{"id":94369,"date":"2019-08-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/50-shades-of-blue-in-essaouira-moroccos-boho-chic-beach-town\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:55:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:55:53","slug":"50-shades-of-blue-in-essaouira-moroccos-boho-chic-beach-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/50-shades-of-blue-in-essaouira-moroccos-boho-chic-beach-town\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Shades of Blue in Essaouira: Morocco\u2019s Boho Chic Beach Town"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arguably, Morocco has it all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is a photographer\u2019s technicolour playground, with flashes of colour in every corner and crevice. If you are in search of reds and oranges you would need to head to the Saharan plains where the sun sinks into a valley of undulating sand dunes. If you are in search of more cooler tones you should explore the city of Essaouira &#8211; Morocco\u2019s own very boho-chic beach town. You will delight in its 50 shades of blue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With such variety, choosing your ideal destination in this sun-touched land can prove to be a difficult task.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78292 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4399.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essaouria&#8217;s name means \u201clittle picture\u201d in Arabic, and as the name suggests, it is a photogenic haven. Not only does it resonate with a photographer but also a painter who is in search of a picture-perfect dream destination. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>The blue-and-white inner walled city, enclosed by fairy-tale, sand-coloured ramparts and imposing stone gates, is a breath of fresh air from the pinks and peaches of a Marrakech Medina and the deep golden yellows of the Sahara Desert.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78282 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4658.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Blue covers the hulls of the clustered, moored boats and adorns the shutters of every window of this Moroccan seaside port. You would usually associate this stark blue and white colour palette with that of Greece, but here, the blue speaks of a 3,000-year-old history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The blue comes as a tribute to the nearby Mogador Island where the colour has been harvested from the rare Murex sea snail shell that can be found there.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>A 3000-year-old history<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78291 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4826.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essaouira has a long-standing history that dates back to the 6th century BC and offers a true example of a once multicultural centre. Since its foundation, diverse ethnic groups have lived in co-existence here. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Romans, Portuguese, French<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arabs and Africans have at some point called this home. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, is that North Africa\u2019s largest population of Jews inhabited this city as well, which can be seen by the number of old synagogues that still remain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78294 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5385-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>The drawcard?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was once a major international trading seaport, that linked Morocco and its<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Saharan hinterland with Europe and the rest of the world. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, the status of the port has been taken over by Casablanca, yet Essaouria&#8217;s ancient principals are alive and as colourful as ever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stark fortress walls surrounding the city was built by the Portuguese who briefly inhabited here. Today, it is the town\u2019s most prominent feature and gives it a medieval and exotic feel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inside, expats from all over the world tell tales of visiting once and subsequently purchasing a one-way ticket. And once you visit, you\u2019ll understand why.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78337 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5318.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria - Morocco's Boho Chic Beach Town \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2013, the television show <em>Voyages<\/em> selected Essaouria as one of the \u201cTen Happiest Destinations\u201d on Earth. And the people here sure are welcoming. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Hippie hotspot?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the colourful port, rolling waves and a wide buttery beach stretching for miles complete the canvas for a laid-back and artistic atmosphere. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essaouria contains all <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">things boho-chic, making it a mecca for all things artsy. Including the people that it finds gravitating there. It was a favourite for<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix, who both lived in the city for a short period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78290 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4882.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the 1960s, Essaouira\u2019s chilled-out gentle charm and laid back beach vibes have been living up to its reputation. And that is not because people can be found sunbathing there. Instead, it has become a prime destination for die-hard wind and kite-surfer fans who can appreciate the strong winds that blow here. It was, after all, dubbed as &#8220;Africa\u2019s Windy City&#8221;.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>A UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78285 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5054-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go mapless with a camera in hand and embrace the beauty of getting lost in Essaouria\u2019s Medina. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its picturesque honeycomb streets will become your favourite past time.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll stumble across absurdly pretty entryways and doors, secluded art galleries, and hidden rooftop terraces.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The buildings found within, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">combine North African and European architectural styles giving it a unique character and charming atmosphere. It is no wonder why UNESCO awarded the whole city world heritage status.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spend time admiring the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cones of olives, fruits and nuts, pyramids of orange turmeric, red paprika and golden sesame seeds of the treasure trove of souks that form the heart of the medina. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handicrafts, rugs, clay dishes, spices, and a range of trinkets are also on offer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78283 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5004.