Essaouira La City Mogador
Essaouira was discovered by the Phoenicians who settled there. Then it was conquered by Rome and Portugal. Before the end of the 15th century, the Portuguese had built the commercial and military port of Mogador (Essaouira today). This port is located at the foot of the ramparts of the city. The name of Essaouira originally came from and old name Megdol in Phoenician language which means the small wall, then berbers gave it the same name in berber language “Tassourte” that means the small wall as well, so the Arabs gave it the name Essaouira.
From the terrace of the north bastion, you have access to the district of the marquetry where the best craftsmen work cedar. Leaving the Skala, we follow Derb Laalouj Street to the Sidi Mohammed Ben Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum where there is a collection of musical instruments for local Andalusian songs, weapons, costumes.... in the north of the city located the Mellah, the Jewish district that crosses the traditional Mohammed Zerktouni street, a market borde that extends to Bab Doukkala.
Stop for a lunch (fish: Essaouira specialties) in a restaurant by the sea.
The forest covers 45% of the area of the province. The trees of which it is composed, in particular "the thuya" and "the argan tree" make the size of the city and are source of a craft activity for thousands of essaouira families. On the way we will cross many fields of Argan trees, trees giving the nuts that will be used to make the famous Argan oil used both in cooking and for cosmetics. You will have the chance to see the goats perched on the argan trees ... And visit a real cooperative women who produce the real Argan oil. By the way, Morocco is the only country that producing the argan oil which became famous in the world by the big companies that’s producing cosmetic products.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PRIVATE EXCURSION
- Quad ride on various terrains: dunes, forest ... (2 hours)
- Camel ride on the beach of Essaouira (1 hour)