">Essaouira in Morocco, once called Mogador, has been known as one of the more popular and gorgeous, not to mention tourist-friendly, cities in Morocco for some time. With the island of Mogador that the city was once named for partially sheltering Essaouira, this particular city has archeological evidence suggesting a human presence in the city since prehistoric times. With such a long-standing record, it makes sense that the city should have such a rich and deeply rooted culture.
Having been at the coast for such a long time, there is a wonderful mixture of Berber, Portuguese and French culture, all blended in the architecture in Essaouira. This city hugs the Atlantic Ocean with its very labyrinth-like streets and an exceptionally long and wide beach. As well as the beach, there are a multitude of different seawater spa treatments you can find at any number of resort areas.
The city itself also holds a naturally beautiful charm as you watch the sunsets that cascade over the top of the Purple Islands, which are just offshore of the rest of the city. If you want to relax, this is the place for you as well, considering that with the trade winds in the area, kitesurfing is an ideal hobby. If you’re looking for something a little more cultural, then consider staying in a riad, which is a guesthouse that was once a traditional home.
Morocco Attractions One of the first places that you should certainly take a look at would be the ramparts of Essaouira. This particular area still has quite a few cannons pointing at the sea, which are obviously still well kept. Giving you an inside look at exactly how the city was once protected from seafaring enemies, you can see right over the dark cliffs and off to the ocean from the ramparts.
Another vastly interesting place to visit is the fishing port in Essouira, Morocco. As the major coastal city in Morocco, this particular city is the home to one of the largest and most important of the fishing ports. If you want a very personal look at one of the most important parts of Essouira’s economy, then consider an early morning walk around and through the harbor. If you get there and take your walk early enough, you will be greeted with a truly intimate look, as it is only you and those fishermen who help to keep the lifeblood of the city flowing. As they sit there mending nets, bringing in their catch already, repairing boats, or even just talking and passing the time, you will get a very real sense of the day-to-day lives of these men. As a photographer, it is a gold mine of opportunity.
In looking slightly outwards of just the city, the Ranch de Diabat is also an attraction to consider. While near Essaouira, and housed in the village of Diabat itself, this ranch offers quite a few high-quality tours where you can rent horses or camels, for either a few hours, or a few days. These tours aren’t just throwaway experiences, either. At the ranch, they will help to set you up with a truly cultural experience on your tour.
The Ranch de Diabat is worth a look on its own as part of Essouira’s outlying villages, as the ranch is a family-owned business that has a very down-to-earth feeling to it, while still a beautiful place. This family owns this place out of their love for their animals, and they are naturally welcoming to those who are interested in even seeing the animals. The animals are obviously treated well, and they are beautiful creatures. On top of that, the guides themselves are incredibly professional and friendly to you, but also serious, showing that they know what their job means to these animals, and that they are responsible for them.
Finally, in a last return to Essouira, make sure that you take a look at the flea and fish markets in the city. After you’ve seen the fishing harbor, then you should go back and look at the catches. While they have been hurt by some competition in other places, the sardines and conger eels, especially, are going to be everywhere at the markets, as they are incredibly abundant in that area.
Whether it is sight-seeing or relaxation at a wonderful resort, Essouira has just about everything to offer the traveler. With horse and camel tours as well, and a fish market that will make your mouth water from the seafood, Essouira is a very welcoming and ancient city with a mixture of cultures that is amazing.
