Essaouira is located in the southwest region of Morocco, and is a grand escape from the more tourist-centered beaches of Agadir. Its original name was Tassort, which refers to its kasbah, fortress-like walls. Its name is derived from Tashelhit, the southern, Souss Berber language. In Moroccan Arabic, it’s called Saouira, which literally means ‘picture’.

This relaxed, hippie and wind-surfers’ paradise is just that – picture perfect. It is one reason that Orson Wells chose to shoot scenes for Othello on its coast. Essaouira has attracted foreign visitors, expats, and artists for decades. Even Jimmy Hendrix was attracted to its mystical qualities when he hung out and even tried purchasing the entire nearby village of Diabat. Therein, the muse of the French or Portuguese ruins led him to write his song, “Castles in the Sand”.

Essaouira is undoubtedly the most relaxed small city of Morocco. Some say it’s the constant wind, others claim it’s the calm spirits that surround it. Its history is similar to that of many coastal towns and major ports throughout the country, one that has changed hands quite often. In the 7th century, the Phoenicians dubbed it Migdal. Later, the Romans came searching for the famous purple dye of the region. The Portuguese were only able to hold onto the port from 1506 to 1510 because of the surrounding Berber tribes who came together under Arab leadership to defeat them. The Portuguese called this region Mogador, a name that is still used today.

The city then changed hands again when Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah had the Essaouira medina designed to bring great commerce to this region of Morocco. Thousands of Moroccan Jews came to the region for commerce and stayed until most of them departed for Israel in the mid-1900s.

Essaouira’s medina portrays the Portuguese influence in architecture with its light brown stone. A good example of this can be seen when you enter into the city’s main portals. Awe-inspiring Arabic calligraphy adorns the centerpiece and reads “baraka,” which literally means “divine attention”. UNESCO has also given the city a lot of attention and has funded the painstakingly careful task of restoring its walls, ramparts, and Catholic church.

While we will talk more about the region’s crafts and wares later on, one must stop and see the s killed wood carvers along Rue de la Sqala, working in shops that align the street. Along the arched doorways, the hassle-free, low-key bargaining zone is the place to admire the cool blue and whitewashed walls of the medina and find great deals in the vast selection on the area’s rare, thuya wood products.

Things To Do in Essaouira

Medina of Essaouira, Essaouira
The Medina of Essaouira (formerly “Mogador”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortified town, as transferred to North Africa. The fishing harbour…
Attraction type: Historic site; Neighborhood

Essaouira Ramparts, Essaouira
These ramparts provide a glimpse into how this old seaport village was fortified against invasion.
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest

Essaouira Fish Market, Essaouira
Local fishermen sell their fresh catch at this market each morning.
Attraction type: Flea/street market

Essaouira Fishing Port, Essaouira
As one of Morocco’s main fishing centers, Essaouira’s port is a major attraction.