If you are looking for a coastal escape that feels worlds away from the energy of Marrakech or the industrial bustle of Casablanca, Essaouira is a great choice. It is a charming seaside city that strikes the perfect balance between Moroccan tradition and a laid-back, bohemian spirit. From the ramparts of its UNESCO-listed medina to the vibrant blue wooden boats of its working fishing port, there are lots of unique things to do in Essaouira that well earns it a spot on any Moroccan itinerary.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the absolute highlights and top things to do in Essaouira, along with essential tips on logistics to help you plan the perfect getaway.
About Essaouira
Essaouira is often called the ‘Windy City of Africa’. The city is right on the coastline with a historic fishing port, beach and overall a refreshing, salt-sprayed breath of fresh air compared to the high-octane energy of Marrakech.
The city is iconically famous for its UNESCO World Heritage and dramatic 18th-century ramparts. These along with a bustling azure-blue fishing port, and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere make it an awesome choice for a travel destination in Morocco.
A Quick History of Essaouira
Essaouira was formerly known as Mogador. It has had a mixed and tumultuous history with different occupiers over time.
While the site was occupied by the Phoenicians and Romans, much of the architectural character we see today was shaped in the 1500s by the Portuguese, who built the initial fortress and ramparts.
The modern city though, was officially designed in the 1760s by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah. He commissioned the French architect Théodore Cornut to build a city that could serve as a major naval base and trading hub.
This intentional planning earned the city its name, Essaouira, which translates to ‘the well-designed’.
Pretty apt, right?
Best Time to Visit
Essaouira is a year-round destination, but the ‘best’ time depends on your priorities:
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November): The weather is pleasantly warm (20°C–25°C), the winds are manageable, and the crowds are thinner.
- Summer (June–August): This is peak season for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, as the trade winds are at their strongest. It is also when the city hosts the world-famous Gnaoua World Music Festival.
- Winter (December–February): Expect cooler, milder temperatures (around 18°C). It’s the quietest time to visit, perfect for cozying up in a riad or trying a traditional Hammam though the ocean can be chilly for a swim.
Planning Travel to Morocco During Ramadan? Read all about it.
How Long Do You Need?
Many visitors take a day trip from Marrakech. This is enough to walk the ramparts, eat fresh grilled fish at the port, and browse the main souks.
But ideally, 2-3 days is the sweet spot. It allows you to slow down, enjoy a traditional Hammam, take a surf lesson, or visit the nearby argan oil cooperatives or Weekly Souk without feeling rushed.
- Tip: For digital nomads or those looking for a slow travel experience, Essaouira is one of the easiest Moroccan cities to settle into for an extended stay.
Is it Safe?
Essaouira remains one of the safest cities in Morocco for international travellers.
Like any tourist hub, petty theft like pickpocketing can occur, but the general vibe is much more relaxed than in the larger cities.
One of the greatest perks of Essaouira is the significantly lower level of merchant pressure. Shopkeepers are generally polite and less aggressive than those in Marrakech or Fes.
This makes a big difference! 🙂
10 Unmissable Things to Do in Essaouira
We’ve rounded up the absolute highlights and top things to do in Essaouira.
1. Explore the UNESCO Essaouira Medina
The Medina is the old part of the cities in Morocco.
But unlike the sprawling, chaotic labyrinths of Fes or Marrakech, the Essaouira Medina is laid out on a grid (designed by a French architect in the 18th century). This makes it remarkably easy to navigate, yet it remains packed with enough narrow alleys and hidden squares to feel like a discovery.
It is an awesome place to just head in and walk around. You will get lost, but that’s all part of it.
You’ll pass workshops with freshly carved Thuya wood (a fragrant local cedar) and stalls of dates and Black Soap for the Hammam. Look for the Passage areas where local artists display vibrant, contemporary Moroccan paintings and amazing colourful carpets.
We stocked up on one or two quite a few new Moroccan rugs here!
- Tip: Start at Bab Doukkala (Gate) and walk toward the centre.
2. Essaouira Ramparts (Skala de la Ville)
The sea wall, or Skala, is where the old city meets the Atlantic. It was originally built to defend the town against naval attacks.
But these stone fortifications are now the best place for a sunset stroll.
There is a long row of 18th-century Spanish brass cannons still lines the battlements, pointing out toward the Mogador Islands.
- Tip: From here, you can watch the massive Atlantic swells crash against the rocks below. It’s the most iconic photo spot in the city.
3. The Seafood Market and Essaouira Port
The Port of Essaouira is a sensory explosion. It is a working harbour, not a tourist attraction, but this makes it even more appealing as one of the things to do in Essaouira.
You will see hundreds (no exaggeration) of traditional wooden boats, all painted the exact same shade of ‘Essaouira Blue’ bobbing in the harbour.
That is the most iconic of photos from Essaouira!
- Tip: Just outside the port, you’ll find the Seafood Grills. You pick your fresh fish from the ice, negotiate a price, and they grill it right there on charcoal. It’s messy, smoky, and delish!
4. Essaouira Beach
The beach here isn’t for those who want to lie perfectly still under a parasol—the Alizés (trade winds) are too strong for that.
But it is a wonderful hub of activity as the kitesurfing and windsurfing capital of Morocco. The sand stretches for miles, so even if you don’t ride, watching the colourful kites in the sky is a spectacle.
There are camels, horses, donkeys and surfers too. Then in the evenings, it becomes a giant football pitch for local youngsters.
5. Explore the Mellah (The Jewish Quarter)
We had no idea, but Essaouira once had a population that was nearly 50% Jewish. The Mellah is the old Jewish Quarter of the Medina.
While many buildings fell into disrepair over the decades, the area is currently undergoing a beautiful restoration. It is a quiet but living part of this history.
