At a glance · 5 reasons to go
Why Essaouira, Morocco.
The Skala de la Ville sea ramparts and their bronze cannons are the postcard view; the blue fishing port below lands the day’s catch each afternoon.
Reliable Atlantic trade winds make Essaouira one of the world’s great kite- and wind-surfing beaches — lessons and gear are everywhere.
The Gnaoua World Music Festival each June turns the whole town into a stage celebrating Morocco’s Afro-Berber spiritual music.
Lunch is grilled-that-hour fish chosen straight off the port stalls — arguably the best-value seafood in the country.
The walled medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and far more relaxed than the imperial cities — light on hard-sell, heavy on charm.
Read the full story
Essaouira is Morocco’s laid-back Atlantic escape — a fortified 18th-century port of whitewashed walls and blue boats, ringed by ramparts the Alaouite sultans built with European engineers. The wind that gives it its name makes it a world kitesurf and windsurf hub, while the medina hums with Gnaoua music, art galleries and the easiest pace on the coast. Orson Welles filmed Othello here; the world later filmed Astapor.
Read this before you go
Sécurité
Safety Overview
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is one of Morocco’s safest, most easygoing destinations; the real hazards are ocean-related — strong winds and Atlantic currents — plus the usual coastal sun. Watch footing on the historic ramparts.
Emergency Contacts — Save These Now
- Police
- 19 (urban) · 177 Gendarmerie (rural)
- Medical
- 15 (SAMU)
Reviewed: 2026-05-30
If It’s Safe Travel… Travel Well.
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