By Elizabeth Woodson

The windswept seaside town of Essaouira, Morocco is loved as much for what it has—a tiny, well-preserved medina, cliff-top ramparts, and a funky vibe courtesy of many resident artists—as for what it doesn’t have: crowds. Summer is the best time to take it in. The weather is balmy, beaches are lively, and kite- and windsurfers play in the Atlantic.

Photo by Yadid Levy/Anzenberger. This appeared in the July/August 2012 issue.