Must-see attractions in Essaouira

  • Morocco, Essaouira, Medina, Carpet shops

    Medina

    Essaouira

    Surrounded by dramatic, wave-lashed ramparts, the narrow streets, hassle-free souqs, street vendors and vibrant galleries of Essaouira's walled medina…

  • View of Essaouira, Atlantic Coast, Morocco, North Africa, Africa

    Essaouira Beach

    Essaouira

    Essaouira’s wide, sandy beach is great for walking and kitesurfing, but sunbathing and swimming can be difficult when the winds are strong. For swimming,…

  • Boats docked in the Skala du port at sunset, Essaouira, Morocco

    Port

    Essaouira

    Essaouira's large working port is noisy, pungent and hugely atmospheric. Along with the flurry of sea-blue wooden boats arriving and departing, nets being…

  • Ruins on the Small Island in Essaouira, Morocco, Africa

    Île de Mogador

    Essaouira

    Just off the coast lies the Île de Mogador, which is actually two islands and several tiny islets. They are also known as the famed Îles Purpuraires …

  • Skala de la Ville

    Essaouira

    You might recognise the ramparts of the 18th-century Skala de la Ville. They, along with the hulking Bastion Nord, had a starring role in Game of Thrones…

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    Skala du Port

    Essaouira

    This honey-coloured bastion looms over the picturesque harbour and its sea-blue fishing boats. Look back at the walled medina from here, through a curtain…

  • Fish

    Fish Auction

    Essaouira

    Head to the port in the afternoon when the sea-blue boats come in for the day and the fishermen auction off their catch. There's always some heated…

  • Fish Souq

    Essaouira

    Join the locals and street cats picking up their fresh fish at this small market. For a cheap lunch, buy half a dozen sardines, and for around Dh10 one of…

  • Souq Joutiya

    Essaouira

    Turn left outside the Bab Doukkala and around 15 minutes later you’ll reach the industrial quarter’s abandoned warehouses. Take a left past salvaged…

  • Had Draa Souq

    Essaouira

    The Sunday market at Had Draa, 30km from Essaouira, is the largest in the region, where animals and produce have been traded for centuries. Early risers…

  • Bbio Organic Farm

    Essaouira

    This idyllic organic farm makes a perfect day out or a pit stop on your way to Marrakesh. Tours (bookings essential) are with the owner Khalid, who will…

  • Domaine du Val d'Argan

    Essaouira

    In 1994 Charles Melia left Châteauneuf-du-Pape to create Morocco’s southernmost winery, 20km from Essaouira; since then it's grown from five to 50…

  • Simon Attias Synagogue

    Essaouira

    Behind the imposing wooden door (there's no sign) lies a beautifully restored 19th-century synagogue, filled with the scent of fragrant cedar wood. In the…

  • Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum

    Essaouira

    Housed in an old riad, this somewhat fusty museum has a small collection of jewellery, costumes, embroidery, woodcarving and weapons from the region. Its…

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