Departure from Marrakesh towards Essaouira (about 2h 45 drive)
Soon after ' Douar Laskar ', a very busy peripheral area of Marrakesh, the road goes through the bare and huge plain of Haouz. You'll cross some villages, where on top of the rammed earth roofs you will see, big amphorae made of reeds coated with dried mud, storage for grains and seeds.
Arrival in the village of Chichaoua (73km)
We'll pass it to spend more time in the following village: Sidi Mokhtar,
( 25 km from Chichaoua). This is where the "Chichaoua" high wool rugs are handmade.
Don't miss the visit of one of the small workshops just by the road, where women weave the famous rugs of this region, which prints are actually very similar from those found in Rabat .
After 52km you'll cross Ounagha, typical village, to then arrive on the Atlantic coast, in the small city of Essaouira
Discover Essaouira open time
This name is a distortion of the word " Souirah ", which means in Arabic: the picture, the drawing.
Essaouira was called Mogador for a long time, inspired by the name of its chef, Sidi Amogdoul.
The city is built on a low and narrow sandy peninsula
Strengthened " à la Vauban ", endowed with walls dividing several internal quarters of perfectly straight streets, dense houses with many floors, Essaouira was described in the past as « a European fantaisie on a Moroccan theme ».
. Its architect, Theodore Cornut was actually a French captive.
Its impregnable bastions were used until last century by pirates who terrorized the populations of Europe Southern coasts .
There remain towers, walls opening onto medinas, and monumental doors with evocative names: Bab el Had (the Sunday market door) or Bab el Mrisa (the small harbour door).
In the past they were protected by a harrow and heavily defended by artillery.
In the last century, sultans used to display rebels cut heads.
. Essaouira is renowned for its wooden (thuya) objects inlaid with citrus and mother-of-pearls: chessboards, frames, etc…
Accommodation at Riad Dar Ness
Riad Dar Ness , was renovated and transformed into a charming guesthouse. Riad Dar Ness has 9 spacious rooms decorated with style, each one with its own bathroom. A multicolour patio with a fountain in the middle.The terrace with a spectacular view on the harbour, the beach and the island Mogador, is ideal to take your breakfast, meditate, read or sunbath while admiring the ocean.
Free time in the city after a sunny breakfast on the terrasse
We'll be happy to recommend our Essaouira best addresses: from restaurants to spas, guides and shops, but also outdoor activities such as kitesurfing, horse riding…
Return to Marrakesh end of the day. ( arrival around 8.00 pm) |
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)