Essaouira

Essaouira, in the Marrakech-Safi region, is a whitewashed Atlantic port about 350 km southwest of Casablanca. Its UNESCO-listed medina, ramparts and fishing harbour make it one of Morocco's most appealing coastal towns, but the distance makes a single-day round trip impractical. Supratours and CTM buses from Casa Voyageurs or Ouled Ziane take roughly 4 to 5 hours each way and cost about MAD 130-180, with only a few departures daily. For that reason an overnight or two-night stay is the realistic format. The main historic feature is the Skala de la Ville, the sea bastion lined with old cannons and views over the Atlantic and the offshore Iles Purpuraires. The fishing harbour is busy with blue boats, gulls and fresh catch sold at dockside stalls, where grilled fish can be eaten straight from the grill. The medina, laid out on a regular grid in the eighteenth century, contains souks selling thuya wood marquetry, argan oil products and crafts, along with art galleries and small cafes. The long beach south of the town is known for strong winds and attracts kitesurfers and windsurfers. A suggested stay begins with an early bus, an afternoon on the ramparts and in the medina, dinner at the harbour, a second day of beach and souks, and a bus back to Casablanca. April to October is the most suitable season, though winds are strong on summer afternoons and a windbreaker is useful. A night's stay plus the bus costs about MAD 700-1,200 per person. Visitors short on time who still wish to see Essaouira sometimes choose a private transfer or fly via Marrakech instead.