Holidays in Essaouira are a reminder of the hippie era of the 1970's. The location still wears the mantle of home to artists, poets and writers. Famous for playing host to the renowned guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, the resort today wears its fame lightly, but manages to retain that "je ne sais quoi" ambience luring all sorts of creative and dilettante types! Bob Marley was also bewitched by Essaouira as was Orson Welles who filmed most of Othello here. Holidays to Morocco have never been the same since!
Overlooking the high Atlantic waves, the resort is now also well known for surfing with strong breakers offering superb conditions that are deemed world class. In fact, it is often referred to as the "windy city". The resort is also very tradiitonal and typical (more so than Agadir), a fact that attracts many visitors who are jaded with over commercialised towns. Constructed very much in local style, the architecture overall is quite splendid with stunning examples of intricate tiling and mosaics - exactly what one expects from holidays in Essaouira.
Essaouira is almost more a coastal town than a true tourist resort as the people are really charming, there is a real souk and real life continues without too much interruption from international visitors. However, the creative face of Essaouira is the biggest draw as local artisans and craftsmen produce magnificent works of marquetry and the town is renowned for its poets, street orators and, more importantly, its festival of gnawa music. Classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Essaouira holidays have magic and mystique.
There are no flights to Essaouira, but holidays to Morocco from Ireland happily connect us to this gorgeous town in Morocco with direct flights into Agadir from Dublin. ClickandGo.com offers a choice of hotels, not only in Essaouira, but also in Agadir and amazing Marrakech, so you're spoilt for choice!