- Tip: You can go inside Slat Lkahal, a restored Synagogue from the Jewish community that was a huge part of the city’s trade for centuries.
6. Place Moulay Hassan
This is the city’s main square, acting as the bridge between the harbour and the Medina.
The square is lined with cafes and it’s the perfect spot to grab a mint tea and watch the world go by.
7. Essaouira Souks
The souks here are much more relaxed than in Marrakech. You won’t be hassled nearly as much, making it a great place to buy:
- Argan Oil: This is the heart of argan country. Look for the “Women’s Cooperatives” to ensure you are buying the real deal.
- Raffia Shoes: Essaouira is famous for hand-woven shoes made from palm fibres.
- Spices: Head to the spice market for mounds of ras el hanout, saffron, and dried hibiscus.
- Moroccan Rugs: We stocked up on many brightly coloured and beautiful Moroccan carpets from Essaouira!
8. Experience a Traditional Hammam
If you haven’t yet tried a traditional Moroccan Hammam, you cannot leave Essaouira without being scrubbed within an inch of your life.
There are Private Spas but the best experience is to try a local Hammam – and this is a great place to do it.
You’ll sit on a heated floor in a cloud of steam, and a sturdy Moroccan lady (or man for the men) will use a Kess glove to remove layers of skin you didn’t know you had!
9. Sunday Souk (Had Draa)
If you are in town on a Sunday, take a Grand Taxi 30 minutes inland to Had Draa. This is one of the largest agricultural markets in the region.
It’s raw, dusty, and fascinating. You’ll see a donkey market, livestock bartering and farmers trading everything from grain to handmade ploughs.
10. Visit the Sidi Kaouki Surf Village
A 25-minute drive south brings you to Sidi Kaouki, a tiny, windswept village with a wild beach. It’s the hippie alternative to Essaouira. Which is saying something for a city that is already touted as being laid-back!
There’s a marabout (shrine) on the rocks and a handful of surf cafes that serve excellent tajines. It is a great day out just for the experience of getting out somewhere a bit more rural.
Things To Do in Essaouira With Kids
It has a lot of history and a lot of shopping for sure. But there are plenty of other things to do in Essaouira with kids of all ages.
- The Ramparts: Head to the Skala du Port. Kids love exploring the bastions and looking through the windows of the stone walls.
- Climb the Cannons: The ramparts are lined with ancient bronze cannons that kids are generally allowed to climb on while you enjoy the sea views.
- Gelato: There are several excellent Italian-run gelato shops near the main square.
- Beginner Surfing: With consistent but gentle waves, the bay is a fantastic place for kids to take their first surf lesson.
- Sandboarding: One of the latest trends is ‘surfing’ the dunes. You can join a guided tour or simply rent a board and let the kids slide down the soft slopes at the southern end of the beach.
- Camel Rides: Down at the south end of the beach there are camels aplenty offering short, lead-rein rides on the beach.
- The ‘Cat Count’ Challenge: Essaouira’s medina is home to a legendary population of friendly street cats. Turn a walk through the souks into a game—on our last outing, we counted 46 snoozing felines!
Note that because the medina is mostly car-free, you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Tip: The streets are flatter and wider than those in Marrakech, so a small umbrella stroller might be manageable here. However, for the sandy beach, the Port and the ramparts, a baby carrier is still the gold standard.
Things To Do Near Essaouira
If you have a few days to spare there are some unique things to do in Essaouira that are all that far out of town and make for a great day trip.
- Ida Ougourd Market (Wednesday): A smaller, more intimate version of the Sunday souk. Great for seeing the rural Berber way of life.
- The Argan Forest: Take a drive toward Agadir to see the famous “climbing goats” that stand in the branches of the argan trees.
- Sidi M’Barek: A stunning coastal hike that leads to a small waterfall and secluded beach.
- Sidi Kaouki: This is a sleepy village just 25km from Essaouira with a few surfing schools and an endless beach with camels and horse riding tours.
Getting To Essaouira
Essaouira is well connected domestically and internationally.
By Air
Essaouira has its own small airport (ESU) with direct flights from London, Paris, and Brussels.
Other nearby airports include Agadir (AGA) (135.8 km) and Marrakech (RAK) (165.5 km).
By Bus
The Supratours bus from Marrakech is the gold standard. It takes about 3 hours, is air-conditioned, and is very reliable.
By Road
If you have a rental car or motorhome, the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira is straightforward and takes around 3 hours.
Or for around 600–800 MAD, you can hire a private car for a direct door-to-door service from Marrakech.
Getting Around in Essaouira
Inside the Medina, you walk. There are no cars.
If you have heavy luggage, look for the blue luggage carts (chariots); for a small tip (20-30 MAD), they will wheel your bags to your Riad.
Outside the Medina, use the Petit Taxis (small blue cars). They have a flat rate for trips within the city.
Though the downside of these small cars is that they can only take three passengers! Not ideal for a family of four. We have to get a Grand Taxi if we aren’t driving.
Accommodation in Essaouira
Essaouira has everything from traditional Riads to backpacker hostels, hotels and AirBnB’s.
If you haven’t yet stayed in a Riad in Morocco this is a great place to do it.
Granny came to meet us in Essaouira and we all stayed at Riad Dar Rhamna. It turned out to be a good budget Riad option close to everything.
Budget Riads in Essaouira
Mid-Range & Luxury Riads in Essaouira
Visiting Essaouira
We had a fantastic time on each visit to Essaouira over the last eight months of travel in Morocco. It definitely stands out as a city that we recommend.
There are lots of unique experiences, cool and cultural things to do in Essaouira that make it a great place for any style of traveller.
Enjoy!
Travel Planning for Morocco & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on all the great things to do in Essaouira!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
