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Les remparts de la Skala

Region · Marrakech-Safi

Essaouira

The city of trade winds, swept by the breeze.

Photo : Les remparts de la Skala — User:AlexandrDmitri · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia

Once Mogador, Essaouira lines up white ramparts, a lively fishing port and a listed medina. The wind makes it a kitesurf paradise, and Gnaoua its soundtrack.

A little history

Ancient Mogador was redesigned in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, on European plans, to become the great port of Atlantic trade. Its fortified medina is UNESCO-listed and its Gnaoua festival is world-famous.

Getting there

  • Airport Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) 15 km out, a few European flights
  • Bus & coach Supratours & CTM from Marrakech in 2 h 30
  • Bus & coach Coach station links to Agadir and the coast

The sea

The long beach edges the town: sheltered swimming near the port, steady wind further south, a kingdom of kite- and windsurfing.

Good to know

Mild year-round; windy, perfect for board sports.

What you'll find

  • Ramparts & Skala
  • Fishing port
  • UNESCO medina
  • Kitesurf & Gnaoua

Places to stay

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Places to visit

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Vehicle rental

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