Top Things To Do In Essaouira, Morocco

Posted on January 14, 2014 Updated on January 14, 2014

Top Things To Do In Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is a city of outstanding beauty on the west coast of Morocco. A two-hour drive from Marrakesh, will take you into the heart of the city and let you walk along the beach. The town was designed along the same lines as the French town of Saint-Malo, by the same French architect, there is a slight feel of France about the town. Having said that the narrow alleyways, palm trees, red city walls and the pervading aroma constantly remind you that you are in Morocco.

Stroll the streets
The winding narrow streets are awash with a thousand different experiences. You cannot truly experience the real feeling and atmosphere of Morocco or Essaouira without getting the aromas of smoked wood, the mixes of spices and the shisha pipe through your system. All your senses are awakened to experience a new sensation and the further you delve into the city the more intense the experience.

 Go Windsurfing
The city of Essaouira is built on the site where the North Atlantic Ocean meets the Moroccan land. This naturally lends itself to a world-class windsurfing scene. The wind blowing in from the west is combined with the natural sand banks and the beach formation to create the near-perfect wind surfing conditions. The conditions are so good that the city has been called the ‘Wind City of Africa’.

 Wood Carving

Nearly every Moroccan city will have a plethora of wood carving tourist treasures for you to buy and take home, you will see them sold on every corner. In Essaouira, you can learn how to carve the wood yourself. Daily classes are freely available from the wood carvers found in Souk Rahba. Taking home a sculpture, which you carved yourself, will mean so much more than a brought treasure.

Experience a Camel Trek

There is something very traditional about heading out on a camel trek when you visit Morocco. Essaouia is no different and the city offers some extra ordinary camel trekking experiences. From a short morning ride, to a multi-day trek sleeping in traditional tents, the options are there for you. One word of advice, would be to make sure you have a good annual trip insurance policy. Ensure you have coverage for camel riding and any potential injuries.

 Grab a Coffee and Watch the World Go By

Some of the best memories from holidays are where you have just sat on the side of the world and watched as the locals go about their daily business. Seeing the intricacies of another culture from the comfort of a terrace lounge, whilst enjoying not just the view of the people but the view of the who port town, is an experience to treasure.

The great town of Essaouia is more than just a tourist town, it encapsulates everything that Morocco stands for. From the narrow streets to the camel trekking and from wood carving to traditional coffee, there is something for everyone and more importantly there is something for every kind of budget.

Lucy is a keen armature solo traveller and developed a love affair with Morocco. She runs her own blog online in which she shares her travel stories and aspirations.