Essaouira, Morocco: Your Ultimate Travel Guide (2025 Edition)
Last Updated on 17th July 2025 by Jessie
Wind-swept, bohemian, and dripping in charm – Essaouira is Morocco’s laid-back coastal gem. Whether you’re chasing waves, wandering the medina’s blue-trimmed alleyways, or feasting on fresh seafood at the port, this travel guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Essaouira.
Whilst I have a particular fondness for the rural villages of Morocco, Essaouira is hands-down my favourite city. It offers all the buzz of a city like Marrakech: an ancient medina, beautiful riads, great restaurants and bars, and endless opportunities to discover the perfect handcrafted treasure.
But unlike Marrakech, Essaouira offers a slower, calmer pace. You feel less caught up in the hustle and bustle, and more able to appreciate the beauty of the city: the history within its walls, the richness of its culture, and the warm depths of its people.
If you are tossing up a visit to either Marrakech or Essaouira, the latter would be my recommendation. But I’m of the ‘live slow, die whenever’ ethos, thus bigger cities aren’t my cup of tea.
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Moroccan Travel Essentials
- First and foremost, get travel insurance with SafetyWing. They’re super affordable and one of the few companies that let you buy insurance mid-trip.
- Book the dreamiest Moroccan abode on Booking.com. They’re my go-to for accomodation because you can save loooaads with their loyalty discounts.
- Or if you’re after the one-stop-shop, BookSurfCamps is the best place to find surf camp packages in Morocco.
- Find the best local tours with GetYourGuide. It’s the easiest way to visit places like Paradise Valley or Timlalin Dunes.
- Make sure you’re connected as soon as you get off the plane with Airalo’s Moroccan eSIM.
- Set up a Wise travel card to save on international transaction fees.
- And if you’re working online (or want to watch Netflix in your downtime) I highly recommend getting set up with a SurfShark VPN.
And you’re sorted.
Why Visit Essaouira?
- UNESCO-listed medina that you won’t get lost in
- Boho art scene: galleries, street murals, and a market that feels curated, not chaotic.
- Gnawa & World Music Festival – next edition 19–21 June 202
- Sea-breeze climate controlled: midsummer highs hover around 28 °C, unlike Marrakech’s 40 °C furnace.
What to Expect in Essaouira
Essaouira is a walled city, lined by the Atlantic Ocean. I think there’s a certain calming quality that comes with the presence of water close by. It’s easy to get lost in the novelties of life as you wander the fishing port, taking in the colourful wooden boats with flocks of squawking gulls circling above.
Essaouira has a laid-back, bohemian feel to it. The city has always attracted musicians and artists from within Morocco and abroad. The creative essence lingers throughout the fabric of the city. It’s evident within the European style café-lined main strip; the abundance of art galleries; and the unbridled expression of the people who meander it. Essaouira is the home of Gnaouan music, and the city hosts an annual festival celebrating the entrancing indigenous music.
For those who are a bit spooked about visiting Morocco, Essaouira should quell your fears. It’s a small city, with a chilled pace; you can comfortably walk the streets as a solo woman or with children in tow. If you learn a bit of Darija and greet the shopkeepers with ‘Salamu 3laykum’, you’ll soon see how warm and welcoming Moroccans can be.
Where is Essaouira?
Essaouira (known as Mogador until the 1960s) is a charming port city in the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco.
On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, roughly 2 hr 50 min west of Marrakech. The argan trees vanish; the ocean smell kicks in; that’s your cue.
How to Get to Essaouira
| Route | Mode | Time | Price (from) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe → ESU | Direct flights | 2–4 hr | from £29 | Ryanair UK, Transavia, Air Arabia Maroc now serve 13 European airports. |
| Marrakech | CTM / Supratours coach | 2 hr 45 min–3 hr | 100 dh | ~5 departures daily; USB seats if you book early. |
| Grand Taxi | 2 hr 30 min | 600 dh (car) | Haggle; price per vehicle. | |
| Agadir | Self-drive N1 | 2 hr 15 min | fuel ≈ 180 dh | Goat-in-tree photo-ops en route. |
Fly
There are a few cities in Europe that fly directly to Essaouira-Mogador Airport. If you’re departing from Paris, Brussels, Düsseldorf, London, Madrid, Marseille, Gran Canaria or Bordeaux – then you’re in luck.
