What other names may this wonderful Moroccan city have?
Whatever term is used, it has a magnificent tone and appears to convey “how wonderful” when translated from Arabic. As a result of the detailed and different translations from the original Arabic into all major world languages, the city’s name has been pronounced in a variety of ways. As an example, Americans, Europeans, and others refer to it as Essaouira. However, because I was with a European, I opted to call this location Essaouira in Morocco.
Before meeting Essaouira in Morocco, all I knew about the city was that its names baffled me and that I had seen a few photos of the port city on Instagram. Essaouira is a port city, an Atlantic neighbor, and my preferred African metropolis in the future. The adage “the lesser the expectations, the greater the shocks” is correct. Essaouira surprised and delighted me, which is exactly how it panned out for me.
The Portuguese, who formerly owned the city, left their mark on the construction of the stronghold as well as the European aspect of the city. Daenerys, by the way, utilized the fortress as a city where she bought slaves for her army. Fans of “Game of Thrones” will understand.
In the 1960s, Essaouira was the “Mecca” of hippies, who submerged the city in uncontrolled freedom.
Essaouira, Morocco, is today a mestizo: a mix of East and West.
The city’s air is simple to breathe, smells like the ocean, sounds like screaming seagulls, and tastes like fresh seafood.
One day, I hope to relocate to Morocco’s Essaouira and begin practicing yoga, listening to music, and surfing. It’s also impossible not to fall in love in this city—with myself, Essaouira, and the other person!
What are your plans?
There are several ways to get to Essaouira, but none of them are feasible unless you fly, take a bus, or drive your own, leased, or passing automobile.
If you’re coming from anywhere in the world, the best option is to fly to Casablanca or another big Moroccan city with connections to or even stops in a lovely region of Europe, and then take a bus or travel independently from there to Essaouira in Morocco. More choices include flying to Spain, taking a ferry to northern Morocco, and then taking a bus or automobile to Essaouira.
By air
Essaouira Airport, located 18 kilometers away, provides both domestic and international service. As a result, flights from Eurasia and other Moroccan capital cities are available to the port city. Wizz Air, easyJet, airBaltic, Meridiana, Air Moldova, Airoflot, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Carriers, and other carriers operate directly from Moscow, but it takes two transfers to get anywhere in Europe, taking 20 to 30 hours and costing 150 EUR for a one-way ticket. These flights, which occur just twice a month, also necessitate a change of airports at some transfer sites. You must understand that this is not an option for us! We can’t fit everything in since it’s so short!
Another option is to fly from Moscow to Casablanca for 200 EUR, followed by a direct flight from Casablanca to Essaouira. The one-way ticket costs about 80 EUR and takes about an hour and a half to complete. Although you will save time, you will not save money. Only Casablanca provides nonstop flights to Morocco’s Essaouira.
If flying is still the easiest way to get to Essaouira in Morocco, the useful website Vandrouki constantly presents interesting and economical ways to go to Arab Africa. For example, here is a list of flights in December 2017: Only 100 EUR for four flights from Tallinn to Milan and then to Morocco. You will, however, be dropped off in Fez, Morocco, where everything is near by, including Essaouira at your feet and transit alternatives such as buses and trains. Tallinn is easily accessible and moderately priced for St. Petersburg locals. You may also locate the most convenient and affordable flights here.
Arriving from the airport
You may take a taxi from the airport to the city center for about 4-5 EUR.
via train
Getting to Morocco’s port city by train is not an option because the country’s excellent train service is only available between major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier.
By Bus
Traveling by bus to the gorgeous Essaouira is an affordable and sensible option. Essaouira’s port is linked to practically all key and notable Moroccan cities. CTM and SUPRATOURS are two companies that offer bus transportation. Direct buses to Essaouira are available from towns such as Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech, and others.
