  
KiteSURFING IN MOROCCO (CENTRAL MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA)
Nightlife & Activities in Essaouira
I'll get to the nightlife in a moment, the cuisine of Morocco and the regional dishes from Essaouira really deserve special mention. Moroccan cuisine is so often imitated around the world that we think we pretty much know what to expect - WRONG! Eating out in Essaouira reminds you instantly that local dishes prepared with local fresh ingredients using methods that haven't changed in hundreds of years makes all the difference. The seafood and Tajines (stews) are rich in flavour and a really wholesome meal. You have to try tajines, the fresh fish prepared while you wait at the harbour, Kefta and of course Couscous Royale.
Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is not generally served in restaurants, try the incredibly refreshing mint tea or freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices instead. Or there are a a few bars and riads that do serve beer and alcohol to visitors. Actually Essaouira is (as far as I know) the first Moroccan town to have a European-style Wine bar & Cocktail bar ('Pub the Corner' in the Le Mechouar Hotel).
Quick links: Nightlife | Our Recommendations: Il Mare | Taros | The Tru | Hotel Des Iles | Sofitel | Beach bar | Other activities
Nightlife
There's not much Western-style nightlife in Essaouira, the nightlife, like the pace of life here, is laid back and relaxed. However Essaouira can be lively, provided you know of the right places to look. Nightlife consists of live music, bewilderingly strange entertainment, food and drinks. Essaouira was a haven for the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley and many of bars feature music by these artists as well as Frank Zappa and other noted musicians of the Sixties.
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Nightlife recommendations
As mentioned above Essaouira is a great town for good live music in an intimate setting and new places are springing up all the time. If you want the lowdown on a place, ask a local. The following guide was written by our man in Essa, Ron Bauer.
Il Mare
Il Mare is the best 'nightclub' in Essaouira and the place to be. The cool new band 'Afram' plays the top bar every Saturday night and the setting is comfortable and spacious. Lots of cushioned niches and alcoves for relaxing and enough room in front of the band to dance. The crowd is a good mix of tourists and locals.
Also, if you want a Sunset Cocktail, Il Mare is the best place in town. They have a great terrace overlooking the Ramparts, the reef, and the Atlantic.
Il Mare is located near the North Gate of the Ramparts and is open for lunch and dinner. Draft beer starts at 30 Dirham.
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Taros
Some things never change. The hippest and most consistent place to go in Essaouira is Taros. Thursdays through Sunday the terrace is usually the most happening place in town. The crowd is diverse and includes a good mix of locals and tourists. They also have one of the most popular Essaouira bands on Weekend Nights, Ganga Fusion. They play a great mix of Gnaoua and world beat and attract a good audience. The place is usually full by 11:00PM, so if you want a table arrive early. There is a minor dress code, they didn't let my friend in last Saturday night because he had torn jeans.
Taros is Located on the Place Moulay Hassan and is open for lunch and dinner. Drinks start at 30 Dirham.
The Tru (hole)
I hate to admit it, but the Tru is my favorite bar in town. This is a real, authentic, down to earth, dive bar that dates back to the late 1800's. A few years ago at Shakespeare and Company in Paris, I came across an old book that actually mentioned the Tru. It went something like, "I spent a few days in Mogador and while I was there I enjoyed many a bottle of local wine at a little bar hidden under the Mechouar Hotel."
I thought that was pretty cool, I need to get the title of that book. Anyway, it's a seedy local dive and is filled with all kinds of interesting riff raff. In my opinion, it is the perfect place to take a girl on a first date because if she can handle to toilet at the Tru, you are with one cool chick and set for life.
The Tru is located behind the Mechouar Hotel which is directly across from the Clock Tower. Facing the Hotel, look to the right and there is an alley that is just past the Hotel Sahara. Go under the big arch to the end, turn left and the bar is the last door on you left. Drinks start at 12 Dirham.
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Disco at Hotel Des Iles
Yes, we actually do have a Disco in Essaouira, but currently it is totally dead. We went there Saturday night at 11:00PM and there were only 3 guys in the entire place. So maybe this is the wrong time of year or it was just a dead night, but the disco is still open.
The Disco at Hotel Des Isles is located directly in front of Hotel Des Iles near the beach. Cover (was 70, currently free, Beers 20 Dirham.
Bar at Sofitel
This looks like a pretty cool bar through the outside window. I have always wanted to go for a drink, but it has never happened. I know that they have live music on the weekends and as far as I know it might be the place to be. Maybe I'm a little nervous to go there, like I wouldn't be dressed nice enough and some snobby Moroccan guy who thinks he is the perfect snobby French would be continually rude. Actually, that's not the reason, I just can't afford the beer!
Bar at Sofitel at Sofitel on Beach. Drinks start at 50 Dirham.
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Beach Bar
Beach Bar is the best place in Essaouira to go for a nice afternoon beer and watch the tide change. It has a great view of Essaouira beach, the port and there is always a good football match on Sunday Afternoon.
Beach bar is right next to, actually connected to, the Challet de la Plage Restaurant. It's on the left hand side, don't be fooled and go to the lame outside tourist bar on the right. Beers are 12 Dirham.
The Zoco Crew wanna Thank Ron for the insider guide to nightlife in Essaouira. If you happen to bump into him at the Tru please buy him a drink ;-).
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Kicks - Other Activities
If the weather and wind just aren't playing ball, we offer you the chance to swap your kite class against any of the other activities we offer including: Quad tour, massage, surfing lessons, camel or horse riding tours, kayak, surf or windsurf rental. We'll update this info with some of the sights and happening in and around Essaouira, shortly.
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