Essaouira is a port and tourist town situated on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. By the sea, its medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century ramparts.

With its crenellated walls, the breath of the trade winds, and houses with white and blue façades, the colour of sea foam and waves, Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is the “Bride of the Atlantic”. It is one of those coastal towns where a relaxed way of life and water sports go hand in hand.

You can stroll peacefully here, in the shade of its ramparts – the very same ones that outline Astapor, the Red City from the "Game of Thrones" series. We climb up onto the walls and follow the rampart walk: from there, we can see the Purpuraires Islands, the falcons, the seagulls and the gulls gliding above this nature reserve. In the distance, surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers never tire of the quality of the wind!

Then, step by step, the walk leads to the fishing port where the fishermen are bustling about; not far from there is the fish market where you can sample the fish and seafood caught overnight.

In the centre, the medina unfolds its network of narrow streets. Among the most beautiful in Morocco, it is listed by UNESCO. Finally, every summer, the city is filled with music: the Gnaoua Festival is held here, celebrating Afro-Maghreb rhythms.