
Activities for special occasions
May your next celebration be memorable
With a welcome as warm as its climate and an atmosphere as relaxed as the djellaba’d men sipping mint tea in shady courtyards, Essaouira is a bohemian haven of culture and character. Yes, it’s got all the elements that make up an iconic Moroccan city: the medina, walled and beautiful and jam-packed with donkeys and exquisite marquetry; the spice-scented alleyways, winding to nowhere and everywhere; and the craft stalls and cafes that provide the ultimate backdrop to daily life. But then there’s the beach, a sweeping, 10-kilometre swathe of sand that ends at the bobbing blue boats of the 18th-century harbour and provides the backdrop to much of Essaouira’s charm. Spend the day watching the windsurfers take on the waves and peek at the fisherman bringing in their wares – and then eat your fill at any one of the superb restaurants overlooking the water. Bliss.
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Part unassuming fishing village, part adventure hub and part historic hotspot, Essaouira is laid-back charm personified. Once a real-life pirate's hideout, today you'll find pretty bright-blue rowing boats lining the shores and a jumble of stalls in the souks. Alongside your souk adventures, go horseback riding along the beach and spy passing camel trains as you go, enjoy the Atlantic on a range of water sports including kite, wind and standard surfing, or hike into the scenic countryside. It's easy to see why the likes of Jimmy Hendrix and Cat Stevens returned here again and again - and of course you can't leave without a taste of Essaouira's classic 'chwaya' seafood barbecue.
Marrakesh’s seaside sibling, Essaouira is made for hanging out on the sand and enjoying that holiday feeling. Could there be a better way to end a Moroccan adventure?
In the last few years, the town has become a centre for painting and sculpture, with many artists famous in both Morocco and Europe. Check out Belgian-owned Espace Othello or La Petite Galerie – and make sure you leave room in your suitcase.
The beautiful-sounding coastal wind, alizee, is in fact much stronger than the name suggests! It’s particularly active in summer, so time a visit for spring or autumn - unless of course, you’re a windsurfer.
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