What to do in Essaouira?

Essaouira is a coastal city in Morocco with a rich history and cultural heritage. Here are some things to do while visiting Essaouira:

1. Explore the Medina: The old walled city of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, and historic buildings.
2. Visit the beach: Essaouira’s long, sandy beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
3. Walk along the ramparts: The city’s defensive walls offer a stunning view of the ocean and the medina.
4. Shop in the souks: Essaouira is famous for its handicrafts, including woodwork, textiles, and jewelry. The souks are a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
5. Visit the port: The old port of Essaouira is still in use today, and visitors can watch fishermen bringing in their catch of the day.
6. Take a cooking class: Moroccan cuisine is famous around the world, and taking a cooking class in Essaouira is a great way to learn how to make traditional dishes like tagine and couscous.
7. Attend a music festival: Essaouira is home to several music festivals throughout the year, including the Gnaoua World Music Festival.
8. Visit the Jewish quarter: Essaouira’s Jewish quarter is a fascinating part of the city’s history, with several historic synagogues and a Jewish cemetery.
9. Take a day trip: Essaouira is located near several other popular destinations, including Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, making it a great base for exploring the region.

There are many great places to visit in Essaouira, but here are a few of the top ones:

1. The Medina: The old walled city of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the main attractions in the city. It is a maze of narrow alleyways, colorful markets, and historic buildings.
2. Skala de la Ville: This historic fortification overlooks the sea and offers spectacular views of the ocean and the medina.
3. Essaouira Beach: Essaouira’s long, sandy beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, as well as to take part in water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
4. Place Moulay Hassan: This bustling square is the heart of the medina and is a great place to people-watch and soak up the local culture.
5. Essaouira Port: The port is still in use today and is a fascinating place to watch fishermen bringing in their catch of the day.
6. Museum: This museum is located in a beautiful 19th-century mansion and has exhibits on local art, history, and culture.
7. Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Essaouira and has exhibits on traditional crafts, music, and art.
8. Essaouira Citadel: This historic citadel was built in the 18th century and is now home to several museums, galleries, and restaurants.
9. The Jewish Quarter: Essaouira’s Jewish quarter is a fascinating part of the city’s history and has several historic synagogues and a Jewish cemetery.