A weekend in Essaouira, Morocco

A dream of 1001 nights

Joie de vivre, busy markets, a picturesque fishing port and a UNESCO World Heritage Medina with its tiny passageways and bustling streets. Visit the gold souk and the profusion of spice sellers and artisans’ workshops for an experience as authentic as it is extraordinary. See the mighty fortress and savour the refreshing breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean. Golfers find everything just so at the 18-hole (72-par) and 13-hole Mogador golf course, designed by ‘Black Knight’ Gary Player. Music fans love the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival – famous the world over. Essaouira is a culture vulture paradise.

A weekend in Essaouira with Morocco Made to Measure’s insider’s tips

There is so much beauty to discover…

A beach paradise

Essaouira’s beach draws a 2.5km long arc from the fishing port to the dunes. Jog, fly a kite, play beach volleyball, go quad biking or simply let the briny breeze caress your face as you take a stroll on the sand. There’s so much to do on the sandy city beach of Essaouira.

A passion for surfing

Surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing: water sports fans flock to Essaouira and its legendary waves. The city’s many surfing schools employ highly qualified instructors who can introduce beginners to all the wonders of the sport.

Simply priceless

We would have happily paid over the odds for our gorgeous babouches, but haggling’s just so much fun – and the slippers will remind us of Essaouira for a long time to come! Precious impressions, simply priceless.

Exceptional wines

The Val d’Argan vineyard, established by a Frenchman over 20 years ago, is just 24km inland of Essaouira. The wine tasting with chilled Gazelle de Mogador is simply unforgettable.

Tip:

Visit the Coopérative Marjana argan oil cooperative approximately 14km outside of Essaouira. The women in this cooperative make Morocco’s liquid gold by hand and enjoy fair working conditions. Argan oil and argan oil products are available to try and buy in the adjacent shop.

Tailor-made travel at its very best

Morocco Made to Measure is your private concierge for authentic Moroccan experiences. The go-to place for insider tips from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. They can organise your trip from A to Z and take you from place to place, discreetly withdrawing as you enjoy your experience. Unless, that is, you go shopping in a traditional market where they will be delighted to help with the haggling! Your private concierge can arrange restaurant visits and will also take you there on request; they will set up teeing off times at the golf course, horse riding on the beach or some precious me time at the hammam. They know the hidden places, secluded cafés and restaurants where you can experience the locals’ authentic way of life. Far from the mainstream and typical travel guide content, Morocco Made to Measure lets you look – and step – behind the scenes so you become a participant in local life.