Essaouira: Morocco’s Hidden Gem Crowned Top Late-Summer Seaside Escape

Essaouira is one of the six best seaside getaways for this late summer. This Moroccan city ranks fourth in the ranking established by The Guardian. "Essaouira consists of two distinct parts: the medina, surrounded by high ramparts, and the new town, which has developed around it. The medina is small and much more navigable than its Marrakech equivalent, while retaining that intoxicating African-Arab blend. Two main streets lead off from Moulay Hassan Square, the main square near the port. Sidi Ben Mohamed Abdellah Avenue is known as the ’tourist street’ and, in parallel, Istiqlal Avenue, the ’market street’," describes Alice Morrison, British adventurer, television presenter and author.

For her, every day is a special moment to admire the sunset. However, she explains that it is its long sandy beach that attracts the most visitors. They can engage in various sports activities: kitesurfing, surfing, kayaking, quad biking, camel and horse riding are on the program. "It is also an ideal beach for children and swimming, as the waves and tides are gentle," she adds. Her favorite activity is to walk along the beach to the town of Sidi Kaouki, a journey of about 25 km, during which she sees horses galloping and octopus fishermen patiently perched above the rocky pools.

What about the cuisine? At lunchtime, the port stalls offer a variety of seafood (the sardines are often fresher and cheaper; favor the stalls furthest away, less touristy), which visitors can then have grilled over charcoal for a few dirhams. The small excellent restaurants in the medina and the new town offer a variety of dishes: tagine, couscous and grilled sardines, but also Umia’s beef Wellington and grilled fish.

As for entertainment, visitors can try the fire show and the magicians of the Caravane Café. "Essaouira has a lot to offer, but it doesn’t impose itself. The people are relaxed, the climate is mild and you can enjoy Morocco at a more leisurely pace. Writing these lines made me realize that it was high time to go back there," admits the British journalist.