Essaouira

The beach dominates the Essaouirans' leisure time. Although the strong wind and currents makes relaxed tanning and swimming a little difficult at times, it is perfect for windsurfing. With good winds for most days of the year, Essaouira is a windsurfer's paradise. The best spots are reported to be Essaouira Bay, Sidi Kaouki, Cape Sim and Mouley Bouzertoune. Equipment can be hired from the Windsurfing Club on the beach front.

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Buy

Essaouira's craftsmen are renowned for their woodwork and lacquerware. Intricately inlaid boxes, chessboards and curios can be found for good prices in the city's hundreds of shops.

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Eat

Although Essaouira is on shore, sea fishes are quite expensive there. Fishermen came from the sea, sell the fishes through market hall and you can get it baken in small stands nearby. Prizes are negotiable. Cheaper option is to buy Harira (soup) for 2-5DH or sandwich (I.e. at Blue fasade for 10-20DH, walking at the street from fish stands to the medina). If you have enough money, you can enjoy very pleasant atmosphere in local restaurants.

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Drink

Mint tea for about 6DH at various places.

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Sleep

Hotel Smara, 26 Rue de la Skala, Tel: 044-472334, is one of the cheapest (and therefore most popular) hotels in town, so you may need to book ahead during peak season. The spartan roof terrace has nice views over the cannons used in the opening sequence of Orson Welles Othello. Singles / doubles with shared bath start from Dh 47 / Dh 96.
Right on the beach, Sofitel Thalassa Mogador, Tel: 47 23 34, will be happy to indulge your every whim, for a hefty price. Singles / doubles start at Dh 1400 / Dh 1850 during low season but can rocket up to Dh 1890 / Dh 2430 during the peak new year period. Luxury suites are also available and there's a Sofitel-branded health spa next door for those in urgent need of a hydrotherapy session and facial.
If you're looking for longer term or apartment accommodation, try Essaouira Apartments, Jack's Kiosk, 1 Place Moulay Hassan, Tel: 044-475538 (Fax: 044-476901, Email: apartment@essaouira.com).

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