Essaouira

Essaouira is a city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean of Morocco battered by commercial winds and has a population of about 80,000. This place is a beautiful city with one of the best beaches in Morocco and a […]

Essaouira is a city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean of Morocco battered by commercial winds and has a population of about 80,000. This place is a beautiful city with one of the best beaches in Morocco and a rich history made it one of the most cabbage places on the entire Atlantic coast of the country.

Due to the large influx of tourists, especially the French, the city has become a global holiday resort and one of the main tourist destinations in the region. This means that during summer, the busiest time, walking around your beautiful city can become overwhelming.

Trip to Essaouira Morocco

One of the most striking points of Essaouira is its design in the form of a European network and urban areas surrounded by ancient fortresses, as expected at the end of the 18th century.

Although it has become a very tourist city, those who prefer a city away from the pressures of negotiation and pushing the big cities, on their trip to Morocco will choose Essaouira.

Tourism here is expanding as an exceptional place for the spa and nature reserve on the island of Mugadore, as well as Medina, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site.

Located at the foot of the Great Atlas, Essaouira is located on a nearby rocky island facing the ocean surrounded by hills, forests and soft sand dunes. It has an exceptional small climate that favors cereal crops, as well as goat grazing and forestry production that is the basis of its economy.

His craft is rich and diverse, witness of cultural exchange. In addition, the “Swaris”, as they are known here, are teachers of golden formulation, marquetry and carpentry, especially of the “Thoya wood.” It offers other treasures, such as Argan Oil, and fishing is an important activity sector thanks to its fishing port. In fact, craft shipyards are the heart of Essaouira, unique in the world.

Since the late 20th century, the strange access of adventurers and artists such as Frank Zappa or Jimi Hendrix has given the city a certain reputation.

The history of Essaouira

As a good coastal city, Essaouira has been an ancient crossroads of peoples and civilizations. From the 5th century B.C. It was under the rule of Phoenicians and Carthaginians, then in the hands of the Romans, a time when it was an area particularly known for its purple production: They occupied small islands off their shores to exploit these slugs that were used to get purple. In the Archaeological Museum of Rabat, the testimony of the purple settlements and factories of the island of Mugadore.

With the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, the city was renamed Mugadore. Here the famous Portuguese buildings were erected, and are among the most interesting places in Essaouira. It was later taken by Sultan Sidi Mohammed bin Adel in 1764, who gave it its current name. In order to promote maritime trade, he decided to establish a port that would create a shadow over the port of Agadir.

In addition, it was under this sultanate when the city took the form it was today, both for the main monuments of Medina and for the construction of the defense of the city. It has since been occupied and inhabited by Arab and barbarian tribes, as well as an important colony of Jews who enjoy greater freedoms and privileges than the rest of the country. The port of Essaouira was one of the most important until the French reserve, which took centre stage, turned its activity into the port of Casablanca.

Things to do in Essaouira

This beautiful city that seems to have been lost in time is particularly quiet and pleasant. The temperate and coastal climate of golden sand makes Essaouira one of the best beaches in Morocco. Therefore, this is a necessity if we are on a road through southern Morocco.

Therefore, this is a necessity if we are on a road through southern Morocco. In addition, thanks to the commercial winds, it is known as the “wind city.” We will not be surprised to see so many surfers from all over the world.

City of Essaouira

We can make a long list of places to see in Essaouira. For example, the beautiful medina, consisting of wide streets full of galleries that give way to many workshops for artisans and small shops of all kinds, cafes and restaurants. From the moment you enter through one of its three huge gates, Gate Seven, Gate Marrakesh and Gate Intruder, you will find yourself in the midst of a joyful hustle and bustle, where everyone goes about their business.

Here there are no automated vehicles: everything is transported in wagons towed by mules. What immediately impresses the visitor is the whiteness of the walls of the houses, the blue of the windows and doors that remind a little of the Mediterranean islands. ¡ Thanks to its straight streets and vertical crosses, it is very easy to head to the city, and even if you get lost in many alleys, you will immediately return to one of the main arteries… ~ or some blocked road!

How to get to Essaouira

Essaouira is a coastal city in Morocco that can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are some options:

By Air: The nearest airport to Essaouira is Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU). However, this airport has limited flight options. The most common and convenient option is to fly to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is about 2.5 hours away by car or bus. From Marrakech, you can take a shared taxi or a bus to Essaouira.

By Bus: There are several daily buses that run between Marrakech and Essaouira. CTM, Supratours, and other companies operate buses between the two cities, with a journey time of around 3 hours.

By Car: You can rent a car and drive to Essaouira from Marrakech or other nearby cities. The journey from Marrakech takes around 2.5 hours and is quite scenic, passing through the Atlas Mountains.

By Taxi: You can take a shared taxi, known as a grand taxi, from Marrakech to Essaouira. The journey takes around 3 hours and can be a more cost-effective option than renting a car.

Once you arrive in Essaouira, you can explore the city’s historic medina, visit the beach, and enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants.

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