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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Africa
- Morocco
- Essaouira
Essaouira
The popular holiday resort town of Essaouira dates from the 18th
century and is easily reached by bus from Marrakech. The town is
encircled by a fortified wall, and faces the sea, featuring a
beautiful stretch of beach, some pretty whitewashed houses,
boat-builders workshops and art galleries. What makes Essaouira
popular is the laid-back holiday atmosphere, and its characteristic
wind that makes it a perfect place for wind and kite surfing,
though sunbathing and swimming difficult. It is also famed for its
woodcarving tradition, particularly with the local fragrant Thuya
wood. Popular activities in Essaouira include horseback riding on
the beach, visits to the Argan Woods and Thuya Forests, and
excursions to nearby Diabat, which draws tourists on the strength
of Jimi Hendrix's presence there many years ago. The harbour is a
hive of activity, with stalls and open air seafood restaurants and
is particularly busy during the daily (except Sundays) fish auction
that attracts as many seagulls as buyers, sellers and
onlookers.
Information & Facts
Language
Arabic is the official language, but eight other
languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish.
English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is
the most widely spoken.
Money
The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is
divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns,
but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or
official bureaux de changes, which are also widespread in major
towns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and
receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as
well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit
cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants.
Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas, but are not
prevalent; they are best taken in Euros or Pounds Stirling.