
Heure Bleue
Essaouira, Morocco
window.monetateQ = window.monetateQ || [];
Clinging to Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira swaps the rose hues of mountain towns for whitewash and blue shutters. The pretty medina is confined within solid ramparts, and sidles up to a 18th-century military harbour. But both are dwarfed by the sweep of beach that runs along the approach to the city. In true Maghreb style, the sights to see are the quotidian ones: djellaba’d men whiz by on motorbikes, the port’s clamour competes with gnaoua-soundtracked cafés and the call to prayer – but forget comparing the pace of life of the souks here to Marrakech. Everything happens in a distinctly lower gear. Fish-fed cats snooze in carved Moorish horseshoe archways; graffiti is scratched on mediaeval doors; glimpses of shady courtyards and dim passageways lure you to yet another mint tea. Contented, cosmopolitan and cool without caring about it, Essaouira is a jaded urbanite’s delight.
See our boutique hotel deals
Essaouira, Morocco
Early booking offer - 15% off with daily breakfast included
Essaouira, Morocco
30% of discount spécial offer for January/February 2021
The north-westerly winds can be fierce here, but this only makes it extra-alluring to windsurfers, especially between March and September. When Marrakech is at its most scalding in the summer months, Essaouira can make for a balmy alternative.
Tales from our travels