Essaouira fishing port and fortress tour

At Essaouira's fishing harbour on the Atlantic, colourful boats line up, gulls circle and stone fortress walls reach toward the sea. You walk the ramparts, watch the harbour at work and slip into the lanes of the medina. With the salty breeze and fishermen mending nets, it has the slow, genuine spirit of a coastal town.

The wind blows often, so bring a light windcheater. The smell of fish can be strong on the quay. Comfortable shoes suit stone paving. The harbour is liveliest in the morning.