About this experience
Beloved by musicians, artists, and filmmakers, Essaouira captivates with its endless desert beaches, dunes, waterfalls, and an unimaginable mix of scents that will make your head spin. Behind every corner, amazing stories of cunning and nobility, love and hatred, true heroism, pirates, and adventurers from around the world are hidden. Essaouira is a place where Black African residents gather in the evenings for lively dances on the sand to the distant roar of the ocean. And most importantly, it offers the ocean, sun, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and smiles from every passerby.
What to Expect
Exploring the Past and Present of Essaouira
We will walk along the fortress walls of amazing beauty and visit places that few tourists have set foot in. You will learn about the ancient methods of extracting valuable purple dye here and why locals have been exchanging ordinary brown sugar for valuable Carrara marble one-to-one for centuries. I will take you to the "royal" quarters, where street musicians, cozy cafes, art galleries of modern artists, and shops full of treasures like those of Aladdin can be found at every step. You will see the places where movies like Game of Thrones, Othello, Troy, and Kingdom of Heaven were filmed. And when you need a break, we'll enjoy coffee on a secluded terrace known only to a few locals.
Symbolism of Things
Essaouira is a place full of mysteries for visitors. We will talk about the messages hidden in the jewelry of the Tuaregs, each piece carrying its own secret meaning. We will decipher the patterns on Berber carpets, explore the symbols on colorful joyful paintings of the Gnawa people, learn how to make a musical instrument from a fish, and understand the symbolism behind the ritual masks of Black Africa. I will also teach you how to shop and haggle like a Moroccan, making the process enjoyable for both you and the shop owners. The rules are simple, but it's a ritual of its own that you will master.
From Sea to Land
We will definitely visit the bustling, vibrant, and lively fishing port. In the nets of local fishermen, curious ocean dwellers often end up, and we will talk about some of them. I will tell you about smugglers in Essaouira and the astonishing rules of Moroccan customs. You will taste oysters and sea urchins, octopus, or simply grilled sardines in a very authentic place that you will not forget. And of course, you will be inspired by the views of the ocean, mesmerizing with its power.
Organizational Details
- We will meet in Essaouira. Additionally, you can book a transfer from Marrakech and back: the cost is 290 euros (for 1-4 people) or 450 euros (for 6-16 people).
- Please note: the guide has the right to end the tour if they believe that the traveler's words/actions are offensive to them, the hosting country, or violate the laws/traditions of the country being visited.
- The tour will be conducted by one of the guides from our team.
