Essaouira Tour Review: Sqala Du Port, Medina & Fish Market

So, Essaouira, right, it’s almost like this coastal town that’s got a real charm, very distinct from Marrakech’s frenzy. Very often folks consider a visit here as like, you know, a breath of air that’s definitely fresher. Very recently, I had the chance to check out a tour, that covers the Sqala Du Port, the Medina, the ramparts, even that very, very aromatic fish market, so I thought, right, I’d just share, like, what the deal is, give you all the lowdown to see if it is that worthy of your time, similarly to my visit.

First Stop: Exploring Sqala Du Port

So, that Sqala Du Port, you know, that’s where we got things underway, really. Basically, it’s a fortress thing, right on that water’s edge, very steeped in history, actually. We’re talking cannons that very stare out over the ocean, a view that you cannot believe, like, and it really gives you those goosebumps of how things were back when, really. Usually, guides will very fill you in with stories of seafaring escapades, just slightly, I tell you, it kind of feels like you’ve stepped right into a movie, actually.

Like, what to watch out for there? Maybe the crowds, they’re kind of intense in peak hours, right? So, arguably, that best light is usually found early in the day or even like, as that sun’s ready to drop, for that photo magic that we very chase. Very really soak it in, imagine pirates or warships from way back when, and you might too get as carried away as I did, in a way.

Wandering the Maze: The Medina of Essaouira

Next up, that Medina of Essaouira; it’s a very UNESCO thing, you know? Typically, that just means, it’s gorgeous and seriously worth your time, really. Seemingly, unlike those intense labyrinths in Fes and Marrakech, this Medina’s much more chilled, honestly. Very arguably, I found myself breathing easy, just almost, you know, soaking it all in as I moved.

Like, you’re gonna get handicrafts galore, too it’s almost unbelievable. You are able to get thuya wood carvings – that’s wood from this tree, right, that’s quite regional, in some respects – argan oil products too, by the way, it seems like it is from all over, so always double-check that stuff. Very, very watch the sales pressure though. Many people will often suggest, that, maybe honing your bargaining skills? Typically, start at half what that person’s pitching, even much, much lower in many of the tourist spots, actually.

Actually, if you want those special bits, try getting off the main drag, in a way. Look in the tiny little side streets for like, genuinely authentic goods, so, even that tea that this old person was very keen for us to taste! By the way, also, be keen to respectfully say ‘no thanks’, usually, as some traders can get intensely full-on; if you’re at all like me, and that is alright with you!

Essaouira’s Ramparts: A Walk Through History

Arguably, that Essaouira ramparts are very simply mind-blowing, really. We walked them after the Medina bit, arguably, that to catch panoramic views that I would very, very repeat today. Obviously, those very sturdy walls whisper tales of old battles; I find it really difficult not getting involved in stories like this, literally! As a matter of fact, it makes me research them after. The views are so dramatic you kind of do a movie-villain laugh – very therapeutic!

Usually, just take your time walking. Too it’s almost you will just spot history wherever you turn; be it tiny cannons, right, or very old watchtowers that kind of stand guard still. Now, there is no shade so I recommend not forgetting sunscreen, arguably, sunglasses too, and very, very maybe even a hat, you know; mostly that very, very North African sunlight doesn’t mess about. Take loads of water, even those small backpacks with space inside, because it can kind of heat up fast.

Sensory Overload: The Fish Market

If you dig fresh seafood, the fish market – seriously don’t pass it up. The buzz, the odors (some much less lovely than others), but too it’s almost very just vibrant, like proper full of life, you know! As a matter of fact, we very strolled by late morning when it’s typically getting wild, you know.

Okay, the experience? Typically, you have all of those vendors yell and waving the fish, basically; the local cats hang about, kind of just waiting in line for any rogue bits. Often you can select what takes your fancy right there, alright? The place then prepares it, really cheap as chips, right, by that port, like freshly grilled; I often want some when I tell stories. If it all feels really hectic, that totally doesn’t faze me.

Be careful with footwear options, anyway, alright, it can get intensely moist. It is that proper experience for that sensor overload vibe but like, right? Make sure that you check all food prep displays and all cleanliness, you know. So, arguably, that should be quite obvious. This may tend to be alright but may not float your boat.

Booking Tours: Tips and Suggestions

Like, you might go freestyle, you can check out an organized tour; those very trips leave straight from Marrakech if you’re very after an easier, very much all-inclusive type situation, still, by the way. You know, there’s loads pitched, honestly.

Typically, shop around when selecting those deals. Now, always look through review options prior too, that you very pay someone to make sure your guide knows that local lingo, you can check that every aspect of that schedule gets included; so there isn’t those sudden ‘extras’ sprung near the end! As a matter of fact, check if those entry prices get sorted up front.

Like, what’s an alternative thing? Very honestly, a tour can just often give deeper perspectives plus those insights a guidebook doesn’t cover, yet the right trip lets the destination shine on its own accord too, you know.

Is Essaouira Worth a Day Trip?

Seriously, is that Essaouira day trip totally worth it, like? Arguably, in many respects yes! I suggest to all you people feeling Marrakech might get overly intense, seriously; and I also do not just mean that temperatures wise either! If like me, you just fancy some quieter vibe but you enjoy that old world feeling – right; so too it’s almost definitely seriously suggest checking that out at least. Plus obviously those seafood eats seriously rock there!

The town delivers, just slightly. Seemingly you need that fresh blast from ocean sprays along, of course, with that dose coming straight at you, with real local life which just all plays a big part. Even the Medina there doesn’t nearly get under the skin in a major way too, also, and even I can find that overwhelming!

Very, very watch that timing, right, because that transit back & forth does nibble into that precious sight-seeing slot available in peak times so do watch it, too, though. With early starts there, alright, be all set to feel really ready for what will get thrown that way that day.

Planning That Perfect Visit: Some Extras

Typically, I’d check out some extra elements will always just very improve things that you want the most out of the experience; obviously right, just with this spot.

For that first thing – attire: Right, okay? Typically you should ensure you get dresses correctly; right? Morocco does usually not have super strict views but that just respecting cultures of local nature; typically you avoid just obviously overly skin showing things you know! Just be keen to keep really comfy kicks there if at all possible also for any foot exploration too!

Arguably that ‘cash life’? That just does prevail quite extensively as a basic element too, actually; be aware that more minor vendors might usually struggle much just dealing solely within all cards that may apply, very too it’s almost definitely just ensure bits stay kept safer etc when hauling them through super thronged areas etc as too; those smaller touts kind of operate mostly also. Don’t have cash, like?

Lastly I wanted to make all you folks knowing how that ‘time to respect’ sort all gels there: Morocco generally greatly embraces super politeness standards even usually – often, just please seek some moments where obviously required and especially throughout more domestic interacting which I do personally suggest a lot! Also obviously please note where you click things too right!

Enjoy scoping this out for yourselves sometime; I find such trips super fab and seriously awesome. Morocco has much real cultural relevance but I do so with total safety too you see!

#Essaouira #Morocco #TravelGuide #Medina #FishMarket #SqalaDuPort