Essaouira.....a tongue twister.

With the brilliant whiteness of its limestone washed walls, Essaouira is one of the most enchanting towns in the country. It has fortifications to protect it from both the sea and past naval attacks but today, with the constant winds creating huge waves, it is a surfers paradise.

 The working, blue sardine  boats in the harbour, leave no space for leisure craft.

 South of the town, wind blown sand is creating dunes and tourists ride camels and horses through this miniature Sahara.

The Medina itself is a labyrinth of narrow streets but unlike the cities, there are wide streets laid out at right angles to one another.

 We enjoyed roaming the fish and spice souks and investigating the cost of robes and leather without the hassle of vendors constantly inviting you into their shop to haggle.

Once the sun had set, the town came alive, not with tourists, but the local inhabitants, who had come out to do their own shopping. Simple light bulbs dangled from frayed wires, people were shouting and touting their products, beggars mixed with lads pushing motorbikes and small children, as they do the world over, were pestering parents to buy them cake or sweets.