You'll get the lowdown on the city from your guide, learning about the port, municipal market, jewellers' district and artisan centres. Its mellow atmosphere, narrow winding streets laden with kaleidoscopic carpets, peeling-paint houses with and heavy old wooden doors make it a wonderful place to wander around. You'll walk the ramparts of the harbour, known as the Skala, where electric-blue boats bob in the water and see the collection of historic European brass cannons.
Once you have a feel for the place, there's free time to check out the artisan shops and galleries. The Othello arts space – named after the Orson Wells film of the Shakespeare play, which was partially shot in Essaouira – is worth a visit. We'll also drop into an argan oil cooperative, which was founded by local women, where you can try homemade local products such a mint tea, bread and amlou – a spread made from argan oil, honey and almonds.
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