Essaouira, remanso de paz en la costa de Marruecos

Its kilometre-long beaches, ideal for sports such as surfing and windsurfing, as well as its mild temperatures and the tranquillity that can be breathed while walking through its streets, make Essaouira one of the main tourist attractions on Morocco's Atlantic coast. 

Located some 180km from Marrakech, Essaouira and its surroundings are still a little-known destination despite its great tourist attraction and natural beauty. However, thanks to the recently inaugurated air route between Madrid and Essaouira, more Spaniards will be able to discover and enjoy this small city and all it has to offer. 

This Moroccan seaside resort is perfect for a quiet weekend getaway. Just two hours away from Madrid by plane, Essaouira is the perfect place to disconnect from the hectic routine of the Spanish capital. 

Essaouira is also considered a haven of peace within Morocco itself, as a large number of Moroccans from other cities such as bustling Marrakech choose to travel to Essaouira in search of tranquillity and good weather. 

The weather in Essaouira is unique in the country. The pleasant temperatures make it possible to visit the city at any time of the year. Within the climate of the area, the wind is perhaps the most remarkable element. This, together with the open sea beaches, makes Essaouira a must for surfers and windsurfers. 

In addition to its wild beaches, the city offers numerous interesting and historic tourist sites in the Medina, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, such as the Bab el Mechouar gate, the caravanserai, the Jewish quarter - 'mellah' -, the Portuguese church, the port 'sqala' or the northern bastion, where scenes from the famous series Game of Thrones were filmed. Essaouira has also been the setting for films such as Kingdom of Heaven and Lope.  

It is easy to get around the city and visit all these places on foot because, in addition to not being a large metropolis, the city follows Roman planning, i.e. in the form of a grid, as designed by the mathematician and architect Théodore Cornut in the 18th century.  

In addition to the tourist and historical sites, it is a pleasure to walk and lose oneself in the Medina, dotted with white houses with blue windows, a multitude of cafés and shops that work with typical local materials, such as thuya wood. It is also common to find typical Amazigh goldsmiths' wares, silverware and garments made from raffia from Madagascar. 

Essaouira is not just about surfing and history. The Moroccan port city has a wide range of art on offer, which can be seen by walking through its streets and discovering the many art galleries. The town also hosts more than 10 music festivals a year in different genres, including flamenco and electronic music. Regarding the latter, Essaouira, specifically the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa hotel, hosts the famous Moga electronic music festival every October.  

Likewise, speaking of music and Essaouira, it is interesting to note the visit of the famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix to the area in the 1960s, when the city was the cradle of the hippie movement. It is therefore common to see pictures, T-shirts or even bars dedicated to the American singer in and around Essaouira. 

Other options on a trip to Essaouira include a visit to Le Domaine du Val d'Argan, a vineyard about 20 kilometres from the city that also offers the possibility of staying in one of its cosy riads.  

Nearby is the Coopérative Féminine Mogador Essaouira, a company created in 2007 specialising in the production and marketing of argan oil and its derivatives. The company, which employs 37 women, has received several state aids through, for example, the national human development initiative or the Green Morocco programme.  

During a trip to Essaouira, a camel or quad bike ride through the dunes and along the beaches of the area is also recommended. There are also hotels with a privileged location and services such as spas that make it easy for tourists to disconnect and totally relax, as is the case of Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa, a resort overlooking the ocean surrounded by nature where the most recurring sound is the singing of birds.