Essaouira, a former Mogador situated on a rocky peninsula, is an ideal destination for a day trip. Its ramparts keep a watchful eye on the ocean, while its medina, painted in white and blue tones, exudes a unique charm. The city’s busy port and long sandy beaches are also worth exploring. The history of Essaouira dates back to the 8th century BC, when the Phoenicians used to stop there on their way to the equator. The city was founded by Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, an Alaouite sultan, and constructed by Theodore Cornut, an architect and student of Vauban. Today, Essaouira is a vibrant fishing port where boats arrive daily and sardines and crustaceans are auctioned off.
While visiting Essaouira, make sure to indulge in some grilled sardines at one of the small outdoor restaurants in the harbor before heading to the Sqala du Port, a crenellated bastion built to protect the harbor and the city. From there, you can explore the Moulay Hassan square and the kasbah, a district surrounded by ramparts with foundations anchored in the rock. Along the ramparts, you can take a street that leads to the Sqala of the Kasbah, where the famous guns of Essaouira are lined up. This spot was even used by Orson Welles for filming the exterior sets of his Othello.
Inside the Kasbah, you can visit the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, which reflects the collective memory of the province of Essaouira. You can discover the musical instruments of the Aissaoua, Hamadcha, and Gnaoua brotherhoods, which are used for both ritual and secular purposes. In June, the world-renowned Gnaoua Festival of Essaouira takes place, which is definitely worth attending if you happen to be in the area.