Sipping on my coffee here, I can't help but feel a little nostalgic about my recent trip to Essaouira. Honestly, the best things to do in Essaouira surprised me in ways I didn't see coming. I mean, I thought I was going there just to see some cool sights and enjoy the ocean breeze, but it turned into so much more. I still find myself replaying the moments in my head, like a favorite song stuck on repeat.
This spot? Total surprise.
First off, let me tell you about this unassuming little cafe I stumbled upon. I was wandering through the Medina, all those narrow streets filled with vibrant blue and white buildings. I had that slightly overwhelmed feeling, y'know? Like when you're unsure if it's the beauty or the chaos that's getting to you. Suddenly, I caught a whiff of something glorious.
I was drawn toward this tiny cafe, tucked between two larger shops, almost like it didn't want to be found. I really didn't think much of it; just figured I'd stop in for a quick snack. But then I ordered a piece of this fresh, flaky baklava that just melted in my mouth. I don't know how they did it, but it was like someone had bottled the essence of happiness and wrapped it in layers of pastry.
As I sat down, I made a small mistake—I guess I had this idea that I'd just pop in and pop out. But, instead, I sat there for an hour, just watching the world go by, soaking in the sun. Locals were chatting, laughter ringing out, and everything felt so easy. I didn't care about the time. It was just me, the ocean in the distance, and this pastry that changed my perspective a little.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
If I'm honest, I arrived in Essaouira with a bit of a cloud over my head. I had spent the last few days rushing around Marrakech, feeling such pressure to make the most of my time there that it all felt kinda… exhausting? On my first full day in Essaouira, I was so apprehensive about not doing enough. I thought maybe I should've packed my schedule.
But then came an afternoon I never expected. I ended up wandering toward the beach, joined by a group of kids playing soccer, laughing, and shouting in that universal language of joy. They invited me in, or at least I like to think they did. Thus began my wildly unplanned afternoon; I kicked a ball around with them.
Now, let me just say, I have the coordination of a baby giraffe. But amidst the inevitable awkwardness, something shifted. I got swept up in their energy, their fearless freedom. That precious hour felt like an eternity, a beautiful eternity. I laughed harder than I had in a long while, forgetting that cloud, my worries dissipating like the mist over the ocean.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Oh man, I should probably put a sign on my forehead that reads “directionally challenged.” It's almost a joke with my friends at this point. I actually had a destination in mind, but, surprise, surprise, my feet led me somewhere totally different—again! But here's the thing: being lost in Essaouira became its own adventure.
Instead of that art gallery I meant to see, I found myself at this adorable little boutique selling handmade crafts: pottery, textiles, and jewelry. The owner was an artist who was weaving some intricate tapestry right there in the shop. I watched in awe, and before I knew it, we were chatting about everything from art to her love for Essaouira. She had this passion for her craft that was so contagious; I wanted to bottle it up.
She even insisted I try my hand at weaving a few threads. Now, let's be clear—I was akin to a toddler with crayons, but her laughter made me feel like I was Picasso for a moment. She ended up gifting me a tiny woven bracelet with the biggest smile. I wore that bracelet for the rest of my trip, a constant reminder of the beauty of not knowing where I was headed.
A meal that left its mark
You can't visit Essaouira without diving headfirst into their seafood, right? One evening, after a long day of wandering and accidentally getting lost (again!), I decided to treat myself—and oh, how I'm glad I did. I found a little restaurant near the port, with big windows overlooking the water. From where I was seated, I could see fishermen unloading their fresh catches; the whole setup just felt so authentic.
I ordered grilled sardines, a dish I normally wouldn't go for, but it was like they were calling my name or something. And when that plate landed in front of me—man, the aroma was intoxicating. I didn't even think twice; I dove in, the flavors bursting in my mouth like they were meant to be there, each bite infused with smoky goodness.
I don't know if it was the food or the setting, but I started talking to the couple sitting next to me. They were on their honeymoon, and we chatted about our journeys, sharing stories like we'd known each other forever. Laughter, food, and the ocean's gentle rhythm created this perfect little moment. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me; life can be a beautifully chaotic mosaic when you let it happen.
So, here I am, back home, trying to land back into my usual routine. And yet, a piece of Essaouira lives on in my heart, in that unplanned adventure that shifted my mood and in the little details that turned a regular meal into a meaningful connection.
I guess the best things to do in Essaouira aren't always the things you set out to do. Sometimes they find you like old friends, in the most unexpected ways. As I sit here, finishing my coffee and letting the warmth linger, I realize I'm still processing it all. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.
