This picturesque Atlantic port city is an idyllic break from the bustling, grand cities like Casablanca and Fez that will be on the itinerary when visiting Morocco.
The port wakes first as fishermen haul in the day’s catch in blue wooden fishing boats and at the end of the day, the sunset brings a magical glow to Essaouira’s fortifications. Let’s take a closer look at Essaouira and why it’s a place to include on a trip to Morocco.
10 things to do in Essaouira
For anyone who’s watched HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ or Orson Welles’ 1951 ‘Othello’, these were both filmed here in Essaouira. Even for those who haven’t, this is an enchanting city to experience, just like the movies. Step into the silver screen as we explore this charming Moroccan destination.
Essaouira Citadel
The name ‘Es-Saouira’ means ‘the beautifully designed’ — something that is still true about this romantic Moroccan city today. The Citadel stands at the edge of the harbour, a French-style fortress built by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdulla in the 18th century.
The city has invested in architectural lighting, so visitors taking an evening stroll can appreciate the beauty of the preserved heritage sites.
Bab el Marsa (Gate of the Navy)
The ‘Door of the Navy’ is a historic gate connecting the city with the sea. A lot of Essaouira’s architecture was designed by French military architect Theodore Cornut and English architect Ahmed el Inglizi.
The gate of Bab el Marsa’s neoclassical design includes many Arabic symbols, including an inscription that translates as “Praise to Allah, this door, ordered by the glorious one of the kings, Sidi Mohammed, was built by its servant Ahmed el Aalj’, with four crescent moons inscribed to symbolise the sultan.
Place Moulay el-Hassan
Place Moulay el-Hassan is Essaouira’s main square and links the kasbah with the port and the newer sections of the city. This central hub has a lively atmosphere, with local vendors selling crafts, street performers, and local cuisine providing colour and vibrancy.
The Skala de la Ville
The streets leading out of Place Moulay el-Hassan pass alongside high battlements, and stone arches to the Atlantic Ocean where nineteen 18th-century bronze cannons point out across the sea.
This is where ‘Game of Thrones’ Astapor was set, where Daenerys Targaryen arrives at Astapor and as the ‘Walk of Punishment’ two episodes later.
These ancient walls surrounding the city were built by the Portuguese in the 18th century for the dual purposes of protecting the city from the massive Atlantic waves and providing a defence against pirates.
See the blue boats of fishermen come in
Essaouira’s port is a fascinating place to see the everyday life of fishermen as they bring in the catch and prepare their nets. It’s pungent, busy and a delight to witness.
Visitors can buy fish directly from the fishermen and have it cooked at an open restaurant in the port — the daily catch includes sardines, pilchards, hake, sole, crab, lobster, octopus, flatfish and eels.
Delight in fresh seafood or French pastries
Dining is a wonderful experience in Essaouira and there are many places to eat in the medina. The French history of Essaouira means there are creperies and patisseries, enjoy the local tagine or couscous, have fish purchased at the port cooked at a restaurant or choose something more Western.
Seafood in Essaouira, Morocco by Zoe Francis
Medina of Essaouira
The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage-Listed site built in the 18th century and is free from traffic, allowing visitors to wander and relax. The streets form a grid pattern, making it easy to browse the souks, enjoy mint tea in a cafe and remain confident about finding the way out easily.
Be sure to take notice of the beautiful doorways throughout the medina — there’s plenty of detail to absorb and enjoy, and the locals are friendly and willing to talk with curious travellers.
The Jewish corner of the Medina has several synagogues and a cemetery, showing how the Muslim and Jewish religions can work in harmony. The Haim Pinto Synagogue is open to non-Jewish visitors.
Medina in Essaouira, Morocco by Zoe Francis
Stroll through the Kasbah
The Kasbah district of Essaouira contains indie art galleries, whitewashed laneways and shops selling rugs and ceramics. This is the place to seek out decor for a Moorish-modern home and shop for women’s clothing, scarves and accessories.
Various art galleries are filled with eclectic themes, from contemporary art ranging from Saharan scenes to bright hallucinatory abstract arrays of colour. Sculptural horses, African masks and Egyptian movie posters are all on display.
Relax with a Hamman or Berber massage
Body tired and sore from all the sightseeing? Unwind and indulge with a traditional Moroccan hammam. The hammam is a cleansing ritual in a steamy tiled room where a visitor is cleaned and scrubbed by a masseuse known as a ‘kessala’.
Locals use public Hammans, and this is a social gathering point where men or women meet and make connections. Overseas visitors may book a private Hammam experience for privacy.
A Berber massage is similar to a standard Western-style massage, incorporating light tapping with cupped hands. Spas throughout the city offer this special and relaxing experience.
Watch the sunset
Sunset in Essaouira, Morocco by Zoe Francis
With time to spare, the beach is an excellent place to spend the late evening while breathing in the fresh sea air. Find a trendy bar at the edge of the beach or rent a sun lounger, relax and listen to the crashing sound of the waves as the sun dips into the sea and colours the horizon with orange and pink.
Discover all there is to do in Essaouira when travelling with a small group
Small group travel is a safe, comfortable way to see Morocco and gain access to unique experiences that create lasting memories. Join like-minded travellers to delve into the multicultural city of Essaouira and visit the big cities of Fez and Casablanca as well.
Benefit from a thoughtfully designed itinerary that balances relaxation with the top destinations in Morocco — all put together with local knowledge and an understanding of what makes an excellent travel experience. See you in Essaouira!
Is Essaouira worth visiting?
Yes, it’s the ideal place to take time out of Morocco’s big cities, enjoy the sea air and see the cinematic historical restorations of iconic fortresses. Filled with art, music and history, it’s worth including on a trip to Morocco.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Essaouira?
Yes! Essaouira was used to film scenes of the fictional location Astapor, in Season 3 of Game of Thrones. The show features the city walls and fortifications.
For those into old films, Orson Welles’ 1952 film Othello was also filmed here, the first American film created in Morocco, with a limited budget.
How much time should I spend in Essaouira?
Two days is enough to see the key sites, explore the attractions, eat delicious fresh food and rest by the ocean before continuing to discover the delights of Morocco.