The Essaouira-Mogador airport is 17km (20-minute drive) from the city centre. You can catch a taxi to the medina for a flat rate of 150dh (€15) for the whole car.
Alternatively, you can fly to the nearby cities of Marrakech or Agadir and make your way to Essaouira via bus, taxi or shuttle. Or hire a car and choose your own adventure.
Bus
The two main bus companies in Morocco are CTM and Supratours. Both are super affordable and reliable, and tickets can be purchased online.
Marrakech to Essaouira
Essaouira is a 3-hour drive west of Marrakech via bus. Supratours has 6 buses departing from Marrakech to Essaouira each day. Ticket prices range from 100dh-125dh (€10-€12.50).
Agadir to Essaouira
Agadir is 3.5 hours south of Essaouira. CTM buses travel from Agadir to Essaouira 3 times per day. Tickets are between 95dh-105dh (€9.50-€10.50).
NOTE: There are no direct bus routes from Tamraght or Taghazout to Essaouira. If travelling from either of these villages, your best option is to backtrack and catch a taxi to Agadir bus station; then catch the bus from Agadir to Essaouira.
Taxi
Marrakech to Essaouira
Not ones to shy away from a long car ride; many taxi drivers will be willing to take you from Marrakech to Essaouira.
Simply, head to the nearest Grand Taxi station (the big yellow and white taxis) and make your request. The standard fare from Marrakech to Essaouira is 600dh (€60) for the whole car – but expect to barter a little.
See this post for navigating taxis in Morocco.
Shuttle
The shuttle company Souk to Surf is usually my preferred way to travel the Moroccan surf coast. I have no affiliation with these guys, nor do I receive any commission, but they are super reliable and fairly cheap, and thus I highly recommend them.
Souk to Surf offers the following routes to Essaouira:
| FROM | PRICE | TIME |
| Agadir | €18 | 4 hours 5 minutes |
| Tamraght | €18 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Taghazout | €18 | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Imsouane | €12 | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Marrakech | €18 | 2 hours 55 minutes |
Drive
If you feel like you have what it takes to brave the Moroccan roads, then I recommend hiring a car and driving from Agadir to Essaouira. This stretch of coastline is well worth exploring.
Take your time, make a proper road trip out of it, and spend a week or two stopping in at the rural villages of Tamraght, Taghazout, Imsouane and Sidi Kaouki.
When to Visit Essaouira
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mar–May | Mild, bright, less wind | Water still chilly |
| 19–21 Jun 2025 | Gnawa Festival – city in full trance | Book rooms in advance |
| Jul–Aug | Warmest sea temps | Windy AF |
| Sep–Nov | Shoulder-season heaven: smaller crowds, surf picks up | Early sunsets |
| Dec–Feb | Cheapest stays, crisp evenings | Occasional rain squalls |
As a coastal city, Essaouira offers pretty temperate conditions all year round. The winters are mild with an average of 19°, and the occasional rainy day. And unlike the inland regions of Morocco, Essaouira doesn’t experience soaring heat, instead offering a pleasant summer average of 28°. So, if you find a window on your calendar that’s begging to be filled with a Moroccan escapade, then jump on it.
With that said, July and August are the peak months for tourism in Essaouira. In summer, both international travellers and Moroccans flock to the city for a seaside vacation. If you want to avoid too much foot traffic, then opt for the shoulder seasons.
However, whilst the temperatures in Essaouira don’t reach extremes – the winds certainly do. Crowned as the ‘Windy City of Africa’, the Atlantic breeze gets pretty feisty between July and August. If you’re keen on windsurfing or kitesurfing, then you’ll be in for a treat. Otherwise, aim for a visit between September and November, when the wind tends to be on its best behaviour.
How Long to Stay
It depends on your wider travel plans; whether Essaouira will be your one-stop shop, or just one of many look-ins on your Moroccan travel itinerary. I would recommend spending somewhere between 2 days and a week in Essaouira.
If you’re taking a leisurely road trip up the surf coast (visiting Tamraght, Taghazout and Imsouane), then it can be nice to spend a few days in Essaouira to experience all the amenities of city living. The rural villages are absolute gems, but Essaouira has far more to offer in terms of shopping and dining, and all that jazz.
If you’ve got your sights set on nowhere but Essaouira, then I think a week in the city would be ideal. The medina is small enough to explore every nook within a day. But the vibe in Essaouira is mellow enough to idle away your time wandering the streets, lazing on the beach and feasting on Moroccan treaties.
