What to Do in Essaouira: Morocco’s Coastal Haven
Set in a quintessential seaside medina, Essaouira is a coastal gem in Morocco that boasts an incredible array of things to do.
If you’re a long-term reader of my blog, you probably already know that I travel to Morocco several times a year.
On my last trip to Marrakech, I decided to check Essaouira out and I fell in love with its relaxed vibe as soon as I stepped foot at the bus station – I truly consider it one of the best day trips from Marrakech and one of the best Morocco cities to visit!
In fact, I loved Essaouira so much that I extended my stay there for five more days than I’d originally planned. Oops!
Seriously, Essaouira should be a must in your Morocco itinerary and you’re about to find out why!
Not only is Essaouira’s atmosphere much more chilled out than that of Marrakech, but it’s also a place that is known for its hippie-boho vibes that are bound to steal your heart.
If you’re currently planning a trip to the Wind City and wondering what to do in Essaouira, my guide will have you covered!
I also wrote a ton of information that you might need to make your travel planning easier, like important things to pack, tips on where to stay in Essaouira, how to get there from Marrakech, and more!
Here’s what to do in Essaouira:
Shop the Medina
Essaouira is one of the best shopping destinations in Morocco. The medina boasts unique souvenirs to bring back home like its renowned raffia shoes, exquisite woodwork, and an endless array of handmade baskets featuring stunning patterns.
Shopping around Essaouira feels like a breeze compared to other major tourist hubs in the country. Touts aren’t really aggressive and I found that most shops in Essaouira didn’t really play the haggling game. Shopping in Essaouira was honestly a treat, and aside from the typical souvenirs the city offers, you’ll also find amazing vintage carpets, masks imported from other countries in West Africa, and even Mudcloth brought in from Burkina Faso and Ghana.
[easy-image-collage id=7507]→ For all my tips on what to buy and the best shopping spots in the city, check out my guide to shopping Guide to Essaouira!
Hip up Essaouira’s port
Did you know that Essaouira was once the main trading hub between Europe, Africa, and the Americas? While its status was slowly taken over as the nearby city of Casablanca grew, the Essaouira’s port remains as lively and colorful as ever.
Lined by blue-shaded vessels, the port acts as the go-to spot for fishermen to get their daily catch. Make sure to linger a while here because there’s always something going on. Sometimes it feels as though you’ve taken a trip back in time and you can easily spend hours here just watching the fishermen come and go.
The port is also lined by a few food stands where you can get fresh orange and pomegranate juice, so make sure you don’t miss out on grabbing a few refreshing drinks!
Tip: Don’t miss the fish auction! It’s an incredibly atmospheric venue that takes place every day just outside the port’s doorways.
Fish around at the fish souk
Okay, so I’ve made it pretty clear that I suck at puns with that title, but seriously: a stroll through the fish market is just one of the best things to do in Essaouira.
I’m a vegetarian, so walking through this tiny market wasn’t exactly my favorite thing to do in Essaouira. Still, I’ll admit that it was pretty interesting as a cultural experience. Here’s where all fishermen you’ll meet at the port mentioned above gather to sell their products and it’s definitely a great way to get a taste of what day to day life is like in this gem of a coastal town.
[easy-image-collage id=7505]Get lost in the medina
I know this sounds like such an obvious thing to do in any Moroccan destination, but Essaouira’s medina has so many gems hidden in every corner that getting lost in its winding, maze-like alleyways is a real treat!
Go mapless with a camera in hand and embrace the beauty of getting lost in one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. You’ll stumble across absurdly pretty entryways, secluded art galleries, and hidden rooftop terraces where you can grab a cup of tea and escape the bustle and hustle of the busy medina for a while.
Check out all the local galleries
Essaouira is a mecca for all things artsy, and one of my favorite things to do there is checking out its amazing art galleries.
My favorite was Galerie d’Art Damgaard, a really cozy venue where you’ll find an array of works by artisans from all over Morocco, including furniture and textiles that are to die for. There’s also a library that contains a humongous collection of books on all things Moroccan crafts – from the history of Berber textiles to weaving techniques and everything in between!
Unfortunately, the books weren’t for sale, but the manager told me I could grab any book and sit at the terrace to read for as long as I wanted. How nice is that?!
Another lovely venue to check out is Espace Othello. It sits just behind the Sahara Hotel and features works by up-and-coming artists from all over Morocco that you definitely want to check out. This gallery is a lot smaller than Galerie d’Art Damgaard, so you can easily check it out in under half an hour.
[easy-image-collage id=7504]Soak in the havoc of the wood bazaar
Essaouira is famed for being home to skilled craftsmen who work with thuya, a type of wood found mostly in northwestern Africa.
Given that Essaouira is renowned for its woodwork, it only makes sense that there’s a special souk for it. While strolling through the market, you’ll stumble across all kinds of fun things – from unique salad spoons to exquisite furniture.
Fun fact: Souk means market or bazaar in Arabic
Make sure you also check out the artists at work at Coopérative Artisanale de Marqueteurs Sur Le Bois Du Thuya, a cooperative of artisans than create all things from wood.
