Essaouira
Africa · Morocco
See also
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Taghazout
Morocco30.53°N 9.70°W
Agadir
Morocco30.43°N 9.60°W · 74 m
Taroudannt
Morocco30.47°N 8.87°W · 240 m
Amizmiz
Morocco31.22°N 8.25°W · 1,004 m
Agafay Desert
Morocco31.43°N 8.14°W · 569 m
Marrakech
Morocco31.63°N 7.99°W · 465 m
Overview
In addition to the new town, Essaouira offers a picturesque medina (old town) surrounded by seawalls and city walls, designed by a French architect in the 18th century, a harbor with fish market, and a long beach with numerous water sports opportunities. Once a hippie hangout, Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens spent some time here.
Languages: Arabic, Berber
Understand
In addition to the new town, Essaouira offers a picturesque medina (old town) surrounded by seawalls and city walls, designed by a French architect in the 18th century, a harbor with fish market, and a long beach with numerous water sports opportunities. Once a hippie hangout, Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens spent some time here. Orson Welles filmed part of his Othello in town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The walled center of town, the Medina, is supposedly restricted to non-motorized vehicles, but mopeds are an increasing nuisance. Taxi costs a flat fee of 8 dirham during day and 9 dirham after 20:00 (as of Jan 2024).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
The beach is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing; equipment can be hired. Camel and horse rides, quad-bikes are available near the southern end. Ecotourism walking tours (half day 200 dirham, full day 400 dirham including meal) explore Argan Woods, Thuya Forests, and Berber villages. The World Music Festival (Gnaoua) takes place in June. Club Royal Essaouira offers kitesurf, surf, and windsurf rentals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Essaouira's craftsmen are renowned for woodwork and lacquerware – intricately inlaid boxes, chessboards, and curios. Artwork is also available. Baguette+ sells bread for 2 dirham. A rhassoul/ghassoul merchant sells wash soil for 8-10 dirham per half kg.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Drink
Some hotels have licensed bars. Taros terrace bar offers a view over Place Moulay el Hassan. An off-license is outside Bab Doukkala on Boulevard al Massira. There is also a 'black market' for alcohol near the gate.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Budget options: Hotel Smara (singles/doubles from 47/96 dirham with shared bath), Hotel Argana (same prices), Hotel Bab Doukkala (negotiable, around 80 dirham), Hostel Green Milk (50-60 dirham/bed). Mid-range: Hotel Orson Welles (400 dirham double with breakfast), Riad Malaika (500-1000 dirham including breakfast), Riad Lunetoile (from €35). Luxury: Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa (from 1400 dirham). Locals at the bus station offer rooms from 150 dirham (negotiable to 75 dirham).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Avoid dealers selling fake 'hash brownies' near the square. Hashish is widely smoked but not legal; avoid drawing attention.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Agadir, Marrakech (via Supratours or CTM buses), and El Jadida are nearby destinations. Supratours coaches from Marrakech cost 80 dirham plus 5 dirham luggage, taking about 3 hours. CTM also connects to Agadir (3 hours) and Casablanca (6 hours).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Dar 91
Private, self-contained house with its own roof terraces, in the walled old town. The house is a chilled-out and authentic ‘home from home’, which is let out as a whole, rather than ‘by the room’.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Dar Lazuli
200-year-old riad.
Recorded price: £60 per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Dar Leila
Restored, staffed riad sleeping up to 10 in the heart of the medina. It has 5 beds, 3 baths and a secluded roof terrace. Breakfast included, other meals available. Minimum 2 people per reservation.
Recorded price: From £500 per week
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Dar Zahira
Relaxed retreat hidden in one of the medina's narrow alleys. The small riad is built around a courtyard and sleeps a maximum of 6 persons. The house can be rented as a whole. Breakfast is served every morning. Wi-Fi available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Essaouira Lodge
Luxury hotel residence, outside of town, with high-end hotel service, including shuttle. They also claim to have a great restaurant, which is around a heated pool and has a wifi connection.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Essaouira Wind Palace
A few meters from the port, the beach, Skala, the place and the souks. Restored in authentic Arab-Andalusian style. Room rates (November 2023) listed on their site as Double 55€, Superior Double 60€, Suite with balcony 70€.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostel Green milk
Previously Blue milk. This hostel in the Medina is a bit hidden but worth the search effort. From Av. Sidi Mohhamed Ben Abdullah find "Bob Music", Rue ceuta is a mostly covered road across from it. Continue down it the door numbered 26 with little 'why not.' graffiti on the arch next to it. Good vibe.
Recorded price: 50-60 dirham/bed
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Argana
Rooms are clean. Toilets outside. Not for honeymooners, but rather for people who just need a clean and very quiet place to sleep. Nice grandma at Reception.
Recorded price: Singles/doubles with shared bath start from 47/96 dirham; hot shower 5 dirham.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Dorm beds from 50 dirham at Hostel Green Milk. Doubles with shared bath from 47 dirham at Hotel Smara. Locals offer rooms from 75 dirham.
Culture
Former hippie hangout; Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens visited. Orson Welles filmed Othello here.
Food
Fish market: buy fresh seafood and have it grilled for 25 dirham. Harira soup 5-8 dirham. Sandwiches from 10 dirham.
Safety
Avoid dealers selling fake hash brownies near the square. Hashish widely smoked but illegal; be discreet.
Transport
Taxi flat fee 8 dirham day, 9 dirham night (Jan 2024). Medina restricted to motorized vehicles but mopeds common.