Essaouira, Morocco

From its fortified medina (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to its bustling port on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is an atmospheric destination that has delighted artists for decades.

Local legend claims that nearby ruins were the inspiration for Hendrix’s “Castles Made of Sand.” The city also made its mark on cinema; the wave-battered walls of its medina feature in the opening scene of Orson Welles’ Othello.

Our new Morocco adventure takes you into the heart of Essaouira, where you’ll stay in a converted historic riad—a grand mansion built around a central courtyard—right in the center of the medina.

Visit its colorful port, witness talented artisans carving masterpieces from native thuja wood, wander the narrow passageways of its medina and breathe in the spice-scented air of its souks, or admire its many art galleries and boutiques. You’ll soon understand why so many have been drawn to this cultural gem.