Riad Zahra Mogador

Essaouira, stay in a riad

by sachara about Raid Zahra

In Essaouria we stayed in Riad Zahra. After we passed the frontdoor we entered in the colourful world of the patio in arab andalusian style (picture 1). The 23 rooms -with bathroom and satellite tv- are situated around this patio. Also our room at the first floor was very colourful decorated in the so-called Beldi style (picture 2 & 3). The Riad has a scenic Moroccan salon (picture 4), where breakfast, dinner and drinks are served. At the backside of the riad is a terrace and a swimmingpool (picture 5)

Riad Zahra, Essaouira, Morocco

by yvette123

"Accommodation"

I travelled with my two teenaged boys (15 and 16) with Naturally Morocco to Essaouira. We had already been to Morocco the previous year with NM staying in Tarodant and making a trip to Agadir. The previous holiday was so memorable that we had to visit again to see more of the country. This time we flew into Agadir and took a taxi to Essaouira, where we stayed at Riad Zahra.

The Riad was great, the only disappointment being the view of the neighbouring building site from our window. However our spacious room (for 4 people) was comfortable and we soon forgot the initial disappointment. The Riad has the advantage of a bar and restaurant - which we found a real luxury after the almost "alcohol free" environment of Taroudant!

"Port"

The medina was about a 15 minute walk from the Riad, which we enjoyed although it could be a little wearisome if you wanted instant access to the souks, bars and restaurants. The town is stunning, and a working fishing port. We met "Abdul" whilst exploring the port, who insisted on giving us some history of the place and showing us the fishing equipment, boats etc. The boys began to get a little agitated when he tried to insist we went further into the boatyard (protecting their mother!) and so virtually dragged me away. This was our first day, we were all a little tired, but I am sure they needn't of worried. The conclusion of the tour was accompanied by the request for a few dirhams! The thing I quickly noticed was that my head scarf was really surplus to requirements in Essaouira, whereas it had been virtually essential in Taroudant.

"Medina and Beach"

The town is fab! A little confusing to start with, but we soon got the hang of it with the help of a location map. We bought lots of thuja artifacts - jewellery boxes etc. The fish market/cafe area near the port is a "must do" for lunch - simple and very cheap. There are also lots of street cafes where you can enjoy mint tea whilst people watching. Dont forget to check out Ocean Vagabond on the beach, its sheltered from the wind, serves food and alcohol and you can make use of their sunbeds whilst watching the mad people surfing - wind, kite - you name it, they do it and you can hire the kit next door. Many hours spent relaxing in this very friendly bar, where the cooks and waiters frequently burst into song/dance in the kitchen! Camel rides on the beach - although we didnt try it, some other holiday-makers did - they said it was relatively expensive, but worth a go.