Essaouira, Morocco: A Complete Travel Guide to the Windy City of Africa 
Essaouira, a charming coastal city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant blue-and-white medina, fresh seafood, and strong ocean winds. Nicknamed the “Windy City of Africa,” it’s a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers, but also perfect for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
Why Visit Essaouira?
✅ Charming Blue & White Medina 🏘️ (A UNESCO World Heritage Site!)
✅ Golden Sandy Beaches & Water Sports 🏖️
✅ Rich History & Portuguese Influence 🏰
✅ Delicious Fresh Seafood 🦞
✅ Vibrant Art & Music Scene 🎶 (Home to the famous Gnaoua Music Festival!)
✅ Relaxed, Less Touristy Alternative to Marrakech 🌅
Top Attractions in Essaouira
1. The Medina (Old Town) 🏘️ (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
A maze of blue-and-white alleyways, bustling souks, and artisan workshops.
🔹 Must-See: Spice markets, traditional bakeries, and colorful street art.
💡 Tip: Unlike Marrakech, shopkeepers here are more laid-back—perfect for hassle-free shopping!
2. Skala de la Ville (Old Fortress) 🏰
A historic sea-facing fortress with cannons and panoramic ocean views.
🔹 Game of Thrones Location: This was filmed as Astapor in Season 3!
📸 Best for: Sunset views and dramatic photos of crashing waves.
3. Essaouira Beach & Water Sports 🏄♂️
One of Morocco’s best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing!
🔹 Activities: Surfing, camel riding, quad biking, and horse riding.
💡 Tip: The wind is strong, so it’s better for sports than sunbathing.
4. Essaouira Port & Fish Market 🎣
A bustling harbor where fishermen bring in fresh catches daily.
🔹 Must-Do: Pick fresh seafood and have it grilled on the spot!
💡 Tip: Go early in the morning for the liveliest market scene.
5. Moulay Hassan Square 🏛️
The heart of this city , surrounded by cafés, street musicians, and local vendors.
🔹 Perfect for people-watching and soaking in the city’s vibe.
6. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum 🏺
A small but interesting museum showcasing Berber artifacts, jewelry, and textiles.
🔹 Great for history lovers!
7. The Jewish Quarter (Mellah) 🕍
Essaouira has a rich Jewish heritage, and the Mellah is home to old synagogues and historic houses.
🔹 Must-See: Synagogue Slat Lkahal, a hidden gem under restoration.
8. Diabat – Jimi Hendrix Village 🎸 (Just outside Essaouira)
A hippie village famous for its legendary (but unproven) Jimi Hendrix visit in 1969.
🔹 Check out: The ruined palace of Dar Sultan.
Best Time to Visit this beautiful city☀️
🌸 Spring (March – May): Warm weather, fewer tourists.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Breezy and cool compared to Marrakech!
🍂 Fall (September – November): Ideal for exploring with mild temperatures.
💨 Winter (December – February): Windy but great for surfers.
💡 Tip: Avoid August if you don’t like crowds—it’s peak holiday season for Moroccans.
Local Cuisine: What to Eat in Essaouira 🍽️
🍲 Tagine de Poisson – Fish stew with Moroccan spices.
🦐 Grilled Seafood – Freshly caught and cooked at the port!
🍞 Khobz Bread – Traditional Moroccan bread, perfect for dipping.
🫖 Moroccan Mint Tea – The ultimate refreshment.
🥖 Briouates – Sweet or savory pastries.
Best Places to Eat in Essaouira:
🌟 Le Chalet de la Plage – Great seafood with ocean views.
🌟 Restaurant La Licorne – Cozy, candle-lit Moroccan cuisine.
🌟 Umia – Fusion Moroccan with a modern twist.
Where to Stay in this city 🏨
🏰 Luxury: Heure Bleue Palais – A stunning riad with a rooftop pool.
🏡 Mid-Range: Riad Chbanate – Elegant decor and warm hospitality.
🎒 Budget: Riad Dar Awil – Affordable and cozy with a great location.
💡 Tip: Stay in a riad (traditional Moroccan house) inside the medina for an authentic experience!
How to Get to Essaouira 🚗✈️
🛬 By Air: Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) – Small but has direct flights from Europe.
🚗 By Car: A 2.5-hour drive from Marrakech.
🚌 By Bus: CTM & Supratours buses run daily from Marrakech (~3 hours).
Final Travel Tips for city
✔️ Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) – Bring cash for small shops.
✔️ Tipping: Expected in restaurants (~10%).
✔️ Language: Arabic & French, but English is spoken in tourist areas.
✔️ Shopping: Best for argan oil, spices, and hand-painted pottery.
✔️ Bargaining: Expected in souks, but vendors are more relaxed than in Marrakech.
✔️ Clothing: Light, breezy clothes, but dress modestly out of respect.
Why You Should Visit Essaouira
Essaouira is a perfect blend of history, culture, beach life, and adventure. Whether you’re strolling through the medina, surfing the Atlantic waves, or enjoying a seafood feast at the port, this Moroccan gem offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.
🌍 Start planning your Essaouira adventure today with Preparing Travel! ✈️🌊
