Medina of Essaouira

The Medina of Essaouira is a fortified Atlantic port town on Morocco’s west coast, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its preserved 18th-century medina and port. The town is noted for its coherent urban layout, stone ramparts and continuing maritime activity.

Within the medina visitors find narrow lanes, small souks, wood- and silver-work artisans, and a compact active fishing port. The stone ramparts and bastions that face the sea provide multiple viewpoints over the Atlantic and the harbour, while the waterfront supports restaurants and fish markets.

The medina reached its current form in the 18th century under Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah who ordered the rebuilding and planning of the port town; its defensive walls and grid-like streets reflect that period’s urban design. The town has retained its historic fabric through continuous use as a working port and market centre.

Essaouira sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast in the Marrakesh-Safi region, roughly on the western edge of the country where the town opens directly onto the ocean. The medina and harbour occupy a compact coastal strip with ramparts facing the sea and urban neighbourhoods rising inland.

• UNESCO designation: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved 18th-century medina and intact urban layout.
• Best views: The ramparts around the old port offer clear views over the Atlantic and are among the clearest vantage points for sunrise and sea activity.

What to See #

• Skala and harbour ramparts: A linear set of 18th-century sea-facing ramparts and bastions built to protect the harbour and flanked by a working fishing port and quay.
• Medina streets and souks: Narrow lanes and artisanal souks where woodcraft, silverwork and local textiles are sold alongside small cafes and galleries.
• Fishing port and quay: A compact port area where fishing boats land fresh fish and seafront restaurants and stalls operate alongside the quay.