Founded in the 18th century, Essaouira was built to be a rival city to Agadir. It was designed as a fortified town surrounded by Vauban-style ramparts. Essaouira played a major role as an international trading seaport, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world.
Today, Essaouira has become the most popular coastal town in Morocco. Car-free and clean, Essaouira is known for its fishing port and its blue fleet of wooden fishing boats. Dining is available right at the port where tables are set up to accommodate your meals. You can choose your lunch or dinner right as it is pulled out of the water.
Just 170 km from Marrakech, it's close enough to Marrakech to visit for the day and spend several hours wandering around.
This video provides a taste of what you can expect to see. It doesn't do it justice; it doesn't capture the magical atmosphere!
Marrakech Riad Dar Zaman is the perfect base for your holiday in Morocco. Contact us today to reserve your preferred travel dates.