Essaouira |
Pronounced 'Essa - wira'. Essaouira's houses and shops in the medina are white-washed with blue doors and shutters and are popular with more independent travellers. An expansive sandy beach is located next to the harbour and is shallow enough for safe bathing. Essaouira is a fascinating former Portuguese fishing port. This is the place to eat fish sit down at any stall in the harbour and feast yourself on the freshest and most varied fish BBQ you will ever encounter. Also famous for inlaid woodwork (thuya and cedar), Essaouira is now a very relaxed town although it was frequented in the past by rock stars such as Jimmy Hendrix and Mick Jagger and stood as the location for Orson Welles famous film of Shakespeares Othello.
Today, standing on the impressive battlements looking out over the line of cannons and on out to sea it is impossible not to think of the history this town has seen and the daily adventures of the local fishing boat crews. If you want to experience Morocco's many faces then you should not miss Essaouira - great as a combination with Marrakech.
Although the area is very popular and world-renowned for surfers its reputation as Morocco's 'windy city' is exaggerated, in fact the sea breezes are very welcome in the summer months. Essaouira is a charming place for a relaxing break after a hot desert trip, trekking in the Atlas or sightseeing and shopping in Marrakech.
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Recommended accommodation
Our Favourites first:
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Large all-new riad designed to a high standard, overlooking the sea. |
A friendly riad with plenty of charm. |
A short walk away from the main square and harbour. The Madada hotel offers modern-style with a scenic view of Essaouira bay from its exquisite roof terrace. |
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New luxury boutique hotel with roof top pool. |
"Dany and Raymond Lami fell in love with this old house and have restored it in pure Moroccan tradition so that their clients can enjoy the authentic magic of Mogador." |
New small luxury hotel located near the Medina with its own private beach club and restaurant. |
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Engaging design, seafront location, thalassotherapy centre. |
Dar L'Oussia is a fine example of Moroccan architecture; offering charming accommodation and a huge roof terrace. |
Situated in the heart of the Medina, Les Terrasses d'Essaouira is an excellent riad. |
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Well designed, pretty riad. The Riad al Zahia is owned and run by Pascal and Anna, a lovely French couple who are justly proud of their home. |
Originally built in 1871, a cultural icon in the 1960's and now an attractive and popular Riad property. |
Charming little riad on the sea wall. |
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Very friendly staff and a peaceful location. |
Central, great value, traditional atmosphere, excellent choice for families. |
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Holiday Prices
Morocco Rediscovered
Select a link below for further information about our Morocco programme:
HOTELS AND RIADS |
ACTIVITIES |
INFORMATION |
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Tel: (+ 44) 01989 730 552 (UK)