Have you decided to visit Essaouira for three days? That’s the perfect amount of time to explore this ancient fortified city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast at a leisurely pace. Between the bustling port, the UNESCO-listed medina, the large beach, and excursions in the surrounding area, three days give you enough time to see the highlights without rushing. We were charmed by the city’s relaxed atmosphere, its white and blue alleyways, 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 3 days
What can you see in Essaouira in 3 days? Is it long enough?
Three days in Essaouira is enough time to see the highlights: the harbor, the medina, the ramparts, the beach, the art galleries, a museum, and a day trip to the surrounding area. You can already see a lot, explore the main attractions, and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere. Here is our selection of must-sees so you don’t miss a thing.
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
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, you can only get around on foot: many of the narrow streets are too narrow for cars. With comfortable shoes, you’ll have no trouble exploring the cobblestone streets of the old town. You can also stroll along the promenade by the main beach for nearly 2 km. Outside the medina, taxis are available at reasonable rates. We recommend asking for the fare before getting in or having the meter turned on to avoid unpleasant surprises. Bicycles, buggies, motorcycles, and scooters are also available for rent along the coastal road. If you’re arriving by rental car, a paid parking lot is located just outside the city walls.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
Where to sleep in Essaouira
When it comes to accommodations in Essaouira, there are several options to choose from. In the medina, you’ll find authentic riads, many of which feature rooftops with breathtaking views. We loved the vibrant colors of these properties. Along the coast and the beach, hotels and lodges offer modern comforts. Inland, beautiful, peaceful hotels offer views of the countryside. We particularly liked the Hôtel Jardin des Douars, a magnificent establishment that is a haven of peace and beauty. Find our selection of hotels and riads here.
Day 1: Port, Sqala, Souk, and Medina
Ready for a three-day trip to Essaouira? Between the charming harbor, the historic medina, the arts scene, the beach, and day trips to nearby areas, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy every day.
Day 1 – 10:00–10:30 a.m.: Explore the harbor and the fish market
Start your first day with an iconic view of Morocco and fall under the spell of the blue fishing boats lined up at the foot of the stone ramparts. The fish market is a quintessential spot where you can watch the daily catch being unloaded. The small stalls offer freshly caught local fish. We were drawn to this local, authentic atmosphere. The scene is most lively in the morning, when the fishermen unload their catch amid the cries of the seagulls.
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Day 1 – 10:30–11:00 a.m.: Visit the Sqala du Port
Overlooking the harbor, the Sqala du Port is an imposing fortification built in the 18th century by the French architect Théodore Cornut to protect the city from sea invasions. Its walls bear witness to Essaouira’s military past, with fortified architecture reminiscent of Saint-Malo in Brittany. There is an admission fee, but it grants access to the terrace. From there, we enjoyed the panoramic view of the harbor, the beach, and the medina. You’ll also find a great vantage point for photographing the ocean. The Sqala has also served as a backdrop for several film productions, including the series Game of Thrones.
Day 1 – 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Walk along the ramparts to the Sqala of the Kasbah
Pass Place Moulay El Hassan and enter the city walls. Walk along the wall and up to the Kasbah. Along the way, we recommend stopping at one of the stalls at the foot of the ramparts, where you’ll find inlays, ceramics, and traditional clothing on display. The Sqala of the Kasbah is Essaouira’s northern defensive platform. Along the battlements stands a row of bronze cannons facing the Atlantic. We enjoyed the view from this section of the fortifications, which is open to the public free of charge.
Day 1 – 12:00 PM–2:00 PM: Sample Moroccan cuisine on a rooftop
In Essaouira, the cuisine is all about the sea! Here, you can enjoy Moroccan-style fish and seafood specialties. What could be better than tasting this while admiring the ocean? That’s exactly what we did on the rooftop of the Restaurant Hôtel Salut Morocco, and we really enjoyed the experience. The city has plenty of other great spots. For a complete list, check out our article on the best restaurants in Essaouira. If you prefer something simpler, the grilled fish stands right at the port, at the foot of the fortifications, are also worth a visit.
