Essaouira is one of the best day trips from Marrakech and a complete change of pace from “The Red City.” This coastal city is washed in a beautiful cobalt blue that makes for stunning pictures. I’m always down for a beach hang, shopping and delicious food, and Essaouira was the perfect place for that. Here’s how to get there, what to see, and how to plan your day.

Essaouira was the most beautiful pause and midpoint on my trip to Morocco. After three hectic and intense days in Marrakech, I wanted a day to slow down before continuing with the rest of my trip, and what better place to do that than a surreal coastal town? This photo journal captures Morocco’s Atlantic coast, from the famous blue boats in the port to the charming and picturesque inside of the medina.