Essaouira Things to Do

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Going into the markets to browse around just to see what is being sold and bought is an important part of my tourism. The amount, quality and variety of the stuff in the markets is an important indicator of the culture of a country and a barometer of the state of its economy. In the town of Essaouira, the markets lie in the centre of the Medina. They are still traditional, in the sense that there is little or no hygienic packaging. Such is the shopping on Ave de l'Istiqlal, for example, or Ave Zerkatouni. One shop that sold a variety of herbs, spices and remedies was of particular interest to me. It had many jars as well as piles of stuff, all labelled, some of them is very quaint manner. You ought to zoom in and try to read the labels.

In towns like Essaouira, where a lot of tourists throng the streets, a lot of shopping is meant not for the locals but for the visitors. Mostly the shops showcase goods much better so as to attract the money-spending tourists. They sell local handicrafts, artwork, jewellery and souvenirs that can remind the visitors of their visit when they get back home. Even if you don't intend to buy anything browsing around can be quite an experience. Some of the places where shopping is meant mainly for tourists lie close to the Bastion du Nord and the streets that go south and east from there.

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The best way to view and soak in the atmosphere of the sea, the harbour on one side and the Moulay Hassan Square on the other, the action on the fish wharf, the people coming and going and the gulls keeping afloat in the breeze is to go up on the ramparts. You will have to pay a small entry fee but the stroll along the ramparts, which have gun emplacements, and especially the climb up the bastion to take photos or videos can be very rewarding.

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When visiting Essaouira, I always enjoy taking a walk to some of the places, not very well known by tourists, but where Moroccan people are living their everyday-life.
If you like to do that, you could start outside Bab Doukkala and begin by walking to the bus-station. On the way you will pass by a very fine local market for vegetables -- and a lot of shops with all kinds of stuff: Clothes, furniture -- just everything. There is always a lot of things going on, and it's easy to find a nice café, if you need to take a break.
After the bus-station you can cross the big Avenue Al Akaba - and on the other side you will find some neigbourhoods, where mostly Moroccans live, and you have an impression af what life is like for people here. Again, there are lots of tings to look at and plenty of shops and restaurants. But I would advise you not to walk there alone after sunset.
You can take the sidewalk to the north along Ave Al Akaba and in the northern end of it you will pass by the neigbourhood called Skala (not in-the-Madina-Skala, but Lotissement Skala).
It is built in a special style, and it is a rather poor neigbourhood --- but it certainly has its own charm and beauty. Usually I just walk by on Av Al Ak -- yet sometimes also take a walk inside Skala.
(But I never stop and stare at people (or what's going on), and never take photos here -- I do not think europeans/ tourists are expected to come here, and I feel like I have to respect, that people here do not want to many tourists come and stare like it's some kind of a "zoo" here).
North of Skala, at the end of Ave Al Ak, you will find a beautiful beach, called the Safi-beach, almost only used by local people (and not much used at all). I sometimes go there just to enjoy the look of this beautiful, deserted coastline. Important: If you want to take a walk along this beach, you should find yourself a reliable guide, I have been told that it's not safe to do it alone.
For getting back -- it's easy to find a small taxi, it will cost 6 dh to get back to the Madina.
(Since this tip was written there has been some changes in the area: Right next to Skala, on the other side of Ave Al Akaba there has been built a great new super-market, Aswaq Assalam -- so it's easy to combine a visit in Skala and the Safi-beach with some shopping!)

If you plan to do a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech like we did, then please allow some time to sit in the sidewalk cafe, have a refreshing drink and people watch overlooking the beach.

We enjoyed watching the seaside activities and footy on the beach whilst contemplating our wonderful day.

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You can't miss seeing Scala Kasbah and the fortress walls and canons when visiting Essaouira. Sure, it's a tourist thing and crowds to go with it...but definately worth seeing.

The Scala Kasbah was built by the French and the canons were a mixture of Portugese, Spanish and Dutch. It certainly looks intimidating perched on top of the hill overlooking the rocky coastline. If I was the enemy back in the old days....I'd give this place a miss :o)

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A must do in Essaouira - wander around the fishing port. Here you will see the locals bringing in their catch, nets, birds flying around, fresh fish smells and a hive of activity selling fresh fish etc.

Check out my travelogue for more.

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Built as a few other in the beginning of the 16th century, this fortress, soon lost by the Portuguese, still dominates the city, as íts best monument and a testimony of our military architectural skills.

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Original arts and crafts.

Gallerie L’Arbre Bleu, Essaouira.

If you like to see some fine arts and crafts – a little different from what you find in the shops elsewhere in the madina – a visit in atelier ”L’Arbre Bleu” can be recommended.

It is located in a small calm street in the madina, Rue Chbanat, near Bab Marrakech – right next to “the small” Bab Marrakech, very easy to find.

The creative french artist Monique Favière runs here a fine atelier & tea-salon.
She exposes her own works: Paintings, sculptures and different kind of crafts. You can also find fine works of moroccan artists, and some artists from other countries, living and working in Essaouira.
Everything in a very fine quality, so there is a lot to look at for no matter what kind of taste you have got.

In the nice little tea-salon you can take a break and maybe a little chat with Monique.

After visiting L’Arbre Bleu” a walk along Rue Chbanat to Bab Doukkala can be recommended – here you ca still find some original “Essaouira-atmosphere” and some nice small workshops with different kinds of crafts.

L’Arbre Bleu: www.galerielarbrebleu.com