Essaouira: The Mighty Mogador

Essaouira is located in the southwest region of Morocco, and is a grand escape from the more tourist-centered beaches of Agadir. Its original name was Tassort, which refers to its kasbah, fortress-like walls. Its name is derived from Tashelhit, the southern, Souss Berber language. In Moroccan Arabic, it's called Saouira, which literally means ‘picture'.

This relaxed, hippie and wind-surfers' paradise is just that – picture perfect. It is one reason that Orson Wells chose to shoot scenes for Othello on its coast. Essaouira has attracted foreign visitors, expats, and artists for decades. Even Jimmy Hendrix was attracted to its mystical qualities when he hung out and even tried purchasing the entire nearby village of Diabat. Therein, the muse of the French or Portuguese ruins led him to write his song, “Castles in the Sand”.

Agadir, Morocco: Historical Sunshine Mecca

Agadir in Morocco is located along North Africa's Atlantic coastline. Its cultural and historical ties lie predominantly with its relationships and conflicts with European nations. Before we find out why it has been internationally coined the “Miami of Morocco,” let's look at its past as one of Africa's most significant trading ports.

Interested in the gold trade taking place between the sub Sahara and the north in the 1500s, Portuguese settlers built one of their first colonies known as Santa Cruz de Aguer. They profited from traders who made their way north into Fez or south towards Timbuktu along the trans-Saharan trade route.