Essaouira is an ancient port on the western shoulder of Africa, just about level with the Canaries, and embraced by the Atlantic on three sides. It has recently been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars are forbidden inside the city walls (medina) so there is a unique hustle and bustle of human activity; carpenters crafting objects from the local thuya wood, eating, drinking, chatting, and of course the most important of Moroccan sports; buying and selling at the varied and colourful souks .

Just outside the city walls across the main square is the very active fishing port, with boats being made and laughing crews arriving with their days catch. Next to the port are barbeque grills where you can have freshly caught seafood cooked for you immediately. We love walking to the port at sunset, watching the boats come in.

The beach is sandy and stretches endlessly south towards the Sahara . If you could walk for long enough you would find elephants and tigers! It is often windy hence Essaouira's reputation as "Wind City of Africa". And has become a mecca for windsurfers and for watersports in general. In the summer this wind provides a welcome relief from the often intense heat. Further along the beach there are camels and horses to take you further if you so desire. There are restaurants and cafés to suit most tastes whether it be sipping mint tea on a hot afternoon or a stylish dinner in beautiful surroundings with Moroccan wine.

We have found a feeling of peace here where you really can unwind. Many famous artists and musicians have been drawn here for the same reasons, including Orson Welles , Jimi Hendrix, and more recently Ridley Scott. The friendly laid back and virtually hassle free attitude of the locals is in complete contrast to the 'Marrakech experience' which should also not be missed!