Essaouira stands out amongst the tourist towns of Morocco, for its altogether less intense atmosphere. This is, in part, thanks to the wonderful location and some fine sandy shores on the Atlantic coast, but also because given the frenetic activity inherent in the medinas of Marrakech and Fès, it is a welcome retreat from such drama. In the 1960s, it first came to prominence as a popular ‘hippie’ destination for surfers and artists, and acquired a culture somewhat more akin to that of European seaside spots. That said, this is no tacky resort; there is plenty of Morocco here.

Meander through its streets and visit the shops which offer an abundance of furniture, notably including thuya-sculpted objects. The medina is in close proximity to the citadel ramparts, which provide the distinctive outline of this town, along which there are a number of excellent restaurants. Having witnessed the lively fish auctions, you can sample the seafood on offer here, with grilled sardines a local favourite. The ramparts resemble those of Saint Malo in northern France, having been designed by a French architect to protect Essaouira’s inhabitants from invaders. Quite a few artists came to settle here a while back, leading to a long-established schedule of expositions and shows. The town is renowned for artisan products like wood sculptures, paintings and fabrics. .............READ MORE ABOUT ESSAOUIRA