Its white castellated walls glowing under the sun and jutting out to sea, this town is one of the most as picturesque and pleasant in Morocco. Inside the medina, a maze of narrow alleys and blue painted houses makes it a special joy to get lost in the wandering.

Strategically situated for port commerce and sunbathing, Essaouira has hosted everyone from Pheonician traders and Portugese militia to ritual surfers and pot-smoking hippies - roving songsters Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley among them.

The city’s souks remain home to crafters of various Moroccan trades. Year round tourism makes for good business. As winds off the coast can be strong, Essaouira beaches attract board riders and windsurfers from around the globe. But the town is also a haven for artists, painters and musicians, many of whom are native Moroccan.