10 Things to do in Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is a charming seaside town on the North coast of Morocco. Although more laid back than the capital Marrakesh, it still has a lot to offer for a long weekend away. So here is a list of the top 10 things to do whilst visiting Essaouira:

1. Visit the Medina - The Medina is home to hundreds of winding alleyways bursting with vibrant shops and people. There is a constant bustle here with street performers at every turn, locals asking you to sample their fabrics or homemade craft works and on the streets outside there are cafes filled with visitors drinking tea or sampling the local cuisine. Spend a few hours wondering the streets taking everything in and then finish by watching the sunset on the beach front. The lovely thing about Essaouira is you do not get hassled to buy products compared to other locations.
2. Water Sports - The Essaouira coast is a Mecca for people wanting to get into the sea for a spot of wind based activities and surfing. The winds are notoriously high in this area and therefore the surf is usually pretty good. The sea can be quite rough so make sure you are an experienced swimmer. Equipment can be rented from a number of surf shops along the sea front.
3. Horse/Camel Riding - The high winds have created sweeping dunes just off the coast and therefore why don’t you get on the back of one of these hoofed animals and ride into the sunset.
4. Eat - Moroccan food is fantastic and being a seaside town, the seafood is even better. Make sure to try a variety of tajines as well as all the seafood you can get your hands on. Some local recommendations would be:M Beach where you can have a bottle of wine on the beach on a luxurious lounger. Another location for some tapas and cocktails would be Taros within the media walls, this lively location is on the roof top which is the perfect setting to listen to a live band!
5. Hiking - There are a variety of hikes available to book with a tour guide. The local countryside is home to a variety of wildlife and fantastic scenery. Hikes can be organised for beginners right through to the seasoned professionals.
6. Cycling - The local area is pretty flat and therefore there are a lot of cyclists on the road. The wind keeps the temperature down and the scenery is beautiful. 
7. Golf - There are a number of high quality golf courses in the area and you can play 18 holes with your own caddie, clubs and buggy for around £100 pounds. 
8. Cooking - Why not try your hand at the many cooking classes in the local area to hone your traditional Moroccan cooking skills. 
9. Spa - Make sure to try a spa treatment whilst in Morocco at a traditional Hamman. 
10. Relax - Most importantly… RELAX! The boutique hotels in the area surrounding the main town and a short ride outside are all designed for relaxation. My personal recommendation would be Jardin Des Douars, an article will be live soon with all the details! Sun, Food, Spa & Sleep are the orders of the day. Go on, you deserve a rest!