Located about 3 hours west of Marrakech, Essaouira is another wondrous Moroccan city. This beautiful town was originally a coastal fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Today, the old medina or fortress still stands and attracts a large number of tourists every year. Many of these tourists have fallen in love with its charm and decided to settle down here. Some even started their own businesses by either opening a restaurant or a hotel.
This gorgeous town is also called the Wind City of Africa, referring to the high winds that the city witnesses throughout the year. This makes it a popular destination among watersports enthusiasts. However, the majority of tourists come to the city to wander the charming narrow alleys of the old fortified medina, enjoy the serene views of rooftop restaurants overlooking the ocean, and savor the tastiest Moroccan food and fresh fish.
Although the city does not have many historical landmarks, apart from the walled old medina, you will encounter more tourists here than in any other Moroccan city. With this tourist rush, Essaouira has become the most Moroccan city with a Western influence.
And if you are wondering why people from all over the world love this small, windy town, here are twelve things to do in Essaouira that will make you fall in love with it, too.
Stay at a Luxurious Villa/Riad
If you are planning a memorable vacation in Essaouira, villas or riads located outside the city are your best bet. These luxurious accommodations are mostly owned by foreigners and offer a complete package for a comfortable stay. It takes only about a fifteen-minute drive to reach them from the city.
Here, you will enjoy a swim under the hot Moroccan sun. Some accommodations come with indoor pools, too. You will also have a calm and serene stay since you will be away from the city rush.
These villas and riads are built according to the old local architecture and decorated with fancy artifacts made by Moroccan artisans. Their colorful, well-decorated rooms offer a cozy and relaxing stay. You can also savor the most delicious Moroccan food right there without having to drive to the city.
Villa Anouk and Riad Titima are our best recommendations for you guys.
Visit the Old Ramparts
Usually, tourists visiting Essaouira start their adventure by exploring the famous old ramparts. Along with the old medina, these ramparts, situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, were constructed in the 1760s during the reign of King Mohammed III by the French architect Theodore Cornut, who specialized in military fortifications. The outcome was a town of an Arabic center enclosed within fortified European walls. The ramparts served as a protective barrier against raiders, and consequently, they were instrumental in making the city Morocco’s most significant trading port up until the late 19th century.
If you are a fan of the famous TV show Game of Thrones, this location served as one of the filming spots for its third season. The ancient ramparts and the Sqala of the Port, a port entrance resembling a castle with its stone arches, were utilized to represent the fictional city of Astapor, which was known for its slave trade in the show.
These ramparts and the Sqala of the Port provide breathtaking views of the old medina and the ocean. The aligned bronze cannons facing the ocean offer an excellent backdrop for photos. It is also a perfect location for watching the sun sets over the Atlantic.
Stroll the Old Medina
The old fortified medina is considered the main attraction of the city. It was built in the 1760s and has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2001. During the 19th century, the old medina of Essaouira was inhabited mostly by Moroccan Jews and served as the country’s primary port. It was a thriving trade center that connected Africa with Europe and the two American continents via the Atlantic Ocean.
Today, the old medina of Essaouira and its well-fortified walls still stand solid and unaffected. Unlike the old medina of Marrakech and other cities in Morocco, cars and mopeds are prohibited from entering the old medina in Essaouira. This allows visitors to freely explore the narrow alleys and get lost in the medina’s charm without interruptions. However, the medina’s grid pattern makes it easily navigated, so don’t worry about getting lost.
As you wander through the charming alleys of the medina, you will come across a wide range of shops selling various products such as leather goods, wooden crafts, locally produced textiles, art pieces, spices, and many more. If you are feeling peckish, be sure to check out one of the many rooftop restaurants for a delicious meal paired with stunning views. Alternatively, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while listening to live music at one of the cafes overlooking Place Moulay Hassan, a large pedestrianized square in the heart of the medina.
Visit the Fishing Port
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Essaouira, also known as the Port of Timbuktu then, served as the main port of Morocco. It played a significant role in transporting valuable items, such as gold and spices, coming from African countries. These items were carried across the African Sahara by camel caravans and brought to Essaouira’s port. From the port, they were then shipped via the Atlantic Ocean to Europe and the Americas.
Today, this once flourishing port has lost its status to other ports in Morocco, such as Tangier Med Port and Casablanca Port. However, it is still buzzing with local fishermen and their traditional fishing boats. It also offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy watching the small blue boats coming in or leaving the port, fishermen mending their nets, and shipbuilders building or repairing the traditional wooden boats.
