In this article, We will mention some of the reasons why you should visit Essaouira. To me personally, it was one of the Moroccan cities that I liked the most. I hope you like it too!
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| credits : Pixabay |
How to get to Essaouira?
By Plane: Essaouira has an international airport that connects directly with several European cities. We recommend you look for flights through Skyscanner or Kayak. Two flight search engines that will allow you to find the best deals.
By Bus: I went to Essaouira by bus from Marrakech, with the company Supratours. The best thing is to buy the ticket with a little advance to secure the place. The bus is very comfortable and fast. We had no problem. It takes about 3 hours and is worth about 80 Dhs per way.
Where to sleep in Essaouira?
During my stay in Essaouira, I stayed at Riad very comfortable and secure. It is located in the heart of the medina, not far from the bus station. The price is not high and you also have breakfast included.
The decoration of the Riad is very nice and you have a terrace on the top floor where you can have breakfast and enjoy the good views of the city. The rooms are spacious, beautiful and clean. Very friendly staff helped us at all times and gave us good advice.
What to see and what to do?
1) The Medina of Essaouira
The historic medina, surrounded by walls and full of cobbled streets will transport you back in time.
Essaouira is an exceptional example of a fortified city. Inside the walls is the medina. Since its foundation, the city has been a port of prime importance for the trade of Morocco and its Saharan territories with Europe and the rest of the world. Today it is considered one of the most picturesque port cities in Morocco, and its medina has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2001.
The medina of Essaouira is smaller than that of Marrakech, but it also has a lot of charm. In it, you will find different souks where they sell all kinds of products (spices, meat, fish and seafood, souvenirs, carpets, leather goods, natural products ...). You will also find numerous restaurants where you can relax and enjoy Moroccan cuisine.
You can walk through the historic streets. The entrance doors and the walls that separate the medina from the rest of the city are very well preserved. They were built in the 18th century following the French Vauban style. Get lost among its streets and travel in time several centuries ago.
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| credits: Pixabay |
2) The souk for fish and seafood
If you want to taste fresh fish and other seafood, Essaouira is your place. In the fish souk, you can eat fresh fish from the catch of the day. You buy it at the fish Souk, inside the medina, directly at the fishmongers. Then they prepare it on the grill in the restaurants in the same square. And so you can taste a fresh and quality product at an affordable price.
This is much cheaper than going to eat fish at a restaurant and you make sure the fish is fresh since you buy it directly at the fishmonger's plaza. You also sell it to the kilo, you have a wide range of offers to choose from and you will save money.
3) The people are very kind and helpful
The people of Essaouira are very kind. You breathe good vibes in the city. They try to help you at all times and like to drink tea and sit down to talk quietly. This may also be due to the hippy past of the city. Do not miss the opportunity to discuss with the local people having tea in the souk or along the promenade.
4) The beach and the sea
In summer you can enjoy the beach sunbathing or taking a dip. Although, in this area, there is a bit of wind and the waves can be strong, this makes Essaouira a privileged place to practice windsurfing, kitesurfing ... and other water sports.
If you want to practice water sports and enjoy the beach and the sun at an affordable price, Essaouira is a very good option.
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| credits : Pixabay |
5) Authenticity and charm, without stress
Essaouira is more authentic, small and affordable than Marrakech. There is less mass tourism and it shows. It breathes calm and tranquillity, it is a perfect place to relax by the sea.
6) Affordable prices
Bargaining still needs to be done, but the prices are lower than in other larger and more tourist cities like Marrakech or Fez. A good place to shop or take some souvenir from Morocco. In Essaouira you will get cheaper and you can save a little on your purchases. Sellers are also more reasonable and do not try to inflate prices or take advantage of tourists.
