Things To Do
in Essaouira
Essaouira is a charming coastal town located in Morocco, known for its picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere. The town features a historic medina with narrow winding streets lined with blue and white buildings. Essaouira is famous for its strong ocean winds, making it a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from the bustling fishing port and explore the vibrant artisan scene, including traditional crafts such as woodworking and silver jewelry-making.
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "La shukran aala wajib" - No thanks, it's my duty
- "Bslama" - Goodbye
- "Kif halak?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the exhilarating beach where you can enjoy a stroll along the shore. Afterward, try your hand at windsurfing or kite surfing with lessons available for beginners.
Explore the bustling medina and its vibrant souks, filled with local crafts and spices. Don't forget to sample some delicious street food for lunch!
Wind down by watching the sunset from the ramparts of the city. Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the coastal restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Visit the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum to learn about the city's rich heritage and art scene. The museum houses a collection of traditional artifacts and artworks.
Spend the afternoon at the Essaouira Citadel, exploring its historical features and stunning views of the Atlantic. Take time to interact with local artists in the area and appreciate their work.
Enjoy a rooftop dinner at a local restaurant, savoring Moroccan cuisine. Listen to live music while enjoying the gorgeous view of the medina at night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Rich cultural heritage and historical sites
- Vibrant arts and crafts scene, known for its woodwork and handicrafts
- Delicious seafood and traditional Moroccan cuisine
- Mild climate, making it a year-round destination
- Friendly and welcoming local community
- Less crowded than other Moroccan cities, providing a more relaxed atmosphere
- Tourist areas can be overpriced
- May experience strong winds, especially in spring
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some areas can be run-down or less maintained
- Language barrier for those not speaking Arabic or French
- Public transportation options may be limited
Best Activities in Essaouira
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Essaouira is known for its strong winds, making it a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. The wide sandy beach and reliable wind conditions provide an ideal setting for these activities.
Exploring the picturesque coastal landscapes of Essaouira on camel or horseback is a unique and enjoyable experience. Guided tours are available for visitors to discover the beauty of the surrounding areas.
For adventure seekers, Essaouira offers opportunities for quad biking and off-road excursions. Visitors can explore the diverse terrain and natural beauty of the region while enjoying an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Essaouira with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Essaouira
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the port and ocean, with great photo opportunities of the old fortress walls and traditional blue boats.
Many restaurants and cafes in the old town offer stunning views over the Medina and the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for capturing the city's charm.
The long stretch of sandy beach provides an ideal setting for capturing the beauty of the coastline, especially during sunset.
Food in Essaouira
Essaouira Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish, grilled sardines can be savored at numerous seaside restaurants and street food stalls. The sardines are often marinated in a combination of chermoula (a marinade made of herbs, lemon juice, and spices) before being grilled to perfection.
Must-Try!
A hearty and comforting soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of aromatic spices. Harira soup is widely available and is often served as a starter at local eateries.
Essaouira offers an array of tagine variations, such as lamb with prunes, chicken with preserved lemons, and vegetable tagine. These slow-cooked stews packed with tender meats, vegetables, and a melange of spices are featured on the menus of many restaurants and cafes.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Essaouira better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling Essaouira Souk is a vibrant market where visitors can explore a diverse array of fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. It's an ideal place to sample street food delights like msemen (Moroccan flatbread), grilled meats, and traditional pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting Essaouira, it's important to respect the Islamic customs and traditions of the local people. This includes dressing modestly, being mindful of prayer times, and avoiding public displays of affection.
In Essaouira, demonstrating hospitality and politeness is highly valued. It's important to greet people with courtesy, be attentive and respectful when interacting with locals, and to show appreciation for their customs and traditions.