If you are lucky enough, you will watch the bargaining going back and forth as fishermen start auctioning off their catch of the day in the late afternoon. You can also buy fresh fish or seafood and have it cleaned and grilled at one of the stalls aligned next to the port.
Visit Essaouira Beach
Although the city is known for its high winds, it does not mean you cannot enjoy sunbathing on the beach. When it’s sweltering hot in other Moroccan cities, in the summer, the winds in Essaouira help keep the temperature around 20°C, which is just perfect for enjoying a nice swim and sunbathing. You might get a blow of sand in your face, but it would still be worth it.
The main beach of Essaouira is a popular destination among tourists. It spans two kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the old medina. There is a paved pathway alongside the wide and flat beach, ideal for strolling and admiring the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, there is ample free parking space available for those arriving by vehicle, and all the necessary beach equipment can be rented on-site.
If you don’t want to go there solely for swimming and sunbathing, there are many fun activities that you can try. Amongst these activities, you can book a surfing or kitesurfing lesson with one of the surf schools located by the beach. However, if you don’t need a lesson, you can rent a board and enjoy the high waves. Alternatively, you can try camel-riding or quad-biking on the beach.
Towards the south end of the beach, there are many chill cafes and beach bars that you can check out. Here, you can enjoy a scenic view of camels lying on the beach while you savor the tastiest food and drinks.
Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at a Fancy Restaurant
A trip to Essaouira is never complete without enjoying a romantic dinner at one of its fancy restaurants. The food here is unbelievably delicious. Being a fishing port, Essaouira is, with no surprise, a haven for seafood lovers. However, you will find a variety of dishes, not only fish. You can also enjoy food from different international cuisines. But, since you are in Morocco, you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the renowned local food.
Along with food, many restaurants here offer live entertainment, especially music, which makes dining more special and romantic. If you are looking for a fun, relaxing evening with people you love, do not miss checking out Le Sirocco Restaurant. Here, you will enjoy delicious French and Moroccan delicacies while a talented guitarist entertains your ears with his beautiful music.
Caravane Café and La Table by Madada are other restaurants you can check out. Although dining at one of these restaurants can cost an arm and a leg, having an unforgettable evening with family or friends will certainly make up for it.
Also, if you are a vegetarian, we recommend you try Triskala Café for organic vegetarian and vegan food. And if you are a seafood lover, try Gusto Italia Restaurant for Italian seafood dishes.
Enjoy a Traditional Hammam and Massage
Traditional hammams refer to public baths that Moroccans run to once every week for a cleansing and relaxation session. This old tradition started when people had limited access to water in their houses; as a result, hammams came to provide all the water and heat needed for a perfect bath.
A traditional Moroccan hammam is made up of at least two rooms. The first room is a heated, steamy room where you have to heat up and scrub all the dead skin off of your body. Then, the second room is a less-heated room where you go to apply soap, shampoo your hair, and finish up your bath.
In Essaouira, you can either opt for a public hammam, where you will be joined by the locals, or book a private hammam and have the entire place for yourself. Although the second option is more expensive, it is better for a luxurious experience.
In a private traditional hammam or spa, you will be treated like royalty as a masseuse takes care of everything for you. The process begins in a hot, steamy room where you relax and allow your body to sweat out all impurities. Afterwards, the masseuse applies black soap to your body, which helps to remove dead skin cells.
After rinsing your body with water, the masseuse begins to scrub and massage your body simultaneously. You may be amazed at the amount of dead skin that comes off your body. The process of rinsing, scrubbing, and massaging is repeated several times until all the dead skin is removed.
After all of that, you will be treated to a face mask and body wrap that uses Rhassoul Clay, a type of lava clay extracted from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. To top it off, you will also receive a revitalizing full-body massage that uses pure Moroccan Argan Oil.
By the end of the treatment, you will feel a strong sense of mental and physical renewal. If you are visiting Essaouira or planning to visit, this is a bucket list item that you simply cannot miss. And if you are looking for recommendations, make sure to check out Spa Cocooning and Azur Spa Essaouira.
Take a cooking class
If you want to make your holiday in Essaouira unforgettable, you can learn to cook a Moroccan dish or two which will stay with you for the rest of your life. Many people offer this service in Essaouira. Some provide it in restaurants or accommodations, while others offer it in their homes. We recommend the latter option as it will allow you to experience the Moroccan family ambiance. Whether you prefer to book the class individually or in a group, both options are available.
