about us
Welcome to Dar Eleanora, a charming traditional town house quietly situated in the heart of Essaouira's historic old walled town or Medina. Close to restaurants, shops & cafés, we're also within easy walking distance of the beach and the fishing harbour. Just offshore lies the Île de Mogador - an island sanctuary for Eleanora's Falcons, after which the house is named.
Restored with the addition of modern facilities, the house retains the rich character of the original building. Accomodation is for up to 4 people, with one twin bedroom and one double, each with a shower and toilet, plus additional sleeping for a guest in the Salon, or lounge area. There's a private roof terrace as well, where you can relax with a drink or two!
Rental is on a self-catering basis, and is for the whole house - you won't have to share with other guests. So if you're thinking about a holiday in the sun at a reasonable price, read on to find out more about Essaouira - or you can visit our page at Holiday-Rentals to check availability, contact us and make a reservation. Here you can also see more pictures of Dar Eleanora, and of the Town.
See Dar Eleanora on HomeAway Holiday-Rentals or at Tourist-Paradise.com
about essaouira
Map of Morocco showing location of EssaouiraEssaouira lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast, roughly midway in latitude between Madeira and the Canary Islands. The climate is agreeable all year round - with mild winters, and refreshing sea breezes keeping the extremes of summer heat in check - and there are around 300 days of sunshine a year.
Probably one of Morocco's best loved towns, it's a favourite destination of independent travellers and holidaymakers alike. There's an easy-going and welcoming atmosphere, with a cosmopolitan holiday resort feel too. There are several miles of white sandy beach, a promenade, fishing harbour, European style pavement cafés, arts & crafts, and a live music scene.
The picturesque old Medina, with its whitewashed walls and blue painted windows and doors was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. Traffic-free - apart from the occasional hand-cart - it's fairly compact and not as labrythine as some in Morocco - yet you could easily spend several weeks exploring all it has to offer. Interesting architecture, artisans' workshops, galleries, restaurants - and shops selling marquetry, brassware, pottery, musical instruments, lamps, jewellery and spices are just a few of the attractions waiting to be discovered. Shopping is relaxed, without any hard-selling - but you can always try haggling..!
Essaouira is also a top watersports centre - well known by enthusiasts from around the world for its great windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can take lessons and hire equipment, or just turn up with your own gear & join in - it's a year round surfer's paradise, and top international events like the Kiteboard World Cup are held here. Other pursuits include horse riding, camel riding, quad biking, boat trips, golf, swimming, football on the beach, and trips to the desert.
But you don't have to be active to enjoy a holiday here. One of the best ways to appreciate this laid back friendly town is to take it easy yourself. Spend a while in one of the many pleasant little squares over a drink, chatting or just watching the world go by. Have a stroll around the photogenic fishing harbour, and lunch at the nearby outdoor fish grills. Walk along the ramparts and admire the sea views and the collection of 18th century brass cannons, and as evening approaches head for a restaurant terrace to watch the sun set over the bay.
With its easy-going atmosphere and mix of European, Arab and Berber influences, Essaouira offers an ideal hassle-free introduction to Moroccan culture for the first-time visitor. Many people have fallen in love with the place over the years, and keep returning - and quite a few end up staying!