Day 1 – 2:00–4:00 p.m.: Stroll through the medina and the souk
The historic medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets founded in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah according to a regular grid plan. There you will find numerous shops that make up the city’s souk. The main thoroughfare is Avenue de l’Istiqlal, which extends into Avenue Mohammed Zerktouni. There, we discovered all the facets of Moroccan craftsmanship: colorful ceramics, hand-woven tapestries, hammered metal objects, silver jewelry, and pieces made from thuja wood, a local wood emblematic of the region. If you see something you like, don’t hesitate to haggle—it’s a well-established tradition in Morocco. We spent a long time watching the artisans at work in their small workshops that open onto the street.
Day 1 – 5:00–6:30 p.m.: Stroll along the beach promenade
Enjoy the wide, palm-lined promenade that stretches 2 km along the beach. This pedestrian-only area is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can walk, rent a bike, a buggy, or a scooter to explore it. We enjoyed watching people surf and kitesurf. 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 – 6:30–7:00 p.m.: Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset
At the end of the day, stop off at one of the beachside restaurant-bars for a sunset cocktail. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Restaurant Océan Vagabond—a pleasant way to wrap up our first day of exploring.
Day 1 – 7:30–9:00 p.m.: Dinner at Umia Restaurant
To wrap up this first day, Restaurant Umia is one of the city’s most popular spots. Its bistronomic cuisine showcases Moroccan local ingredients in an elegant setting. We enjoyed the restaurant’s precise cooking, which highlights local flavors. A lovely way to end this day spent exploring the old city.
Day 2: Art, Culture, and Relaxation
Day 2 – 9:30–11:00 a.m.: Set out to discover the city’s artists
Art is omnipresent in Essaouira. We enjoyed watching them at work on the streets, as well as in the studios and galleries scattered throughout the medina. This artistic buzz gives the city its unique character: painters, sculptors, and musicians rub shoulders with artisans working with cedar wood, metal, and fabric. Take the time to chat with the artists, who are often happy to talk about their work. Colorful canvases brighten the alleyways at every street corner, and you may be surprised by the sheer creativity that fills the medina in the morning, before the influx of visitors.
Day 2 – 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Visit the Réal Mogador Art Center
Following this morning of art, the Centre d’Art Réal Mogador makes for an interesting stop. This brightly colored riad, converted into a museum-gallery, is run by François Real, an artist and art enthusiast. Admission is free, but if you wish to take photos or visit the upper floors, a small fee is requested to respect the copyright of the featured artists. We admired works of art brut on the ground floor and discovered some very creative furniture on the upper floors. In our opinion, this place perfectly captures the artistic spirit of Essaouira.
Day 2 – 12:00 PM–2:00 PM: Lunch overlooking the sea
For lunch, grab a table at a restaurant along the promenade or at the harbor. You can also opt for the small grilled fish stands at the foot of the fortifications, where tables are set up next to the stalls: the atmosphere is friendly and the dishes are simple but delicious. In the medina, we’ve also spotted some small restaurants worth trying. Find all our addresses in our guide to the best restaurants in Essaouira.
Day 2 – 2:00–4:30 p.m.: Afternoon at the beach
Essaouira’s beach is vast and rarely crowded, making it pleasant even in high season. You can simply stroll along it, go for a swim, or watch the surfers and kiteboarders riding the trade winds. The promenade runs along the coast for 2 km and is perfect for a stroll with no particular destination in mind. We found that this open space, facing the Atlantic, offers a nice break after a morning spent in the narrow streets of the medina.
Day 2 – 4:30–5:30 p.m.: Visit the Bayt Dakira Museum
The Bayt Dakira Museum is a small, free museum located in the medina. It traces the history of the city, highlighting the long coexistence between the Jewish and Muslim communities that have shaped Essaouira over the centuries. The city, formerly known as Mogador, was an important commercial hub where Jewish, Muslim, and European merchants lived side by side. We found this historical perspective helpful in understanding Essaouira’s unique place within Morocco. Everyday objects, documents, and period photographs illustrate this shared history. The museum is open Sunday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Day 2 – 5:30–7:00 p.m.: Spa and relaxation at your riad or hotel
After this second busy day, it’s time for a break. Essaouira’s riads are part of the experience in themselves: inner courtyards, rooftops with views of the medina and the Atlantic, and tasteful decor. The hammam, an essential part of Moroccan culture, is also worth a visit: many establishments offer traditional treatments. We stayed at the Hôtel Jardin des Douars and appreciated the tranquility and the attention to detail in the decor. Find all our accommodation suggestions here.
