The port
For startling blue boats, men mending nets, fish stalls heaving with unidentifiable fish (and live lobsters) and views from the ramparts of crashing waves
The souks
Give the kids nutella crepes made on the street corner to keep them quiet while you browse rows and rows of babouches and wood carvings
The beach
With playgrounds, beach bars, camel rides, surfers and kite surfers, there’s always something to look at, and plenty of sand to claim for sandcastles
Histoire des Filles, 1 rue Mohamed Ben Messaoud
Not strictly a children’s attraction, this beautiful boutique has a room at the back where kids can play while you browse the city’s best handbags, jewellery and clothes
Café Vagabond, Avenue Lalla Aicha
Right at the end of the beach, a 20-minute walk from the town, this cafe has a kids menu, trampoline and seesaw and camels and ponies to watch from comfy day beds
Getting there
There are direct flights to Essaouira from London Luton airport via easyjet.com and regular flights to Marrakech from London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow. It is a 3-hour taxi/car ride from Marrakech to Essaouira.
Where to stay
The Dar Beida Residence sleeps up to 8 and is in the heart of the medina, from £300 per night excluding fees. Book through Kid & Coe