The jewel of Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira captivates with its beauty and vacation atmosphere. In this windswept ancient fortified town, artists rub shoulders with fishermen and surfers share the waves with gulls. We loved strolling through its white and blue streets, breathing in the sea air on its ramparts and discovering the wealth of its local crafts. In this article, we share our 10 reasons to visit this city.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Essaouira worth a visit?
Essaouira is well worth a visit. This town has a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Like us, you’ll be won over by its sporting activities, typical port, souk and pretty medina. Despite the sometimes fickle winds that sweep across its wide beach, we found Essaouira to have an incomparable charm that sets it apart from other destinations in Morocco. We list the reasons in more detail below. You can also check out our selection of the city’s top attractions here (article coming soon).
WHERE TO STAY IN Essaouira
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the medina
Hotel Salut Maroc! – see pictures and availability
On the seafront
Hôtel Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort – Check photos and availability
In the hinterland
Hôtel Jardin des Douars – Check photos and availability
Reason 1 – For its medina’s authentic charm
Essaouira’s medina is a maze to get lost in. We loved wandering through the colorful little streets and admiring the local architecture. The immaculate white of the lime contrasts magnificently with the colors that brighten up the façades and ornate doors. The cobbled floors add to the historic character of this UNESCO World Heritage district. You’ll appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of the old town, which is much quieter than the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Take the time to stroll around and discover the hidden treasures of this historic center full of surprises. Or opt for a guided tour of Essaouira, which will reveal all its secrets.
Reason 2 – For its huge beach
Essaouira’s long beach stretches for several kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. We enjoyed the various activities on offer, depending on the area and weather conditions. In the northern part of the beach, there’s an area where you can rent deckchairs and umbrellas when the wind dies down. The large jetty jutting out into the ocean is ideal for a morning stroll or jog against the waves. You can also ride along the beach on horseback or camelback, especially in the southern part. For thrill-seekers, quad-biking in the dunes is a great way to discover this coastal landscape from a different angle. Find out more about Essaouira’s beach activities here!
Reason 3 – For its fishing port and fish market
The fishing port of Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most emblematic postcards. We loved the sight of the blue fishing boats packed like sardines at the foot of the imposing Sqala du Port. At the foot of the stone ramparts, the fish market is an authentic place where you can watch the daily fishing returns. Small fishermen’s stalls offer freshly caught local species, including octopus and sea bream. We particularly appreciated the friendly atmosphere, with tables set up next to the stalls where you can enjoy grilled fish directly. A simple yet indisputably tasty culinary experience!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
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Read our tips (coming soon)
Reason 4 – For surfing and kite-surfing
Essaouira is internationally renowned for its waves and ever-present wind. This paradise for surfers and kite-surfers literally blew us away! Numerous stores specializing in beach sports equipment offer both rentals and purchases. Surfing and kite-surfing lessons are easily accessible for all levels. You can also try your hand at sandboarding and ride down the dunes on a board. The trade winds that regularly blow along this coast create ideal conditions for kite-surfing, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. We assure you, Essaouira is an ideal sports destination!
Reason 5 – For its friendly souk
Essaouira’s souk extends throughout the medina, with the main thoroughfare being Avenue de l’Istiqlal, which continues into Avenue Mohammed Zerktouni. We discovered all the facets of Moroccan craftsmanship. From colorful ceramics to finely woven tapestries, objects in hammered metal or cedar wood, the region’s emblematic local species. You’ll also find all kinds of objects and gadgets, from branded tracksuits to kitchen utensils. If you like something, don’t hesitate to haggle. In Morocco, this is a deep-rooted cultural tradition. Why not also take the time to chat with the artisans as you pass one of the small workshops scattered around the city? They’ll be delighted to share their expertise with you.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
Reason 6 – For the view from the ramparts
Essaouira’s ramparts offer magnificent panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coast and the town. These 18th-century fortifications, designed by French architect Théodore Cornut, are a fine example of military architecture and echo the city of Saint-Malo in France. We particularly enjoyed the view from the Sqala du Port, the southern defensive platform where ancient cannons are lined up pointing towards the ocean. Admission is charged, but the spectacle can be well worth the price, especially at sunset when the golden lights set the sea ablaze. Alternatively, you can enjoy the view by strolling along the ramparts to the Sqala de la Kasbah, the northern end of the wall. Access is free of charge. We admired the medina from above and the play of the waves on the stones.
