Essaouira, Morocco: The Charms of Africa’s Windy City
Almost always, Essaouira, Morocco is bright and breezy. It is captivating while being laid-back. Its name means “little picture” in Arabic and for good reasons. Essaouira bursts with colors from its vibrant inner walled city to the ramparts to the flashy, multi-colored wares in the souks. Essaouira is a port city and resort along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is also a popular destination for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing activities because of the strong trade winds. Getting to Essaouira is through the Essaouira Mogador Airport, which is about 20 minutes away from the city.
Best Time to Visit
Essaouira is at its best in June before temperatures start to soar. However, because of the local trade winds, Essaouira is never too hot. Music fans anticipate the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival happening between June and July which brings in a swarm of visitors. Essaouira, Morocco hotels can get jam-packed and rates are a higher by then. Essaouira also attracts many windsurfers between April and November because of its windy weather but majority of other guests come visiting during spring and autumn.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Take a trip to the Bourj El Baroud, a ruined watchtower located near Essaouira. Then you can tour around the Mellah, the Jewish quarters. Stop by the Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum. You can take pictures at the Place Moulay el Hassan, a most beautiful city square. Lastly, visit the Skala de la Ville and Skala du Port, fortifications built along the cliffs of Essaouira. The most elegant address in Essaouira is 4-star Hotel Des Iles. The Hôtel Villa Damonte and the Madada Mogador likewise offer posh accommodations.