What to do in Essaouira

Part unassuming fishing village, part adventure hub and part historic hotspot, Essaouira is laid-back charm personified. Once a real-life pirate's hideout, today you'll find pretty bright-blue rowing boats lining the shores and a jumble of stalls in the souks. Alongside your souk adventures, go horseback riding along the beach and spy passing camel trains as you go, enjoy the Atlantic on a range of water sports including kite, wind and standard surfing, or hike into the scenic countryside. It's easy to see why the likes of Jimmy Hendrix and Cat Stevens returned here again and again - and of course you can't leave without a taste of Essaouira's classic 'chwaya' seafood barbecue.