Essaouira has been a muse to many. This unassuming town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast is where Orson Welles shot his version of Othello in the 1950s, Ridley Scott filmed the Kingdom of Heaven over a decade ago, and, more recently still, it provided a suitably enchanting backdrop for scenes in season three of Game of Thrones.
The town’s enduring appeal can be traced back to its melting-pot mixture of Arab, African, and European influences. Chic hotels sit alongside traditional riads, boutique gift shops next to sprawling souks, and carefully-curated art galleries by kerbside craft stalls. It all centres around a bohemian blue-and-white medina that’s strikingly gift-wrapped in huge stone fortifications.
Movie set magic
The beautiful city of Essaouira is well known as a surfers’ paradise.The year-round Atlantic trade winds, or vents alizés provide the perfect conditions for anyone brandishing a board, a boat, or a kite. Essaouira is not really the destination for a lazy beach holiday but more for those who love to soak up the rich history and culture of the city, exploring the town and wandering through its many art galleries and boutiques. Travel out to the countryside that surrounds the city and you’ll find lush-green forests and rocky ravines full of eucalyptus, mimosa and juniper. Here, you can spend a day experiencing traditional Berber village life, enjoy a glass of famous Moroccan mint tea and keep watch for the goats that hide up in the trees.
Why not consider a multi-centre stay, travelling between Morocco and Essaouira and include a visit to the awe-inspiring Atlas Mountains? Whatever you’re looking for, call our Destination Specialists who can help you to create the perfect tailor made Essaouira holiday.