We took the bus from Marrakech. The trip took three hours, and each person paid about four euros. It was both cheap and quick. However, unlike many others, we took a local bus rather than a commercial tourist bus, which saved us 4 EUR each. And that turned out to be true because we had planned to hitchhike to the port town but were unable to do so. Instead, a bus full of Moroccan revelers boarded ahead of us, and the conductor man exclaimed, “To Essaouira, 40 DH! Get in.” After exchanging glances and nodding in agreement, the bus arrived and transported us to the beach.
A commercial bus from Marrakech costs 8 EUR, which is twice the price of a typical, cheerful Moroccan bus. I’m not sure what the prices are in other cities. However, we rode a local bus from Essaouira to Casablanca and only 7,5 EUR, whereas a commercial bus would cost around 15 EUR. Overall, there is a clear change, but the prices remain affordable, and the buses, after spending some time in Spain, are quite modern and pleasant.
Directions from the bus station
From the bus terminal, where every bus stops, you can stroll 700 meters to the ocean, the Medina, and all the charms of spectacular Essaouira. You won’t need a cab, and walking is great for meeting new people, gaining your bearings in the city, and asking for directions to the areas you want to see.
By car
Owning or renting a car is the most practical option for independent travel because it is always available. You can try to travel from Russia to Essaouira via Europe, or you can buy a four-wheeler in Morocco right away. Both scenarios are feasible, but the second is more relevant. Many Moroccans, particularly Americans, are accustomed to this mode of transportation. However, this mode of transportation appeals to our people as well. Morocco has both paid and unpaid roads that are all great. And, as for renting a car, you can do so through the websites of rental companies (such as this one), or you can do it once you get in Morocco by bargaining with locals for a price. Vehicle hire at a lower cost.
Regrettably, I have no idea how much gasoline, rentals, or roads will cost. I still have a road trip to Morocco planned:
by ferry
a seashore city that is inaccessible via ferry. It’s also for the best! Tourists would not have been able to access Essaouira otherwise, and the city would have lost its appeal and beach offerings. Let’s just say that this gorgeous town is still unreachable. It is very simple to go by water from Spain to Tangier, a port city in northern Morocco. More information can be found in the Fez article.
What time of year is it? When is the best time to travel?
The climate of Esauir is subtropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The season is regarded to be closer to summer than winter. The enormous ocean and the Gnahua music festival (more on the event in the holidays section below) are most likely to blame for everything.
Essaouira in the summer
Summer has arrived. Simply warmer. Essaouira has a daytime temperature of +33 °C and a nighttime temperature of 28 °C. Furthermore, the ocean is currently around +25 °C warm. You can only be saved by the wind, the Gnahua festival, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and a cheerful mindset.
Autumn in Essaouira
During the fall, Essaouira’s daytime temperatures gradually drop from +30°C to +25°C, while overnight lows remain around +25°C. Meanwhile, the ocean warms, much to the delight of both surfers and the average American who does not surf. Esauir is beautiful in the autumn, in my perspective.
Essaouira in the spring.
Essaouira has a three-month spring, with temperatures ranging from 20 degrees in March to 25 degrees in April and 30 degrees in May. That is the daytime temperature; the evenings are only five degrees cooler. The Atlantic warms to a comfortable +20 degrees in the spring, making swimming possible. Essaouira is best explored in the spring, when the Gnahua music festival is held in May on a regular basis.
Essaouira in the winter
What a beautiful winter we’ve had—17 degrees! Furthermore, Essaouira provides everlasting joys in the form of the city’s summertime vibe and proximity to the ocean.
Essaouira, we officially entered winter, and I even overheated in the sun.
Swimsuits are uncommon, although sandals and gowns are required. We did not dare to swim in the ocean, despite the fact that it was warm (+18 °C).
Winter is also particularly pleasant at night, with temperatures of +10 °C and no heating, but with the sound of the sea and birds, one may sleep soundly and pleasantly.
Neighborhoods. Where is the best place to live?
If you believe the symbolism on maps, Essaouira, one of Morocco’s smaller cities, is the only one that looks like a bird with its wings open. In the same way that Spain is characterized by a shirt and Italy by a boot, Essaouira is symbolized by a seagull, which acts as its own distinct symbol.
