36 hours in Essaouira: things to do and see

The attractive Atlantic port of Essaouira lacks the fame and grandeur of more famous Moroccan cities like Casablanca, but that is exactly its appeal. Easier to navigate than the vast medieval maze of Fez and far more manageable than the bustle of Marrakech, Essaouira (pronounced ess-uh-WEE-ruh) is coastal North Africa at its most picturesque and scenic. . Blue wooden fishing boats carry the day's catch. Camels roam the beaches. In the evening, the sunset casts its light on the crenellated ramparts and watchtowers. It's no wonder productions like Orson Welles' 1951 "Othello" and HBO's "Game of Thrones" filmed here. These days, art galleries, stylish guesthouses and a booming design scene add to the eye candy, while summer music festivals like Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival set the pace.

Recommendations

Key stops

The rue de la Sqala takes you to a walk along the ramparts which offers sublime views of the coast. The Bayt Dakira Museum provides a window into the ancient Jewish community of Essaouira, which was at its height in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a short walk from the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Haim Pinto Synagogue. Essaouira's port has the town's distinctive blue fishing boats, which provide the ingredients for a seafood lunch at a makeshift harborside grill.

Galleries and shopping

The Real Mogador hosts rotating exhibits by Moroccan artists in a stone mansion that was once the Italian consulate. Elizir Gallery is a twisty hodgepodge store with offerings including vintage furniture, movie posters and oil paintings. The Galerie la Kasbah exhibits sculptures, carved doors and paintings of various styles in a rambling space on two levels.