Essaouira has inspired a long list of musicians, including Jimi Hendrix.

The towering skeletons of future fishing boats loom high over Essaouira’s harbor.

Their bare timber boughs provide a stark contrast against bright red fishing lines and piles of rainbow crates that overflow with the catch of the day.

At their feet, smaller wooden dinghies cram perfectly together, floating in unison, a bobbing mass of azure and royal blue, their flaking paint the subject of many a photo album.
As the afternoon sun drops idly toward the horizon, the whitewashed walls of the medina reflect its golden rays. The sounds of a thousand impatient seagulls fill the sky as the birds appeal to the fishermen for scraps.

Since French architect Theodore Cornut designed Essaouira’s original fortress and layout during the 18th century, little of the city’s architecture has changed.
After the mayhem of big-city Casablanca and Marrakesh, one could be forgiven for thinking that, since Essaouira was built, nothing much has changed at all.
But that’s just it.

At that time, Moroccan ruler Mohammed III wished to reorient his kingdom towards the Atlantic for increased trade with Europe. Essaouira was chosen as the prime destination to become a thriving port and gateway to the West.

However, despite his investment, the city did not flourish. Essaouira was simply too far away from the traditional caravan routes, and it was left to develop at its own peaceful pace.

Moroccans and foreigners alike are drawn to Essaouira’s tranquil environment, where beautiful golden beaches meet the intricate labyrinth of streets and stalls.

True to its history, Essaouira is still considered to be “off the beaten track”, which explains the lack of crowds and frenetic tourist atmosphere found in most tourist resorts.

Prices for most goods are lower in Essaouira, and it’s uncommon that the relaxed locals will hassle you to buy. Almost all of Morocco’s famous products and souvenirs, such as intensely colored carpets, wrought-iron lamps or pungent spices, are found within the walls of the old city.

Perhaps the people are so friendly because of Essaouira’s near-perfect climate. Constant ocean breezes govern the city’s temperature year round, keeping it pleasant during the day and cool at night.

That same breeze has lifted the city’s international profile in more ways than one. Essouira is also famous for its world-class windsurfing.

By night there are few bars or nightclubs to enjoy, but visitors generally fill their evenings with strolls, or horse or camel rides along the beach.
If that’s not for you, then why not while away the afternoon in one of Essaouria’s quaint beachside cafes?

With the Atlantic stretching out toward infinity, the call to prayer wafting through the air, and a piping hot the de menthe in your hand, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything closer to bliss.

Rock the casbah at the Essaouira Music Festival

If you ever needed an excuse to visit Morocco, look no further than the Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival (www.festival-gnaoua.net). This year, from June 26 to 29, more than 400,000 people will converge on Essaouira to witness the mesmerizing performances of the Gnawa, the descendents of slaves from Black Africa who formed brotherhoods throughout Morocco.
The Gnawa groups consist of master musicians, metal castanet players, drummers, clairvoyants, mediums and their followers. Their performances of ancient music and rituals during the festival, where the Gnawa call upon the saints and supernatural entities to take possession of their followers, are both invigorating and hypnotic. But these days the Gnawa aren’t the only cultural spectacle on offer.

After ten years the festival has grown to accommodate a wide showcase of musical genres that includes jazz fusion, rock, reggae, African, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and hip-hop acts, and even electro-DJs, from all corners of the globe.
The line-up of 25 Gnawa bands, 250 Moroccan artists, and 150 musicians, ensures that the nine stages scattered throughout the maze-like medina are never empty. Other artistic and cultural events are also timed to coincide with the festival. Performances begin in the afternoon, giving time to further explore beautiful Essaouira.