Because the city is a harbor, seagulls are ubiquitous, yet for economic reasons, people prefer to live closer to seagulls than seagulls do. The treasures of Essaouira include two expansive, magnificent beaches, and the remainder of the coastline is filled with residences and people yearning for the sound of the waves and the fragrance of the ocean.
The city’s districts, like most other Moroccan cities, are simply divided into the old and new parts of town. The new sector is still in its infancy, whereas the first half has long been referred to as the Medina.
The Medina’s most important characteristics are its lengthy history and all facets of city life. It also has many interesting and attractive items. The new one features a lot of avenues, rather tall residences, highways, a bus station, and the typical urban bustle.
The Medina, whether in Fez, Chefchaouen, or Esauir, attracts all international visitors for no apparent reason other than the fact that they are in Morocco. This force is still in effect until the very last second of their stay in the city. So it appears that exploring a new neighborhood in the city is simply impossible. And whether it arises from a great desire to return to the city more than once and see everything, including every road of the new Essaouira, or from the fact that we, as civilized people, long for silence and tranquility.
When it comes to urban living, everything is carefully examined. Both the new and the old include accommodations for all preferences and abilities. A double room costs €16 per night, a house costs €350 per night, and a hostel costs €5 per night. You may make a reservation and compare costs on Booking.
The beaches, harbor, and bus terminal are all nearby, and if you’re visiting Esauir for the first time, stay in the Medina to really immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere.
based on my own experience.
We stayed at the cool and mysterious Atlantic Hostel in Esauir. This hostel is moderately priced and well-liked, but its most remarkable feature is its high level of energy. Because it located in Medina, local bystanders who pass by can assist you in finding it.
In reality, this hostel is part of another, the name of which I have forgotten but which is located just across the hall. We initially slept there, but the circumstances were very different from those of Atlantic Hostel; especially, the hostel was more of a sleeping location, therefore it was only inhabited at night. The Atlantic Hostel was buzzing with activity and good times, with music, chess, cards, a guitar, and the patio. The neighboring hostel appeared vacant and lonely, with its modest terrace, a hammock, and a sleeping area right on the roof. Although it appeared to be a fine hostel overall, it was also a sort of warehouse for surfers, so we changed to Atlantic Hostel.
The personnel at the hostel are kind and outgoing. The rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated in typical Moroccan style. The hostel also includes a kitchen, where Moroccan meals are produced once a week or so. They cook tajine, couscous, or something else, which is then distributed to the group. It’s a fantastic chance to meet new people while also learning about Moroccan culture. The hostel also operates a surf school, complete with trained instructors and all essential equipment. We have a long way to go even though we haven’t yet learnt to surf or tried it!
The patio at Atlantic Hostel is also noteworthy. It is spacious, stylish, sunny, and furnished with a sea of sofas and pillows, as well as a small bar with panoramic views of Essaouira, Morocco. The terrace is genuinely magnificent, the coolest I’ve ever seen, and I wouldn’t want to leave if I could.
Every morning, breakfast is served on the terrace for 3-4 EUR, but you can also prepare your own breakfast by purchasing neighboring fresh fruit and oriental sweets, then eating it all while watching the seagulls and enjoying the sunshine. In fact, we did just that.
In fact, even if you don’t like staying at Atlantic Hostel, you will surely enjoy visiting its terrace.
What does a vacation cost?
Prices! How much importance do we place on this topic! Furthermore, Morocco is not a place where everything is constant and stable. Morocco is a place where you may trade or negotiate on almost everything. Although there is no system, there are tourists, and that is what genuinely distinguishes it. Visitors pay rubles for what natives pay pennies for. And, while it appears to be correct, it is far from equitable.
You must understand that if you behave like a tourist, you will pay like one, however if you behave like a local, you will save 99 kopecks for more important things. After all, Arabs always obtain what they want and, via negotiation, reach a compromise. There’s no reason to complicate things; both the seller and the buyer are interested in each other, so why shouldn’t they get to know each other? Overall, in Morocco, the vendor and the consumer reach an agreement on the price, and it is quite useful and interesting to examine such a system on Moroccan territory.
