Spices of Essaouira
A walled Atlantic port in Morocco, near the argan groves, with a spice and herb trade in its small medina.
Traded and grown here
Best time: May to September, and during the Gnawa festival in June.
Essaouira is a UNESCO-listed fortified port on Morocco's Atlantic coast. It was a gateway for trans-Saharan trade, and its medina has spice shops, woodworkers and grilled fish stalls.
Spices and trade
Shops sell cumin, saffron, ras el hanout, paprika, cinnamon and amlou, a spread of argan oil, almonds and honey. The argan tree grows in the surrounding region, and its oil is pressed by women's cooperatives.
The place and its people
The city has a Gnawa music tradition, with an annual festival. Fish is grilled fresh at the harbour.
Visiting
The harbour, ramparts and medina are compact. The winds can be strong.
A trail idea for Essaouira
- The harbour Eat grilled fish and watch the boats.
- Medina spice stalls Buy cumin and saffron.
- An argan cooperative See oil being made.
- The ramparts Walk along the old guns.
Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Essaouira" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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