THE PALAZZO
Activity Essaouira
The Medina of Essaouira (former Mogador)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
The port especially when the boats return and for the auction market.
The Navy Gate and the Port Skala.
The three crescents on the pediment of the gate are the symbols of Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdellah (founder of the current city): Enjoy the view
The visit to the Skala is subject to a charge at the port.
Moulay El Hassan Square
The Skala and the Bastions
The Skalas are fortifications armed with Spanish and Portuguese cannons dating from the 16th century pointing towards the ocean and once intended to protect the city. Breathtaking view.
This is where Orson Welles' "Othello" films were filmed in the 1950s, and more recently "John Wick 3" and the hit series "Games of Thrones."
Orson Welles Square
This square takes its name from the great director Orson Welles, who chose Essaouira to shoot scenes from Othello, a film that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1952. Incidentally, Orson Welles stayed at the Palazzo.
Clock Square
The clock, under the French protectorate, was offered to the city in 1912 by Marshal Lyautey. The door attached to it marks the entrance to the medina, the oldest district of the city. The square has recently been restored for everyone's enjoyment.
In Kasbah
It was a residential area occupied by city leaders and consuls.
Bayt Dakyra Museum (House of Memory)
Inaugurated by King Mohamed VI in 2020. It bears witness to the Judeo-Muslim past of Essaouira, the exceptional destiny of the Jews of Mogador, their relations with the Muslim populations, which have always been rich and benevolent.
The Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum
Created in 1981, it contains various collections: ethnic objects, weapons, jewelry, musical instruments and marquetry.
* For a guided tour of the city, our reception team is at your disposal for further information.
Consult the travel guides provided to find out timetables and prices.
Activities and Leisure
Quad biking: beach, dunes, wild countryside.
4x4 excursion: discover the South of Essaouira.
Horse or camel ride: beach/forest around the bay of Essaouira.
Guided bike ride: Discover incredible views of the region, crossing the argan forest.
Full-day or half-day hiking trip with a guide (French-English).
Sidi Kaouki Beach: large beach turned surf spot.
Sidi M'Barek Waterfall
Souk:
Wednesday: typical market in Ida Ougourd, about 20kms away. Nearby Argan oil cooperative.
Sunday: large traditional market in Ha Draa, approximately 25 km away.
Water sports: Surfing, kite surfing, Wing foil
Courses and equipment rental
Padel: By reservation outside the city
Golf and the Mogador golf academy:
2 courses designed by Gary Player.
Hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., possibility of renting equipment and doing a training course.
Cooking workshop
Pool lunch: In the Medina or outside the city.
You will have access to deckchairs, towels, lunch included or extra.
Yoga classes
The Palazzo reception team will be happy to advise you,
to book for you and arrange transport.
Consult the travel guides provided to find out timetables and prices.