And, if all else is equal, it is normal to pay 3 to 5 EUR per night for housing with the minimal essentials and utilities, and you can eat filling and tasty meals for the same price in any well-known but not overly extravagant Moroccan restaurant (about this below in the section what and where to try).
The principal drawings. Things to Do
The best way to get around Essaouira, Morocco’s lightest city, is to walk, breathe deeply, and keep your eyes open. The most important thing is to take your time, take many beautiful photos, and smile at everyone you see. And the appeal can be found in even the most insignificant details, such as a speck of sand near the Atlantic, a local child’s shoelace, or the flight route of a seagull. Keep an eye out and follow your instincts!
Top 5
- Essaouira Port is the epitome of the city’s genuine existence. A sea of blue boats, cheeky seagulls, fresh seafood, and Moroccan yells. It’s a must-see, hear, and feel!
- The Garden of Othello Esauir is the city’s lone green space, offering enough of air and vitality for your upcoming walks.
- Street vendors provide a wide range of Moroccan crafts that are more beautiful to look at than to buy.
- The unusual streets are concealed from view. The easiest approach to get to know Essaouira in Morocco is to simply walk around the city and get lost in it.
- Beaches. Without the Atlantic and the sands carried in from the Sahara, where can you go? You can surf, swim, sunbathe, picnic, and count the stars there.
Beaches. Which ones are the best?
Esauir’s long, sandy beaches offer a gradual ocean entrance and a continual breeze of freedom and change.
There are two such beaches in the city: one, known as Tagart, is near to the port on the Medina’s right side if you’re facing out to sea toward America, while the other is virtually beyond the municipal limits, according to Google Maps. We had to walk for about 20 minutes to get to the second one, past a small flea market, deserted beaches, and breathtaking ocean views. When we arrived in January, the beach was wild and empty, but it was also really beautiful. All you can do on the beach right now is listen to the water. When we arrived in January, the beach was wild and empty, but it was also really beautiful. Right now, your only alternatives on the beach are to enjoy the sun, grin at the sun, and fly in the breeze. You can still surf (more on that later), catch waves, and have a picnic while driving.
At other times of the year, the beaches are surely altered and filled with diverse infrastructure, not to mention the influx of tourists looking for exotic African beaches.
However, in my opinion, vacations on the Moroccan Atlantic are only beneficial if you surf because the water is usually too cold and windy for swimming and the sun is quite abrasive. It appears that in some areas, an extreme ocean vacation, rather than a conventional beach vacation, is required.
Camel herds, by the way, routinely graze on Essaouira’s beaches and foster calm.
What to do in a day
We were only in Essaouira, Morocco, for five days, which was way too short. Essaouira is one of those cities where you need to remain for months, if not years, to really appreciate what it has to offer. But if you find yourself with only one day and one chance to fall in love with Essaouira for good, then follow this plan:
- 6:00 a.m. – Welcome the dawn from Atlantic Hostel’s terrace while getting to know the unique seagulls and identifying the appropriate wave.
- At 7:00 a.m., depart for the goat-climbers. (For more information, see below).
- 9:00 a.m. – Prepare a healthy breakfast on the terrace with fresh fruits, yoghurt, and a warm Moroccan bread.
- 10:00 a.m. – Relax in the sun by the Atlantic on the city’s left beach while learning or honing your surfing talents.
- 13:00 – Arrive at the harbor of Essaouira, buy fresh seafood, and deliver it to the local smokehouse. Enjoy the flavor of the cooked fish while feeling the sweetness of hunger.
- 15:30 – Return to Medina to walk the streets and photograph the locals.
Following the buzzing sound, proceed to cane juices around 16:00 to quench your thirst and buy souvenirs. - 17:00 – Walk across town, following the Esauir cats to the arcade (read more below).
- Rent a bike, stock up on falafel pita and oriental sweets, then ride to the beach on the right side of town for a gourmet picnic before the sun sets at 18:00.
