You’ve decided to visit Essaouira in 2 days? Excellent idea. It’s the ideal length of time to discover this ancient fortified city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, where artists, fishermen and sports enthusiasts meet. We were seduced by its relaxed atmosphere, its white and blue streets, its ramparts facing the ocean and the richness of its crafts.
Our itineraries will guide you through Essaouira. Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Essaouira in 2 days
What can you see in Essaouira in 2 days? Is it long enough?
Two days in Essaouira allows you to see the essentials: the port, the medina, the ramparts, the beach and to immerse yourself in the city’s very special atmosphere. You can already see a lot, explore the main attractions and enjoy the atmosphere. Here’s our selection of must-sees, so you don’t miss a thing.
Map of tourist attractions in Essaouira
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here’s our map of Essaouira’s main tourist attractions:
Getting around Essaouira
In the medina, the only way to get around is on foot: many alleyways are too narrow for cars. Equipped with comfortable shoes, you’ll have no trouble walking the cobblestones of the old town. You can also walk along the Grand Plage promenade for almost 2km. Outside the medina, cabs are available at reasonable prices. We advise you to ask for the fare before getting in, or to activate the meter to avoid unpleasant surprises. Bikes, buggies, motorcycles and scooters are also available for hire along the corniche. If you’re coming by rental car, there’s a paying parking lot in front of the city walls.
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Where to sleep in Essaouira
There are several options for accommodation in Essaouira. In the medina, you’ll find charming riads, often with rooftops offering breathtaking views. We loved the colors and authenticity of these establishments! Along the coast and beach, hotels and lodges offer modern comfort. Inland, beautiful, quiet hotels offer views over the countryside. We particularly liked the Hôtel Jardin des Douars, a magnificent establishment, a haven of peace and beauty.
Find our selection of hotels and riads here.
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
Our ideal itinerary: 2 days in Essaouira
Looking for two days in Essaouira? Between the authentic port, the historic medina, the beach promenade and the city’s art scene, you’ll love discovering the Windy City.
Day 1 – 10:00-10:30: Discover the port and fish market
Start your first day with an emblematic image of Morocco: the sight of blue fishing boats packed like sardines at the foot of the stone ramparts. The fish market is a typical place where you can watch the daily return of the catch. Small stalls sell freshly caught local species. We were charmed by the authentic, local atmosphere. It’s best in the morning, when the fishermen unload their catch to the cries of the gulls.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
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Day 1 – 10:30am-11am: Visit the Port Sqala
Overlooking the port, the Sqala du Port is an imposing fortification built in the 18th century by French architect Théodore Cornut to protect the city from sea invasions. Its walls bear witness to Essaouira’s military past, and its fortified architecture is reminiscent of that of Saint-Malo in Brittany. Admission is charged (60DH), but gives access to the terrace, from which we enjoyed the panoramic view over the port, the beach and the medina. It’s also an ideal spot for taking great photos of the ocean. Sqala has also been used as a backdrop for several film productions, including the famous Game of Thrones series.
Day 1 – 11h-12h: Walk along the ramparts to the Kasbah Sqala
Pass Place Moulay El Hassan and enter the city walls. Walk along the wall and up to the Kasbah. Along the way, stop off at one of the stalls at the foot of the ramparts, featuring marquetry, ceramics and traditional clothing. The Sqala de la Kasbah is Essaouira’s northern defensive platform. A battery of bronze cannons line the battlements, facing the Atlantic. We enjoyed the view from this part of the fortifications, which is freely accessible.
Day 1 – 12pm-2pm: Taste Moroccan cuisine on a rooftop
Essaouira’s cuisine is all about the sea, offering Moroccan-style fish and seafood specialties. What could be better than tasting this while admiring the ocean? We did just that on the rooftop of Restaurant Salut Morocco, and loved it. The city has many other great spots. For a complete selection, check out our article on Essaouira’s best restaurants. If you prefer a more informal experience, the grilled fish stands right at the port, at the foot of the fortifications, are also worth a visit: simple, tasty and authentic.
Day 1 – 2pm-4pm: Stroll through the medina and souk
Essaouira’s historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of colorful alleyways founded in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah on a regular plan. It’s home to the many stores that make up the city’s souk. The main thoroughfare is Avenue de l’Istiqlal, extended by Avenue Mohammed Zerktouni. Here we discovered all the facets of Moroccan craftsmanship: colorful ceramics, hand-woven tapestries, hammered metal objects, silver jewelry and pieces made from cedar wood, the region’s emblematic local species. If you like something, don’t hesitate to haggle, a time-honored tradition in Morocco. We spent long moments strolling past the stalls, attracted by the precision of the craftsmen’s gestures in their small workshops open to the street.
Day 1 – 4pm-5pm: Visit the Centre d’Art Réal Mogador
One of the city’s most interesting galleries, in our opinion, is the Centre d’Art Le Réal Mogador. This brightly-colored riad has been transformed into a museum-gallery, and is owned by artist and art enthusiast François Real. Admission is free, but if you want to take photos or visit the floors, you’ll have to pay a fee to respect the artists’ copyrights. On the first floor, we contemplated works of art brut, while on the upper floors we discovered highly creative and colorful furniture. It’s a fine example of Essaouira’s artistic soul, and a welcome break from the usual tourist circuit.
