
Borj el Barmil Tower
A historic 18th-century circular bastion offering breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse into Essaouira's defensive past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light

Borj el Barmil Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 18th-century circular bastion offering breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse into Essaouira's defensive past.
"Impressive historical landmark with unique architecture and stunning views of the sea and city."

🎟️ Easy Ticket Purchase
Tickets are usually around 60 Dirhams and easy to buy at the entrance. Often bundled with Skala du Port access.
📸 Capture Stunning Views
The top offers incredible photo ops of the ocean and city. Don't miss the fish market below!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Views
Top of the tower
Breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Essaouira's coastline. Perfect for photography!

Historic Defensive Architecture
The tower itself
Explore the robust 18th-century circular bastion, a key part of Essaouira's ancient fortifications.

Fish Market Spectacle
Overlooking the port
Witness the vibrant activity of the working port and fish market below.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Borj el Barmil
Tickets and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Easy Ticket Purchase
Tickets are usually around 60 Dirhams and easy to buy at the entrance. Often bundled with Skala du Port access.
📸 Capture Stunning Views
The top offers incredible photo ops of the ocean and city. Don't miss the fish market below!
🚶 Explore the Ramparts
Walk along the historic ramparts for a full sense of Essaouira's coastal defenses.
🐎 Horse Riding Nearby
Many visitors enjoy horse riding on the beach near the tower.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Easy Ticket Purchase
Tickets are usually around 60 Dirhams and easy to buy at the entrance. Often bundled with Skala du Port access.
📸 Capture Stunning Views
The top offers incredible photo ops of the ocean and city. Don't miss the fish market below!
🚶 Explore the Ramparts
Walk along the historic ramparts for a full sense of Essaouira's coastal defenses.
🐎 Horse Riding Nearby
Many visitors enjoy horse riding on the beach near the tower.
🐈 Essaouira's Feline Friends
Be prepared for lots of cats around the city, including near the tower!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Borj el Barmil for its historical significance, impressive architecture, and stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Essaouira's port. The easy ticket process and the opportunity to observe the vibrant fish market are also highlights. Some visitors found the entrance fee a bit steep for the interior experience, preferring the views from outside.
"Borj El Barmil: A Charming Historical Landmark Worth Visiting!
I really enjoyed visiting Borj El Barmil. It's an impressive historical landmark featuring unique architecture and stunning views of the sea and the city of Essaouira. Wandering through the tower takes you on a journey through time, and you can feel the grandeur of the history it holds within its walls.
The location is excellent, situated on the waterfront, making it a major attraction in the city. The views from the top are wonderful and worth capturing in photos.
I highly recommend visiting Borj El Barmil to anyone visiting Essaouira, as it combines history and natural beauty in one place."
el Bachir el houari
"A historical place, with an amazing tower, you can walk on top, beautiful view of Atlantic Ocean. Getting ticket was easy , 60 Dirham per person. Definitely worth it to go and visit it."
Hellee Beh
"The view looks good from outside. I didn't go inside the fort due to the entrance fee and didn't feel like it will be a better view inside"
Chandra Kanth Reddy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Borj el Barmil is located on the waterfront, part of the Skala du Port. It's easily accessible by walking from the main medina of Essaouira. Many visitors arrive via coach from Marrakech, which takes about 3 hours.
Yes, it's a prominent circular structure on the northwestern corner of the city, overlooking the sea and the port. You can see it from many points along the coast.
Buses are a popular and affordable option from major Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Casablanca. The journey offers scenic views.
Parking is available near the medina, and from there, it's a short walk to the tower. Driving directly to the tower itself is not possible due to its location within the historic ramparts.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Essaouira and can take you to the edge of the medina, from where you can walk to the tower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 60 Dirhams per person. This often includes access to the broader Skala du Port area.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance to the tower and the Skala du Port. The process is generally quick and easy.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or with your accommodation for the most up-to-date times.
Yes, the ticket for Borj el Barmil often includes access to the Skala du Port, which is the larger defensive rampart system it's part of.
While you can see the tower from the outside, to access the top and explore its interior, an entrance fee is required. Some visitors opt out if they feel the view from outside is sufficient.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic circular bastion, walk on its ramparts, and enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the port, and the fish market. It's a great spot for photography.
Yes, children can explore the tower, but supervision is recommended due to the heights and open areas. The views and history can be engaging for them.