I have created the perfect 3-day travel itinerary for Essaouira.
Or, check out my suggested 10-day travel Taghazout to Essaouira travel itinerary.
What to Do in Essaouira
1. Shop for Carpets.
The quintessential Moroccan souvenir: a handwoven carpet. If you have your heart set on taking home a beautiful Moroccan rug, then Essaouira is the place to splash your cash. Shopping in Essaouira feels much more leisurely than in the bigger cities, and I’ve heard that you’re more likely to get a better deal.
Below are a few stores worth perusing, but feel free to wander the streets and see where your heart takes you.
2. Wander the Medina.
The Essaouira Medina is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, and it’s a beauty to behold. In the 1700s the Moroccan king enlisted a French engineer to design the walled city, and we can thank them both for the alluring blend of Arabic and European architecture that remains today.
In the 19th century, Essaouira became the first trading port of Morocco, opening the gates to an influx of international products, visitors and influences. The synthesis of cultures and religions lies in the foundation of the city; a melting pot of Amazighs, Arabs, Africans and Europeans.
3. Hunt for Treasures in The Medina
Whilst the architectural wonders of the city will draw you in, it’s the treasures hidden between the labyrinth of streets that will hold you captive. There are vendors specialising in all manner of crafts.
Whether you’re searching for a leather bag or raffia sandals, handmade ceramics or Beldi soaps and Argan oil, you can find what you’re looking for in Essaouira. And a whole bunch of other stuff you didn’t know you needed.
Shopping in Essaouira feels far less chaotic than Marrakech. The Medina follows a grid pattern, which is a blessing for those of us who are geographically challenged. The shopkeepers feel more related too.
I suppose there’s less competition, and thus less pressure to rope you in. You can take your time; accept the store owner’s offer to join him for a mint tea whilst you peruse his bounty of antique jewels. L’humdulilah.
4. Visit the Fishing Port.
Essaouira is one of the main hubs for sardine fishing in Morocco. As a tourist, you can wander the bustling fishing port and watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch. All of the wooden boats are painted in a deep azure blue; a colour that supposedly lures in fish. Arguably, a trait that humans can resonate with.
You can buy fresh seafood directly from the fisherman and have it cooked for you at one of the restaurants within the harbour. Sea-to-table dining at its simplest.
The fishing harbour sits beside the ramparts and Sqala du Port (fortified walls and defence tower), remnants of the city’s military era. It’s pretty incredible to picture the city as it once was. Alternatively, you can imagine yourself on the set of Games of Thrones if you’re more fictionally inclined.
5. Peruse the Art Galleries.
Essaouira has a huge art scene. The city itself acts as an open-air gallery; the streets are lined with art stores and boutiques and artists selling their creations from makeshift exhibitions on the pavement. It’s a feast for the eyes.
There are several art galleries showcasing local and international talent that are well worth visiting. Below are a few of my favourites:
6. Go Windsurfing.
Essaouira has a bit of surf when the winter swells bring suitable waves for beginners. But if you’re looking for waves with a bit more oomph, you’re better off checking out the surf breaks near Tamraght and Taghazout.
With that said, if windsurfing or kitesurfing are more your forte, then Essaouira will be your windy paradise. There are plenty of local businesses catering to the sport, offering lessons and gear hire and everything in between.
7. Get a Hammam.
No trip to Morocco is complete without indulging in the traditional bathing ritual of a hammam. In a city that feels inherently regal, the queen-like pampering is appropriate. Essaouira is dotted with hammams and spa houses. Below are a few of the best:
Check out my full list of the best hammams in Essaouira.
8. Check out the Local Souk.
Every town and city in Morocco has a local souk. It’s an open-air marketplace where farmers and craftsmen sell produce and livestock alongside secondhand clothes and various knick-knacks. They’re the best places to shop for fresh groceries or to score a vintage bargain.
Essaouira’s souk is located 25 minutes out of the city, in the village of Had Draa. From the Grand Taxi station, north of the media, you can catch a collective taxi to Had Draa for 10dh (€1) per person. The Had Draa souk only operates on Sundays until 12pm. Dress appropriately and remember to bring cash.
Where to Eat in Essaouira
Les 4 Saisons de Mogador
It’s a pretty big call, but I’m crowning the lamb and prune tagine at Les 4 Saisons de Mogador as the best tagine I’ve had in all of Morocco. The vegetable side dishes are banging too. It’s a great spot on the main strip with good prices and a little more pizzazz than the full-trad eateries.
