Essaouira: the best tips for this relaxed coastal city
OtherEssaouira is a charming coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean known for its relaxed atmosphere, fresh sea breeze, and atmospheric medina. The city is characterized by narrow streets filled with white houses with blue accents. It is a lovely place to stay for a few days, making it a must-visit during your trip through Morocco, even if you are not taking an extensive road trip.
How do you get there?
Essaouira can be reached by plane, although there are fewer direct options compared to Marrakesh. You usually fly to Essaouira with a layover, which often means you are traveling a bit longer.
A frequently used and often more affordable option is to fly to Marrakesh first. From Marrakesh, you then travel to Essaouira in about 2.5 to 3 hours by bus, taxi, or rental car. This way, you can also combine both cities. Want to know more about Marrakesh? Then also read my blog about 'city trip to colorful Marrakesh'.
If you are taking a road trip through Morocco, Marrakesh is often a logical starting point. From there, you can travel via the Atlas Mountains, for example, or head straight to the coast. Combinations with places like Agadir or Taghazout are also popular if you want to explore the coast further.
Where to Stay
It is recommended to stay in a riad when visiting Essaouira. These are traditional Moroccan houses with a courtyard, which were often formerly owned by the wealthier population. From the outside, you usually cannot see the beauty hidden behind the doors. Once inside, you enter an oasis of tranquility, often featuring atmospheric details and a central patio.
Many riads also have a cozy rooftop terrace, where you can have breakfast or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a view of the city or the sea. Most riads can be found within the medina, which is an ideal base for exploring the city. The medina is the old, walled city center, full of narrow streets, local shops, and traditional buildings.
If you are a surfing enthusiast, there are also plenty of surf hostels and surf houses to be found in and around Essaouira. Especially just outside the city or towards Sidi Kaouki, you will find accommodations with a relaxed atmosphere, where everything revolves around surfing, yoga, and beach life.
The highlights of Essaouira
Things to do in Essaouira
Shop for colorful souvenirs
Essaouira is the perfect city to shop for beautiful souvenirs. From textiles and spices to lovely leather bags and bowls: you can really find everything here. Typical of Essaouira are products made from thuya wood, a local type of wood used to make boxes, small bowls, and furniture, among other things. You will find these mainly in the small shops and workshops in the medina.
Compared to Marrakesh, Essaouira feels much quieter. You can walk around at your leisure and admire the various goods. The shopkeepers are even open to a chat, even if you don't buy anything. If you do want to buy something, do not hesitate to haggle; in most shops, the price is not fixed in advance.
Admire the sunset: stunning sea views
Essaouira also offers beautiful viewpoints. One of these spots was even used as a filming location for scenes from Game of Thrones. This spot is also known as the Skala de la Ville and is one of the city's most famous viewpoints. From the city walls, you have a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean.
On the city walls, you can still find remnants of 18th-century Portuguese cannons, which makes the whole scene extra special. Especially during sunset, this is the place to be: the warm light, the sea, and the city combine to create a beautiful spectacle. It is certainly worth capturing this moment here.
Prefer a bit more liveliness? You also have a beautiful view from the harbor area during sunset, with fishing boats, seagulls, and the setting sun in the background.
Salut Maroc!
If you walk a little further along the city walls, you will find this cozy hotel with an accompanying restaurant on the rooftop. From here, you have a beautiful view of the sea, both during the day and at sunset. In addition, live music is played regularly.
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Discover your inner creativity: take a workshop
You can attend various workshops in and around Essaouira. This way, you not only learn something new but also take home a unique experience (or even a handmade souvenir).
Take a pottery workshop
Have you always wanted to learn pottery? Then you can go to Atelier By Lo, which is located about a 10-minute drive from Essaouira.
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Take a creative workshop
Would you like to paint the pots, or would you rather create a painting? Then Soluna Studio is the right place for you. This studio in the medina offers various creative workshops.
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Take a cooking course
Can't get enough of the delicious tagines and couscous? Then take a Moroccan cooking course, for example at L’Atelier Essaouira.
