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Essaouira (formerly known as Mogador) is a city and tourist destination in the Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz region of western Morocco, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira means "picturesque" in Arabic. While it may not boast Morocco's best beaches, Essaouira boasts renowned winds. Its reputation as the "Windy City of Africa" is well-deserved, with the Atlantic breezes blowing year-round, attracting many surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. Since ancient times, Essaouira has been a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and cultures, where Arabs, indigenous African tribes, Berbers, and Jews have peacefully coexisted, creating a unique cultural landscape.
The northern part of Morocco has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, humid winters. The average temperature in January is 12°C, and in July it ranges from 22°C to 24°C. Precipitation ranges from 300 to 800 mm. The central part has a subtropical mountain climate, with a mild and humid climate. The temperature varies with altitude, with the average annual temperature in the foothills around 20°C. Precipitation ranges from 300 to 1400 mm. The eastern and southern parts of Morocco have a desert climate, with an average annual temperature of around 20°C. Annual precipitation is less than 250 mm, and less than 100 mm in the south. Summers are often hot and dry, with "sirocco winds." Because the Atlas Mountains, which run diagonally across the country, shield Morocco from the heat waves of the Sahara Desert to the south, Morocco enjoys a pleasant climate year-round and flourishes with lush vegetation, earning it the reputation of "a cool land under the scorching sun." Morocco is a picturesque country, also known as the "Garden of North Africa."
Medina Old Town
Essaouira's Medina was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 as a representative example of a late 18th-century fortified town in North Africa.
Essaouira Beach
Essaouira Beach extends 10 kilometers along the coast. Essaouira means "picturesque" in Arabic. It is indeed a picturesque beach with very good sand and sea water quality.
Castle Battery
This is the landmark of Essaouira and the filming location of Astapor, the Slave Bay city in Game of Thrones.
Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, has a rich history as a fortified port city and a cultural melting pot. It was historically a center for trade, especially with Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The city has a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences, particularly evident in its architecture and culture. Its Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves this diverse history.
Essaouira is located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 173 km west of Marrakech. You can reach Essaouira by bus, taxi, or car from Marrakech, with a journey time of about 2.5 to 3 hours. There are also flights available to Essaouira's small airport from major Moroccan cities.
The best time to visit Essaouira is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. The Medina and most attractions are open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though some sites may have shorter hours during the off-season.
Entrance fees for various attractions in Essaouira vary. For example, visiting the Skala de la Ville is free, while some museums charge around 10-30 MAD. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the attractions, though some sites may offer online booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most attractions in Essaouira, as the city is generally not very crowded. However, for certain popular sites like the Moulay Hassan Square or special events, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
To fully explore Essaouira, including the Medina, beach, historic sites, and markets, you will need about 2-3 days. A day trip from Marrakech is possible, but it will be rushed.
Guided tours are available in English, French, and Arabic. Audio guides can be rented at certain attractions, though guided tours are more common and offer a deeper insight into the city's history and culture.
Start your visit with a walk through the Medina, then head to the port to see the fishermen at work. From there, take a stroll along the city walls for panoramic views. Finish your day with a visit to the Skala de la Ville and relax at the Moulay Hassan Square.
Night visits are not common, but Essaouira is very lively in the evening, with cafes and restaurants offering a great atmosphere. Some events and festivals may take place in the evening, especially during the summer and fall months.
Essaouira is generally less crowded than other Moroccan cities like Marrakech. The least crowded times to visit are during the off-season, from November to February, excluding the holiday season. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends.
There are plenty of facilities in Essaouira, especially around the Medina and port area. You will find public toilets, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Water can be purchased from various stores and cafes. Rest areas are available in cafes and open-air spaces.
While the Medina and narrow streets may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues, most attractions are accessible for children. It is advisable to check accessibility for specific locations in advance, as some sites may have uneven terrain or stairs.
Cash is widely used in Essaouira, and it’s advisable to carry some local currency (MAD) for small purchases. However, many restaurants, shops, and hotels accept cards and mobile payments (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, and local payment methods).
There are vegetarian and vegan options available at many restaurants in Essaouira. Halal food is also widely available, as most Moroccan cuisine is halal by default.
The Medina is full of souvenir shops selling items such as handcrafted wooden objects, leather goods, jewelry, and textiles. Typical souvenirs include local argan oil, rugs, and silver jewelry.
From Essaouira, you can take a bus or taxi back to Marrakech, or rent a car to explore nearby regions. The town also has a small airport with flights to Casablanca and Marrakech.
