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Essaouira is a two-hour drive from Marrakesh (a taxi costs $70, one way) and five hours from Casablanca. As of press time, the U.S. State Department had no travel warnings specific to Morocco in effect, but it has cautioned travelers to North Africa about the threat of terrorism in the region.

WHERE TO STAY
Riad Gyvo
DOUBLES FROM $101
3 RUE MOHAMED BEN MESSAOUD; 212-44/475-102; www.riadgyvo.com

Dar Loulema
Charming riad (four doubles, three junior suites) on the edge of the seawall; wonderful views.
DOUBLES FROM $92
2 RUE SOUSS; 212-44/475-346; www.darloulema.com

Villa Maroc
First and best known of Essaouira's riad hotels; 20 rooms and suites within four restored 18th-century medina mansions.
DOUBLES FROM $96
10 RUE ABDELLAH BEN YASSINE; 212-44/476-147

Heure Bleue Palais
Just-opened, 35-room luxury hotel within a former customs house in the Old Town.
DOUBLES FROM $213
2 RUE BEN BATOUTA; 212-44/783-434

Sofitel Thalassa Mogador
Big, modern, and attractive 117-room hotel across from the beach.
DOUBLES FROM $246
BLVD. MOHAMED V; 212-44/479-000; www.sofitel.com

Dar Mimosas
Glorious compound of elegant villas amid beautiful gardens, a few miles south of Essaouira.
SUITES FROM $397
ROUTE D'AGADIR; 212-44/475-934; www.darmimosas.com

WHERE TO EAT
Pizzeria Les Trois Portes
DINNER FOR TWO $22
34 RUE LATTARINE; 212-66/784-171

Taros
Hip French-Moroccan restaurant on the main town square. The rooftop terrace is a prime dining spot on sunny days.
DINNER FOR TWO $40
2 RUE SKALA; 212-44/476-407

Chalet de la Plage
Legendary restaurant with a choice beachside location; excellent grilled fish.
DINNER FOR TWO $22
BLVD. MOHAMED V; 212-44/475-972

GALLERIES
Galerie Frederic Damgaard
AVE. OQBA BEN NAFIAA; 212-44/784-446

Espace Othello
9 RUE MOHAMED LAIIACHI; 212-44/475-095

Atelier Le Bastion-Ouest
RUE SKALA; 212-64/024-300

WIND- AND KITE-SURFING
Magic Fun Afrika
BLVD. MOHAMED V; 212-44/473-856

ESSAOUIRA EXPERT
New York City-based Heritage Tours can tailor itineraries of any length.
800/378-4555 OR 212/206-8400; www.heritagetoursonline.com

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