About Essaouira: Overview & What to Expect
Essaouira is a relaxed Atlantic coastal city with a historic medina, fishing port, beaches and strong ocean winds. It is particularly popular for fresh seafood, water sports, traditional crafts and its laid-back atmosphere.
The city was built as a fortified port in the 18th century under Sultan Mohammed III, designed by French architects and laid out with straight streets unlike the winding medinas of Fez or Marrakech. It became a key trading link between Morocco, Europe and the wider Atlantic world, and its ramparts and cannon-lined sea walls remain largely intact today. The medina's blue-and-white palette and woodworking tradition, particularly thuya wood inlay, made it a longstanding center for artisans and craftsmen. Consistent trade winds that once powered maritime trade now draw windsurfers and kitesurfers from around the world, especially in summer, while the harbor's blue fishing boats still bring in the daily catch. The city has also drawn a steady stream of musicians and artists over the decades, reflected in its annual Gnaoua music festival.
