Whipped by Atlantic winds, the sandy beaches of Essaouira are among the best destinations for kitesurfing and windsurfing in all of Africa. Windswept coastal walks and water sports aren’t the only things to do in Essaouira, though. The Moroccan town is also brimming with art galleries, traditional handicraft workshops, Gnaoua music venues, and seafood restaurants. Explore the 18th-century Medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; climb the seafront ramparts, where Game of Thrones scenes were famously filmed; then take a sunset camel ride along Essaouira Beach.
It’s windy year-round in Essaouira, but the best conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing are from April through November. Both locals and travelers descend on Essaouira in the summer months of July and August, when the coastal breeze affords welcome relief from the humidity of Marrakech and other inland cities. To avoid the summer crowds, visit in spring (April–June) or fall (September–November) instead. Each June, the Gnaoua World Music Festival is an unforgettable experience, attracting an international audience.
Essaouira is small enough to explore on foot, and wandering the mazelike streets and souks of the car-free medina is all part of its charm. The beach, port, and seafront ramparts can all be reached on foot, but to explore farther along the coast, hop in a traditional caleche (horse-drawn carriage), rent an all-terrain vehicle, or take a camel ride. For airport transfers and day trips, it’s easy to find a taxi or hire a private driver.
Orson Welles, Jimi Hendrix, and Cat Stevens put artsy Essaouira on the map for travelers in the 20th century, and the seaside town remains a creative hub today. As such, it’s a great spot to purchase local art and handicrafts as well as indulge your own artistry. Tour an argan oil plantation to learn about traditional Moroccan cosmetics, take a carpet-weaving or jewelry-making workshop, or taste the myriad spices of local cuisine during a cooking class.
