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 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.