Holidays to Essaouira

Essaouira is not so much a hidden secret in Morocco, more a well-known and UNESCO-listed treasure trove whose strong, almost year-round sea breeze simply doesn’t appeal to the sun-seeking masses, who would otherwise no doubt fill these atmospheric streets. Thankfully for those lucky enough to make it there, this then means that upon arrival, having checked into your boutique Essaouira hotel, an authentic experience of Morocco begins to unfold.

The main highlights of Essaouira include a 15th century castle, Castelo Real, complete with armed ramparts and thick impenetrable walls, Skala du Port, the towering Bab Doukkala, Essaouira Citadel and Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum, itself located in a former 19th century mansion. There are traditional souks and fish markets to visit, local cafés and family-run restaurants, vendors selling their own artworks on street corners and workmen fixing their boats by hand, which is in many ways the beauty of Essaouira; daily life goes on unabated, irrespective of visitors and all in the most wonderous of settings. Simply wandering the city walls is a joy, so too the myriad alleyways and quaint plazas to be discovered, as well as Essaouira Beach for windswept days walking on the sand. You can’t help but be charmed by Essaouira.