ESSAOUIRA
NATURAL STATE.
This place, Essaouira, it is ruled by nature, by the surf, and its culture. It gives you motivation of life and faith in the diverse human race. Do not let the naysayers bore you with their ill-ease, they have not been to this place, they are yet to go. Known for its spectacular beaches, kite-surfing, and surfing for the extreme beginner, this is where I caught my first wave. Nothing could take away the moments spent here, looking at the blue sky while surfing on the glistening water, the camel chilling on the beach, horses galloping past young Moroccan locals learning to surf, and people of all ages, religions and nationalities in harmony with the tide.
DO.
become an ocean vagabond
You can eat, surf, swim and rest at the Ocean Vagabond ocean club in Essaouira. Relax under the trees and watch the surfings or admire the camels on the beach (they are tired and leashed but unless you are an animal vigilante they will remain as they are). My surf instructors were Rashid and Zacharia. Typically, Essaouira is better know for kite surfing and the vacation spot for Jimi Hendrix, however, one can still learn to surf in these pristine water. Ocean Vagabond beach club is a home away from home for tourists. For the hotel go here: Ocean Vagabond Hotel, and for the Restaurant and Surf Lessons via Ion Surf go here: Ocean Vagabond Restaurant.
STAY. paradise FOUND at LES JARDINS DES DOUARS
This hotel, located about twenty-five minutes from Essaouira town, is a true paradise. Quite difficult to find and off the beaten track. As stately simply from their website Nestled in the heart of the Essaouira hills, sheltered from the high winds, in a magnificent natural setting formed over millennia by the Oued Ksob (river), the Jardin des Douars is a beautiful Guest Ksar (palace) dedicated to lovers of nature, authenticity, simplicity and kindness. The food is delicious, atmosphere intimate and the staff make you feel like family. This one of the most special places I have ever stayed. Enough with words, enjoy the photos as witness.
SHOP. A palette of raffia
Le Souk, 95 Souk Jdid, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Raffia Craft Shoes, 82 rue d’Agadir, Medina
Othman Shop, 86 Rue Laaljou, Medina
No matter where you are in the world, The Anou is a non-profit platform set up by peace core members and local artisans to sell goods made all over Morocco for fair prices shop til you drop on https://www.theanou.com/
EAT.
FOLLOW THE CORRIDOR. For SEAFOOD TAJINE
Ocean Vagabond Restaurant, Boulevard Mohamed V, BP103, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Vague Bleu , 2 Rue Sidi Ali Ben Abdellah, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Gusto Italio, 14 Rue Charif El Idrissi, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Le Cle de Voute, 76 Rue Laaloujj, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Restaurant Adwak, 2 Rue de Tetouan, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Restaurant d'Orient et d'Ailleurs, 67 Bis, Rue Touahen | Proche de la Skala de la Medina, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Les Jardins Des Douars Hotel (private dining room) Douar Sidi Yassine Ida Oueguerd BP 209, Essaouira, Morocco