- The endlessly sunny day in Esauir comes to an end at 21:00 when you return to Medina for a Moroccan music concert at the spectacular central cafe (read more below). To question why I would travel anywhere if I could live in a city indefinitely.
What to do and see in the neighborhood
Have you ever seen a goat climber? I haven’t either, but they say it’s important.
Because the land in Morocco is so dry, goats eat the rich argan berries that grow on the trees. Argan tree fruits, by the way, are extremely useful to humans. In Morocco, they are used to make edible and cosmetic oils, as well as lotions and other beneficial items.
And you may find these Moroccan goats grazing on trees in the cities of Afra and Imzi, which are located between Essaouira and Agadir (100 km from Essaouira). Although I can’t tell you how much time and money it will take, the easiest way to get there is by car or cab. However, don’t forget to negotiate over the cost of the trip.
Any hostel in Essaouira will be able to advise you on the best options. They are sometimes closer to such communities than “how and how much to travel to the goat-climbing attraction,” but there is no way of knowing for sure.
The goats are free to be watched and there are no time limits, but you may only photograph them with the shepherd’s permission. Furthermore, be aware because unscrupulous Moroccan shepherds may take advantage of such an attraction to make a quick buck.
What to Try in the Kitchen
Eating seafood is a wise decision in a seaside city! Essaouira, Morocco, is famous for its abundance of seafood, including uncommon types of fish and sea urchins. Have you ever eaten sea urchins as a meal? This is great, strange as it is. These urchins can be sampled for a penny in bars along the sea or in the city’s port. Although not everyone will appreciate such luxurious delights, if you are like me, you should surely try and enjoy them.
In addition to the sea, Esauir, like other Moroccan cities, produces and sells cane sugar-based drinks. Despite their high sugar content, they are excellent for soothing thirst and enhancing mood. Juicer carts from bygone ages still line the main street of the city’s medina, facing the seaside, with long green canes protruding from all sides. These machines whirr loudly, but they process the canes swiftly; within a few minutes, you have the juice in your pocket for roughly 0.4 EUR.
Esauir’s falafel is very delicious. They prepare it anywhere, but the greatest is in the area in front of the harbor. A pita with vegetables cost me 1 EUR.
A small bakery can also be found in the medina. As a result, there are excellent Moroccan cookies there. Despite having a lot of items packed, we only paid 0.3 EUR for it all.
preferred places
The most important thing is to give yourself enough time to sample the local fish. Pick only the most recent fish urchins, fish, and other live things found in the Atlantic, fresh from the sea, while they are still breathing. All of this is taking place in Morocco’s port of Essaouira, which is the city’s busiest and most pungent-smelling district. A sea of various types of fish, an unending swarm of ravenous seagulls, and Moroccan shopkeepers luring clients distinguish this harbor. Hone your trading skills by selecting the fish with the most enticing smile and the merchant. We spent around 3 EUR on three enormous, tasty fish.
Once you have the fish, all that remains is to choose a harbor restaurant where it will be prepared. They charge around 2 EUR for a full rack. The image below depicts our fish in hot water. Our three fish all fit on one grill. Bread and water are delivered right to your door, and you may also order other Moroccan delicacies, teas, and soft drinks. This location, on the other hand, has two critical features:
- There are always a lot of people there, both locals and visitors, and it looks to be the port’s only location. With a little patience and extra waiting, a table will become available for you.
- The problem is that, despite having been cooked in a hygienic environment, the fish does not appear to have been cleaned and cleansed. When should it be washed? It is simply not worth it because there is only one grill and we frequently have guests. Nonetheless, don’t feel awful; leave out the fish skin to save time and your stomach.
If you don’t want to go to the port or don’t have much time, you can eat lunch or dinner at one of the 10 (as far as I can remember) bars located near the port’s entrance. As soon as you reach the first establishment, the waiters and cooks in the tenth tavern will beg you to enter. Every Moroccan wants to make money off a foreigner, and the rivalry is severe. Everything is usually simpler but much more expensive at taverns. However, there are various fantastic bargains available. A basket containing a little bit of everything, for example (fish, squid, shrimp, urchins, etc.) costs 10 EUR. The urchins we tried were delicious, but the port and its particular idiosyncrasies continue to score highly.
