Essaouira

Essaouira lies directly along the Atlantic Ocean and stands out significantly from Morocco's larger and more hectic cities. The town is known for its cool sea air and almost constant wind, which has earned it international recognition as one of Africa's best spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The historic medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by well-preserved fortress walls and bastions from the 18th century, where cannons still point out towards the sea. Inside the medina, you'll find small workshops, art galleries, and woodcarvers working with the local thuya wood, unique to the area. The harbor is the town's heart and a lively scene with blue fishing boats, nets being mended, and the day’s catch landed directly on the quay. Here you can enjoy freshly grilled fish and seafood just meters from the ocean. Essaouira has attracted musicians, artists, and travelers for decades, giving the town a distinct bohemian atmosphere that still characterizes the cafés, riads, and music festivals.