Oh, Essaouira, where to start? This laid-back coastal city is a breath of fresh Atlantic air—a place where ancient medina walls meet bohemian vibes, sea-salted breezes, and golden sunsets over crashing waves. In this ultimate Essaouira travel guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know before you go (and you fall in love with it): what to do, where to eat, sleep, and even surf, how to get around, and the best day trips in the area. At the end of this post, I’ve also included a map so you can easily pinpoint all the locations mentioned here. Let’s dive into this Moroccan gem by the sea!

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Disclaimers:

• I traveled to Essaouira with a friend in April 2025, in a trip that also took us to Marrakech and Agadir. Check out my recap post on Instagram.
• Please note that this post includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Throughout the trip, I used this Morocco travel guidebook by Lonely Planet to plan our stay and make the most out of it. I hope you’ll find it helpful too!

💙 What to do in Essaouira: top attractions to visit

Welcome to Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador and now nicknamed ´the white city´ or ´the windy city of Africa´. This Moroccan destination housing around 80.000 inhabitants is a charming, windy port town on the Atlantic coast; it´s without a doubt one of the top places to visit in the country, and it actually ranks as my favorite now. Think whitewashed medina walls, vibrant blue shutters, fresh seafood sizzling on open grills, and the constant soundtrack of seagulls and crashing waves. In my opinion, Essaouira was a mix of the fortified city of Tarifa in southern Spain and the wild beaches in Les Landes (France) drizzled with Middle Eastern decadence. An absolute dream to photograph! 😍

Since hippies adopted Essaouira as their very own mecca in the 1970s, it remains a city of artists frequented by independent travelers, especially surfers. The pace here is slower, the people friendlier, and the vibe much more relaxed than its bigger Moroccan sisters (take Fez or Marrakech for example). It’s the perfect spot to recharge, wander without purpose, and soak in some of the most photogenic streets you’ll ever see.

What makes Essaouira special isn’t just its coastal beauty, but its perfect mix of culture, history, and ocean breeze. Ready to discover the best things to do in Essaouira?

📸 Wander the medina

Compared to other Moroccan towns, the city of Essaouira itself is made up of an orderly grid of wide, straight streets crossed by gates, namely Bab Doukkala to the north, Bab Marrakech to the east, Bab Sebaa to the south and Bab el-Marsa by the harbor (also known as Porte de la Marine). It was designed by French architect Cornut, who also built the Sqala de la Ville and the Sqala du Port between 1760 and 1764. Essaouira can be divided in three distinct parts: the kasbah (or citadel), the mellah (also known as the Jewish quarter) and the medina (or old town).

Focusing on the latter, Essaouira’s labyrinthine medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite its maze of narrow streets, it’s one of the easiest to explore in Morocco because it´s relatively small.

These are some spots you shouldn´t miss when exploring the medina of Essaouira:

• ✡ Mellah: notwithstanding the prosperity of the 18th and 19th centuries, the old Jewish quarter of the city is no longer inhabited by the Semitic community. However, some points of interest include Rue Darb Laalouj (look for the old houses of Jewish businessmen featuring front balconies), Avenue Mohamed Zerktouni (the main street of the area, now housing a market), Bayt Dakira (a museum about the fascinating Jewish community in the country), and the austere Jewish cemetery, which is also worth a visit. We tried to stop by the latter, but unfortunately we couldn´t make it in.
• 🕌 Mosque Ben Youssef: located in the heart of the medina, this is the most important mosque in town.
• 🪕Musée Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah: this ethnographic museum occupies a 19th-century house that was formerly the City Hall. It houses a good selection of antique handicrafts, weapons, jewelry, musical instruments, Berber clothing, and carpets.
• 🛍 Souk Jdid: literally meaning the new bazaar, this souk can be found by the intersection of two major avenues, hence dividing the space in various markets. Come here to browse anything you can think of, from fish, grain and spices, to argan oil and handwoven rugs.

🏰 Explore the ramparts, Skala de la Ville and Sqala du Port

The city’s old fortifications, built by the Portuguese, offer dramatic views of the ocean. Walk along the ramparts at sunset for a Game of Thrones-worthy experience (some scenes were actually filmed here!). Even though the entrance to Essaouira’s walls can be tricky, once you do you will find cannons lined up along the walls, and the ocean crashing against the rocks below. It’s the perfect place to sit admiring the vast Atlantic Ocean, especially at sunset.