Day 1 – 5pm-6:30pm: Stroll along the beach promenade
Enjoy the palm-fringed promenade that runs for 2km along the beach. This pedestrian zone invites you to take a stroll. You can go for a walk or rent a bike, buggy or scooter to explore it. We loved watching the people surfing and kite-surfing! In the distance, you’ll see Mogador Island, the former name of Essaouira. In the late afternoon, the Atlantic light is particularly beautiful on the waves and ramparts.
Day 1 – 6:30-7pm: Cocktails and sunset
At the end of the day, stop off at one of the beachside restaurant-bars for a sunset cocktail. We particularly appreciated the surf and vacation atmosphere of the Restaurant Océan Vagabond. A simple moment to round off this first day of discovery.
Day 2 – 9:30am-12:30pm: Take a surf or kite-surf lesson
Essaouira is an internationally recognized spot for surfing and kite-surfing. The trade winds that regularly blow along the coast create ideal conditions for these sports, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. Numerous schools and specialized stores offer equipment rental and lessons for all levels. We assure you, it’s an experience not to be missed! For those looking for a less slippery activity, yoga classes on the beach are also available.
Book your surfing or kite-surfing activity here!
DISCOVER Essaouira
Day 2 – 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Testing a seafood cuisine
Once you’ve completed your activity, take a seat in one of the beach restaurants. Traditional or more modern cuisine, the choice is yours. You can also have lunch in the harbor, at the fish market: we particularly appreciated the friendly atmosphere of the little improvised restaurants at the foot of the fortifications, where tables are set up next to the stalls and you can taste the grilled fish straight away. A simple but tasty culinary experience! In the medina, we also found a number of small restaurants worth trying. Find all our addresses in our guide to the best restaurants in Essaouira.
Day 2 – 2:30 – 4:30 pm: In search of the city’s artists
Art is omnipresent in Essaouira. We loved admiring it on the street, but also in the workshops and galleries scattered throughout the city. This artistic effervescence gives the town a unique character: painters, sculptors and musicians rub shoulders with artisans of cedar wood, metal and fabric. Take the time to talk with the artists, who, like those we met, will surely be delighted to tell you about their practice. Colorful canvases brighten up the streets around every corner. You’ll be amazed by the density of creativity that emanates from the medina. In our opinion, this spontaneous stroll is one of the most authentic experiences Essaouira has to offer.
Day 2 – 4:30-5:30 pm: Visit the Bayt Dakira Museum
The Bayt Dakira Museum is a small, free museum in Essaouira’s medina. It traces the city’s history, highlighting the long coexistence between the Jewish and Muslim communities that have shaped Essaouira over the centuries. The town, once known as Mogador, was an important trading center where Jewish, Muslim and European merchants lived side by side. We found this historical approach an interesting way of understanding Essaouira’s uniqueness within Morocco. Everyday objects, documents and period photographs illustrate this shared memory. The museum is open Sunday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Day 2 – 5:30-7pm: Enjoying the comfort of your riad or hotel
After two busy days, why not take a break and enjoy the charm of your accommodation? Essaouira’s riads are part of the experience in themselves: interior patios, rooftops overlooking the medina and the Atlantic, meticulous decor. In the hinterland, we stayed at Hôtel Jardin des Douars, which we recommend for its calm and meticulous decor. The hammam, an essential part of Moroccan culture, also deserves your attention: many establishments offer traditional treatments. Find all our accommodation suggestions here.
Day 2 – 7-9pm: Dinner in a bistronomic restaurant
Conclude your stay with a fine meal. Restaurant Umia is one of the city’s most popular addresses for bistronomic cuisine based on local Moroccan produce. Another option we particularly like is the bistronomic restaurant at the Hôtel Jardin des Douars. In this magnificent inland establishment, we enjoyed a memorable fish pastilla in a setting of rare beauty. If you haven’t stayed there yet, the hotel is also well worth a visit: a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the medina. Visit our Essaouira restaurant guide for more ideas.
Alternative 1: Discover Essaouira with your family
Visiting Essaouira with the family? The city lends itself very well to travel with children. The large beach offers generous space, while the medina remains accessible and stimulating for curious young travelers. Here’s our selection of activities and places suitable for young and old.
Family beach activities
Essaouira beach offers a wide range of family activities. In the southern part, you can take a camel or horse ride: this one-hour horse ride is also suitable for younger children. For the more adventurous, we recommend trying out sandboarding or taking a surfing course suitable for both children and adults. Why not take a quad bike ride together in the dunes? It’s a great way to enjoy some family time together!
Places to visit with the family
Here’s our list of family-friendly spots in Essaouira:
The medina souk: a maze of colorful alleyways where children can go treasure hunting. Bright colors, traditional Moroccan games, embroidered babouches and chased metal lanterns will delight the most curious.