Reason 7 – For its riads and hotels
Essaouira offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. We loved the atmosphere of the small riads nestling in the heart of the medina, embodying traditional Moroccan charm, with rooftops overlooking the city. For those who prefer a more modern feel, hotels by the sea or inland offer all the comforts of modern life, sometimes with beautiful views of the ocean or countryside. In particular, we stayed at the Hôtel du Jardin des Douars, which we recommend if you want to surround yourself with Moroccan calm and beauty. The hammam, an essential local specialty, is an experience not to be missed. You’ll find many establishments offering traditional treatments where you can relax after a day of discovery! For ideas on where to stay, see our article on where to sleep (coming soon).
Reason 8 – For its sea-facing cuisine
In Essaouira, we discovered traditional Moroccan cuisine with a focus on the ocean and a variety of restaurants. From rooftops offering beautiful views to small shops hidden away in the narrow streets of the medina, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Try a popular cuisine in the tents set up on Place Moulay El Hassan or the small outdoor restaurant at the fishing port, which offer local dishes in a lively setting. You can also indulge in more refined cuisine at Restaurant Umia, for example, which features in our list of the city’s best restaurants (article coming soon). And if you’re looking for more Western cuisine, head to one of the establishments along the beach. Finally, just as we did at Restaurant Salut Morocco, take a seat in the heights of a riad to savor freshly caught fish while enjoying the view of the Atlantic. You can also take part in a cooking workshop, a fun way to learn how to prepare local specialties. Book your culinary workshop in Essaouira here.
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Reason 9 – For its cultural activities
Essaouira is a city with a rich past, and today is home to several art centers and galleries. We recommend a visit to two small museums in the Medina. The first, the Centre d’Art Le Real Mogador, is a unique private venue run by an owner with a passion for art. You’ll be amazed by this brightly colored building, which features works of art brut and astonishing furniture. We also visited the Bayt Dakira Museum. Free of charge, it traces the city’s history and illustrates the close ties between Judaism and Islam in Essaouira. For a different kind of cultural discovery, we suggest you venture into the lands where the argan trees grow, endemic to this part of the world. You can visit one of the women’s argan oil cooperatives, where women extract and process this nut with its reputedly exceptional properties.
Reason 10 – For excursions in the surrounding area
In our opinion, Essaouira is an interesting starting point for exploring the central part of Morocco. Take a trip to the Agafay desert, accessible in just a few hours, where quad bikes and camels await you. The Atlas Mountains also hold some wonderful surprises in store, notably the listed site of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were fascinated by this timeless town. A little further afield, the Ouzoud waterfalls, among the highest in North Africa, or the Imlil valley, gateway to Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, will appeal to hiking enthusiasts. Finally, why not simply set off to discover Marrakech, the city that made us feel as if we’d stepped out of a fairytale from the “Thousand and One Nights”? Book your excursions from Essaouira here.
Some disadvantages of a trip to Essaouira
The ever-present wind
Essaouira can be very windy, which is both a plus and a minus depending on your activities. We found this ocean breeze pleasant during our stay in warm weather. For kite-surfing enthusiasts, this is obviously a major advantage for which the destination is renowned. On the other hand, if you’re just looking to laze on the beach, you’ll have to contend with windy conditions that can sometimes make swimming less comfortable and kick up sand.
Summer heat
From May onwards, temperatures can rise in Essaouira. We recommend that you be well-prepared with appropriate sun protection, a hat (which you can tie up if you don’t want it to fly off!) and plenty of water for your outings. The hottest hours of the afternoon are ideal for napping or relaxing in the pools. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for taking advantage of milder temperatures. That’s what we did!
DISCOVER Essaouira
- Things to do in Essaouira
- Best hotels (coming soon)
- Best restaurants
- Itinerary: 1 day
- How to get there
The tourist influx
Essaouira attracts many visitors, especially during school vacations and festivities. If you prefer peace and quiet and the city all to yourself (well, almost all to yourself), we advise you to take advantage of the quieter seasons to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere. The medina remains less busy than Marrakech, even in high season.
How to get to Essaouira
Essaouira has a small airport about 15km from the city center, offering a number of domestic and international flights. Check out our flight offers here.
Essaouira is also easily accessible from several Moroccan cities. From Marrakech, allow around 3 hours by car or bus. From Agadir, allow 3h30. If you choose to travel by car, the roads are of good quality, making driving a pleasure. We enjoyed the scenery along the way.
Here are our tips for renting a car in Morocco (article to come). Buses operated by CTM (more info here) and Supratours (more info here), which are generally air-conditioned, offer an alternative, even if timetables are not always scrupulously respected. We recommend that you book your tickets in advance, especially in high season!
Here’s a map to help you find your way around Essaouira:
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