In order to further protect the city, coastal bastions were built. These are known as ´Sqala´ or ´Skala´ and there are two of them in Essaouira: Skala de la Ville (also referred to as Sqala de la Kasbah) and Sqala du Port. We loved visiting Borj Bab too, an old bastion transformed into an art gallery and hosting panoramic views in the top floor. Make sure to stop by any of these for unforgettable photo ops.

Don’t miss the Tour de l’Horloge either, Essaouira’s iconic 18th-century clock tower rising above the medina—an elegant landmark that once marked the heartbeat of the town and now serves as a perfect photo stop.

🐟 Watch the fishing boats at the port

Certainly, the harbor (Port d´Essaouira) is one of the most photogenic spots in town. Stop by the charming Place Moulay El Hassan first, and then head to Bab el Marsa or Porte de la Marine. Pass the archway to admire blue wooden boats bobbing in the harbor, fishermen unloading their catch, and seagulls circling above. It’s lively and totally authentic, especially at sunrise or sunset.

I suggest that you keep walking along the road leading into the port, where you will find endless fish stalls and colorful crates. Note that you can actually buy any fish or seafood you like and take it to the stall at the far end to have it cooked before eating it right there in the harbor.

As you can imagine, wherever there is fish, there are cats. And unsurprisingly, the cats of Essaouira deserve their own mention. They’re literally everywhere and live a happy life marauding by the port, chilling under the sun or browsing the labyrinthine alleys of the medina.

Read these posts for more inspiration around Africa!

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🎨 Visit local art galleries and shops

Essaouira has a surprisingly thriving art scene featuring the colorful work of many artists such as Abdallah Elatrach, Ali Maïmoune or Mohammed Tabal.

Don’t miss Galerie d’Art Frederic Damgaard near the medina entrance. Even if you’re not shopping, the creativity on display is well worth the stop. In addition to that gallery, we checked out Galerie du Sud – Redone Gallery, but there are many more gems out there. Just wander the medina and see what captures your attention!

There are plenty of cute concept stores too, including Histoire de filles, Le Carré Nomade or Minimal to name just a few.

🧖‍♀️ Relax at a traditional Moroccan hammam

Even though we ended up going to a hammam in Agadir, here are some options in Essaouira I had researched just in case. Let me know how it goes if you try any of these!

• Azur Spa
• Heure Bleue (also features a hotel and restaurant)
• Hotel Le Golf D’Essaouira & Spa
• Hôtel Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa sea & spa
• Salut Maroc (they offer accommodation as well as food and drinks)
• Spa Cocooning
• Villa Maroc (it´s both a hotel, a restaurant and a spa)

✝ Visit Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption

Tucked away just outside the bustling medina, Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is one of Essaouira’s lesser-known historical gems. Built during the French colonial era, this modest Catholic church offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the city’s multicultural past. Though simple in design, its whitewashed walls and quiet courtyard evoke a sense of calm and reflection.

If you’re nearby and as curious as I am, it’s worth a quick stop—especially for travelers interested in the layers of religious and architectural history that shape Essaouira’s unique identity.

🌊 Hit the Essaouira beach

Essaouira’s strong Atlantic winds have earned it the nickname ´the wind city of Africa´. It’s one of the best places in Morocco for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, with many schools offering classes for beginners.

The beach in Essaouira (Plage d´Essaouira) is a 2-kilometer long stretch of golden sand that forms a crescent-shaped bay. It’s located to the south of the city’s medina and runs along a wide paved promenade, which makes it very accessible. 

Furthermore, you can explore Plage Assafi to the north of the city, which is less touristy. Other spots include Cap Sim or Sidi Kaouki (listed on my section of day trips from Essaouira), although they´re further away from the heart of the medina.

In addition to endless water activities, you may want to ride a camel or a horse along the Essaouira beach. The animals can be found in front of the Ocean Vagabond restaurant. Otherwise, just sunbathe, take a dip in the ocean or walk along the shore. When we visited Essaouira, we actually spent a glorious afternoon at the beach and it was one of the best parts of the entire trip! I had a great time taking pictures there, everything was so picturesque!

Also, I don’t know about you, but when spending the day at the beach, I enjoy feeling comfortable. Listed above are some of the sports products that I typically use. Feel free to check out my Decathlon affiliate profile in order to browse additional items.

