Essaouira

Essaouira feels a world away from the bustle of Marrakech. Its whitewashed medina, with blue doors and shutters, sits behind 18th-century sea walls, and the Atlantic trade winds keep the air fresh — and draw kitesurfers and windsurfers from around the world.

Walk the Skala ramparts and their line of cannons, watch the catch come in at the fishing port, browse the workshops of thuya-wood carvers and eat grilled fish by the harbour. The town hosts the Gnaoua World Music Festival each June.

Essaouira is an easy day trip from Marrakech, and several of our longer tours spend one or two nights here.