> City of Essaouira

With its splendid ramparts, majestic stone towers and perfectly intact Medina labyrinth, Essaouira is the most famous Moroccan city in the Atlantic coast.

The beautiful and bright area contained within the city walls is a labyrinth of narrow roads, whitewashed houses, peaceful squares and small craft shops.

On falling in love with this location, many Europeans and artists have bought a house and property in Medina, and their presence can be seen throughout the city.

The impetuous coastal wind, known locally as the 'alizee,' blows almost the whole year round and Essaouira has made it the most popular place in Morocco for windsurfing, promoting itself as "Wind City, Afrika".

Essaouira also has a thriving film industry.

Despite the fashions and films, Essaouira's fortified harbour situated a few steps to the south-west of Medina is a hive of activity with fishing nets laid out on the jetty, boats unloading their catches, traditional wooden boats in construction and the day's catch sizzling on open grills.

No wonder Essaouira is becoming more and more popular.

The port
Orson Welles shot most of his version of Shakespeare's Othello in Essaouira, including the opening scene - a captivating panning shot of the city's ramparts, with Iago suspended above the sea and rocks.

Moving north to Moulay Hassan and climbing up the Rue de la Skala past the carpentry shops, you can visit the ramparts and the Skala de la Ville, an imposing rampart built on the cliff overlooking the sea. A magnificent view of the sea can be admired along the rampart walk, along which are arranged a long row of brass European canons dating back to the 18th and 19th century.

Its worth taking a walk in the harbour crowded with fishing boats and craftsmen building new ones, at any time of the day, but try coming during the fish auction which takes place from Monday to Saturday, 3.00pm to 5.00pm in the covered market located just outside the harbour entrance.

The Ile de Mogador and Eleanora's Falcons
The Ile de Mogador is located in a south-west direction not far from the coast. Another important fort, mosque and abandoned prison stand here. In reality, it consists of two islands and various islets historically known as the Iles Purpurarie (the purple isles).
Today, these uninhabited islands are a natural reserve and the breeding site of the Eleanora falcons. They visit here between April and October before making the long return journey south to Madagascar.

Diabat
Moving one kilometre inland from Cap Sim across the sand dunes and scrubland, you arrive at the Berber village of Diabat, to the south of Essaouira. In the 1960s this was a legendary hippy hangout and Jimi Hendrix is said to have spent time here.

Sidi Kaouki
Situated 27 km south of Essaouira, this small town is becoming famous for its windsurfing and surfing. Its very strong winds are for more courageous windsurfers and its waves are perfect for expert surfers. The beautiful section of rocky beach is located in front of a spartan camping area, a group of boarding houses run by Europeans and small kiosks serving tajine, fish and snacks.