Things To Do
in Essaouira
Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is a windswept port town with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and red-tiled roofs. Its lively harbor and historic medina sit behind sturdy city walls, where gulls wheel above fishing boats and artisans carve wood by the sea breeze. The UNESCO-listed medina blends Moorish architecture with Jewish and Berber influences, and Gnawa music resonates through the lanes.
With expansive beaches, a relaxed vibe, and superb seafood, Essaouira appeals to creatives, surfers, and travelers seeking a slower, character-filled coastal escape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Essaouira and check into your charming riad. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to admire the Atlantic waves and the city’s stunning coastline. Visit a local café for a traditional Moroccan breakfast of msemen and mint tea.
Explore the vibrant medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through narrow alleyways lined with artisanal shops and galleries. Don’t miss the chance to purchase unique handicrafts and silver jewelry. Stop by the iconic Skala de la Ville, a historical rampart with spectacular seaside views.
Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant while dining on freshly caught seafood. As the sun sets, relax at a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of the harbor. Immerse yourself in the sounds of live Moroccan music that often fills the air at night.
Take a short drive to Sidi Kaouki, a serene beach known for its vast stretch of sand and fishers’ huts. Spend the morning unwinding on the beach or trying your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a peaceful swim.
Have lunch at a beachfront café, where you can taste local dishes such as tagine or grilled fish. Afterward, stroll along the beach or take a camel ride for a unique perspective of this stunning landscape. Capture the moment with photographs of the breathtaking waves crashing against the shore.
Return to Essaouira and enjoy a leisurely evening wandering the charming streets. Find a local spot where you can taste a variety of Moroccan dishes at a communal table. Experience the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality as you share stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 💧Bottled water (0.5-1 L) | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch/dinner at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🏨1-night stay in a mid-range hotel | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich coastal culture with seafood, music, and artisan workshops
- Walkable medina, scenic ramparts, and a cinematic, relaxed vibe
- Can be windy and sometimes crowded in peak season
- Markets and some restaurants can be tourist-focused; prices may be higher than inland areas
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Kif dayr?" - How are you?
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min fadlik" - Please
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Ayna al-hotel? / Fin al-funduq?" - Where is the hotel?
Places to Visit in Essaouira
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic sea walls with cannons offering sweeping Atlantic views and dramatic sunsets over the harbor.
Colorful stalls, fishermen at work, and authentic morning light—great for candid portraits and marine textures.
Winding white-walled streets punctuated by blue doors, ceramics, and intricate wooden balconies—perfect for architectural photography.
Deserted sands and gentle waves with early light; ideal for long-exposure seascapes and surfers silhouetted against the horizon.
Historic quarter with distinctive doors and arcades, reflecting Essaouira’s multicultural heritage.
Evening glow over the boats and rigging, with salt air and silhouettes of gulls in the dramatic coastal light.
Food in Essaouira
Essaouira Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant tagine of fish or shellfish simmered with tomatoes, peppers, olives, and aromatic chermoula herbs.
Must-Try!
Fresh sardines grilled over charcoal and finished with a bright parsley-coriander chermoula sauce.
Fluffy couscous layered with a mix of vegetables, chickpeas, and a saffron-tinted broth.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning stalls offer the day’s freshest catches; great for watching fishermen and sampling grilled seafood along the quay.
Colorful alleyways brimming with spices, olives, dried fruits, and street snacks—perfect for a quick bite and bargaining.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees in medina areas and religious sites to respect local customs.
Politely request permission when photographing people, especially in traditional settings or private workshops.
Haggling is common in markets; start with a friendly, lower offer and smile while negotiating.
Be mindful during Ramadan; some restaurants may limit eating in public during daylight hours, and sound etiquette is appreciated.
A handshake or a warm, respectful greeting in Darija or French goes a long way; use the right hand for giving and receiving.
Safety
Tipping in Essaouira
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, leave 5-10% if service isn’t included. Small tips for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are appreciated and customary.
Moroccan dirhams (MAD) are preferred; major restaurants, hotels, and shops often accept credit cards, but cash is king in markets. ATMs are widely available in town; carry small denominations for tips and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with refreshing Atlantic breezes; humidity mild to moderate; mornings and evenings are pleasant, but peak sun requires sun protection. Winds remain a constant companion for surfers and sailors.
Mild to cool temperatures with occasional rain and overcast days; ocean swells remain consistent for coastal photography and surfing. Pack a light rain jacket and layers.
Comfortable temperatures and blooming coastal flora; ideal for walking tours, markets, and outdoor dining. The sea is dramatic and photography-friendly.
Pleasant conditions with cooling nights and clear skies; great for exploring the medina and coastline without the peak-season crowds.
Essaouira at Night
Hiking in Essaouira
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic coastal path near the beach village of Sidi Kaouki, offering ocean views, dunes, and opportunities for a refreshing hike or beach walk.
Gentle trails around nearby argan groves where you may spot local wildlife and learn about argan oil production.
Airports
How to reach Essaouira by plane.
Domestic and some seasonal international flights; quick access to the medina by taxi or shuttle.
Major international hub; about 2.5-3 hours by road to Essaouira.
A busy airport with connections to Europe; roughly a 2.5-3.5 hour drive to Essaouira.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Moroccan communities including Arab and Amazigh (Berber) groups; fishing families are prominent near the port.
Woodworkers, metalworkers, and textile artisans influence the medina’s vibrant market scene.
Visitors from Europe and beyond, including surfers, artists, and digital nomads drawn to the coastal charm.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular along the coast, especially near Sidi Kaouki and the harborfront; lessons available for all levels.
The Atlantic winds create excellent conditions for wind sports, with rental shops and schools along the beach.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Essaouira.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in medina restaurants—opt for vegetable tagines, couscous with roasted vegetables, lentil soups, and salads. When ordering, ask for no meat or fish stock and confirm that broth/stock is vegetarian.