📝 Travel tips: Essaouira weather, suggested itinerary and more

Based on my recent visit to the Moroccan city of Essaouira, here are a few tips to help you navigate this fascinating destination. For further details about useful words in Arabic, as well as recommendations on cultural norms, haggling or safety, head to my Morocco destination page.

• 💰 Currency: whenever I travel abroad to a country that doesn´t use euros as was the case for Morocco, I like to have my Revolut Card and app handy to convert money and then pay in local currency. It´s easy, efficient and helps you avoid commissions while you´re on the go. Should you want to exchange money in town, Essaouira Change was the place recommended to us.
• 🌬 Essaouira weather: this coastal city enjoys a mild, temperate climate year-round, thanks to the cooling Atlantic breeze that gives it the nickname ´the windy city of Africa´. The summer season (June to September) is pleasantly warm, rarely exceeding 28°C (82°F), making it a perfect escape from Morocco’s inland heat. Winters are mild too, with daytime temperatures hovering around 18°C (64°F), though evenings can get chilly. Rain is most common from November to February, but even then, it’s usually light. Just pack a windbreaker—those coastal gusts are no joke, trust me! Luckily, most rooftops offer blankets, which are very welcome.
• ⏳ Historic background: Essaouira’s roots stretch back to ancient times, with traces of Phoenician and Roman presence along its coast. But the city we know today began to take shape in the 18th century when Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah hired European architects to design a fortified port city to connect Morocco with Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Known as Mogador by the Portuguese and early European traders, Essaouira became a bustling hub for commerce, culture, and coexistence—home to Muslims, Jews, and Europeans alike. Its unique blend of Moroccan tradition and international influence still defines its soul today.
• 📍Itinerary: since Essaouira is a very manageable city in terms of size, it can be easily visited in a day. Having said that, I suggest that you devote at least a couple of days to this beautiful coastal town. We actually spent two nights here and wished we had stayed longer! We´ll be back for sure.
• 🗓 Key events in Essaouira: the city may be laid-back, but it knows how to put on a show. Essaouira’s crown jewel is the Gnaoua World Music Festival, held each June. In spring, the Printemps Musical des Alizés offers classical and chamber music concerts in stunning historic venues, and the city also welcomes the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles, a groundbreaking women-only off-road rally which was actually taking place when we were there. In October, don’t miss the Andalusian Atlantic Music Festival, which honors Essaouira’s rich Moroccan-Jewish heritage.
• 📸 Photography: if you´re looking for memorable photo ops and panoramic views, head to the fishing port, Sqala du Port or Borj Bab. The labyrinthine alleys of the medina are a must too. If you can time your shoots around the golden hour, even better.
• 🛟 Safety: for extra peace of mind when traveling abroad, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget below. During my recent 1-week trip to Morocco exploring Marrakech, Agadir and Essaouira, I purchased my travel insurance through Safety Wing for $14.07. It only took me a few minutes to buy it and what I loved is that you could even generate an insurance card and visa letter to keep them handy at all times.

🍴What and where to eat in Essaouira: from street food to seaside dining

🎣 What to eat in Essaouira: fresh fish and beyond

Being a coastal town, Essaouira is a true heaven for seafood lovers. Fresh fish, grilled sardines, oysters, and calamari are served daily just hours after being caught.

But there’s more to the local cuisine than grilled fish. Other specialties include harira (a comforting Moroccan soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices), pastilla aux fruits de mer (a flaky phyllo pie filled with seafood, a coastal twist on the classic pigeon pastilla) or seafood tajine (often made with shrimp, white fish, and vegetables, slow-cooked in clay pots with saffron and preserved lemon).

For a sweet finish, try amlou (a creamy dip made from almonds, argan oil, and honey) and chebakia (sesame-honey pastries).

☕ Where to eat in Essaouira: best cafes, markets, restaurants and rooftops

Wondering where to eat in Essaouira? The options are virtually endless, but here are a few ideas sorted by category.