Festivities
While in Esauir, one must attend the Gnahoua Music Festival!
Gnaoua is a black culture that blends together traditions, customs, and rhythms from Africa, Berber, and Arabic.
Every year, the festival is celebrated on the beaches of Essaouira, Morocco, as well as in the Medina and the city’s cozier neighborhoods. Every year in May and June, Essaouira, Morocco, explodes with music and revelry for three to four spectacular days, attracting visitors from all over the world.
It must be amazing with the beats of the drums, guitars, djembes, and other ethnic instruments, hypnotic chanting, and dancing all over the area.
I was already aware of this celebration in Esaura, but I resolved to return someday and enjoy this magnificent Gnaua.
The festival was apparently once a free public event, but like many other things in the modern world, it has subsequently become a business. As a result, admission is more expensive; a ticket for the entire four-day festival, for example, costs around 60 EUR. Although it appears to be pretty cheap, the important thing is worthwhile! Furthermore, the spirit of the event might sometimes fade as a result of commercialization. In any case, you must experience the Gnahua Festival for yourself.
Safety. What to be cautious of
Morocco does not provide complete security. You should also be cautious in Esauir and other African-Arab cities. Arabs may steal with your specific permission. Leaving things unattended or having money sticking out of your pocket is obviously not worth it. He won’t think about it; he’ll just accept that an Arab isn’t a Korean. Things abandoned are obviously nobody’s, thus they may be mine. I need it if you have money in your pocket because it’s not that expensive or significant. Essaouira, Morocco, is not an awful place to live, however there is a lot of thieving.
The city comes alive at night, especially with foreigners and Moroccans selling hash browns. It almost looks like Amsterdam! The vendors, particularly the Arab vendors, are always demanding and clingy. So just be patient and keep going.
What to do
In addition to daily strolls around the enchanting village of Esauir, surfing, eating seafood, and curiously witnessing rock climbing goats, here are some other activities to enjoy off the Atlantic coast:
- Every night, live music can be found at a multi-story esauir pub. The name of the pub escapes me, despite the fact that it is well-known and impossible to miss. A sign You will be guided by live music. Despite being a touch touristy and evident, the music in this location is excellent, organic, and lyrical. You can dine at the bar, albeit it won’t be as cheap as near the waterfront or on the Esauer streets. Additionally, snacks such as mint tea begin at 2 EUR. The roof of the bar also has a small terrace. From the terrace, you can hear the sounds and see the city lights at night. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!
- to track out the neighborhood casino, which was concealed along one of the city’s meandering streets. Inside, there are perpetual yells of victory, and the doors are always open. There are frequently people playing billiards, foosball, and various equipment. The walls are painted in bright colors, although it has been a while since they have been repainted. Nonetheless, the peeling paint adds to the location’s style and roughness. While the local children and senior men have a good time there, we only went once and by accident. As they prowled the metropolis in search of food and shelter, hundreds of thousands of cats brought us there. They are the best tour guides in town, so listen to them. Who knows, maybe you’ll feel the spirit of that amazing arcade as well.
Sport of extremes
The Atlantic is a treasure in Essaouira, Morocco, and a surfer’s dream with its tremendous winds and enormous waves. It’s everything here in plenty, which explains why surfers from across the world, including beginners, amateurs, and specialists, flock to the city from November to April.
Traditional surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing are all popular pastimes at Esauir.
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about surfing yet, but I do know that the greatest months to go surfing are November through April, and the best months to go kite- and windsurfing are March through October, when the waves are lower and the wind is stronger and washes everything away. It must be incredible to be able to fly and float at the same time!
You may surf or take surfing lessons on the beach in Essaouira, although the greatest spots, Moulay and Sidi Kaouki, are some 25 kilometers away. I’m not sure how they’ll get there, but it’ll most likely be on their own, either in a car or on a bike.