Day 2 – 7:00–9:00 p.m.: Dinner at the restaurant of the Hôtel Jardin des Douars
For your second dinner, we recommend the restaurant at the Hôtel Jardin des Douars, located in the Essaouira hinterland. At this magnificent establishment, we enjoyed a memorable fish pastilla in a setting of exceptional quality. The cuisine is bistronomic, featuring local Moroccan ingredients. Even if you’re not staying there, the hotel is worth the trip on its own: it’s a peaceful retreat, far from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
DISCOVER Essaouira
Day 3: Surfing and excursions
Day 3 – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Take a surfing or kitesurfing lesson
Essaouira is a renowned destination on the international surfing and kitesurfing scene. The trade winds that regularly blow along this coast create ideal conditions for these sports, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. Numerous schools and specialty shops offer equipment rentals as well as lessons tailored to all skill levels. For those looking for a different kind of activity, yoga classes on the beach are also available. We assure you, starting your day this way, facing the Atlantic, is a truly unique experience. Book your surfing or kitesurfing activity here.
Day 3 – 12:00 PM–2:00 PM: Lunch on the beach
Once you’re done with your activities, settle into a beachside restaurant. Whether you prefer traditional or modern cuisine, you’ll have plenty of options. The laid-back atmosphere of the boardwalk is perfect for unwinding after a morning of exercise. We particularly loved the simplicity of the tables set right by the water, where the menu naturally features seafood.
Day 3 – 2:00–3:00 p.m.: Visit a women-run argan oil cooperative
In the hinterland of Essaouira grows the argan tree, a species native to southwestern Morocco that is found nowhere else in the world. We highly recommend venturing inland to visit a women’s argan oil production cooperative. These collective organizations, run exclusively by women, offer a chance to discover the artisanal steps involved in oil extraction: sorting the nuts, grinding them with a stone mill, and pressing them by hand. We were impressed by the precision of this work. You can also buy argan oil for cooking or cosmetics directly from the source. Some cooperatives are just a 15-minute drive from Essaouira.
Day 3 – 3:00–5:00 p.m.: Explore the wild coast
The area around Essaouira offers beautiful beaches that are less crowded than the main city beach. Sidi Kaouki Beach, about 25 km to the south, is undoubtedly the best known: this long strip of sand bordered by dunes is constantly exposed to the trade winds, making it a popular spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers. The Sidi Kaouki marabout, a white mausoleum visible from the beach, gives the place a unique atmosphere. Closer to the city, the village of Diabat is known for having hosted Jimi Hendrix in the 1970s. Its quiet beaches and dunes make for a pleasant getaway. We recommend renting a car to explore these sites at your own pace.
Day 3 – 5:00–7:00 p.m.: Return to Essaouira and sunset over the ramparts
Back in town, wrap up this third day on the city walls. The Sqala de la Kasbah, which is free to visit, offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic at the end of the day. We found it to be one of the best spots in town to watch the light fade over the ocean. The cannons lined up facing the waves, the sea breeze, and the view of the beach make this a perfect way to wrap up three days in Essaouira.
Option 1: Essaouira with the family
Visiting Essaouira with the family? The city is ideal for traveling with children. The large beach offers plenty of space, and the medina remains accessible and engaging for curious young travelers. Here is our selection of activities and places suitable for all ages.
Family beach activities
Essaouira Beach offers plenty of family-friendly activities. In the southern part, you can go for a ride on a camel or horse: this one-hour horseback ride is also suitable for young children. For those who love board sports, we recommend trying sandboarding or taking a surfing lesson suitable for both children and adults. Why not also take a quad bike ride through the dunes? It’s a great way to spend quality time with your family.