Try your luck at watersports
Essaouira got its hippie reputation for being the go-to place in Morocco for watersports and chilled-out vibes.
It makes sense, really. Essaouira is dubbed The Wind City of Africa due to the strong winds that blow year-round, making its beaches a prime destination for wind and kitesurfing.
If you’re inexperienced, you just book yourself a lesson! They’re easy to find all over Essaouira’s coast, but two of the best places to learn the basics are The Royal Windsurfing Club and Club Magistral. You can also find and book lessons online, like this 2-hour surf lesson for beginners.
[easy-image-collage id=7503]Go Spice Shopping
Hidden amid the medina’s walls, you’ll find the best place for all things spices at the spice souk in Essaouira. From classic argan oil to organic lipstick and even herbal Viagra, you’re bound to find some interesting souvenirs to bring back home here.
Not only is spice shopping in Essaouira much more relaxed than in other cities like Marrakech, but you’ll also get a super immersive experience you definitely don’t want to miss out on when in Morocco!
And that’s my list of all the best things to do in Essaouira. These are all easy to tackle in a day or two, but I recommend taking things as slowly as possible while here. Make sure you set some time to get completely lost in the medina of Essaouira and discover a few hidden gems that you wouldn’t otherwise stumble across.
Where to Stay in Essaouira
Essaouira boasts tons of accommodation options for all budgets and travel styles, be it cheap hostels, cozy riads, or super luxurious hotels. These are the best places I recommend for a great stay in Essaouira:
Budget: Riad Inna. It’s set in a beautiful 18th-century house that is just a one-minute walking distance to the beach. Double rooms start at $37. They also offer cool activities like windsurfing tours and lessons. Check it out here.
Luxury: Hotel Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa. Prices start at $95 for a double room. This hotel sits right at the beach in the hippest area of Essaouira. It features a pool, two restaurants, and a spa! Check it out here.
Best Time to Visit Essaouiria
The best times to visit Essaouira are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
These months are pleasant for outdoor activities like city exploration, beach trips, and medina strolls because the temperature ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
The summer months (June to August) can be extremely hot and congested with highs of 30°C or more. But during these times, Essaouira also hosts a ton of music and cultural festivals!
Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Morocco beyond Essaouira as well.
Tips For Visting Essaouira
→ Just in case you’re wondering, Essaouira is pronounced “Es-wee-ra”.
→ Keep in mind that Morocco is a majorly-Muslim country. Westernized fashion is totally okay to wear (they’re so used to European tourists), but try to make an effort to respect their customs. Ladies, there’s need to cover yourself from head to toe, but I definitely recommend packing a few maxi dresses, long skirts, and tops that cover your cleavage. Moreover, I’d recommend packing a jacket, especially if you’re visiting in winter, spring, or autumn – Essaouira is dubbed “The Wind City of Morocco” for a good reason – it’s windy as hell! For a full packing list for Morocco, check out my Morocco packing guide for women.
→ Tap water in Morocco isn’t safe to drink, so I recommend getting yourself The Grayl. It’s a water bottle that filters bacteria and chemicals in seconds. I’ve used it all over the world and it works like a charm! Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it will also help make your trip to Essaouira more environmentally-friendly 🙂
→ If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip, I highly recommend Safety Wing.
How To Get To Essaouira
Plane: Essaouira has a small international airport where both domestic and international flights fly into.
Bus: If you’re traveling to Essaouira from Morocco, taking a bus is cheap, quick and stress-free. Head to the CTM bus station in Marrakech, where you’ll find daily buses going to Essaouira for 80 Dirhams. You can find their schedules on CTM’s official website. The ride takes roughly three hours.
Private transfer: If public buses aren’t exactly your thing, you can book a private transfer. These aren’t cheap, but if you’re traveling in a large group, it makes sense. You can book a private transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira here.
On a tour from nearby cities: Even though I recommend at least two or three days to fully soak up Essaouira, it’s also a popular day trip from bigger cities like Marrakech or Agadir. Even though you can easily get there by yourself with the options above, you can also book tours to make the most out of your short time in Essaouira. Here’s a full-day tour from Marrakech and here’s one from Agadir. Note that I haven’t taken any of those tours myself, so I have no personal experience with them, but they both receive great reviews!
Where To Stay in Essaouira
If you’re visiting Essaouira on a budget, I recommend staying at Riad Inna & Watersports Center. It’s an amazing value of money and centrally located in the medina and just a short walk to the coast. Check it out here.
If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, you’ll love staying at Hotel Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa. Prices start at $95 for a double room and the hotel is located within walking distance to the beach in the best part of Essaouira. It has a pool, two restaurants, a tea room, and a spa! Check it out here.
More Morocco travel resources:
My favorite destinations in Morocco
The First-Timers’ Guide to Marrakech
What To Wear in Morocco? The Ultimate Packing Guide For Women
Chefchouen: Morocco’s Dreamy Blue City
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[easy-image-collage id=7563]Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that, if you decide to purchase something through my links, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep this blog running, so thank you! 🙂
