Essaouira is a beautiful town located on the western coast of Morocco. Even in November, the weather was beautiful - sunny and warm for the entire time that we were there. Coming from Marrakech, Essaouira provided a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle found in the more touristy areas.
The medina is small enough that you can really get a feel for its layout within a day of wandering. The people are very friendly and not as aggressive towards tourists as in other places.
Essaouira is the place to go to buy wood items. The Exposition de l'Emsemble Artisanal is a series of shops that offer handicrafts. The woodworking shop is a must-see for those looking for gifts. The quality of the items was the best that I saw in Morocco, and the prices were very reasonable.