Essaouira: A Guide to Morocco’s Mellowest Coastal City
Last Updated on 6th February 2026 by Jessie
A favoured haunt of Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens and Frank Zappa, Essaouira is renowned as Morocco’s artistic hub. Here’s my guide to the coastal city, including a lowdown on what to expect, plus tips on where to eat, sleep and hang.
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.
What’s essaouira Like?
For those keen on visiting the smaller surf villages of Tamraght, Taghazout or Imsouane, I reckon Essaouira is the perfect addition to balance out your trip. You get your Moroccan city fix, with ample opportunity to shop for handmade treasures, without the overwhelm of the bigger cities.
The Essaouira medina is infinitely easier to navigate than that of Marrakech or Fes. There’s one wide main strip running through the centre, on which you can find fruit and veg vendors, fishmongers and bread carts parked up. Wander down any of the alleyways, and you can leisurely peruse carpet stores, antique jewellery shops and locally-owned art galleries.
The shopkeepers are friendly but relaxed. I think it’s partly because there’s not as much competition between businesses as there is in the bigger cities. But also, I feel like the proximity to the ocean tempers the mood a little. I know I always feel far more relaxed when the waves are within reach.
I’d say Essaouira is the most livable Moroccan city I’ve visited. But that’s coming from a girl to whom city living doesn’t appeal all that much. For those who are after a bustling metropolis with loads of high-end fashion boutiques and swanky restaurants, Essaouira probably wouldn’t fill your cup. In my view, it’s more of a large, well-established coastal town with just enough creature comforts to keep you satisfied.
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 Gnawa 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 port city in the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco. It’s roughly 3 hours west of Marrakech, and easy to travel between the two cities by bus.
Just 30 minutes south, you’ve got Sidi Kaouki – a surf village that seems almost forgotten about, it’s that low-key. Then travel a little under 2 hours further south, and you’ll reach Imsouane. Followed by Taghazout and Tamraght, an hour further down the coast.
The proximity of all these popular surf towns in one short stretch makes for a no-brainer coastal roadtrip. If that appeals to you, check out my suggested 10-day itinerary.
See all transport routes for getting to Essaouira.
When to Visit Essaouira
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. 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. I recommend timing your trip with the annual Gnawa Festival, which usually takes place in June.
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.
What to Do in Essaouira
When you first arrive in Essaouira, I recommend first taking a wander through the medina and getting a feel for the place. You can get the lay of the land, window shop, check out the old ramparts and visit the fishing port all in an hour or so.
After that, I’d suggest hitting up Cafe Jalil for a kefta tagine, downing a pot of tea, and then trotting the streets again. There’s so much to take in within the Medina, especially if you’re the bowerbird type, drawn to shiny objects and beautiful handcrafted goods. It’s just a real pleasant place to be.
Once you’re done marinating, you should take a squiz at some of the art galleries. Essaouira is renowned for its art and music scene, a lingering legacy of the 1960s creatives that found refuge in the coastal city. Hit up Gallery Kasbah and La Grotte des Arts to feast your eyes on some locally-made masterpieces.
For a few more tips and tricks, check out my list of all the best things to do in Essaouira.
Where to Eat and Drink in Essaouira
In my opinion, Essaouira has the best restaurant scene. As opposed to Marrakech, where the swankier joints are in neighbouring districts, all the best high-end restaurants are situated within the medina. On the other hand, there are loads of great, cheap, authentic Moroccan eateries that don’t feel like tourist traps. Here are a few of my favourites:
- Coffee: L’Esprit
- Breakfast: Arabico
- Local Spot: Cafe Jalil or Restaurant Amira
- Lunch/Dinner: Retro Corner or Coin Typique
- Bars: D’Jazy or Mega Loft
For my full list of recommendations, see the best restaurants in Essaouira. And for a drink, see the full list of bars and nightlife in Essaouira.
Where to Stay in Essaouira
As with Marrakech, I recommend staying in the medina. There are loads of affordable and stylish hostels and guesthouses, many of which are housed in refurbished century-old riads. Most of the best restaurants, bars and tourist sights are within or close to the medina, so you’re never more than a 20-minute walk from where you need to go. Here are my top picks:
- Best hostels: Hostel La Smala or Chill Art Hostel
- Best surf camp: Atlantic Zin Watersports or Nanea Kite
- Best guest house: Dar El Qdima or Caverne d’Ali Baba
- Best luxury stay: Dar Etto or Dar Zinzin
See my list of the best coliving spaces in Essaouira.
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.
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.
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