• ☕Cafés and rooftops: take it easy at L´Atelier (cozy coffee shop and concept store also offering cooking classes), Grand Café de la Place, La Roche, Le Palazzo, Mega Loft, Pâtisserie Driss (we ordered good lattes along with so-so Moroccan pastries for 28 Dh at this local institution near the harbor; in addition to its famous sweets, the cafeteria is interesting because of its large patio with lots of paintings), Maison Jadis (café-brocante), Snack Café de France or Taros Lounge. Note that while drinking is legal for non-Muslims, it’s generally kept discreet. That being said, Essaouira is more liberal than other Moroccan cities, and you’ll find a handful of licensed bars, hotel lounges, and restaurants serving beer, cocktails and wine.
• 🎣 Fresh fish: as in Agadir, you will find the best street food of Essaouira at the fish stalls right by the port. One option is to eat at the nearby Halle aux Poissons, where we dined one night for 200 Dh at ´Stall 14 Calvados´; we had Moroccan salad, mint tea, squid, sardines, and grilled shrimp. Alternatively, you can head directly to the harbor, where you pick your favorite fish or seafood, they grill it for you, and you eat it right there.
• 🍅 Markets: Souk Jdid in the medina encompasses various markets selling grain (Marché des Graines), fish (Marché aux Poissons) or fruits and vegetables (Marché aux Légumes et Fruits). On Sundays, you can stop by Marché du dimanche along Avenue Mohamed Al Hadri.
• 🍽 Restaurants: Adwak (traditional and affordable Moroccan cuisine), Al Fath, Caravane Café (offers music shows), Chez Sam, Dar Baba, Heure Bleue, Koozina, La Licorne, La Table by Madada, Le Chalet de la Plage, Le Love by Caravane, Les Alizés Mogador, Mandala Society (I loved this place, their panoramic view of the main street from the top floor and their delicious bread! We had a bruschetta and chermoula feta. I was also dying to order a latte because the coffee smelled amazing, but we had to rush to catch the bus, so now I have one more reason to come back!), Ocean Vagabond (I loved eating at this cafe/restaurant/surf shop by the Essaouira beach giving all the Formentera vibes; we paid 400 Dh for a salad with squid and avocado, spring rolls with vegetables, and a raspberry tart), Restaurant Laayoune, Salut Maroc (beautiful rooftop restaurant with live music and boutique hotel where we had the first dinner of our stay; we ordered octopus salad, squid tagine, and agneau tagine – everything was delicious, even the bread and the complimentary pastries we got for dessert!), Silvestro (Italian cuisine), Triskala, Villa Beldi (housed in a hotel in the outskirts of Essaouira), Zerda Mogador.

🛏 Where to stay in Essaouira: best riads, hostels & hotels

Essaouira offers accommodation for every type of traveler, from surf hostels to elegant riads. That being said, book in advance, especially in spring and fall, because this destination is popular with both locals and tourists alike.

If you’re wondering where to stay in the Moroccan city of Essaouira, here’s a selection of the best spots sorted by budget:

• Riads in Essaouira: Les Terrasses d´Essaouira, Palais des Remparts, Riad Al Madina Essaouira Hôtel, Riad Baladin, Riad Borj El Baroud (we loved staying here for a couple of nights; great location steps away from the medina, attentive staff, delicious breakfast and a beautiful room), Riad Emotion, Salut Maroc, Villa Maroc.
• Luxury hotels in Essaouira (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): Heure Bleue, Hotel Le Golf D’Essaouira & Spa, Hôtel Le Médina Essaouira Thalassa sea & spa.
• Medium range hotels in Essaouira (⭐⭐⭐ or ⭐⭐⭐⭐): Baoussala, Dar l´Oussia, Hotel Souiri, La Colline des Oliviers (20 mins outside the city), Le Jardin des Douars (tucked away in the Essaouira hills), Les Jardins de Villa Maroc (outside of Essaouira), Madada Mogador Essaouira, Villa Beldi, Villa de l’ô, Villa Quieta.
• Budget accommodation in Essaouira (⭐⭐ or below): Atlantic Hostel, Camping Esprit Nature, The Chill Art Hostel.

For more accommodation options in Essaouira (Morocco), feel free to check out Airbnb, Booking or Hostelworld, my go-to platforms wherever I travel.

🚕 How to get to Essaouira and move around the city

Getting to Essaouira is fairly simple, and once you arrive, navigating the town is a breeze. Besides, its size is very manageable, perfect for exploring on foot.

