Essaouira offers travelers a nice break which is just a few hours away from the hubbub of Marrakech. Actually, it is a laid back coastal town. Visitors to Essaouira are attracted to its fresh seafood, beaches and medina.
Essaouira’s Attractions
The biggest attraction in Essaouira may be its relaxing atmosphere. Being a beach place it has a holiday feel about it because it is not a big town. Essaouira is very much a a fishing town and working port.
The Medina and Souqs (markets)
If the medinas of Fes or Marrakech overwhelmed you, in Essaouira you’ll enjoy a more relaxed experience of shopping, but not necessarily better prices. Surrounded by walls and there are 5 main gates you can navigate by in the medina. The medina is quite clean and it’s also free of cars. It’s easy to navigate the souqs (bazaars) and you don’t have to worry about getting lost. They are located around the junction between Rue Mohammed el-Qory and Rue Mohammed Zerktouni.
When you’re there, just ask a local shopkeeper to point you in the right direction. It is basically a relatively small area and you can walk down any narrow alley and explore at your own pace that looks interesting to you. At night, the Mellah is the only place to avoid in the area of the medina.
Ramparts and The Port
Like many old towns in Morocco, Essaouira’s medina is walled with the ramparts as they’re built on the cliffs that is quite impressive. When the sun sets, visitors alike enjoy strolling along the ramparts. It is a busy port filled with fishing boats in the port. Every Saturday, a large fish auction is held but is fun to experience as well by watching the daily catch being sold in every afternoon to restaurants around the harbour area.
Beaches
Essaouira’s water is pretty cold, it’s also quite windy, because Essaouira is on the Atlantic coast. There is not ideal for sunbathing or swimming but fun for surfing, kite surfing or wind surfing. Even if you don’t dare to participate yourself, it is very cool to watch. Since it runs for about 10km or 6 miles, the beach is also nice for a stroll and there’s plenty of it. Locals use the beach to sports as well as paddling in the summer such like play soccer.
Hammams
The best hammams doesn’t necessarily have in Essaouira, but this is a good place to try a traditional Moroccan steam bath if the larger affairs in the cities didn’t tempt you. The sexes don’t mix obviously, so to meet some local Moroccan women, this is a really great way, if you’re a woman of course. It’s really a treat to opt for a scrub down with traditional black soap. The Planet Guide to Morocco recommends the Hammam Mounia and the Hammam de la Kasbah (for women only).
Gnaoua (Gnawa) World Music Festival (in June)
Held for 3 days, every June, The Gnaoua World Music festival is Essaouira’s biggest annual event. Gnaoua are the Black Africa’s descendents of slaves originating who established brotherhoods throughout Morocco. They are made up of maalem (master musicians), clairvoyants, metal castanet players, mediums and their followers. As well as that of international musicians, this festival showcases their talents who have embraced this form of mysticism and music.
Hotels should be booked well in advance of the festival.
Getting To and From Essaouira
Since there is no train station, most people get to Essaouira by bus. From Casablanca to Essaouira, there is a direct daily bus traveling which takes about 6 hours. It will take around 2.5 hours by buses from Marrakech and several companies travel this route. At Bab Doukkala in Marrakech, the bus station is where the buses leave from. Morocco’s most reliable and biggest bus company is CTM, so about prices and availability just check with their offices first.
In addition, if you go with Supratours Bus Company, you can book your train and bus ticket simultaneously. They take you directly to the Marrakech trains station and leave Essaouira twice daily, in time to catch a train to Rabat, Casablanca or Fes.
Grande Taxis will take travelers from the Marrakech airport to Essaouira, during the daytime only. The trip will cost you around $80 (50 Euros) and takes about 3 hours, maybe less if you bargain well. Or you can get a taxi alternatively, to the Marrakech’s main bus station and then hop on a bus to Essaouira.
Getting Around Essaouira
For the most part, you can walk around Essaouira that’s the charm of this town. The best way to get to your hotel from the bus station by using Petit-taxis, although they can’t go into the Medina. You can rent motorbikes and bicycles in town as well, just ask your front desk hotel.
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