Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 ar-
chitecture in North Africa. For the visitor, the mellow atmosphere, narrow winding streets,
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.
MEDINA
HISTORIC BUILDING
Skala du Port
(adult/child Dh10/5; 9am-5.30pm, fish auction 3-5pm Mon-Sat)
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 vessels for
the entire Moroccan coast and even as far away as France, as the design is particularly
GOOGLE MAP
,
which takes
place in the market hall just outside the port gates.
Île de Mogador
(boats from Port du Peche)
Just off the coast to the southwest is the Île de Mogador, which has
some interesting structures. It's actually two islands and several tiny islets - also known as
the famed Îles Purpuraires (Purple Isles) of antiquity. The uninhabited islands are a sanc-
tuary for Eleonora's falcons, which can also be easily seen through binoculars from Es-
saouira beach.
It is possible to arrange a private boat trip to the islands outside the breeding season, but
you need to obtain a permit (free) from the port office; with that in hand, head for the
ISLAND
