Essaouira

Coastal Charm

🌊

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD) د.م

Best Time

Spring & Summer

Population

80,000

Weather °C

18°C

"City of the Winds"

Off the beaten path places in

Essaouira

N/A

Windy

Windsurfing and medina

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Coastal city known for its fishing harbor and old Medina, with narrow streets and historical architecture.

Popular for wind and kite surfing

State

Marrakech-Safi

Year

1764

Airport

Essaouira-Mogador

Cost of Living (10)

Low

Places to See

🐎
Ranch de Chaval
Horseback Riding
Route de Marrakech
4.7
$$
9 AM - 6 PM
Scenic horseback riding trails
Vibe:
Adventurous
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Outdoor Lovers
Perfect for outdoor activities
🌳
Parc de la Vallée
Nature Walk
Rue du Parc
4.6
Free
7 AM - 8 PM
Scenic park with lush greenery
Vibe:
Tranquil
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Nature Lovers
Perfect for a peaceful retreat
🎣
Mogador
Fishing Village
Rue Mogador
4.5
Free
24/7
Traditional fishing boats and local fishermen
Vibe:
Quaint
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Cultural Explorers
A glimpse into local life
🏺
Essaouira Citadel
Historical Site
Avenue de la République
4.5
Free
9 AM - 6 PM
Imposing walls with historic significance
Vibe:
Cultural
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
History Buffs
A significant landmark in Essaouira
🎨
Galerie de l'Atelier
Art Gallery
16 Rue de la Skala
4.8
Free
10 AM - 7 PM
Showcases local artists and unique exhibits
Vibe:
Artsy
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Art Enthusiasts
A vibrant art scene in Essaouira
🐴
Essaouira Horse Riding
Horse Riding
Avenue Mohammed V
4.7
$$
9 AM - 5 PM
Guided tours along the beach and dunes
Vibe:
Adventurous
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Experience the beauty of Essaouira on horseback
Must Visit:

Gnawa music, traditional craftsmanship

Places to Eat

🍲
Riad Chbanate
Moroccan Cuisine
34 Rue du Mehdi
4.6
$$
12 PM - 11 PM
Authentic Moroccan dishes in a historic riad
Vibe:
Lively
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Foodies
A delightful culinary experience
🍽️
Elizir
Traditional Cuisine
18 Rue de la Skala
4.6
$$
12 PM - 11 PM
Unique Moroccan decor and menu
Vibe:
Cozy
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Food Explorers
A great spot for traditional dishes
4 Rue du Souk
4.5
$$
8 AM - 10 PM
Known for traditional pastries
Vibe:
Cozy
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Local Cuisine
A local favorite for sweet treats
17 Avenue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah
4.6
$$
12 PM - 11 PM
Fresh seafood grilled to perfection
Vibe:
Casual
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Food Enthusiasts
A must-visit for seafood lovers
Must Try:

Seafood, fresh produce

Places to Drink

Plage Essaouira
4.6
$$
8 AM - 10 PM
Beachfront views and relaxed atmosphere
Vibe:
Relaxed
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Coffee Lovers
A great place to unwind
🍹
La Table by Madada
Rooftop Bar
7 Rue de la Skala
4.6
$$
11 AM - 12 AM
Stunning rooftop views of the medina
Vibe:
Chill
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Sunset Views
A great spot for sunset cocktails
Music / Dance:

Gnawa music

Places to Network

We'll be updating more places soon!
Key Industries:

Fishing, crafts

Places to Shop

12 Rue de la Skala
4.7
$$
10 AM - 7 PM
Unique handmade crafts and souvenirs
Vibe:
Chic
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Shopping Lovers
A treasure trove of local crafts
🎁
Coopérative des Femmes
Artisan Shop
Rue des Artisans
4.6
$$
10 AM - 6 PM
Handcrafted products made by local women
Vibe:
Charming
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Unique Souvenirs
Empowering women artisans
🧵
Souk des Souks
Artisan Market
Rue de la Skala
4.7
$$
9 AM - 7 PM
Vibrant local market with traditional crafts
Vibe:
Lively
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Culture Seekers
An immersive shopping experience

Luxury

For More Places Visit

Watch Out

Watch out for Crowded Areas
Skip Super Touristic Places

Transportation

Buses, taxis, Essaouira-Mogador Airport

City Overview

Essaouira, a coastal city in Morocco, is known for its medina, fresh seafood, and vibrant arts scene. Its laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches make it a popular destination.

3 Day City Iteneary Guide

- Day 1: Morning: Visit the Essaouira Citadel. Afternoon: Explore the medina. Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant. - Day 2: Morning: Take a camel ride on the beach. Afternoon: Visit local galleries and studios. Evening: Attend a music festival if available. - Day 3: Morning: Explore the coastal landscape. Afternoon: Relax at the beach. Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner.

Current Trends

- Culinary trends: Rise in fresh seafood experiences. - Cultural events: Growing focus on arts and music festivals. - Tech innovations: Use of digital platforms for promoting local events.

Local Events Guide

- Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival (June): Celebrating music and culture. - Essaouira Festival of Arts (October): Showcasing local artists and performers. - Christmas Market (December): Featuring local crafts and holiday treats.

Local Insider Tips

- Explore the historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. - Enjoy fresh seafood at the local markets. - Visit local art galleries and shops.

Sustainable Travel

- Sustainable initiatives: Focus on preserving local culture and environment. - Community engagement: Support for local artisans and sustainable practices. - Eco-friendly practices: Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling.

Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Ready to see through a local’s eyes? Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you won’t find in typical travel guides. Whether it’s a cozy café tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots. Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart —perfect for adventurous travellers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey

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Unlock the Hidden Side:
Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets. From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface. Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals. For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.
Unlock the Hidden Side:
Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets. From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface. Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals. For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.