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Essaouira
The resort town of Essaouira in Morocco lies on the cusp of the Atlantic Ocean. This historic city is famous all over the world for its medina (old town) which had been previously called Mogador.
Its medieval town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as a prime example of an 18th Century fortified town, as transferred to North Africa—with its sand dune, embattled forts and glittering off-coast islands.
The gorgeous beach with its pristine waters dominates the locals and visitors’ time. Although the strong wind and currents makes relaxed tanning and swimming a little difficult at times, it is perfect for windsurfing. In fact, with good winds for most days of the year, Essaouira is a windsurfer's paradise. Guest are invited to rent equipment from the local Windsurfing Club on the beach front. In fact, the best spots are reported to be Essaouira Bay, Sidi Kaouki, Cape Sim and Mouley Bouzertoune.
The powerful northeastern trade winds bring forth an abundant catch at the fishing harbour, despite the competition of Agadir and Safi, of sardines and conger eels.
Take the time to travel to the fish market where a tiny garden square featuring a bust of the filmmaker Orson Welles stands. A monument to the city's occasional brushes with fame, Welles was one of the first international personalities to be lured by the city as he spend in 1949 filming scenes along the ramparts for "Othello" and waiting for financing at the bar of Hotel des Îles. It is no surprise that the bar of this hotel is his namesake to this day.
Ever seen the beach from atop a camel? Well, in this city, camel excursions are the norm and are readily available on the beach and into the desert interior.
While in Essaouria, visitors are invited to sample the hand-carved thuya wood carvings that are typical hand crafts the city has been creating for centuries, as made by artisans passed on from generation to generation. Essaouira's craftsmen are renowned as well for their lacquerware. In fact, the intricately inlaid boxes, chessboards and curios made with this technique can be found for good prices in the city's hundreds of shops in the medina (old center) of town.
