Essaouira is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Morocco. With its blue boats, sandy beaches, and strong Atlantic winds, the city has a magical feeling. It is no surprise that filmmakers love it. Over the years, many movies made in Morocco have used Essaouira as a filming location. The city has become a favorite movie outpost in Morocco, especially for filmmakers who want history, culture, and natural beauty in one place.

Below, you will find a friendly guide to the most popular movies and TV shows filmed here, including the famous GOT Essaouira scenes. Whether you are a traveler, a film lover, or someone curious about Moroccan culture, this list will give you a fresh look at this amazing city.

1. Game of Thrones (GOT Essaouira)

One of the biggest productions ever filmed in Essaouira is Game of Thrones. Fans around the world may not know that part of the show was filmed just outside the city walls.

In the series, Essaouira appears as Astapor, the Red City, where Daenerys Targaryen meets the Unsullied. The old medina, sea walls, and stone towers give the perfect atmosphere.

Why filmmakers chose Essaouira for GOT:

• The historic fortifications look like an ancient war city

• The color of the stone matches the style of the show

• Easy access compared to other desert areas

• Essaouira is already known as a film-friendly place

Many tourists now visit Essaouira especially to see the filming spots. This has made GOT Essaouira a popular travel keyword and placed the city on the map for international film tourism.

2. Kingdom of Heaven

Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven is another major film shot in Morocco. Several locations were used across the country, and Essaouira was chosen for scenes that needed historic walls and a traditional port vibe.

The film team transformed parts of the medina into ancient Jerusalem. With its narrow streets and stone architecture, Essaouira was a perfect match.

Highlights of filming:

• The Skala de la Ville was used for major scenes

• Local extras were hired, bringing life and authenticity

• The natural light of Essaouira helped create dramatic visuals

This film helped strengthen Essaouira’s name as a reliable movie outpost in Morocco.

3. Othello (1952)

One of the earliest and most iconic films made in Essaouira is Othello, created by Orson Welles. The director fell in love with the city, and you can still feel his influence today.

In fact, there is even a small square in the medina named “Orson Welles Square.”

Welles used the ramparts and towers to shoot many dramatic scenes, especially those with storms and battles. At that time, Morocco was not a common movie location, so this film opened the door for more big projects later.

4. Alexander

The movie Alexander, with Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie, also used Essaouira as one of its filming spots. The city’s coastline and strong winds gave the movie a wild and ancient atmosphere.

What makes Essaouira ideal for big productions:

• Wide open beaches

• Strong natural light for outdoor scenes

• Historic buildings with unique designs

• Good connection with other Moroccan filming hubs

The film crew appreciated how easy it was to work in the city. This is one reason Essaouira is often mentioned among top movies made in Morocco.

5. Last Days in the Desert

Another interesting production filmed near Essaouira is Last Days in the Desert. Although smaller than some Hollywood hits, it shows the beautiful landscapes around the city.

The rocky areas and open horizons around Essaouira were used to portray spiritual and dramatic scenes. The filmmakers wanted a calm but powerful environment, and Essaouira was the perfect match.

Why Essaouira Is a Popular Movie Outpost in Morocco

Essaouira is now widely known as a reliable movie outpost in Morocco. But why do so many film teams choose this city? Here are some simple reasons:

● Beautiful natural scenery

From beaches to cliffs, the area offers a variety of landscapes.

● Historic architecture

The medina, the ramparts, and the old gates provide a cinematic backdrop without needing heavy props.

● Soft lighting

Filmmakers love Essaouira for its soft coastal light. It gives films a natural glow.

● Easy logistics

Essaouira is calm, not crowded like big cities, and has strong tourism infrastructure.

● Friendly local community

Locals are supportive and often work as extras, guides, or assistants.

These advantages make the city attractive for many movies made in Morocco and for future productions.

What You Can Visit Today

If you love films and TV shows, you can explore many areas used in famous productions:

• The Skala de la Ville (GOT, Othello)

• The city ramparts and towers

• The old port and blue boats

• The medina streets used in historic films

These spots are easy to find and great for photos. They also help you feel the spirit of both the city and the films.

Final Thoughts

Essaouira is more than just a coastal town. It is a living movie set, full of culture, history, and cinematic beauty. From GOT Essaouira to classic films like Othello, many movies made in Morocco have chosen this city because of its unique charm. Today, it continues to grow as a strong movie outpost in Morocco.

If you plan a trip to Morocco, make sure to add Essaouira to your list. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into your favorite movie.