Essaouira: The Ultimate Chill Coastal Town

Catching Your Breath

If you're doing a Morocco trip, slot Essaouira in right after Marrakech. It's a three-hour bus ride, and the minute you step out, the ocean breeze hits you and your stress disappears. It's a totally different world.

The Vibe

Essaouira is known as the 'Windy City of Africa'. Don't come here expecting a traditional lay-on-a-towel beach holiday—the wind will blow sand right into your face. Instead, it's a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The medina is small, flat, and completely manageable. The shopkeepers are way more relaxed here; nobody is going to aggressively pull you into their store.

Eat the Fish

Head down to the port around noon. You'll see dozens of little blue boats coming in, and massive seagulls flying everywhere. Right next to the port are the seafood grills. You literally point at the fish, crab, or shrimp you want, and they grill it for you on the spot. Squeeze a lemon over it, grab a piece of bread, and eat it at a plastic table. Best lunch you'll have all week.

Game of Thrones Fans

If you watched Game of Thrones, walk along the Skala de la Ville (the old sea walls with the cannons). This was used as the filming location for Astapor. It's a great spot for photos, especially when the waves crash against the rocks below.