Recommend: Lamb and prune tagine for 65dh (€6.50); zaalouk for 25 dh (€2.50); and caramelized carrots for 20dh (€2). Fit for a queen.
Chez Omar
Don’t mistake me – the full-trad eateries hold their own, and Chez Omar is one venue that proves such. This is the place to go for proper local Moroccan cuisine. No-frills decor where tourists and locals dine elbow-to-elbow in the alleyway. That’s a sure-fire guarantee for good, authentic, well-priced grub.
Recommend: Anything; if you want a good couscous or tagine, this is your place to go. The Moroccan Pil Pil shrimps for 50dh (€5) are extra special.
Arabico Café Brunch
For somewhere that offers a bit of Western appeal, Arabico provides both the traditional Moroccan breakfast and ye olde avo toast. They’ve got a great location on the main strip so you can enjoy breakfast with a show. It’s a popular coffee spot for travellers.
Recommend: Egg and tomato tagine for 35dh (€3.50). A Berber omelette by any other name.
Chez Miloud
This is your go-to for the Moroccan breakfast staples: Mint tea and msemen. With a strong Euro influence, Essaouira is known for its café culture. The outward-facing chairs of the cafes on the main strip are ripe for hours spent with a cuppa and a good book. But I suggest skipping the oat milk lattes and brunching the Moroccan way. Chez Miloud will teach you how.
Recommend: Mint tea and harcha (fresh semolina flatbread) with olive oil and honey. I’m not sure of the exact price, but it’s cheap as chips regardless.
Check out the full list of bars and restaurants in Essaouira.
Where to Stay in Essaouira
Best For Solo Travellers
Hotel Dar El Qdima
Single room from €27/night. Breakfast included.
Best Private Room
Riad Dar Etto
Double room from €90/night. Breakfast included.
Best Entire Apartment
Dar ZINZIN
Three-bedroom villa with pool from €190/night. Additional breakfast for €7.
Safi.
To continue with your dream Moroccan itinerary planning, check out these posts:
FAQs for Essaouira, Morocco
Is Essaouira worth visiting?
Yes! Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most charming coastal cities – known for its relaxed vibe, historic medina, Portuguese ramparts, and windsurfing scene. Unlike Marrakech or Fes, it’s much more laid-back and easy to explore on foot. Visitors love the Atlantic sea breeze, fresh seafood, and artistic culture. It’s a perfect escape for couples, solo travellers, and families alike.
Can you swim at the beach in Essaouira?
Yes, but swimming conditions can vary. Essaouira Beach is wide and sandy, great for walks and sunbathing. However, due to strong winds and currents, it’s more popular for kitesurfing than swimming.
For safer swimming, head to Sidi Kaouki or Cape Sim, just a short drive south. These beaches offer calmer conditions and are less windy during certain seasons.
How many days should you spend in Essaouira?
2 to 3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Essaouira. That gives you enough time to wander the medina, walk the ramparts, enjoy the beach, and take a day trip to nearby spots like Sidi Kaouki or an argan oil cooperative. It’s also a great place to unwind for longer if you’re slow-travelling the Moroccan coast.
Can you surf in Essaouira?
Yes. Essaouira is a great place for beginner and intermediate surfers. The beach break near the medina has consistent waves, especially in autumn and winter. Several surf schools in town offer lessons and board rentals. For more advanced surfers, the surf breaks near Tamraght and Taghazout have more to offer.
What should I wear in Essaouira as a tourist?
Essaouira is more relaxed than other Moroccan cities, but it’s still respectful to dress modestly. For women, flowy pants, long skirts, t-shirts, and light scarves are ideal. Men typically wear shorts or trousers with a shirt. Layers are key – Essaouira’s sea breeze means it can get cool, especially in the evening.
Swimwear is fine at the beach, but it’s best to cover up in town.
Is Essaouira expensive compared to other Moroccan cities?
No, Essaouira is relatively affordable for most travellers. Accommodation, food, and activities are typically cheaper than in Marrakech or Casablanca. You can find great seafood meals for under 100 MAD, surf lessons starting at 200 MAD, and lovely riads or guesthouses for budget to mid-range prices. It’s one of the best-value destinations on Morocco’s coast.
For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Facebook. Join the group here.
