Essaouira’s name derives from the diminutive form of the Arabic root word (Sour) meaning “small wall.” The city is located west of the Marrakech-Safi region by the Atlantic Ocean, and was founded by the Moroccan Alawid Sultan Mohammed bin Abdallah. As small as its name suggests, Essaouira is only 90 kilometers squared and is situated 184.3 kilometers from Marrakech.

What Makes Morocco’s Essaouira So Popular?

Rabat – Essaouira’s name derives from the diminutive form of the Arabic root word (Sour) meaning “small wall.” The city is located west of the Marrakech-Safi region by the Atlantic Ocean, and was founded by the Moroccan Alawid Sultan Mohammed bin Abdallah. As small as its name suggests, Essaouira is only 90 kilometers squared and is situated 184.3 kilometers from Marrakech.

Consider the following interesting places that the nicknamed “the wind city” exhibits.

The Gnaoua Festival

Lopinion: The 2022 Gnaoua festival

The festival was created in 1997 to promote the gnaoua music culture globally. This musical event is held every June and hosts musicians of various genres, not only gnaoua. The idea is ingenious as it gathers people from every corner of the world to reach up to 500,000 visitors every year in just a 4-day span.

Essaouira’s Coast

Journalofnomads: Essaouira’s coastal sunset

The first thing that attracts attention is Essaouira’s coast, whose scenery is easy on the eyes. A great deal of activities can be done along the shore. Apart from the obvious swimming or sunbathing, taking a walk is also just as pleasing, in this breathtaking setting. If you want to begin your journey with a sense of adventure, horse and camel riding is available at a modest price. There are different cafes facing the sea where you can take sips of mint tea whilst enjoying the lovely view. Most importantly, do not miss the spectacular glow of the sunset.

The Medina

Infostourismemaroc: Essaouira’s old Medina

Most Moroccan cities have their own medina, the oldest part of town. Essaouira’s medina is home to ramparts located in Skala port. The noise and bustle of the medina streets are one of a kind with traders selling their goods. The cafes therein have a special atmosphere, especially on the terrace. The medina entrances and exits carry you amid scenes of delightful chaos.

Mymoroccanfood: “Amlou,” the culinary masterpiece

Remember to taste “amlou,” a thick brown almond-based paste used as a dip or spread. The paste is made out of ground toasted almonds mixed with honey and argan oil.

The Fortress Tower Borj El Barmil

Journalofnomads: Borj El Barmil

For a reasonable fee, this place is the best to enjoy a view of the entire city. The port and the medina can be seen from one side and the ocean to the other. As advised by some tourists, the best time to visit the fortress is during weekdays. Do not forget also to tune your ears into the caws of the seagulls flying over.

The Sunday Open-Air Market (Sunday Souk)

Journalofnomads: Sunday souk

Strolling in Moroccan traditional markets (souks) is a unique experience. Vendors open their stores, push carriages, and pave the ground with their goods, thus forming labyrinths. This particular souk is a flea market putting on sale second-hand clothes, books, jewelry, appliances, and furniture. If you do not know how to get there, follow this direction suggested by one tourist “…you’ll have to get out of the old city from Bab Doukala. You should continue straight along with the horse carriages and pass the gas station and then you will see a street full of stalls and vendors.”

The Moulay Hassan Square

Journalofnomads: The square near the sea

The Moulay Hassan square is another cornerstone in Essaouira. Here, you can find street artists performing, and restaurants facing the sea and the fortress tower. One of the most appetizing dishes you can have is barbecued sardines. If you go straight in the opposite direction of the restaurants, you will enter the fishing port, where fishermen earn a living, photographers focus their cameras, and seagulls fill their tummies.

Essaouira.taxi: Essaouira’s Mogador airport

Access to Essaouira is possible via most means of transportation depending on where one resides. The car is the most used means for traveling whatever the distance is. The coach is also one of the most popular ways to move around the country. One more outlet to Essaouira, which not all cities possess, is the airport. However, there is still no train access, but it is a project yet to come.