By: Sarah Gilbert, Lonely Planet Writer | Photography by: Ruslan Kalnitsky, Shutterstock
Prices in Morocco have risen along with its popularity, but there are still bargains to be had. In the relaxed seaside city of Essaouira, many of the attractions are free: exuberant music festivals, gallery-hopping around the 18th-century medina, gazing over the ocean from its honey-coloured ramparts, watching fishermen at work in the postcard-pretty harbour and strolling along its endless golden beaches.
Catch the sunset from Essaouira’s old city walls. © Carlos M Almagro / 500px.
“The ramparts of the Skala de la Ville and the hulking Bastion Nord… had a starring role in Game of Thrones as Astapor…”
The Medina and Beyond
Essaouira’s fortified old city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is compact and walkable and, unlike the labyrinthine medinas of Marrakesh and Fez, it’s hard to get lost. Just pick up one of the many free maps in shops, restaurants and hotel lobbies – Les Carnets du Voyage is one of the best – and go.
The open-fronted emporiums that line the main thoroughfare, Ave de l’Istiqlal, and the hassle-free souqs that fan out from it are as much for locals as for visitors. If you’re up for a rummage, the Sunday souq a short walk from the Bab Doukkala is the place to bag a real bargain; a seemingly endless line of makeshift stalls sells everything from kaftans to car parts. Get there early to beat the crowds.
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