Essaouira | The Blue-and-White Art City by the Atlantic

| The Blue-and-White Art City by the Atlantic. Located on Morocco's southwestern Atlantic coast about 175 km from Marrakech, Essaouira is a port city blending Berber, Arab, and European colonial influences. 🌟 Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage: 18th-century ramparts and Medina old town Artists' Haven: Attracted musicians and painters since the 1960s Windy City: Constant trade winds make it a top kitesurfing destination 🕘【Opening Hours】: Medina: Open 24/7 (best visited daytime) Fishing Port: 6:00-18:00 (liveliest during boat returns) Ramparts: 8:30-18:30 (last entry 18:00) Best seasons: April-June & Sept-Oct (avoid July-August gales) 💴【Admission】: Medina: Free Ramparts walk: 10 MAD Skala Fortress: Included in ramparts ticket Update: Harbor viewing platform became free since 2023 ⛺【Activities】: 1. Art Exploration Graffiti Alley: Pop-art walls on Rue Laalouj Gallery Tour: Avant-garde spaces like Galerie Damgaard Gnawa Music: Weekly Thursday performances at Medina square 2. Ocean Adventures Kitesurfing: Sidi Kaouki Beach (book instructors in advance) Fishing Trip: Join sardine-catching at 6am with local fishermen 3. Must-See Spots Medina Gates: Filming location for "Gladiator" Portuguese Battery: Perfect sunset/seagull photography spot 🚌【Transport】: From Marrakech: CTM Buses: 6 daily (3hrs, 75 MAD) Shared Taxis: ~100 MAD/person (hotel drop-off available) Local Transit: Medina is walkable only; taxis must transfer outside walls 👉【Itinerary】: 2-Day Relaxed Plan: Day1: Medina art walk → Port sunset → Night market dinner Day2: Sidi Kaouki surfing → Argan oil workshop Nearby Combos: Tiout Oasis (1.5hr drive): Desert-oasis transition Tamanar Gold Mines (2hrs): Abandoned French colonial site 🧡【Essentials】: 1. Wind Gear: Windproof jacket/scarf Hair conditioner (for tangled hair) 2. Photography: Polarizing filter (reduces glare) Spare batteries (wind drains power) 3. Pro Tips: 1 MAD coins (for paid Medina toilets) Small bills (artist stalls are cash-only)