Medina of Essaouira

Welcome to the extraordinary Medina of Essaouira, affectionately and accurately known by seasoned travelers as the windy city of Africa. As you prepare to embark on this walking tour, you will immediately notice the bracing,…

You are currently standing before the imposing stone archways that serve as the threshold between the modern world and the ancient medina. These monumental gates, specifically Bab Sbaa, Bab Doukkala, and Bab Marrakech, are…

Welcome to the fisherman's market, the undisputed true heart and soul of Essaouira. If you arrive here early in the morning, just as the sun has barely risen over the horizon, you will witness the raw, unpolished reality of…

Ascending the stone steps, you emerge onto the historic ramparts of Essaouira, known locally as the Sqala de la Ville. Wandering along these fortified walls is arguably one of the top tourist activities in the city, and the…

Descending from the windy ramparts, you now enter the sheltered heart of the inner medina. Immediately, you will notice a dramatic shift in the atmosphere. …

Emerging from the claustrophobic, winding alleyways of the medina, you are suddenly ejected into the brilliant, wide-open space of Place Moulay Hassan. This grand plaza serves as the primary social and cultural hub of Essaouira,…

If there is one thing Essaouira excels at beyond its atmosphere, it is seafood. To truly understand the culinary soul of this city, you must experience its two extremes: the fiery, rustic grills tucked away in the alleyways, and…

For our final major detour, we are stepping just outside the primary medina, venturing a mere four kilometers south down the coastline. Our destination is the sleepy, incredibly quiet little village of Diabat. …

After that demanding, wind-swept walk back from Diabat, there is no better way to conclude our exploration than by seeking refuge in one of the relaxed establishments along the golden sand crescent. Taking a seat at a venue like…