Expect spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Essaouira coastline, the bustling fish market below, and the nearby islands.
Absolutely! The unique architecture, ocean vistas, and the vibrant port activity make it a photographer's paradise. The sunset views are particularly stunning.
Built in the 18th century as part of Essaouira's defenses, it's a circular bastion designed to protect the port. It was also known as the Northern Bastion and has undergone restorations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around the port and medina is filled with restaurants offering fresh seafood and Moroccan cuisine. You can even see the fish market from the tower.
Definitely! The fish market below the tower is a hub of activity where you can buy fresh catch and have it grilled at nearby eateries.
Essaouira is known for its delicious seafood, tagines, couscous, and other traditional Moroccan dishes.
Yes, several cafes and restaurants along the ramparts and near the port offer lovely views while you dine or enjoy a mint tea.
You can find a range of dining options, from budget-friendly street food and local eateries to more upscale restaurants. Eating at the fish market stalls is often very affordable.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the tower for panoramic ocean and city views, the ramparts themselves, and the vantage point overlooking the bustling fish market are prime spots.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides the magical golden hour glow. Sunsets are spectacular.
Yes, the tower offers an excellent elevated view of the fish market's daily operations, capturing the vibrant atmosphere.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of locals and ask permission before photographing individuals.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the fish market or distant coastline. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the tower, Essaouira itself is family-friendly. The wide beaches are great for playing, and many horse riding excursions cater to families. The medina's maze-like streets can be fun to explore, and the abundance of cats might be a hit with animal-loving children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Eating at the fish market for fresh, grilled seafood is a budget-friendly culinary experience. Exploring the medina and enjoying the beach are free activities. Public transport from other cities like Marrakech is also quite economical.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The sunset views from the tower are particularly breathtaking. Don't forget to explore the surrounding ramparts for different angles and perspectives. The nearby beach also offers fantastic opportunities for capturing horse riders against the ocean backdrop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Defense of Borj el Barmil
Within its robust walls, Borj El Barmil served multiple purposes. It housed soldiers and ammunition, ensuring readiness for any attack, and crucially, it contained a lower floor designed as a water reservoir, vital for sustaining a garrison during prolonged sieges. The upper floor featured a hall, likely used for command and operations. The tower was armed with large cannons, some dating back to the 18th century, capable of firing projectiles over considerable distances, underscoring its importance in the coastal defense system. The tower's historical significance is further highlighted by its classification as a historical monument in 1924.
Over the centuries, Borj Al-Barmil has witnessed conflict and undergone restoration. It sustained damage during the French attack on Essaouira in 1844, with some accounts suggesting intentional demolition by locals to prevent its use by the invaders. Subsequent restorations in the 19th century and more recently by the Port Development and Exploitation Office and the Inspectorate of Historical Monuments and Sites have preserved its heritage. Today, it stands not only as a testament to Essaouira's past but also as a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors to admire its architecture and the dramatic sea views. Its fame even extended to the screen, as it was a filming location for "Game of Thrones."
Experiencing Essaouira's Vibrant Port and Fish Market
The proximity of the tower to the fish market allows for a sensory experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of a working port create a lively atmosphere. Many visitors find it fascinating to observe the ebb and flow of commerce, from the arrival of boats to the bustling stalls. It's a great place to understand the local economy and the importance of the sea to Essaouira.
For those looking to savor the local flavors, the fish market area is a culinary delight. You can purchase incredibly fresh seafood directly from the fishermen or vendors and have it expertly grilled at one of the many small eateries located just around the corner. This offers an authentic and often very affordable dining experience, allowing you to taste the ocean's bounty right where it's landed.
Beyond the Tower: Essaouira's Coastal Charm
The medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage site, characterized by its blue and white architecture, narrow winding streets, and vibrant souks. Here, you can find local crafts, argan oil products, and unique souvenirs. The city also has a rich cultural scene, particularly known for its Gnawa music festivals, which fill the air with rhythmic melodies.
For a different perspective, consider the popular activity of horse riding along the beach. Many visitors share their exhilarating experiences of galloping along the shore, often at sunset, creating unforgettable memories. Essaouira's charm lies in its blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and laid-back coastal vibe, making it a captivating destination.
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