Visitors should take the time to familiarize themselves with local cultural practices and norms, such as the importance of family, the significance of traditional celebrations, and the etiquette associated with dining and social gatherings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Essaouira with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Essaouira
Ensure a smooth experience
In Essaouira, Morocco, tipping is a common practice and is generally expected in the service industry. It is customary to tip hotel staff, tour guides, drivers, and restaurant servers. A 10-15% tip is typically appropriate in restaurants, while rounding up the fare for taxis and small tips for other services are also common.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Essaouira, Morocco. While some larger establishments may accept credit cards, smaller shops, street vendors, and local markets usually prefer cash. It's advisable to carry enough cash to cover expenses, especially when visiting more remote areas where credit card acceptance may be limited.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Essaouira.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is an ideal time to visit Essaouira, as the weather is mild and pleasant. It's a great time to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities. The town is less crowded, and you can experience the vibrant local culture and festivals.
Summer in Essaouira brings warm temperatures, making it perfect for beach activities and water sports. The town is livelier with various events and music festivals. However, it can get crowded with tourists during this time.
Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and is another great time to visit Essaouira. The summer crowds start to dwindle, and you can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery without the rush of peak season.
Winter is the low season in Essaouira, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. While the town might be quieter, it's an excellent time for those seeking a more peaceful and relaxing experience. The historic town and souks are still bustling, and you can enjoy local cuisine and artisanal crafts.
Essaouira at Night
Hiking in Essaouira
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 2 hours drive from Essaouira, Paradise Valley is famous for its stunning landscapes, natural pools, and hiking trails that wind through the mountains and along the river.
Situated approximately 2.5 hours from Essaouira, Tafraoute offers picturesque hiking routes amidst dramatic rock formations and almond trees, making it a unique spot for nature lovers.
Just a short drive from Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki features coastal trails with beautiful ocean views and opportunities for beach walks as well as longer hikes in the surrounding areas.
The Argan Forest near Essaouira is great for hiking and exploring unique ecosystems while also seeing goats climbing argan trees. Easy trails make it suitable for all skill levels.
Though it’s a bit further away, Ounila Valley is a beautiful area that can be reached in about three hours and offers stunning hikes through traditional Berber villages and breathtaking landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Essaouira through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Essaouira by plane.
Located approximately 173 kilometers from Essaouira, Marrakech Menara Airport is a major international airport serving the city of Marrakech and its surrounding regions.
About 250 kilometers from Essaouira, Agadir–Al Massira Airport serves the city of Agadir and the Souss-Massa region. It is a key international gateway to southern Morocco.
Situated approximately 360 kilometers from Essaouira, Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport is the largest airport in Morocco and serves as a major hub for international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous population of Morocco, predominantly living in rural areas and maintaining their cultural heritage and traditions.
The largest ethnic group in Morocco, including both local Arabs and those who have immigrated from other regions.
A minority group in Essaouira, including migrants and students from various countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Historically significant in Essaouira, though greatly diminished, remnants of the Jewish community continue to have an influence on the culture and history of the city.
Includes French, Spanish, and other European nationals who have settled in Essaouira, contributing to the local economy and culture.
The Soul of Essaouira
Discover the essence of Essaouira through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Essaouira is renowned for its strong winds and ideal conditions for kitesurfing, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
With its consistent wind patterns, Essaouira is a popular spot for windsurfing, offering both calm and challenging waters.
The beaches near Essaouira provide excellent waves for surfing, making it a favorite destination for surfers of all levels.
Many visitors and locals enjoy playing beach volleyball on the sandy shores of Essaouira, promoting both fitness and community.
Football is widely popular among the local population, with many teams and informal games played in the city and surrounding areas.
Camel riding along the beaches and dunes has become a popular tourist attraction, blending adventure with cultural experiences.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Essaouira.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Moroccan cuisine heavily features meat, many restaurants and cafes in Essaouira offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes like vegetable tagine, couscous, and falafel are commonly available.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can find several gluten-free dishes in Essaouira, including grilled fish, rice-based dishes, and salads. Communication with the staff regarding dietary needs is advisable to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Essaouira with these cultural adventures.
