Fishing port
Blue boats, gulls and fish grilled right on the quay.
Duration
45 min – 1 hr 30 min
Best time
Late morning
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
Essaouira's harbour is a working fishing port, not a set: the fleet of blue boats goes out each night and lands in the morning, and the auction is held on the quay. The gulls are there for the same reason.
The ritual is simple: you pick your fish at the quayside stall, by weight, and have it grilled on the spot at the barbecues set up just behind. It is the cheapest and freshest meal in town, provided you watch it weighed and agree the price first.
Getting there
At the southern end of the medina, behind the Skala du Port. All on foot.
What to bring
- Walking shoes
Rules on site
Watch the fish weighed and agree the total before it goes on the grill: that is where the unpleasant surprises happen. The quay is slippery and the smell is strong.