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Essaouira
The Medina of Essaouira (formerly "Mogador") is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortified town, as transferred to North Africa.
The fishing harbour, suffering from the competition of Agadir and Safi remains rather small, although the catches (sardines, conger eels) are surprisingly abundant due to the coastal upwelling generated by the powerful northeastern trade winds.
Tourism is of growing importance, supporting boutique hotels established in traditional Moroccan riads, within the old town's ramparts. There are a number of modern purpose-built hotels, running along the beach. The medina is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and thuya wood-carving, both of which have been practised in Essaouira for centuries.
Essaouira is also renowned for its windsurfing, with the powerful northeastern trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected, almost waveless, bay. Several world-class clubs rent top-notch material on a weekly basis.
The water is "fresh" year-round, and parasols tend to be used more as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. Camel excursions are available on the beach and into the desert band in the interior.
