Essaouira

Essaouira is a tranquil and artistic destination, with its UNESCO-listed Medina, vibrant street life, and coastal charm. Known for its vibrant arts scene and excellent seafood, it offers visitors a unique and relaxing experience by the sea.

🌊

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD) د.م

Best Time

Spring & Summer

Population

80,000

Weather °C

18°C

"Essaouira—where the Atlantic breeze brings a sense of peace and artistic inspiration."

Off the beaten path places in

Essaouira

"In Essaouira, the wind carries creativity, culture, and coastal beauty to every corner."

Windy

artistic culture, windswept beaches, and historical port city vibes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Essaouira is a coastal city on Morocco's Atlantic coast, known for its laid-back atmosphere, historical Medina, and beautiful beaches. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Essaouira offers visitors a mix of ancient architecture, fresh seafood, and a unique artistic vibe. The city's narrow streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, creating a welcoming and creative environment for travelers. Essaouira is famous for its windy conditions, which make it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Essaouira is one of the best spots in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing, attracting enthusiasts annually.

State

Marrakech-Safi

Year

1764

Airport

Essaouira-Mogador

Cost of Living (10)

Low

Places to See

🎨
Galerie d'Art Damgaard
Art Gallery
7 Rue Mohammed el Qory
4.8
Free
10 AM - 7 PM
Exhibits of local artists
Vibe:
Artsy
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Art Lovers
Showcasing contemporary Moroccan art
Rue Moulay Hassan
4.5
Free
24/7
Lush park with walking paths
Vibe:
Peaceful
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Nature Lovers
A beautiful park for relaxation
🏰
Skala de la Ville
Historic Fort
Avenue de l'Indépendance
4.5
Free
8 AM - 6 PM
Historic ramparts with ocean views
Vibe:
Cultural
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
History Buffs
Offers insight into Essaouira's history
🌊
Essaouira Beach
Coastal View
Essaouira Beach Road
4.8
Free
24/7
Beautiful sandy beach with stunning sunsets
Vibe:
Scenic
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Nature Lovers
A perfect spot for relaxation and photography
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 Itinerary 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

Sign below for Fresh Updates

We will send you the latest curation of places and cities straight to your inbox along with access to the pop-up store & exclusive events.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Join us to stay connected. Read our updates

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.