Things to do in Essaouira – A Guide to the City’s Best Attractions
Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a charming coastal town located in western Morocco. Known for its historic medina, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, Essaouira is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Here are the top things to do in Essaouira that will help you fully experience the best of the city:
Things to do in Essaouira: Explore the Historic Medina
The medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The medina is a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful houses, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the various souks (markets) and see the artisans at work. The medina is also home to several historical landmarks, including the city Citadel and Skala de la Ville.
Relax on the City’s Beautiful Beaches
Essaouira’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Morocco. The city’s beaches are known for their clear waters and strong winds, making them popular spots for kite surfing and windsurfing. The most popular beaches in Essaouira are Plage d’Imsouane and Plage Moulay Hassan. Visitors can also take a horseback ride on the beach at sunset, a unique and romantic way to experience the city’s beaches.
Take a Guided Tour of the City
A guided tour is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Essaouira. Visitors can take a tour of the medina, where they will learn about the city’s history, architecture, and traditional customs. A guide can also help visitors navigate the city and find the best places to shop and eat.
Go Quad Biking
For a more adventurous experience, visitors can go quad biking in the surrounding countryside. This 3-hour tour takes visitors through the beautiful landscapes of Essaouira and offers an exciting way to explore the area.
Things to do in Essaouira: Camel Rides
Camel rides are a popular activity in Essaouira and a great way to experience the desert landscape. Visitors can take a one-hour camel ride through the surrounding dunes, with the opportunity to see the sunset over the desert.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another great way to explore the city’s beaches and surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a sunset horseback ride on the beach, a unique and romantic way to experience the city’s beaches.
Water Sports
Essaouira is a great destination for water sports. The city’s beaches are known for their clear waters and strong winds, making them popular spots for kite surfing, windsurfing, and more. Visitors can also take a kite-surfing or windsurfing lesson to learn how to enjoy the sport.
Visit the Essaouira Citadel and Skala de la Ville
The Essaouira Citadel is an 18th-century fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the sea. The Skala de la Ville, on the other hand, is a historic rampart that offers a panoramic view of the city. Both are must-visit places for history buffs.
Wander the bustling souks and markets
The souks of Essaouira are a must-visit for shoppers. Visitors can find a wide variety of traditional goods such as hand-woven textiles, pottery, and jewelry. The souks are also a great place to experience the local culture and see the artisans at work.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Essaouira is known for its delicious seafood and traditional Moroccan dishes. Visitors can try the city’s famous sardines and other fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in the medina or on the beach. Visitors can also sample traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagine and couscous at local street food vendors.
Things to do in Essaouira: Attend a Music Festival
Essaouira is home to several music festivals throughout the year, including the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival, which takes place in June. The festival features a wide range of music genres and performances by local and international artists. Visitors can experience the vibrant culture of the city and enjoy the music in the historic medina.
Overall, Essaouira is a charming coastal town with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the historic medina, relax on the city’s beautiful beaches, take a guided tour of the city, try water sports, visit historical landmarks, shop at the souks, enjoy the local cuisine, and attend a music festival. There’s plenty to see and do in Essaouira, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
