Essaouira الصويرة (es-Sauīrah)
Essaouira (called Mogador in the past) is a cool, laid-back seaside town, perfect for a summer holiday. This is the biggest surfing and windsurfng centre in North Africa!
Overview
Essaouira is a small (pop. 45,000) and beautiful town on the Atlantic ocean, whose medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Northeastern trade winds that are blowing throughout the year have made Essaouira a very popular spot for surfers and windsurfers. World-class competitions are held here and Morocco is proud to be the home of a number of world champions! The beautiful sandy beaches around Essaouira are the perfect place to relax, enjoy the ocean and the sun and even take a ride on a camel.
The proximity of Marrakech (174 km) makes it a good choice to relax and rest after the red city's intense assault on the senses. It is no wonder that tourists and Moroccans alike increasingly choose Essaouira as their favorite seaside resort in Morocco. However, because of its increasing popularity, Essaouira is at risk of becoming ruined: there are numerous projects underway already that will drastically change the look of the surrounding coastline (hotels that are going to be built, etc).
The fortified town has a fishing harbour and there are plenty of good seafood snacks and restaurants that can be enjoyed.