Essaouira | The Blue-and-White Art City by the Atlantic

| The Blue-and-White Art City by the Atlantic. Located on Morocco's southwestern Atlantic coast about 175 km from Marrakech, Essaouira is a port city blending Berber, Arab, and European colonial influences.

🌟 Highlights:
UNESCO World Heritage: 18th-century ramparts and Medina old town
Artists' Haven: Attracted musicians and painters since the 1960s
Windy City: Constant trade winds make it a top kitesurfing destination

🕘【Opening Hours】:
Medina: Open 24/7 (best visited daytime)
Fishing Port: 6:00-18:00 (liveliest during boat returns)
Ramparts: 8:30-18:30 (last entry 18:00)
Best seasons: April-June & Sept-Oct (avoid July-August gales)

💴【Admission】:
Medina: Free
Ramparts walk: 10 MAD
Skala Fortress: Included in ramparts ticket
Update: Harbor viewing platform became free since 2023

⛺【Activities】:
1. Art Exploration
Graffiti Alley: Pop-art walls on Rue Laalouj
Gallery Tour: Avant-garde spaces like Galerie Damgaard
Gnawa Music: Weekly Thursday performances at Medina square
2. Ocean Adventures
Kitesurfing: Sidi Kaouki Beach (book instructors in advance)
Fishing Trip: Join sardine-catching at 6am with local fishermen
3. Must-See Spots
Medina Gates: Filming location for "Gladiator"
Portuguese Battery: Perfect sunset/seagull photography spot

🚌【Transport】:
From Marrakech:
CTM Buses: 6 daily (3hrs, 75 MAD)
Shared Taxis: ~100 MAD/person (hotel drop-off available)
Local Transit:
Medina is walkable only; taxis must transfer outside walls

👉【Itinerary】:
2-Day Relaxed Plan:
Day1: Medina art walk → Port sunset → Night market dinner
Day2: Sidi Kaouki surfing → Argan oil workshop

Nearby Combos:
Tiout Oasis (1.5hr drive): Desert-oasis transition
Tamanar Gold Mines (2hrs): Abandoned French colonial site

🧡【Essentials】:
1. Wind Gear:
Windproof jacket/scarf
Hair conditioner (for tangled hair)
2. Photography:
Polarizing filter (reduces glare)
Spare batteries (wind drains power)
3. Pro Tips:
1 MAD coins (for paid Medina toilets)
Small bills (artist stalls are cash-only)