A Family Adventure in Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira's Charms Unveiled

As our Moroccan adventure nears its end, today was all about soaking in the unique atmosphere of Essaouira. From exploring its historic port to enjoying the local cuisine, it was a day filled with delightful experiences and cherished family moments. The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze and warm sunshine, making it ideal for wandering through the city's vibrant streets.

Our day began with a leisurely breakfast at O'Bleu Mogador. Saoirse was particularly excited, having heard me rave about their coffee. Hans, ever the pragmatist, appreciated the hearty start to the day, fueling us for our explorations.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at O'Bleu Mogador in Essaouira – where local flavors meet unforgettable ambiance.

After breakfast, we headed towards the Port of Essaouira Sqala, a historic landmark that has witnessed centuries of maritime activity. The port was bustling with fishermen unloading their daily catch, and the air was filled with the cries of seagulls. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The Sqala itself is an impressive structure, with its fortified walls and cannons facing the sea. As we walked along the ramparts, I tried to imagine what it must have been like to defend the city from invaders centuries ago. The history of Essaouira is rich, dating back to Phoenician times, with influences from the Carthaginians, Romans, and Portuguese. The modern history of Essaouira began in the 16th century when the Portuguese established a fortress called Castelo Real de Mogador. However, they faced fierce resistance from local Berber tribes and eventually abandoned the fort. The name “Mogador” is believed to have originated from the Berber word. The port's strategic importance as a trading hub between Morocco and the rest of the world was evident, with various consulates and traders from different countries establishing themselves here.


Experience the rich history and stunning coastal beauty of Essaouira, Morocco's enchanting port city filled with art, culture, and culinary delights.

Saoirse, with her keen eye for detail, was fascinated by the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. She peppered me with questions about the different types of fish being unloaded and the lives of the fishermen. Hans, meanwhile, was busy capturing the scene with his camera, trying to capture the essence of this vibrant port. I even managed to pick up a few phrases in Arabic from a friendly fisherman, adding to the immersive experience.

To truly experience a place, you must immerse yourself in its history, culture, and cuisine.

Next on our itinerary was L'Horloge d'Essaouira, a charming clock tower that stands as a symbol of the city. Built in 1926 by the clockmaker Henri Lepaute, the clock is located on top of a 15-meter-high tower named Bab Magana and built in 1764 in the Cherifian style. The clock tower, inaugurated in 1928, is not just a timepiece; it's a testament to the area's rich maritime history. It is considered one of the emblematic monuments of the medina. We climbed the steps to get a closer look, admiring the intricate details of the clock and the panoramic views of the city from the top. Saoirse was particularly intrigued by the clock's mechanism, wondering how it managed to keep time in this bustling city. I explained to her the history of the clock, how it had been renovated in 2012 after being out of service for ten years. The clock's location, between the Kasbah Kdima and the Kasbah Jdida, makes it a central point in the medina, a perfect starting point for exploring the city's hidden alleys and vibrant markets.


Discover the historical beauty of L'Horloge d'Essaouira, a landmark that captures the essence of Essaouira's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

For lunch, we decided to try Restaurant Gusto Italia, a welcome change from the Moroccan cuisine we had been enjoying. As much as I love tagine, a little taste of Italy was in order. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the aroma of Italian herbs filled the air. Hans, Saoirse and I all agreed that the pasta dishes were excellent, reminiscent of our favorite Italian restaurant back in Berlin. Saoirse, who can be a picky eater, devoured her spaghetti Bolognese with gusto, a testament to the restaurant's authentic flavors. The restaurant is known for its use of high-quality ingredients, many of which are imported from Italy, adding to the authenticity of the dishes. The modern setting and excellent customer service made it an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch.


Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Gusto Italia in Essaouira - where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

In the late afternoon, as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, we ventured to Ocean Vagabond for a relaxing drink. This beachside bar is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. We sipped on refreshing cocktails as we watched the waves crash against the shore. The atmosphere was lively, with music playing in the background and people chatting and laughing. Saoirse, of course, opted for a non-alcoholic beverage, but she enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere nonetheless. I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as I watched my family enjoying themselves in this beautiful setting. The Ocean Vagabond is more than just a bar; it's a place where people come to relax, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of Essaouira's coastline. The hotel has garnered positive customer ratings across various aspects of their stay. With an overall rating of 7.5, this charming hotel offers a unique and memorable experience for its guests.


Experience the flavorful fusion of Mediterranean cuisine and surf culture at Ocean Vagabond, Essaouira's premier dining destination by the sea.

For our final meal of the day, we chose La Coupole Essaouira Beach, a restaurant known for its beachfront location and stunning sunset views. The restaurant has a modern boho vibe with a beautiful interior design both inside and outside. We secured a table on the terrace, where we could enjoy the cool sea breeze and the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the ocean. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. I opted for the grilled fish, while Hans chose the seafood pasta. Saoirse, ever adventurous, tried the vegetarian tagine, declaring it delicious. La Coupole is the perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a drink or some food. The staff is lovely and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. This restaurant is a perfect combination of refinement, ambiance and flavors.


Discover La Coupole Essaouira Beach - where exquisite tapas meet stunning ocean views in Morocco's charming coastal town.

As we walked back to our hotel, the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. The sounds of music and laughter drifted from the open doorways of restaurants and cafes. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had shared today. Essaouira had captured our hearts with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Tomorrow marks the end of our Moroccan adventure. We plan to visit the Old Fortress and Bab Marrakech Tower before heading to the airport. I'm already feeling a tinge of sadness that our journey is coming to an end, but I know that the memories we have created will last a lifetime. I am looking forward to sharing our final day of discoveries with you all!

The visit to the Old Fortress, with its 18th-century Portuguese canons, promises a glimpse into Essaouira's defensive past, while the Bab Marrakech Tower offers panoramic views of the city. Before we bid adieu to this enchanting city, we plan to indulge in one last Moroccan breakfast at Retro Corner Essaouira and savor the flavors of the local cuisine. For lunch, we plan to eat at Restaurant Le Sirocco.

Before heading to the airport, we'll make a final stop at D'ici et D'ailleurs, a local shop known for its unique souvenirs and handicrafts. I'm hoping to find a few special items to remind us of our time in Essaouira. We plan to have dinner at Restaurant ramsess.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we have shared on this trip. Morocco has exceeded all of my expectations, and I know that we will be back again someday.

For now, it's time to rest and prepare for our final day of exploration. Thank you for following along on our journey. I hope that our experiences have inspired you to embark on your own Moroccan adventure!