Essaouira is a lovely resort town along Morocco's Atlantic Ocean coastline, located just two and a half hours east of Marrakech's city center. The town is known as the "Wind City of Africa" for its excellent windsurfing conditions, which are caused by its forceful alizée trade winds that are strongest between April and November. Its gorgeous medina old town district is lined with historic fortifications and antique brass cannons, known as the Skala de la Kasbah and designed in the 18th century.

Visitors can explore the town's art and cultural attractions, which lured international celebrities like Jimi Hendrix to the area in the 20th century. The region's unique fusion gnawa music style, a blend of indigenous, blues, and rock music styles, is on display each year at the Gnaoua Festival of World Music in June. Art galleries, boutiques, and marketplaces line the city center, selling goods like signature Moroccan royal tea, crafted with a blend of 15 native spices. Essaouira Map

Essaouira Toubkal National Park Ouzoud Falls The Agafay Desert Ouarzazate The Ourika Valley Palmeraie Agadir Casablanca The Atlas Mountains Imlil Amizmiz Oukaimeden

Explore more: Around the World > Weekend & Day Trips from Marrakech, Morocco

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