A windy time in Essaouira

We were in desperate need of a weekend retreat. A fellow teacher was having a visitor for the weekend so it was decided that we would take the 3 hour bus ride across to Essaouira and join them. Essaouira is a coastal town of about 70,000. It was originally a trading port and called Mogador, which now refers to the island off the coast. The medina is UNESCO World Heritage listed and Orson Welles filmed 'Othello' in the medina in 1952.

The beach is expansive and very windy. There are not many waves, but the conditions are perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Jeff and I previously had a go at windsurfing in Essa back in 2007. I had a great time and would love to try it again when the weather heats up a little.

So this time, we relaxed with friends in a huge apartment/riad deep into the medina. We ate delicious fresh seafood and relaxed in the sun. Essaouira is a very pretty and clean destination in Morocco. I love the white walls and bright blue doors, windows and balconies. The locals are friendlier and the air is fresher. A perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of bursting Marrakech.