Journey Beyond Travel...going beyond the destination

Setting on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast, Essaouria, Morocco is an exciting city that is deeply traditional and excitingly young. A place that has a strong connection to its past, and feet firmly in the present. Essaouria came to about 3000 years ago, when the Phoenicians appeared. It’s eclectic past is filled with rich historical events. It even was a popular place for pirates. Once well known for its sugar molasses exports, today’s city, of approximately 70,000 people, is much younger in feel and attitude.

Facing a group of rocky outcropped islands, and surrounded by expanses of empty beaches and sand dunes, Essaouria is a captivating seaside town. Considered one of the most alluring towns of North Africa, its architecture boasts Portuguese, French and Berber influence. Whitewashed and blue shuttered houses, colorful deep hued boats, cobbled streets and ancient walls all add to Essaouira’s inherent charm.

An old fortified wall encases eighteenth century battled walls. After the labryinth medina, passageways open up to sandy beaches. Essaouria has a wonderful collection of sights to see while on a Morocco tour, while nearly all demand some close attention.

Known as an artist’s haven, it has a square that is perfect for people watching. The traditional medina, too, is full of art galleries, jewelry souks, and shops selling handicrafts. And it has the distinction of being listed on UNESCO’s World Herititage List of Historical sites. This gem of a city is considered Morocco’s most traveler-friendly, laid back Morocco destinations.

Protected from strong marine winds and high seas by the island of Mogador, Essaouria has a peaceful sheltered bay. Fishermen can be seen daily, bringing their catch into its quaint port or mending their nets along the port. You can even buy and eat fish in the Essaouira local fish market. With long expanses of beach, the city has become a popular destination for those wanting to escape the ubiquitous summer heat. On its wide, sandy beaches you will find families playing games, camel excursions, beach bums and many who come just to enjoy the tranquility. Most famous of Essaouria’s beaches is probably the windswept expanse to Diabat. It has ruins of a fort and a reputation made famous by singer Jimi Hendrix for the song, “Castles Made of Sand.”

While the beaches have plenty of space for sun worshippers, they are gaining a reputation of being a paradise for wind and water sports–just as the rest of Morocco is being discovered as an outdoor sport’s daydream turned fantasy. Many of these hydro-athletes are attracted to Essaouria for its wind and–more recently–kite surfing. Having almost constant winds, it has become internationally famous for contests that attract surfers from all over the world. Powerful trade winds and a protected, usually smooth bay make it perfect for kite surfing, wind surfing, sea kayaking and any other water based sports. The most popular spots to watch these are Essaouria Bay, Sidi Kaouki, and Cane Sim.

Watching those experienced in windsurfing or kite surfing may make it look easy. However, you need to be experienced to surf here. Practicing these sports without supervision can be dangerous. Many outfitters rent equipment and give lessons. Additionally, Morocco tour operators can get all this set up in advance for those wanting to take part in these sports.

Lessons are generally given in a safe environment, or on land, such as the beach. You can tailor a Morocco tour that takes you trekking in Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains while ending your trip with a few peaceful days laying on the sand or performing watersports at Essaouria. Or try a Morocco tour of white water rafting or white water kayaking on the Class VI rivers,Whatever you dream, you can find a tour to fit.

In addition to watersports, Essaouria, Morocco has the world famous Gnaoua Music Festival each summer. Gnaoua is a combination of African, Berber and Arabic religious songs and rhythms celebrating life and prayers. Much of the music is improvised and becomes blend of cultures. An important public festival in Morocco, it attracted more than 200,000 people in the summer of 2007. It is sure to continue to grow in popularity with musicians and music lovers coming from around the world to take part.

More and more visitors are discovering what avid windsurfers have kept secret for years. Essaouria is a stylish yet affordable place to visit with accommodations for every budget and taste. Morocco is known for being a Muslim county steeped in tradition with a modern attitude that is welcoming to visitors. Come today and enjoy your stay along Morocco’s own windswept utopia.

..more on Morocco beach towns: Agadir

..more on Morocco beach towns: Asilah

by Carole Morris