BOOK NOW paradise of the artists and poets

Essaouira is an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town, built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context. Since its foundation, it has been a major international trading seaport, linking Morocco and its Saharan hinterland with Europe and the rest of the world.

The Medina of Essaouira, formerly named Mogador (name originating from the Phoenician word Migdol meaning a « small fortress »)

is an outstanding example of a fortified town of the mid-eighteenth century, surrounded by a wall influenced by the Vauban model.

Constructed according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture, in a North African context, in perfect harmony with the precepts of Arabo-Muslim architecture and town-planning, it has played a major role over the centuries as an international trading seaport, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world.

The town is also an example of a multicultural centre as proven by the coexistence, since its foundation, of diverse ethnic groups, such as the Amazighs, Arabs, Africans, and Europeans as well as multiconfessional (Muslim, Christian and Jewish).

Indissociable from the Medina, the Mogador archipelago comprises a large number of cultural and natural sites of Outstanding Universal Value. Its relatively late foundation in comparison to other medinas of North Africa was the work of the Alaouite Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah (1757-1790) who wished to make this small Atlantic town a royal port and chief Moroccan commercial centre open to the outside world.

Known for a long time as the Port of Timbuktu, Essaouira became one of the major Atlantic commercial centres between Africa and Europe at the end of the 18th century and during the 19th century.

Day excursion to essaouira

Essaouira is fortunate to have an excellent climate, with cooling sea breezes in the summer (also good for water sports) and warming lowland air in winter. This lovely climate, together with its beautiful Portuguese architecture, has always attracted artists and poets, but it continues to be a traditional fishing port at its heart to this day. the visit includes :

• Visit of the souks of leatherwork, metalwork, glazed pottery, jewellery, brightly coloured carpets, original art, olives, spices, rare argan oil and more .....
• Visit the port and watch fishermen landing their catch or learn how boats are crafted using centuries-old techniques, then eat super-fresh grilled fish or shellfish at one of the seafood stalls .
• Visit Place Joutiya between to watch locals auctioning everything from teapots to trousers
• Visit of the Portuguese fortress .
• Walk 2 miles along the beach at low tide to see the romantic fort of Borj El Barod crumbling into the sea .
• Relax and watch the world go by with coffee or mint tea, and maybe a Moroccan pastry, in one of the cafés on Place Moulay Hassan
• Discover the craftsmanship and exquisite carpentry in the little thuya wood workshops under the ramparts