Essaouira Mogador the gateways of Moroccan Beaches
With a population of just 100,000, Essaouira is a way to see Morocco and avoid the tourist crowds of Marrakesh or Casablanca. The city has two main attractions: the beach and the medina. The medina, or old city, was built in the late 1700s and is ringed by picturesque ramparts and cannons built to fend off European invaders. Inside, hundreds of tiny shops along narrow lanes sell everything from spices to surf clothes. Part of the fun is wandering around and haggling with shopkeepers, some of whom wear the traditional berber robe, the djellaba. Essaouira's long beach gets lots of sun, even in the middle of winter. The small, clean waves are good for beginner surfers and a consistent breeze makes it a popular spot for wind-surfing. There are also camel and horse rides on the beach and four-wheel motorbike riding.