Essouira

The picturesque town of Essaouira is only two hours drive from Marrakech and offers an outstanding day excursion to the coast. Under Portuguese occupation the port was fortified and the town was known as Mogador, the ramparts were used in Orson Welles 1952 film Othello.

Seagull on the beach at EssouiraStill a fishing village Essaouira retains its authenticity and charm.Strong coastal winds known in Moroccan Arabic as the ‘alizee’ are a distinctive feature of the beach which is an outstanding venue for wind surfing and other water sports. 

Boats in the harbout at Essouria, MoroccoJimi Hendrix and other 1960’s rock stars frequented the town which retains a strong musical tradition. Each year at the end of June Essaouira is the venue for the Gnaoua and world music festival. Gnaoua music, a familiar sound in the Jema al Fnaa in Marrakech has its roots in sub Saharan Africa. 

Your Ryad staff will be pleased to help you to organise a visit to Essaouira. Our suggestion would be to take a taxi for the day and return to the ryad in Marrakech after a leisurely meal in the early evening.