There are various surf schools in Esauir, one of which is at Atlantic Hostel, for people who are new to surfing, like myself. Everyone who attends this school is entirely satisfied; the surf instructors are incredibly nice, and all equipment is available for rent. Unfortunately, I am not aware of every pricing, therefore please contact the hostel.
There are several surf shops in the city’s Medina, including one named Gipsy Surfer, where you can not only buy cool surf gear but also rent equipment, get a great teacher, and even repair your surf if necessary. You may get the prices for all of these goodies by phoning the shop directly.
Esauir also routinely holds surf camps and vacations. You can find more information on this topic here and here.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a present
You can carry something with an ocean or musical motif from Essaouira, whether it’s a surfer board, although in the form of a handmade keychain, or one of the traditional Moroccan musical instruments.
- Surfing lingo.
- Instruments of music.
Those that prefer pasting stickers and patches to their laptops and backpacks will also agree that the Esauir stalls have the best assortment. They cost 0.50 EUR each and, in my opinion, constitute excellent keepsakes from the continent that gave birth to surfing and music.
- Stickers and patches in the Essaouira style.
Essaouira, Morocco, is likewise bustling with boutiques providing a wide range of hippy and boho clothing. Essaouira, Morocco, was formerly a hippie haven. Fans of these trends will find mementos of this type appealing.
- Hippie and bohemian clothes.
Esauir also offers excellent book stores with stories in every language spoken on the planet. Bring one of the innumerable Esauir books to a friend who unexpectedly takes up Arabic, French, or any other language. He will be pleased.
- Essaouira works.
Of course, Esauir is full of great things, but are they genuinely unique and Esauirian? There are flying carpets, alladin lamps, paintings, henna, a sea of spices, and dates, all of which are valuable and popular in other parts of Morocco. You may also learn more about traditional Moroccan souvenirs here and here. Furthermore, the argan trees, on which the local goats graze, must be imported from Essaouira in Morocco (as mentioned in the section “What to see in the vicinity”). Argan oil is sold in both cosmetic and culinary applications, in addition to creams of all kinds. The fruit’s worth is derived from its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, saturate a high quantity of fatty acids, and bring the flavor of almonds and hazelnuts to recipes. In general, describing the benefits of argan oil is comparable to philosophizing; you should simply try it and make it a daily practice as part of your eco-life. Even though argan oil is widely available and only costs 1 EUR for a half-liter bottle, it is an useful keepsake of the Esauir ocean.
- Argan.
How to Get Around in the City
How do I get around the city? There is no better method than on foot or by bike. The Medina is home to the city’s most attractive attractions, and driving is not permitted there, as is traditional. It is straightforward to rent bikes from hostels and the major rental shop. You can also borrow a bike from a local Moroccan if you become friends with him, or you can get caught up in a crime and steal one of the many trendy bikes parked in the area’s winding streets. Of course, I’m exaggerating, but who knows:)
Cab. What are the peculiarities?
Taking a cab in Morocco is simple and inexpensive. Furthermore, in Essaouira, you won’t usually need one. Unless you want to take a cab and have it put you off outside the city borders so you can hitchhike from the airport to the city center, which is exactly what we did. You won’t have to worry about finding and waiting for a cab because as soon as a foreigner exits Medina, he is surrounded by a sea of cabs. Furthermore, there are always retinues of recognized yellow cabs around the airports.
Cab rides can only be paid for in cash, therefore it’s advisable to ask how much the trip will cost before inflating the price. The Moroccans regularly overpay, but no one here cancels bids either. In a nutshell, our “journey out of town to the highway” cost 3 EUR for two individuals. By the way, hitchhiking in Morocco is a fantastic idea, so if you decide on the spur of the moment, go ahead and do it:
Renting a car
You may rent a car in Morocco. The car rental system is efficient and well-developed there. To join this system, you only need an international driving license and about 50 EUR each day, excluding taxes, insurance, and other important variables. Moroccan gasoline is less expensive when compared to European standards. This article can help you find out how much the car you want costs in any Moroccan city.