Essaouira port in Morocco. Shot  after sunset at blue hour.; Shutterstock ID 469077956; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Essaouira BiT

Shutterstock / Ruslan Kalnitsky

Essaouira

It is the coastal wind – the beautifully named alizee, or taros in Berber – that has allowed Essaouira (essa-weera, or es-sweera in Arabic) to retain its traditional culture and character. For most of the year, the wind blows so hard here that relaxing on the beach is impossible, meaning that the town is bypassed by the hordes of beach tourists who descend on other Atlantic Coast destinations in summer. Known as the ‘Wind City of Africa’, it attracts plenty of windsurfers between April and November, but the majority of visitors come here in spring and autumn to wander through the spice-scented lanes and palm-lined avenues of the fortified medina, browse the many art galleries and boutiques, relax in some of the country's best hotels and watch fishing nets being mended and traditional boats being constructed in the hugely atmospheric port.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Essaouira. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Get started

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Essaouira

Tips & Advice

A Total Trip: a three-day high/low getaway to Essaouira, Morocco

Jul 12, 2023 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Essaouira

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Essaouira with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.