Places to visit with the family
Here is our list of places in Essaouira that the whole family will enjoy.
- 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: a glimpse into daily life at the port. Children will be fascinated by the blue boats, the shouts from the stalls, and the returning fishing boats.
- The Réal Mogador Art Center: the vibrant colors of the riad-gallery and the unique sculptures on the premises spark the curiosity of visitors of all ages.
- The ramparts and the sqalas: children can check out the cannons and watch the boats in the distance. A historic playground that’s free to visit.
- The Promenade: Lined with palm trees, this 2-kilometer-long promenade is perfect for walking, biking, or riding in a buggy, and is suitable for all ages.
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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 a well-known spot for surfing and kitesurfing. The trade winds that blow regularly create ideal conditions for these sports. Many schools and specialty shops offer equipment rentals as well as lessons tailored to all skill levels. In addition, the area around Essaouira is home to excellent spots. Sidi Kaouki Beach, 25 km to the south, is particularly popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers thanks to its consistent trade winds. Further south, the village of Imsouane is renowned for its long, consistent waves. We encourage you to explore these spots if you have extra time in the region.
Other sports activities
Essaouira offers more than just surfing. The 2-kilometer-long promenade along the beach is a great spot for a seaside jog, with unobstructed views of the Atlantic as a bonus. You can also rent electric bikes, buggies, or motorcycles to ride along the coast or explore the surrounding area. Horseback or camel rides on the beach are available for all skill levels. For thrill-seekers, ATV excursions through the dunes offer a chance to discover this coastline from a different perspective. Sandboarding lessons are also available for those who want to ride down the dunes on a board. Finally, we noticed yoga classes on the beach, which are better suited for those looking for a less intense workout.
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Alternative 3: Excursions around Essaouira
Essaouira is a great starting point for exploring the region. If you’d like to extend your trip beyond three days, here are a few destinations worth visiting.
Imsouane, a little paradise for surfing
Further south of Essaouira, the village of Imsouane is renowned for its long, consistent waves, which are among the most popular with surfers in Morocco. Its fishing-village atmosphere stands in contrast to the nearby beach resorts. We found a simple, laid-back atmosphere there, quite different from the hustle and bustle of Essaouira’s medina. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to extend their stay on Morocco’s Atlantic coast in a wilder, less crowded setting.
Marrakech or Agadir: two major destinations within easy reach
Essaouira is about a 2.5-hour drive from Marrakech and a 3-hour drive from Agadir, making it a natural stop on a broader tour of Morocco. Marrakech offers a striking contrast to Essaouira: the medina is denser and livelier, the souks are larger, and the architectural heritage is very rich. Agadir, on the other hand, features a long urban beach, a well-developed hotel scene, and a seaside resort atmosphere quite different from that of the “City of Winds.” We recommend renting a car to travel between these destinations at your own pace.
What You Need to Know for Your Stay in Essaouira
The weather in Essaouira
A constant breeze blows in Essaouira, earning it the nickname “City of the Wind.” As soon as we arrived, we enjoyed this salty ocean breeze. The heat sets in starting in May. Average summer temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C, with highs reaching 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 the port in a calmer atmosphere. We love this season for the quality of the light and the tranquility of the narrow streets.
Crowds in Essaouira
Essaouira attracts many tourists, although it remains less crowded than Marrakech. The crowds are larger during the high season, from June to September, when the city welcomes the most visitors. Despite this, it remains a pleasant destination year-round. We visited in May and found the place peaceful. The beach isn’t crowded because it’s so large. We recommend booking your accommodation in advance if you’re visiting during the high season. Outside of this period, you’ll have the opportunity to find last-minute deals at more affordable prices.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
On rainy or windy days, there are several options available to you. The Bayt Dakira Museum and the Réal Mogador Art Center are great alternatives for spending a morning indoors. The hammams at hotels and riads are also perfect for a wellness break on cooler days. Finally, the craft shops and cafés in the medina invite you to stroll at a leisurely pace. We’ve found that the medina actually has a special charm on gray days: the narrow streets are less crowded, 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
