “medina” (which really just means an old city in Arabic), no cars are allowed, so visitors are able to explore the passageways filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and hidden homes on foot. The city doesn’t really offer any typical tourist attractions, but instead it makes for a peaceful spot to relax, observe, and simply enjoy the hospitable and friendly locals, the fresh fish caught from the port, and browse the local souvenirs like intricate Moroccan woodwork made from the Thuya tree, colorful scarves, fabrics, and cushions, and hand-woven carpets.
Arrival: Essaouira is just 3 hours by bus and taxi from both Agadir and Marrakesh, major Moroccan cities. Remember that the medina is pedestrian-only, so you will have to navigate the tiny streets to find your hotel.
Accommodation: We stayed in the beautiful Riad Mimouna, an elegantly decorated haven with a delicious breakfast in a central part of town.
Food: Again, fish dishes and tasty Moroccan dishes abound in the restaurants and cafés of this seaside town. Some have terraces with views of the beach.
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