GloboTreks is reader-supported through affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! – Norbert
409shares
As if I had not given enough love to Essaouira in my last post, I decided to do another post based on the quick snapshots I took with my iPhone while walking the streets and beach of this small coastal town.
What I love about my Instagramming series is that it shows spontaneous moments I get to catch while on the move. Just grab the phone, slide, and snap!
This photo essay shows the daily activities commonly seen while walking through Essaouira.
A typical street in the medina in Essaouira.
I love the sight of bikes against walls, especially when they are near big colorful doors. This was in one of the alleys in the medina.
The courtyard at the Maison du Sud, the riad I stayed in while in Essaouira. This is the typical domestic architecture found in various medinas.
The fortified waterfront with its canons. These walls once protected the medina from foreign attacks. In fact, the medina is a UNESCO site since it is a great example of a late 18th-century fortified town.
Canon view… the sea between the crenellations.
Seagulls, seagulls, seagulls, and more seagulls. This is how the sky along the waterfront looks like 24 hours a day. The seagulls dominate the panorama.
The Skala du Port. From it, you get the best view of the medina and its walls, on the opposite side you get a vantage point of the old port, and a bit ahead you see the Iles Purpuraires and its Phoenician ruins. Back in time, the Romans used to scour the bay for murex shells to make the purple dye for their robes – hence the name of the islands.
The view from the top of Skala du Port. Again, the seagulls dominate the sky.
The view of the medina from the top of Skala du Port. Such a beautiful view and so much history contained in such a small fortified space.
The view towards the old port from the top of Skala du Port.
As I walked away from the Skala du Port, I was able to capture this seagull right at the moment it was about to catch flight.
Small fishing boats at the base of the Skala du Port – a fortification dating from the Portuguese occupation.
Hundreds of small, blue fishing boats tied together at the port. The Skala also serves as a background to this port.
An authentic fishing boat at the old port with a dozen of seagulls inhabiting it.
Fishermen selling their fresh catch right at the old port.
A policeman horse waiting on the beach. Have I told you that Moroccans are really friendly? I didn’t know this was an officer’s horse and took a picture of it. Eventually the policeman came to me and told me it is forbidden to take pictures. He asked me where I’m from, and as I replied I slid open my iPhone to delete the picture. He asked me quicky, “everything good?”, to which I replied, “all good”. He waved at me with a gesture of “don’t bother deleting the picture” and told me with a big smile to enjoy the day!
Camels are part of the sights you’ll see at the beach. They are there as part of the activities you can do –like a camel walk along the beach– or just for viewing pleasure.
A guy practicing one of the many watersports you can do in Essaouira Beach – windsurf, kite surf, surf, among others.
The ruins of Bourj El Baroud a few miles south of the medina, along the beach. It’s better to walk there when the tide is low so you can walk straight to the ruins. People in Essaouira refer to it as the Portuguese Castle, but in reality, it was not made by the Portuguese, but by Mohammed ben Abdallah in the 18th century.
Can you ask for a more relaxed and visually attractive place than Essaouira?
409shares
Keep Reading to Plan Your Next Adventure
LET ME HELP YOU TRAVEL MORE BY GETTING ADDITIONAL TIPS AND INSPIRATION VIA THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.
Plus, receive a short e-book with 15 Beginner Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Flights!
Gorgeous shots, love the camel on the beach!
Thanks, Andi! I loved seeing those camels on the beach. 🙂
I love Essaouira, the pictures you took capture it beautifully!
Thanks!
Ha ha ha, the seagulls are always there! 🙂
ALWAYS!!! hahaha! 😀