Morocco travel: 10 things to do in Essaouira

White walls contrasted against  bright blue windows and doors, the ramparts, the immaculate sandy beach, the sea breeze… can you picture it? As we fell head over heels with the charming Moroccan town of Essaouira – Here are our top 10 favourite things to do in this welcoming and captivating place!

1-  Sleep at the sensational Riad* Chbanate 

You will enjoy the friendly and warm staff, and most importantly you will be delighted to have your rooftop breakfast served with the best freshly squeezed orange juice and delicious home-made jam and bread!

Address: 179 Chbanate road, 4400 Essaouira – Price: USD275/ night for the ocean view suite.

*In Morocco, a riad is a large traditional house built around a central courtyard, often converted into a hotel.

2- Take in the view from the top of Kasbah’s sqala which is the old artillery platform of the medina‘s* maritime fortifications. From there you can admire the port crowded with gulls, see the waves breaking on the ramparts,  and enjoy  the view of the medina¤ a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

*Medina means old city in Arabic.

3 – Wander around the street and get carried away in the colourful souks (markets):

You will be astonished when you see how many different types of succulent olives, good quality spices, and dry tea leaves, are on sale! A great excuse to try your cooking skills once you’re back home and attempt making your favourite Moroccan dishes!

You might also be interested by the home-made black soap exfoliant which is very good for the skin, and by the organic and natural sandalwood home perfumes.

Indulge in fashion while at it by their remarkable Sandarac wood tree workshops, the wonderful jewellery and try on the typical Moroccan costumes called Djellaba.

4- Towards the end of the morning, go to the Bab El Marsa gate to gain access to the little port and don’t miss the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port, with their baskets full of fish.

5- Have lunch at the terrace of the unmissable restaurant : “Le Chalet de la Plage”

You could  try the super fresh grilled sardines and lobster with their incredible tasteful tomato salad and fried potatoes – for no more than USD18 per person!

Address: Boulevard Mohammed V , open every day from 12am to 1.30pm

6 – Have a mint tea at sunset on the roof of the Taros bar  and get a better look at the old city as it slows its pace.

Address : May Hassan Place

7- Enjoy the immense fine sand beaches on foot or by riding on a horse or a camel

With its immaculate sand – Essaouira’s ten kilometres beach is one of the most beautiful in the world! And for the most sports-lovers among us, why not have your first windsurfing lesson? It is an ideal beach for beginners!

8 – Visit one of the Argan oil cooperatives managed by women who manage everything from the processing of the argan nuts to the marketing side of the business.

These women, all dressed with a white haik  (a long piece of material that covers the body) will be proud to explain their work! Take note that the Argan tree, does not grow anywhere else in the world.

9- Attend the Essaouira music festival dedicated to the Gnaoua

The Gnaouas are ancient descendants of original slaves from sub-Saharan Africa. Their traditions – be it musical, spiritual or therapeutic – mix African and Arabo-Berber influences. This popular festival promotes Gnaoua music, jazz, blues and world music every year in June.  A must-see festival f you can make it in time!

10- Last but not the least, try a special spa treatment at Lux Spa Massage

Indulge a 45-minutes hammam (steam room) session including a body black soap exfoliation followed by a 1-hour Argan-oil massage used for its multiple moisturizing and anti-ageing properties.

Address: 12 Drâa road

How to get there:

Essaouira can be reached in two hours by car from Marrakesh.

Lindsay POUI-DI

Photos: Moroccan National Tourist Office