Essaouira cannot leave you indifferent. Its ramparts pounded by the Atlantic waves, its white façades with blue shutters, all the carved doors and its lively souks make it a charming protected medina you’ll quickly fall in love with.
Located at the foot of the Grand Atlas, Essaouira is built on a rocky peninsula. Founded to promote international trade, from the outset it has been a place of warm welcome for all cultures and religions, an intention that is engraved on the grand entrance of the port.
Facing the ocean, surrounded by hills, argan forests and dunes, Essaouira enjoys an exceptional microclimate favourable to the cultivation of cereals, fruits and vegetables, as well as to goat herding and forestry.
The city’s craftsmanship is rich and varied thanks to the mix of cultures. Thus Souiris are masters of jewellery, inlaid woodwork and carpentry, mostly in thuya wood. Fishing remains an important industry because of the old port, the heart of Essaouira, and the towpath of its handcrafted shipyard, unique in the world. Snapped up by the most famous luxury brands, argan oil is gold in the region and has made Essaouira’s reputation worldwide.
Tourism is expanding due to the exceptional resort site, the nature reserve on the island of Mogador, the ramparts, the Medina classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and finally the golf course designed by Gary Player and considered one of the most beautiful in the Maghreb.
In recent years, new disciples have arrived: windsurfers and kitesurfers attracted to the waves pushed by the Alizés winds towards Moulay Bouzerktoun and Sidi Kaouki, and to the surf schools.
Today many foreigners have settled in Essaouira, restoring old houses in the Medina and opening restaurants. As regards heritage and traditions, the Souiris guard them carefully and ensure the region is particularly well preserved, in the way of the new Golf de Mogador. Music-lovers will also enjoy the Festival des Alizés (chamber music, April) and Gnawa World Music Festival (fusion music, June) held annually in Essaouira. If you wish we will arrange a guided tour of the blue town.