View on Google MapsSurfing and adventurous activities along the coast: from Essaouira to Sidi Kaouki
The coast of Morocco is an ideal base for surfers. Consequently, you often see surfers, kitesurfers, and windsurfers on the water. Along the beaches, you will find countless surf schools where you can learn to surf or rent surfing equipment. The beach in Essaouira itself is perfect for (learning) kitesurfing and wave surfing. Due to the often smaller waves, it is also a good spot for beginners.
Nearby Sidi Kaouki is within a half-hour drive. This small coastal town is ideal for windsurfers and surfers. The place is sometimes called ‘Wind City’ because of the constant wind. The surfing community here is small but close-knit, making it easy to connect with other surfers.
Sidi Kaouki is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy relaxed surf villages; there is a laid-back, easy-going atmosphere. Compared to Essaouira, it is much quieter and less touristy here, allowing you to truly escape the crowds. There is little development, and along the expansive four-kilometer beach, you will find a handful of restaurants where you can have lunch after your surf session.
Alpha Surfers Academy
This fantastic surf school is guaranteed to help you reach the next level! The instructors are very friendly and professional, and they will also take you to other surf spots if the conditions are better there.
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In addition, the beach is also very suitable for adventurous activities such as quad biking or horseback riding along the coast, something you can do regularly in this area. This way, you combine water sports with an active beach experience. Looking for even more action? You can also go sandboarding from the dunes at various locations. A unique experience that you won't find in many places. Please note, however: sandboarding is not always covered by your (travel) insurance.
Admire the waterfalls of Sidi M’Barek
You will find the waterfalls of Sidi M’Barek about an hour’s drive from Essaouira. You can easily combine this visit with a trip to nearby Sidi Kaouki. From Sidi Kaouki, it is just a short drive of about 30 to 40 minutes to the waterfalls, making it perfect for a day trip.
These waterfalls are not yet very well known, which means it can be quiet, especially on weekdays. They flow into the coast, creating a unique landscape where fresh and salt water meet. To reach the waterfalls, you take a short walk of about 1.5 kilometers.
Please note: the impressiveness of the waterfalls depends heavily on the amount of rain. During dry periods, the waterfall may be (partially) dry. The best time to visit this place is therefore in the winter or spring.
Food and drinks in Essaouira
In Essaouira, there are countless charming eateries where you can fully enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine or dishes with Moroccan influences. Please note: alcohol is not available in every restaurant; if you would like to have some, check the menu beforehand. Below you will find some of my tips:
Mandala
At Mandala, you can enjoy delicious juices, bowls, and sandwiches during brunch, among other things or burgers and falafel salad in the evening. There are also a few vegan options available. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the view of the street from the ground or upper floor.
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Pumpkin
Close to Mandala, you'll find Pumpkin, a small, cozy bakery for coffee, tea, and pastries. The vegan brownie is highly recommended!
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Sisterhood Coffee & Shop
Very cozy place for coffee, pastries, and lunch. There is seating both indoors and outdoors for eating and drinking.
View on Google MapsTriskala
At this cozy Moroccan restaurant, you dine by candlelight. There are areas where you can sit on chairs and areas where you sit on cushions. In contrast, you will find paintings on the wall of, for example, the Beatles and Bob Dylan. The menu changes weekly (I had stuffed eggplant and lentil soup) and the dishes are delicious!
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Cosmo Mogador
In the mood for a party? Then Cosmo Mogador is the place to be. This restaurant has a cozy rooftop where a DJ performs regularly.
View on Google MapsBonus activity in Essaouira: cat spotting
If you are a true cat lover, you are in the right place in Essaouira. Everywhere in the city, you see cats lounging around, often in front of or even inside the shops, as if they are part of the daily street scene. Their presence contributes to the charming, relaxed atmosphere of the medina and makes a walk through the narrow streets even more enjoyable.
Whether you come for the relaxed atmosphere, the sea, or the charming streets: Essaouira is a place where you can effortlessly stay for a few days.
Useful information
Official language: Arabic (besides Arabic, many people in Essaouira also speak French)
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)
Area: Compact city, ideal to explore on foot
Best time to travel: Essaouira is a good place to visit all year round thanks to the mild climate and constant sea breeze. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant, with nice temperatures and less wind. However, keep in mind when packing your bag or suitcase that it can cool down in the evenings.
