Atlantic Coast · West
Essaouira
Essaouira sits on Morocco's Atlantic windswept coast — a UNESCO-listed medina of whitewashed walls and blue shutters, built by a French architect for the Sultan in 1764. Locals call it 'Mogador'.
Things to do in Essaouira
Skala de la Ville ramparts
18th-century sea-facing cannons — Orson Welles filmed Othello here, and Game of Thrones used the walls as Astapor.
The fishing port at noon
Blue wooden boats unload sardines, dorade and rays — grilled lunch directly at the dockside stalls.
Surf, windsurf and kite
The Alizée trade winds make this Morocco's water-sports capital, especially April–September.
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Late June — four nights of free open-air stages mixing Gnaoua trance with jazz, blues and electronic.
April to October for warm beach days. The wind blows year-round — pack layers. Festival week (June) books out months in advance.
Essaouira-Mogador airport (ESU) has direct flights from London and Paris. By road, 3 hours from Marrakech via the argan-tree highway.
Essaouira travel FAQ
Marrakech vs Essaouira?
Marrakech is intense and inland; Essaouira is cool, breezy and gentle. Most travellers do both — they pair perfectly.
Can I swim in Essaouira?
Yes, but the Atlantic is cold (16–20°C) and the wind picks up by mid-afternoon. Mornings are best.
Day trip or overnight?
Overnight at minimum — the medina glows at sunset and the day-tripper crowds vanish after 6pm.