Essaouira, Morocco — travel guide
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Marrakech-Safi

Essaouira

city
Best time to visit

Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

Region

Marrakech-Safi

Overview

A windy Atlantic port town with a UNESCO medina, sea ramparts and blue fishing boats — Morocco’s kite-surfing and Gnawa-music hub.

Why visit

For fresh seafood, rampart walks, ocean wind and an artsy, laid-back medina loved by surfers and musicians.

Photo gallery

Essaouira 1
Essaouira 2
Essaouira 3

Things to see

UNESCO medina & ramparts
Skala du Port
Essaouira Beach
Fish market

Things to do

Kite- & windsurfing
Camel ride on the beach
Gnaoua Festival (June)
Fresh seafood grill

Culture

A Gnawa music capital with a Bohemian arts scene and a fortified Portuguese-era medina.

Local food

Grilled fresh fish at the port, seafood tagine, argan oil dishes and almond pastries.

How to get there

2.5h drive/CTM from Marrakech; small Essaouira-Mogador Airport has limited flights.

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