Essaouira

Essaouira is a charming, windy coastal city known for its fortified sea walls, white-washed buildings with blue shutters, and vibrant artistic community. Historically known as Mogador, its Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with art galleries, wood workshops, and fresh seafood stalls where the catch of the day is grilled right in front of you. The city attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers from around the globe due to the reliable ‘Alizee’ trade winds, while its annual Gnaoua World Music Festival celebrates traditional African roots. It has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that contrasts sharply with the intensity of Marrakech.