The Moroccan coasts
Let’s continue our discovery of the Kingdom by trying to describe the most beautiful sites of Morocco to you
Let’s start with the amazing Essaouira
The Medina of Essaouira: The Medina of Essaouira can be discovered by strolling through the picturesque alleys, in particular the one called “La Scala de la Kasbah”, a small path leading to the very heart of the city. Want to discover local crafts? Direction the souk, where fruits, vegetables and spices invade the stalls. But the specificity of Essaouira lies in the know-how of the cabinet makers (especially for the construction of wooden boats), and especially in the manufacture of argan oil, the tree of which only grows in this region of Morocco. ! Finally, Essaouira is also famous for … its art galleries. The city and its peaceful atmosphere indeed inspire many artists.
Tip from the More Travel team: While staying in Essaouira, we strongly recommend that you sleep in one of the sumptuous traditional Moroccan riads. Change of scenery guaranteed!
The port of Essaouira: Built in the 18th century, the port of Essaouira was once one of the most important trading posts in Morocco. If today it looks more like a charming sardine port, it remains an essential stopover for discovering and understanding the history of the city, which makes a living mainly from fishing. In the morning, the return of the boats and the auction are a real spectacle not to be missed. The quays and the cornice are also worth a look, the first serving as a shipyard for the construction of boats in Thuja wood, using traditional techniques, and the second allowing to enjoy a nice view of the trawler masts, and the blue of the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
Now is the time to sit down at one of the restaurants near the port to savor the seafood cooked on the grill or in a succulent fish tagine.
The ramparts of Essaouira: The imposing ramparts encircling the medina of old Mogador were built in the 18th century to protect the city from foreign invasions. Flanked by four large gates to the north, west, east and south, you can walk along this great stone wall, where there are still cannons turned towards the sea. is the ideal place to contemplate the sunset with the view of the harbor. For the record, the ramparts of Essaouira were built by the French architect Théodore Cornut, a pupil of a certain Vauban.
Souks of Essaouira: Like many cities in Morocco, the Souk of Essaouira is a dip in the local culture, the best place to rub shoulders with the inhabitants of the city while shopping. Sectioned into several distinct parts, the souk consists of a fish market (and yes, we are still at the seaside), a place with spices, a flea market also called La Joutia, theater auctions, and finally a jewelry market where you can buy sublime jewelry in gold or silver. Without forgetting the objects of Moroccan craftsmanship such as rugs or leather goods and marquetry.
The beaches of Essaouira: It’s hard to write a top about the most beautiful beaches in Morocco without mentioning the beautiful seaside resort of Essaouira. The large bay of Tafedna, a small fishing village about 60 km from Essaouira, or a little further south that of Imsouane, which, with their banks of blond sand, are among the most beautiful beaches in the region, and are also the benchmark for water sports enthusiasts such as surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, etc.
To conclude today’s visit, we take you to Rabat.
The Hassan Tower is to Rabat, what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris: a symbol! Commissioned in the 12th century at the request of Sultan Yacoub El Mansour who then wanted to build the largest mosque in the world, the construction will be abandoned upon the latter’s death, leaving the tower unfinished. Today, the Arab-Andalusian-style building attracts a large number of tourists, who also come to visit the magnificent Italian white marble mausoleum of King Mohammed V, located a few meters from the Hassan Tower. Inside, you can see the tombs of the king and his two sons, including Hassan II, his successor to the throne.
Once in Rabat, go visit the necropolis of Chellah; Located outside the city center, the Necropolis of Chellah is a place filled with mystery and spirituality. Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman city, it obviously served as a cemetery for several crowned heads from the Merinid dynasty. Now restored and protected, this historic site is the privileged place for a romantic getaway in the heart of a lush garden and antique decor.
The Kasbah of the Oudayas
Built in the 12th century under the Almoravid dynasty, the Kasbah des Oudayas has known various functions throughout its history. Initially serving as a military base for Moroccan troops especially during the conquest of Andalusia, then a haunt of privateers, its current name was given to it by Sultan Moulay Abderrahmane in honor of the Oudayas tribe, who for a time occupied the Kasbah. . During the second half of the 19th century under the leadership of the French protectorate, the place was transformed into a charming little village. The narrow streets and the blue and white colors of the houses almost make you think of a Greek island!
The museum of history and civilizations
Moroccan basements are filled with treasures, and much of these treasures are now gathered at the Museum of History and Civilizations of Rabat (formerly the Archaeological Museum), the city’s most visited museum. Opened in 2017 after a year of restoration, it houses superb collections of objects, pottery, everyday tools and even mosaics that tell the story of Morocco since Prehistory, passing through ancient Rome, then the Islamic period with the great Moroccan dynasties, the last of which, that of the Alaouites, still exists today.
It’s over for today, but stay tuned, tomorrow the last day of discovering Morocco, there is still so much to say ….
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