Let us save you some time: Yes, Essaouira Morocco is definitely worth visiting. Your trip to Morocco should include Essaouira, especially if you're into relaxed costal towns with great food and midieval atmosphere.
Essaouira is one of the few cities where visitors decide to settle down. Elderly people from Europe especially find it very relaxing and worth living in. But despite its calm atmosphere around the year, Essaouira isn't only for the elderly or those seeking an escape from stress. it's also a place where young free-spirited people go to party and experience new things.
So whether you're looking for some stress-free time or some fun, Essaouira can deliver that to you. You just need to know the best time to visit and what you can do while you're there. This post will tell you exactly that and more.
Alright, let's start with a historical background about Essaouira then continue to the more exciting stuff.
Essaouira Morocco: Historical Background
Although it's a small city, Essaouira has an impressive history and an interesting present. It was founded in the 7th century by the Phoenicians as a strategic trading post. Back then it was known by Mogador, which is a name that you'll be hearing often while there.
Over the centuries, the city witnessed the influence of several civilizations. The Carthaginians, Romans, and Berbers all share a piece of Mogador's history. And to this day, it is still possible to notice some features of each civilization while roaming the streets of the new Essaouira.
However, the European and Berber/Arab influences are more dominant and apparent today. It all started with the Portuguese; In the early 16th century, explorers from Portugal reached Mogador and built a fortress there, turning it into a strategic maritime location. From then onward, The influence of the Portuguese invasion began to shape the city with European characteristics.
Things started to change in the mid-18th century when Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah hired French architect Théodore Cornut to design the city's distinctive medina, fortifications, and port. The new design that blends Moroccan and European characteristics gave Essaouira the look that we know today.
The Best Time to Visit Essaouira.
The best time to visit Essaouira would be all year round if you're simply looking for a calm relaxing experience. If you're interested more in partying and exploring cultural sceneries while meeting other tourists from all around the world, then summer would be the best time to visit Essaouira for you.
During autumn, winter, and spring, Essaouira is usually a calm city where you can roam the streets and meet locals in a very less crowded environment. During these seasons, you'll get the chance to learn more about the city and basically experience all that it has to offer with no pressure.
You don't have to worry about the weather during autumn and winter. Although it can be windy and may experience some few rainy days, Essaouira is located in the central region of Morocco where it's sunny and warm most of the time. So you can expect to enjoy the weather in Essaouira during your visit.
In the summertime, Essaouira is usually more alive and vibrant. Summer is the season when many events occur and when the city becomes a little bit more crowded. But even then, Essaouira can still offer that relaxing experience because it's in the air of this place. The atmosphere of Essaouira simply has a calming effect on people even during busy times.
So it's up to you to decide when is the best time to visit Essaouira depending on your interests and expectations. Are you looking for partying and enjoying music festivals? Then summer is a suitable time for you. Otherwise, if you're only looking for a relaxing experience, then visit whenever you're ready.
What Can You Do in Essaouira.
Essaouira is a small city. Life there is kind off slow but very relaxing. And despite lacking entertainment infrastructures that big cities have, Essaouira can still offer a unique experience worth experiencing. Let us give you some examples of activities you can enjoy while there.
Go for some fishing
Essaouira is also a fishing town. Maybe you can join locals for a fishing experience to catch your own fish and learn new fishing tips. Although it's not usual, you can also ask local boats to take you for a short trip to experience fishing in Essaouira's deep waters. Just be careful and follow your guide's instructions.
Try Moroccan food in Essaouira
Since it's a fishing town, Essaouira is well know for Moroccan sea food. Tajines that has different types of fish, fried sardines with salads, and octopus meat with vegetables, are just some few suggestions. You'll find different types of restaurants in Essaouira, some of them offer fancy options, while others offer traditional dishes.
Shop traditional jewelry
Essaouira has some amazing artisanal artifacts. Traditional jeweleries are everywhere. Simply walk through the streets of the city and discover what each shop has to offer. For a better experience, you can hire a trusted guide to help you bargain for jewelry pieces and pay a fair price for them. In Essaouira as in any other city in Morocco, vendors may try to overprice you. So be prepared for some bargaining.
Enjoy the beach and sunsets
Just chill. Walk on the beach and watch the amazing sunsets of Essaouira. Maybe find a camel or a horse and take a ride to the edges of Essaouira's beach while thinking about life, or your next novel. If you're not willing to walk, simply find a restaurant with a great view and enjoy a glass of wine. Some restaurants and hotels in Essaouira are allowed to serve alcohol.
Enjoy festivals and local music
Attending the festival of Gnawa in Essaouira is a must do. You'll discover the amazing gnawa music, dance, and meet new people, all in one place for 7 days. And if you're not interested in such crowded events, then you can still enjoy the music in soirees hosted in hotels and some restaurants. Often, the city hosts other types of events such as art galleries and workshops.
Go explore what's beyond Essaouira
Like Portuguese explorers, you can make Essaouira your center of exploration. Instead of heading to a much more expensive city, you can find a nice place in Essaouira for a relatively cheaper price. Once you've finished exploring Essaouira itself, go ahead and travel beyond. Since Essaouira is located in a region that is teeming with interesting towns and diverse natural scenery, you'll definitely have some great experiences just a few miles away from Essaouira. Taghazout is just one location you can visit. Read about it from here.
conclusion:
Here you go! This is Essaouira and what it has to offer. I personally recommend adding it to your travel plans for Morocco. It's definitely worth visiting, ideally for at least two days. By the way, this city has long been a magnet for celebrities. Did you know that Jimi Hendrix visited Essaouira in the 1960s and Orson Welles filmed scenes for his movie 'Othello' within its historic walls in the 1950s? Even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have explored the streets of Essaouira together. So when is your time?
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