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The best things to do in Essaouira

Esauira is one of the major cities in Morocco and is the capital of the Esauira department. It is located on the west coast of Morocco, about 176 kilometers southwest of the city of Marrakech, and close to other favorite cities such as Agadir, Safi, and Casablanca. We provide you with this guide for a brief tour of the places in Esauira that you must visit when traveling to The White City.

Essaouira is a city founded on November 19, 1760. It is characterized by having 3 municipalities, which in turn are subdivided into a total of 9 main neighborhoods, comprising a population of 456,000 inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings has the Essaouira-Mogador International Airport located about 15 kilometers southwest of the city center if you wish to travel by plane. For traveling by bus to Esauira, there is the Gare Routière d'Essaouira bus station located north of the city.

There are also 2 transportation systems called bus and taxi, and you can also rent cars. Lastly, there are 30 kilometers of bike paths for cycling around the city.

Esauira is a city to experience in Morocco because, in addition to offering essential places to see, it is renowned for being Discover the charming coastal city of Essaouira in Morocco, with its impressive medina, golden beaches, and vibrant artistic scene.

It is also known for its traditions, such as the Gnaoua World Music Festival in June, the Festival des Andalousies Atlantiques in October, and the Essaouira Film Festival in November. But, in particular, it is known for its welcoming climate, as Essaouira's weather during most of the year is Mediterranean, with an average annual temperature ranging from 17 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Now, concerning the beautiful places in Esauira, they have many facets, as you can engage in different types of tourism. For example, something very attractive about historical tourism is exploring beautiful places in Esauira where you can take photos without any problem; some main ones are the Medina of Essaouira, the Skala du Port (Port Walls), the Skala de la Ville (City Walls), the Bab Marrakech Gate, the Moulay Hassan Square, the Dar Sultan Palace, the Clock Tower, the Portuguese Church, and the Slat Lkahal Synagogue.

Another great plan in Esauira for a day is to walk through landscapes or parks such as Sidi Kaouki Beach, Agafay Desert, Ouzoud Waterfalls, Souss-Massa National Park, and the Paradise Valley. Most of these tourist sites in Esauira require little money to visit.

Other attractions in Esauira that you must visit to spend the day are the museums, some of the most important ones being the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum, the Museum of African Contemporary Art, and the Maritime Heritage Museum.

Also, if you prefer nighttime plans in Esauira and enjoy traveling alone or going out as a couple, you should explore some emblematic places in Esauira to visit at night. Some recommended ones are the Medina of Essaouira, a charming place in this old fortified city, where you can stroll through its narrow streets illuminated by lanterns and enjoy the nighttime atmosphere. You will also find shops, restaurants, and cafes.

But if you are more inclined to travel with family, among the beautiful places in Esauira for children are the Olive Garden, the Essaouira Adventure Park, and the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum.

Before traveling to this wonderful city and experiencing some tourist places in Esauira, we recommend getting to know the rich customs of the people of Esauira and some interesting facts about the metropolis. Some important ones are:

  • Esauira is known as the "city of the wind" due to the strong winds that blow constantly in the area.
  • The city has a walled medina, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Esauira is famous for its fishing industry and being one of the main ports in Morocco.
  • The city has been the setting for numerous films and television series, including "Game of Thrones".
  • Esauira is known for its artisans and their tradition of crafting thuja wood products, such as furniture and decorative items.
  • Gnawa music, originating from sub-Saharan Africa, has a strong presence in Esauira, and the Gnawa and World Music Festival is celebrated annually.
  • The city hosts an international film festival every year, featuring films from around the world.
  • Esauira is famous for its beaches, which are ideal for water sports like surfing and kitesurfing.
  • In the city, you can find the ancient Portuguese fortress of Mogador, built in the 16th century.
  • Esauira is known for its colorful doors.

As one of the important cities in Morocco, Esauira is a hub of gastronomic commerce, so one of the many essential things to do is to eat in areas such as the Medina of Essaouira, the Essaouira Fishing Port, Mohammed Zerktouni Street, and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Avenue, which are favorites among foodies.

You will find the best restaurants and bars for all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some local specialties such as fish tagine, grilled sardines, seafood pastilla, harira (traditional soup), fish couscous, fish skewers, chicken tagine with lemon and olives, zaalouk (eggplant salad), chicken bastela (stuffed puff pastry), and kefta tagine (meatballs in tomato sauce). Some recommended restaurants are Elizir restaurant, Taros Café, La Table by Madada restaurant, Le Patio Bleu Restaurant, and Villa Maroc.

As for accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Esauira, we recommend the Medina of Essaouira, Avenue Mohammed V, and Boulevard Hassan II. These are where the most recommended famous hotels in Esauira are located, such as the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa, Le Medina Essaouira Hotel Thalassa Sea & Spa - MGallery, and the Atlas Essaouira & Spa.

Things to do in Esauira on a budget

Esauira is undoubtedly a city in Morocco with a wide range of beautiful and picturesque sites both inside and around it. Esauira also has a lot of nature, history, gastronomy, and buildings worth visiting.

So, if you are looking for plans to do today in Esauira or if you want to stay more days to get to know the culture and enjoy this beautiful destination, we bring you a list with more things to see and do in Esauira:

  • Visit the Medina of Essaouira
  • Stroll along Essaouira Beach
  • Explore the Essaouira Fishing Port
  • Practice water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing
  • Take a camel ride through the dunes of Essaouira
  • Visit the ancient fortress of Skala de la Ville
  • Explore the gardens and palaces of Essaouira
  • Enjoy the local cuisine at the city's restaurants
  • Take a trip to Mogador Island
  • Explore the souks and markets of Essaouira
  • Visit the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum
  • Relax in one of the traditional hammams in the city
  • Participate in a local crafts workshop
  • Attend a Gnawa music concert
  • Go on a boat trip to spot dolphins
  • Discover the history of Essaouira at the Museum of Memory
  • Explore the surroundings of Essaouira by bike
  • Visit the Slat Lkahal Synagogue
  • Go on a hiking route around Essaouira
  • Enjoy a day of spa and massages at a wellness center
  • Visit the cooperative of argan oil-producing women
  • Explore the old salt warehouses at the Essaouira Saltpans
  • Take an excursion to Sidi M’Barek Waterfall
  • Practice yoga or meditation on the beach
  • Visit the fish market and try fresh seafood
  • Enjoy a boat trip along the coast of Essaouira
  • Explore the cliffs of Cap Sim
  • Take a guided tour of the Essaouira film studios
  • Participate in a Moroccan cooking workshop
  • Visit the tomb of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah
  • Enjoy the sunset from the walls of Essaouira
  • Explore the gardens of the former Pacha's residence
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