The fish market: an authentic and colorful plunge into everyday harbor life. Children will be fascinated by the tightly-packed blue boats, the shouts from the stalls and the fishing returns.
The Centre d’Art Réal Mogador: the riad-gallery’s vibrant colors and unusual sculptures arouse the curiosity of young and old alike.
The ramparts and sqalas: children can keep watch behind the walls, observe the cannons and watch the ships in the distance. An ideal historical playground.
The corniche: lined with palm trees, the 2km promenade invites you to go for a walk, cycle or buggy ride. A pleasant outing for the whole family.
The beach: huge and accessible, with plenty of room for sand games, water sports and seaside walks.
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Alternative 2: Sporty Essaouira
Essaouira boasts a vibrant sporting scene, from the waves to the corniche and dunes.
Surfing, kite-surfing and water sports
Essaouira is an internationally recognized spot for surfing and kite-surfing. The regular trade winds create ideal conditions for these sports. Numerous schools and specialized stores offer equipment rental and lessons for all levels. Essaouira’s surrounding area also boasts some excellent surf spots. The beach at Sidi Kaouki, 25km to the south, is particularly popular with kite-surfers and windsurfers, thanks to its constant trade winds. Further south, the village of Imsouane is a small surfing paradise, renowned for its long, steady waves. Diabat beach, accessible from the town along the coast, is appreciated for its calmness and dunes. We encourage you to explore these spots if you’re staying in the region for more than a day.
Other sports activities
There’s much more to Essaouira than surfing. The 2km-long corniche along the beach makes an excellent jogging area by the sea, with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic. You can also hire electric bikes, buggies or motorcycles to ride along the coast or explore the surrounding area. Horse-riding and camel-riding on the beach are available for all levels. For thrill-seekers, quad-biking excursions in the dunes are a great way to discover the coastline from a different angle. We also noticed sandboarding courses, where you can hurtle down the dunes on a board. Finally, yoga classes on the beach will delight those looking for a gentler form of exercise.
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Alternative 3: Excursions around Essaouira
Essaouira is a good starting point for exploring the region. The coast and hinterland hold many surprises for those wishing to get away from the medina for a few hours.
Along the coast: Sidi Kaouki, Diabat, Imsouane
The area around Essaouira has some beautiful, unspoilt beaches, less crowded than the big city beach. Sidi Kaouki beach, some 25km to the south, is undoubtedly the best known: this long ribbon of sand bordered by dunes is permanently exposed to the trade winds, making it a popular spot for kite-surfing and windsurfing. The Sidi Kaouki marabout, a white mausoleum visible from the beach, lends the area a singular atmosphere. Closer to town, the village of Diabat is also famous for having welcomed Jimi Hendrix in the 1970s. Its calm beaches and dunes make it a pleasant getaway. Even further south, Imsouane is a small surfing paradise, whose fishing village atmosphere contrasts with that of the nearby seaside resort of Agadir.
Discover the hinterland and an argan oil cooperative
In the hinterland, we savored the colors of the landscape: ochre and red mountains with gentle cliffs stretching down to the sea, enhanced by the green of the argan tree. The region is home to this endemic tree of south-west Morocco, which grows nowhere else in the world. Venturing inland to visit a women’s argan oil production cooperative is an excursion we highly recommend. These collective structures, run exclusively by women, enable us to discover the artisanal stages of oil extraction: sorting the nuts, grinding with a stone millstone and pressing by hand. We were impressed by the precision of this work. You can also buy argan oil for cooking and cosmetics directly from the source, often at lower prices than in town. Some cooperatives are only a 15-minute drive from Essaouira.
What you need to know for your weekend in Essaouira
The weather in Essaouira
Essaouira enjoys a constant breeze, earning it the nickname “City of Wind”. As soon as we arrived, we appreciated the salty trade winds from the ocean. The heat sets in from May onwards. Average summer temperatures fluctuate between 22°C and 26°C, with peaks of up to 30°C. In the off-season, temperatures remain pleasant, generally between 15°C and 20°C. In winter, the city is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the medina and port in a quieter atmosphere. We particularly appreciate this season for the quality of the light and the tranquility of the alleyways.
Crowds in Essaouira
Essaouira attracts many tourists, although not as many as Marrakech. The peak season is from June to September, when the city welcomes the most visitors. Despite this, the destination remains pleasant all year round. We went there in May and found it peaceful. The beach is so large that it’s not crowded. We advise you to book your accommodation in advance if you’re coming in high season. Outside this period, you’ll also be able to find last-minute offers at more advantageous prices.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
On rainy or windy days, there are several options. The Bayt Dakira Museum and the Centre d’Art Réal Mogador are good alternatives for a sheltered morning. The hammams in hotels and riads are also ideal on cooler days for a wellness break. Last but not least, the medina’s craft stores and cafés invite you to take a leisurely stroll. We found the medina particularly charming on a grey day: the alleyways are less busy and the atmosphere is more intimate.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