Here’s how to get there and around, broken down by each mode of transport:

• 🚲 By bike: personally, I wouldn´t ride a bike in Essaouira because distances are fairly short, unless I was going to the beach along the promenade. But locals ride them a lot, even in the narrow alleys!
• 🛥️ By boat: as far as I know, there are no commercial ferries currently operating to or from Essaouira, despite being a port city. However, you can sometimes find local fishing excursions or private sailing tours going to the Îles Purpuraires for example.
• 🚌 By bus: this is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach the city. We actually traveled from Agadir to Essaouira with CTM, and then from Essaouira back to Marrakech with Supratours. However, note that each company has its own bus station, which is why we departed from a different location to the one we arrived to in the first place. I know it sounds confusing, but that´s just the way it works! SATAS is another bus company connecting Essaouira to cities throughout the country.
• 🚙 By car: no traffic nor parking of cars or motorbikes is allowed within the medina, so you will have to use designated lots just outside the walls to leave your vehicle. Having said that, you may consider renting a car for more flexibility in case you´re planning day trips.
• 👣 By foot: once you’re in Essaouira, forget taxis and buses as the medina is fully walkable and a joy to explore on foot.
• ✈️ By plane: Essaouira has a small international airport (Essaouira-Mogador Airport – ESU) located about 20 minutes from the city center. Most flights are seasonal from European cities such as London or Paris.
• 🚕 By taxi: there are different kinds of taxis in Morocco, including the ´petits taxis´ (cheap and safe), ´grands taxis´ (shared or private that you could hire to travel from Essaouira to Marrakech or Agadir), private taxis (price depending on negotiation) or shared taxis (cheaper, but they only leave when full and often stop along the way). Whichever taxi you take, note that they will leave you outside the city walls. There are no ride-sharing apps in Essaouira yet, so everything is done the old-school way — just negotiate fares before hopping in.
• 🚂 By train: there´s no train station in Essaouira for the time being.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in Essaouira.

Guided camelback tour in the dunes and beaches of Essaouira, Morocco

Guided horseback tour in the dunes and beaches of Essaouira, Morocco

Kitesurfing courses in Essaouira Bay

Kitesurfing lessons in Essaouira with Ismail Adarzane

Quad Biking and Camel Riding Excursion in Essaouira

Quad biking excursion in the Essaouira region

Quad biking in Essaouira

Quad biking in the dunes and beaches of Essaouria, Morocco

📍Map with the best things to do in Essaouira

For your ease of reference, below you will find a map of Essaouira with all the spots mentioned throughout this blog post. They are color-coded by category (things to do, restaurants, hotels, day trip destinations). Use it to plan your next trip!

🧳Day trips from Essaouira you shouldn’t miss

If you have extra time in Essaouira, these nearby destinations—each less than two hours away by car—offer diverse experiences along the coast and inland.

• 🐪 Diabat: just 10 minutes south, this mellow village is known for its Hendrix lore, crumbling ruins, and scenic camel rides along windswept beaches.
• 💜 Îles Purpuraires: a cluster of rocky islets visible from the ramparts, once a Phoenician center for purple dye production; while access is limited, boat tours from the port offer stunning coastal views and historical insight.
• 🍇 Ounagha: visit the Val d’Argan Winery for tastings and lunch among the vines, or stop at Marjana Cooperative, one of the most respected local argan oil producers offering demonstrations and fair-trade products.
• 🏄‍♂️ Safi: about 1 hour 45 minutes away, this destination makes for a culturally rich detour with its iconic pottery district, Portuguese fortress, and dramatic surf spots.
• 🏜️ Sidi Kaouki: a relaxed surf town with golden sand and salty air south of Essaouira, ideal for a chilled beach day or learning to ride the Atlantic waves.

Browse my Morocco resources for further inspiration!

Agadir (coming up soon)

Casablanca (coming up soon)

Cities in Morocco (coming up soon)

Fez (coming up soon)

Marrakech

Morocco destination page

Rabat (coming up soon)

🎒 My final thoughts on Essaouira, Morocco

I must admit that, after much anticipation, Essaouira lived up to the hype. I fell in love with this fortified city, its charming alleys, its picturesque harbor and colorful corners. It was a dream to walk around with my camera capturing whatever caught my attention and I´m already thinking of the next time I´ll visit.

If you love the sea but want more than just a beach, Essaouira delivers with history, art, food, and soul. It’s one of those rare travel destinations where you don’t have to “do” much to feel like you’re getting the full experience. Just being there is enough.

How did you enjoy this Essaouira travel guide? I hope it will help you plan your next trip to this fascinating Moroccan city. Feel free to leave your questions and comments below.

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✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️

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In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

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