Discover Iconic Movies & TV Shows Filmed in Magical Essaouira

Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most charming coastal cities. With its blue-and-white medina, ocean views, and historic walls, it has become a favorite location for filmmakers around the world. Many movies made in Morocco choose Essaouira because of its atmosphere, history, and dramatic coastline.

Today, the city is a major movie outpost in Morocco. Large international productions continue to film here, and visitors often come to explore the real locations used in movies and series. If you want a fun, exciting way to see these filming spots, you can even explore them with local tour experts like Palma Quad.

1. Game of Thrones (GOT Essaouira)

Essaouira became world-famous after appearing in the global TV hit Game of Thrones. In season 3, the city transforms into Astapor, the Red City. Its powerful fortress walls and wild coastline perfectly match the fantasy world of Essos.

Key GOT filming locations:

• Skala de la Ville – Cannons, stone walls, and dramatic ocean views
• Medina Ramparts – Ideal for market and army scenes

Fans often visit these sites to relive the best GOT Essaouira scenes. you can reach these places easily while enjoying a unique quad-bike experience along the coast.

2. Kingdom of Heaven

Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven also used Essaouira for historical scenes. The city’s ancient stone walls and narrow paths helped recreate the setting of Crusader-era towns. Filmmakers loved Essaouira because it feels both authentic and timeless.

3. Othello (1951)

Orson Welles filmed many scenes of his classic movie Othello in Essaouira. The Portuguese fortress, the medina pathways, and the dramatic coast all appear on screen. This film is one of the earliest famous movies made in Morocco, helping to place Essaouira on the cinematic map.

4. Alexander (2004)

Oliver Stone’s Alexander used Essaouira to recreate scenes of ancient Mediterranean cities. The blend of fortress walls, ocean backdrops, and natural light made the city perfect for this historical blockbuster.

5. John Wick 3: Parabellum

While most Morocco scenes were filmed in Marrakech, the production also used Essaouira for environmental shots and planning. The city’s unique textures and colors made it ideal for cinematic transitions, strengthening its position as a growing movie outpost in Morocco.

Why Filmmakers Love Essaouira

Natural Beauty

• Blue-and-white medina
• Strong Atlantic waves
• Old fortress walls
• Colorful markets

Easy Filming Conditions

• Safe and friendly environment
• Supportive film offices
• Great light for shooting
• Calm, organized streets

A Versatile Look

Essaouira can look like:

• A fantasy city
• A medieval port
• A Mediterranean village
• A Middle Eastern fortress

Famous Filming Landmarks to Visit

• Skala de la Ville
• Skala du Port
• Essaouira Medina (UNESCO site)
• Old Portuguese Fortress

To make your visit even more exciting, you can explore these locations with Palma Quad, which offers guided quad-bike tours, beach rides, and full adventure packages.

Experience Filming Locations with Palma Quad

If you want to see the real shooting spots from Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven, Othello, and more, Palma Quad offers fun and safe quad-bike tours around Essaouira.

With them you can:

• Ride along the beach and dunes
• Visit historical movie locations
• Explore hidden filming areas
• Enjoy a unique adventure in nature

Their team is professional, friendly, and highly recommended by travelers.

Visit Palma Quad and start your Essaouira movie adventure today!

Final Thoughts

Essaouira is a magical place where cinema, history, and culture come together. From the famous scenes of GOT Essaouira to Hollywood epics and classic films, the city continues to inspire filmmakers from around the world.

Whether you are here for movies, history, or adventure, Essaouira offers something unforgettable—especially when explored with Palma Quad, your trusted local tour partner.