Essaouira-City

Overview

Departure at 08:00 in the morning, after 2h30 min on the road to Essaouira we will find ourselves in the middle of the argan tree forest; Arrival at the local women's cooperative of traditional extraction of the oil of argan, product of which Morocco holds the international monopoly, visit of the cooperative: Which allows you to attend the manual extraction of oil by village women. Pause photo at the entrance of the city on a panoramic site that overlooks the whole city. Foreseeing an average of 2 hours for the visit of the city and the Portuguese remains of the port, a swimming at the beach after lunch is essential.

Why Essouira ?

Essouira is by popular acclaim Morocco’s most likeable resort : an eighteenth century town, enclosed by medieval-looking battlements, facing a cluster of rocky off shore islands, and trailed by vast expanse of empty sands and dunes. Its whitewashed and blue-shuttered houses and colonnades, its wood workshops and art galleries, its boat-builders and sardine fishermen, its feathery Norfolk Island pines which only thrive in a pollution-free atmosphere: all provide a colourful and very pleasant backdrop to the beach. Many of the foreign tourists making their own way to Essouira are drawn by the wind, known locally as alizee, which in spring and summer can be a bit remorseless for sunbathing but creates much-sought-after waves for surfing and windsurfing. In recent years, the town has gained quite a reputation in this respect, promoting itself as “wind city, Africa” and hosting national and international surfing contests

The life of the resort, too, is easy and uncomplicated, and very much In the image of the youthful Europeans and Marrakchis who come here on holiday. Not that Essouira is exclusively a backpacker’s resort_ these days it attracts all kinds of independent travelers, and increasing numbers of packages, with new chain hotels and villas springing up among the corniche. But, as yet, it’s very far from spoilt and remains a thoroughly enjoyable base to rest up after being in the cities, the Atlas or the desert.

Sights in Essouira :

Essouira is a wonderful place for rambling. The medina, souqs, ramparts, port and beach are perfect for leisurely discovery interspersed with relaxed lunches and unhurried coffee or fresh orange juice. The impressive sea bastion built along the cliffs. A collection of European brass cannons from 18th and 19th centuries lines the walkway here and you will also get great views out to sea and gorgeous sunsets.

Down by the harbor, the Skala du port offers more cannons and picturesque views over the fishing port and the Ile de Mogador. Looking back at the walled medina from here, through a curtain of swirling seagulls, you will get the same evocative picture that is used on nearly all official literature.

The large working port is bustling place with plenty of activity throughout the day. Along with the flurry of boats, nets being repaired and the day’s catch being landed Madagascar. The falcons can easily be seen through binoculars from Essouira beach, with the best viewing in the early evening. Another viewing place is south of town, about 1 km or so beyond the lighthouse, on the shore by the mouth of river.

Climate :

- Essouira has a moderate climate with mild winters and warm summers.
- The average temperature varies from 15 - 20 °C ( 59 - 68 °F).
- Maximum about 28°C in the summer and not lower than 13 °C in the winter.
- Essouira is called the "Wind City" because of its persistent north wind sometimes violent mostly in the summers and during the days.

Inclusions

• Transport