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"Essaouira: Hippy Paradise & World... " a Essaouira Travel Page by iwys

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"Essaouira: Hippy Paradise & World... " a Essaouira Travel Page by iwys

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iwys   
I came, I saw and I had a good time


Real Name: Ian
Lives In: Salalah, OM
Member Since: Jul 28, 2004
VT Rank: 102

 

Page Views: 1,163            Last Visit to Essaouira: October, 2006      

Essaouira: Hippy Paradise & World Heritage Site

by iwys - last update: Apr 5, 2007

Essaouira is one of the most laid back places in the world. No wonder that in the late 60s it rivalled Kathmandu as a hippy paradise. It was visited by Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Cat Stevens, Leonard Cohen...you get the picture.

I really love this place and would seriously consider it as one of my Top 10 places in the world, ahead of Marrakech definitely.
The Medina of Essaouira is, as UNESCO describe it,"an exceptional example of an eighteenth century fortified town". It is consequently listed as a World Heritage Site. It is a colourful place, with golden beaches, whitewashed houses and blue fishing boats.
The Phoenecians stopped here as early as the 7th century BC and the Carthaginian navigator, Hanno established a trading post here in the 5th century BC. In 1506 the King of Portugal ordered the building of the first fortress to defend this startegically important harbour.

The city and fortifications we see today, was largely built during the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, who brought in a French military engineer, Thodore Cornut, to construct a modern fortress, the walls and towers of which are still in perfect condition.

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iwys' Essaouira Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 11 - Photos: 23
 
Restaurants
Tips: 3 - Photos: 7
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1 - Photos: 4
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 3 - Photos: 5
 
Tourist Traps
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Warnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 1
Local Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips
Tips: 6 - Photos: 20

Comments for iwys about Essaouira
JLBG Mon Apr 2, 2007 06:46 UTC
 An excellent page, with beautiful photos on this fascinating city! On my last visit, I did not see the Orson Welles Square! As an independent traveller, I ignored everything of Jimmy Hendrickx in Essaouira, haha!
freddie18 Tue Mar 6, 2007 03:00 UTC
 I always like Morocco. The more I am eager to visit the country when I came across your tips of Essaouira. No matter what, I will be in this country sooner than later. Thanks Ian.

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