Sometimes, when taking a cooking class, you do the shopping yourself, which allows for an authentic experience. If you book the class individually, you will get to choose the dish you want to learn to prepare. However, the host or one of you might pick the dish if you book with a group. As a bonus, you will also learn to make Moroccan mint tea.
The hosts in Essaouira are proficient in English and French, so there is no need to worry about communication issues. Keep in mind that the cooking class will not be brief, as Moroccan cooking requires a lot of time and attention. And don’t worry, you will have the opportunity to taste the dishes you prepare.
Go Gift and Souvenir Shopping
As you wander the old medina of Essaouira, you will come across many vibrant shops selling different handcrafted items. From handcrafted rugs and woodwork to leather bags and handmade Argan soap, these items will be tempting to buy from as soon as you set foot in the medina. Therefore, come prepared as it will be irresistible not to go on a shopping spree here.
Shopping in Essaouira is not as crazy as it can be in Marrakech. Here, the store owners tend to be calmer and will not try as hard to coerce you into buying from them. However, we still encourage you to barter on the prices. Also, before you make a purchase, check out different shops and make sure you get the best deal. But most importantly, try to connect with the locals, as shopping is your best chance to do it.
The items we recommend buying from Essaouira are leather goods, wooden artifacts, textiles, and cosmetics made with Argan oil.
Go Quad-biking or Horse-riding at Diabat
Four kilometers south of Essaouira lays Diabat, a village known for its beach and dunes. This small, dusty town was once a destination for the legendary American musician Jimi Hendrix in 1969. Today, tourists escape the hustle and bustle of Essaouira’s old medina to enjoy quad-biking on this village’s beach and dunes. Lately, horse-riding activities have become more popular here, too, as many stables in Diabat have opened their doors to visitors.
If you ever get bored in Essaouira and want to spend some fun time away from the city, drive or take a cab to Diabat. You can also walk as it is only a few minutes walk alongside the beach. Here is where most quad-biking companies and stables are based. You can easily book a tour or an excursion with one of these companies or stables and go on the craziest adventure of your life.
For quad-biking, you can book a two-hour tour with one of the service providers in Diabat. And don’t worry as you will get free training if you don’t know how to operate a quad bike. On your tour, you will be driving further south along the coastline and across Berber villages. You will also be going up and down dunes, which makes for an exhilarating experience.
And if you are interested in horse riding, Diabat is the perfect location for an unforgettable experience. The stables in Diabat provide well-trained and well-cared-for horses for their excursions. You will enjoy riding on beautiful, vast beaches, over dunes, and through Argan forests. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the ruins of Dar Sultan Palace, which is also known as the Jimi Hendrix sandcastle.
Based on personal experience, we recommend booking with Yassine Cavalier Stables for an unforgettable tour. The stables are owned and run by Yassine, a Moroccan young man famous for his horse-riding videos on Instagram.
Visit the Beach at Sidi Kaouki
If you plan on staying in Essaouira for a while and looking for a relaxing escape from the crowded medina, you should visit Sidi Kaouki. It is a small beach town that makes for a lovely day trip. Unlike Essaouira’s main beach, Sidi Kaouki’s beach is not overcrowded during summertime. However, you will see more surfers here as they love this beautiful spot more than any other beach in Essaouira.
The town has a laid-back vibe due to the abundance of surfers. Alongside the beach, you will find a handful of restaurants where you can eat. You will also find shops renting beach equipment such as loungers, parasols, surfboards, etc. And since the beach is a popular destination for surfing, there are several shops/schools that offer surfing lessons.
Apart from the splashing waves of the ocean, the small town is overly calm and quiet. To get to Sidi Kaouki, you can grab a Grand Taxi from Essaouira, which costs 15 dirhams (1.5 USD) per person. You can find those in Essaouira’s central taxi station. Or catch bus number two, which runs from Bab Doukala in Essaouira to Sidi Kaouki every two hours and costs only 7 dirhams (0.7 USD).
Watch the sunset
Perched on the western coast of Morocco, Essaouira is a haven for unforgettable sunsets. The mesmerizing light show is a majestic display that starts as the sun illuminates the ocean, painting the sky with shades of orange while seagulls soar overhead.
The city offers numerous vantage points for admiring the sun dips into the Atlantic. You can experience this magical moment by climbing the medina’s ramparts, heading to a rooftop café or restaurant, or taking a stroll on Essaouira Beach. This stunning experience will certainly leave a lasting impression, so make plans and decide where you want to enjoy it.
Don’t forget to bring warm clothes, as it gets chilly because of the ocean winds. Also, have your camera or phone ready to capture the panoramic views.
