Essaouira, Morocco

Last June i went on holiday to Morocco, i spent part of my time there in Essaouira, on the coast. A refreshing change from the intense, overwhelming buzz of Marrakech. Essaouira has all the charm of Morocco, but less of the intimidating feeling. It was actually relaxing. It is undoubtedly incredibly beautiful and genuine. You don't feel like it's been ruined by hoardes of tourists tramping the streets, and local people seem to carry on as i imagine they have always done.
We were lucky enough to be visiting when the Gnaoua Music Festival was on, so there was a great sense of anticipation and excitement about the town. As an avid people watcher, it was an incredible experience.
Also, as a design lover, Essaouira was enchanting. I kept discovering beautiful little squares and alleyways intricately tiled. There is a resonating blue theme throughout the city which fits perfectly with the blue of the atlantic coast. It seems as if the whole city was designed for photographs.