Essaouira is a real place to live, it has a depth and soul that is nothing to do with the tourists. The medina is a hubabub of activity and every corner or street you walk down has a different story to tell. The harbour works 24/7 except on Eid, The religious festivals, bringing an array of fresh fish daily, if the fisherman have had a good day they give out bags of sardines to the locals as a gift!. A friend described Essaouira as the city of smiles, which sums it up perfectly.