Explore the city of Essaouira with a friendly local guide! You’ll begin your journey under the clock tower, right inside the historic Medina walls, where your guide will meet you. This cozy Atlantic coastal town, with its picturesque layout, is a joy to explore and discover. As you walk through its bright, welcoming streets, you’ll hear tales of Essaouira’s fascinating past, shaped by many cultures over centuries—from the Berbers and Phoenicians to the Romans and Portuguese, who built its fortress walls in 1506 CE.
As you stroll through the Medina, covering a breezy 75 acres, let the charming streets, lively souks, and inviting plazas pull you in. Essaouira’s distinct layout was carefully planned before it was built, a rarity for its time, thanks to the vision of French architect Cornut, who designed the Scala de la Ville and the Scala du Port in the 1760s. Wander through the city’s beautiful squares and shaded plazas, admiring the iconic whitewashed homes with their intricate wooden doors, until you reach Mulay El-Hassan Square. This central square, dotted with restaurants and cozy hotels, leads to the bustling harbor where you can watch local fishers craft their boats, mend nets, and prepare bait.
Don’t miss a visit to the market, where fresh catches are on display, or a stop by the historic 16th-century Portuguese Castelo Real of Mogador, and the impressive Borj El Barmil and Skala de la Kasbah towers.
Your tour concludes at the wide, sandy Essaouira Beach. Here, you can unwind with a gentle stroll along the shore, enjoy the sunshine, or watch the surfers riding the waves. And if you’re up for an adventure, Essaouira is famous for its breezy winds—perfect for kitesurfing! Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced kitesurfer, you’ll love the thrill of gliding over the ocean with the stunning coastline as your backdrop.
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Meal plan: Breakfast included
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Travel time: Approximately 3 hours