MEDINAHISTORIC BUILDINGLANDMARKMUSEUMwith relaxed lunches and unhurried coffee or fresh orange juice.
Medina
Essaouira’s walled medina was added to Unesco’s World Heritage list in 2001. Its well-
preserved, late-18th-century fortified layout is a prime example of European military
architecture in North Africa. For the visitor, the mellow atmosphere, narrow winding streets
lined with colourful shops, whitewashed houses and heavy old wooden doors make it a
wonderful place to stroll.
The dramatic, wave-lashed ramparts that surround the medina are a great place to get an
overview of the labyrinth of streets. The ramparts were famously used in the opening scene of
Orson Welles’ Othello for a panoramic shot where Iago is suspended in a cage above the
rocks and sea. The easiest place to access the ramparts is at Skala de la Ville Offline map
Google map , the impressive sea bastion built along the cliffs. A collection of European brass
cannons from the 18th and 19th centuries lines the walkway here and you’ll also get great
views out to sea and gorgeous sunsets.
Skala du Port
Offline map Google map (adult/child Dh10/3; 9am-5.30pm) Down by the harbour, the Skala
offers more cannons and picturesque views over the fishing port and the Île de Mogador.
Looking back at the walled medina from here, through a curtain of swirling seagulls, you’ll get
the same evocative picture that is used on nearly all official literature.
The large working port is a 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 you can see
traditional wooden boats being made. The boat-builders supply fishing boats for the entire
Moroccan coast and even as far away as France, as the design is particularly seaworthy. It’s
also worth visiting the fish auction Offline map Google map ( 3-5pm Mon-Sat) , which takes
place in the market hall just outside the port gates.
Île de Mogador
Used in Phoenician and Roman times for the production of Tyrian purple dye from local
molluscs, and once known as the Îles Purpuraires (Purple Isles), the Île de Mogador is actually
two islands and several tiny islets. A massive fortification, a mosque and a disused prison are
all that is left of what was once a thriving settlement, and today the uninhabited islands are a
sanctuary for Eleonora’s falcons ( falca eleonorae ). The islands are strictly off limits.
The elegant birds of prey come to breed from April to October before making their incredible
return journey south to Madagascar. The falcons can be seen through binoculars from
Essaouira beach, with the best viewing in the early evening. Another viewing place (not
recommended in the evening if you’re alone) is south of town, about 1km or so beyond the
lighthouse, on the shore by the mouth of the river.
Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum
Offline map Google map ( 0524 47 53 00; Rue Laâlouj; adult/child Dh10/3) Essaouira’s
beautifully refurbished museum in an old riad, has a small but interesting collection of jewellery,
costumes, weapons, amazing musical instruments and carpets of the region. There’s a section