Essaouira

Morocco, Africa

Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stunning coastal scenery, historic medina, and vibrant arts scene. The city boasts beautiful beaches for sunbathing and windsurfing, crafted artisan goods in the souks, and fresh seafood. Its medina features winding alleys, colorful blue and white buildings, and lively local festivals, making it a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Inezgane

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

11 Best Things to Do in Essaouira

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Medina

Wander through the vibrant streets of Essaouira's UNESCO-listed Medina, filled with artisan shops and colorful souks.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Ramparts

Stroll along the ancient ramparts for stunning coastal views and a glimpse into Essaouira's fortified history.

No booking required
3

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at Essaouira Beach

Unwind on Essaouira's sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Savor the catch of the day at one of the lively seafood stalls.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Moulay Hassan Square

Experience local culture and street performances in the heart of Essaouira.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Skala de la Ville

Discover the historic seafront bastion with its cannons and panoramic views.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Wind Surfing or Kitesurfing

Ride the waves with thrilling water sports along Essaouira's coast.

Booking required
8

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Essaouira Citadel

Explore the historical citadel and learn about Essaouira's maritime past.

No booking required
9

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a Gnaoua Music Festival

Immerse yourself in local culture with vibrant music and dance events.

Booking required
10

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a Camel Ride

Experience the iconic landscape on a traditional camel ride.

No booking required
11

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Moulay Moulay Hassan Mosque

Appreciate the beautiful architecture of this historic mosque.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-14 (#189 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Moroccan Dirham

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Arabic

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Tagine

Slow-cooked stew in a conical pot. (National dish)

Couscous

VE

Steamed semolina served with vegetables.

Pastilla

Savory pie with meat and spices.

Harira

VE

Traditional soup with lentils and chickpeas.

Mechoui

Whole roasted lamb, seasoned and cooked.

Phrases to learn

English

Arabic

Hello

Marhaban

(Mar-ha-ban)

Yes/No

Naam / La

(Nah-am / Lah)

Thank you

Shukran

(Shook-ran)

Excuse me

Afwan

(Ahf-wan)

How much?

Kam?

(Kam)