It takes a day or two until I find the best vantage points from which to photograph it, but the Essaouira waterfront is my favorite part of the city.

While this area has been inhabited for centuries, Essaouira as we know it today was built during the 1700s as a fortified city. Much of that architecture — walls, kasbahs, forts — still stands as iconic features of the city. In fact, it’s been so well-preserved that TV shows and films have shot here in recent years.

Here’s a few images from when Game of Thrones filmed here in 2012:

(image via)

(images via here, here, here, and here)

And my own images, taken from the fortress:

A look back towards the walled city:

On our first night here, we walk back to our hotel and enjoy dinner by the water while locals play soccer against a sunset backdrop.

The next day, I return alone to amble around the picturesque waterfront.

One more shot from Game of Thrones, overlooking the similar area as the photo above, albeit digitally enhanced:

I owe this next batch of shots to our guide Mohamed, who tipped me off to the fact that you can pay 10 dirhams (just over $1 USD) to access the upper ramparts area for incredible views.

There are stepping stools available to take photos through this hole:

There’s another square-shaped vantage point just to the left of the circular view:

Seagulls constantly circle overhead, adding ambiance to each shot. There are a few levels of this fortress and I climb higher for better views.

When I’ve had my fill of photos from the ramparts, I head back along the water. There are prime opportunities for people-watching.

I can’t speak highly enough about Essaouira. If you’re planning your own trip to Morocco, add it to your itinerary!

Thanks to Nomadic Tours for discounting my tour in exchange for photography and blogging. Opinions are my own.