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike other Moroccan medinas, the merchants here seem somewhat indifferent to tourists. They give priority to serving their regulars &#8211;\u00a0 locals who come here to shop and to chat, sometimes at leisure, sometimes in a rush. But, after having spent time in a chaotic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/marrakech\/flights\">Marrakech<\/a>, this laidback approach would be a welcomed affair for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78293 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5011.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouira Morocco\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The town is also famous for its skilled, wood-carving artisans who work with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thuya<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a type of wood found mostly in northwestern Africa. From salad spoons to tabletop decorations to drool-worthy furniture, the wood souk behind Skala de la Ville is the go-to place for all your wooden needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78284 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5172.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your eyes peeled for local women showcasing how Argan oil is manually extracted from the argan fruit. For centuries it has been famed for its moisturizing properties for your skin and hair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might think that while observing the old quarter and all the people dressed in traditional wear that you are witnessing scenes unchanged since the city was born. But, if you look closely, the medina&#8217;s trendy caf<em>\u00e9<\/em>s bare evidence of the Medina&#8217;s great shifts over the centuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-78338 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5321.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>The views<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Climb the ramparts to appreciate the Medina\u2019s tiny maze-like streets. Here you can witness some spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic that is lapping at its base. And if you are lucky, you can experience the sunset from a seagull&#8217;s eye whilst sipping on the locals&#8217; famous hot mint tea.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Fish market<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78280 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4496.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This seaside port witnesses fishermen bringing in more fish than any other African nation. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wizened old men with giant fishing nets return each morning to proudly display their catch of the day neatly across old wooden tables.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78340 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4524.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouira Morocco\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are truly spoilt for choice with this variety. Red snapper, prawns, pre-cut calamari and shrimp can be found here. Other types of fish on offer include barracuda and possibly the largest crabs you will ever set your eyes on. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with eel, sea urchins are a common deliciously, and once you can get past its deadly spikes you will be in for a real treat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-78281 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4511.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouria, Morocco's Boho Chic beach town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handpick your catch of the day. Then let the local chefs at the boat-shaped restaurants that line the dock. They will fillet them up for you. While you wait, enjoy the ambience of the locals laid back daily life from the comfort of a vinyl-wrapped picnic table. You will also enjoy taking in the blissful cries of the seagulls that soar above you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78339 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4477.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouira Morocco\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>The ultimate filming location<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is no surprise to learn that Morocco has been awarded 1471 filming permits in a space of 12 months. Many of which have been issued to film for directors who discovered Essaouira&#8217;s photogenic and atmospheric qualities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78286 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B4367.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouira Morocco\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a huge fan of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HBO\u2019s hit series <\/span><em>Game of Thrones<\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you will appreciate walking in the footsteps of some of the world&#8217;s greatest actors. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other films, like Oliver Stone\u2019s <\/span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alexander,<\/span><\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> were also shot in this region, as well as <\/span><em>Gladiator<\/em>, <em>Time Bandits<\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the epic <\/span><em>Lawrence of Arabia<\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>When to visit<a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-78341 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/B7B5046-1.jpg\" alt=\"Essaouira Morocco\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">June is the best time to visit before temperatures soar. However, the Aliz\u00e9s winds found here also means that Essaouira never reaches boiling point. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During this time, m<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">usic fans can also be bowled over by the town\u2019s annual Gnaoua world music festival that takes place towards the end of June each year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Keen to explore this magical Morrocan city?<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/essaouira\/flights\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book cheap flights to Essaouria with Travelstart.co.za!<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h6><strong>All images on this post are credited to: Chantelle Flores | www.51countriesandcounting.com<\/strong><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arguably, Morocco has it all. It is a photographer\u2019s technicolour playground, with flashes of colour in every corner and crevice. If you are in search of reds and oranges you would need to head to the Saharan plains where the sun sinks into a valley of undulating sand dunes. If you are in search of more cooler tones you should explore the city of Essaouira &#8230; <a title=\"50 Shades of Blue in Essaouira: Morocco\u2019s Boho Chic Beach Town\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/50-shades-of-blue-in-essaouira-moroccos-boho-chic-beach-town\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 50 Shades of Blue in Essaouira: Morocco\u2019s Boho Chic Beach Town\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":94387,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,16,445,448],"tags":[381,523,39],"class_list":["post-94369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-travel","category-destinations-travel","category-inspiration-travel","tag-adventure-travel","tag-africa-travel","tag-travel","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>50 Shades of Blue in Essaouira: Morocco\u2019s Beach Town - Travelstart.co.za<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Experience the wonder of colours, food and culture in Essaouira, Morocco&#039;s boho beach town. 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