Essaouira-Mogador City
For generations, Essaouira-Mogador has been Morocco’s bohemian soul, a windswept port city where creativity and commerce have danced together in its narrow derbs (alleyways) and bustling souks. Founded as “Mogador” by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah in the 18th century, the city became a vital trading port linking Africa with Europe. Today, its distinctive architecture – a harmonious blend of Moroccan and European styles – tells stories of its multicultural past, while the perpetual chorus of seagulls, the rhythm of gnawa music, and the aroma of grilled sardines create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Morocco. The city’s laid-back charm has attracted artists, musicians, and writers for decades, including Jimi Hendrix and Orson Welles, who found inspiration within its ancient walls.