Essaouira The Atlantic Coast, Morocco Travel Guide
Embrace the natural elements with exciting activities tailored to Essaouira's unique landscape.
Tours through the sand dunes and countryside south of Essaouira. An exciting way to explore the landscape off-road. Find options on GetYourGuide.
Popular activities on Essaouira's beach. Ride along the shoreline, extending into the dunes or towards Diabat. Many stables near the beach offer rides for various durations, for all experience levels.
Limited formal trails directly surrounding the city. Long, flat walks south along the beach towards Diabat or Sidi Kaouki. Informal trails through argan forests require a local guide.
Essaouira is known for its strong winds. While ideal for wind and kitesurfing, these conditions may not suit all beach activities, especially sunbathing on certain days.
Essaouira many avenues for engagement with Moroccan culture, from traditional arts to music.
Seek out live Gnawa music in local cafes or cultural venues, especially in the evenings. These hypnotic, rhythmic performances are a powerful cultural experience. During the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival (usually in June), performances are widespread.
A classical music festival usually held annually in April or May, offering a different musical experience.
Support the local community directly by staying in locally-owned riads, dining at small family-run restaurants, hiring local guides, and purchasing directly from artisan workshops.
Essaouira several options for unwinding and rejuvenating, embracing traditional Moroccan wellness practices. Many riads and hotels offer in-house spa services like traditional hammam, massages, and argan oil-based therapies. Consider L'Heure Bleue Palais for luxury options. Hammam de la Rose is a well-regarded public hammam. Several surf and yoga camps operate in Essaouira.
Essaouira's nightlife is generally more subdued, focusing on live music, dining, and relaxed evenings. Taros, a well-known restaurant and bar with a popular rooftop terrace, often features live Gnawa music or other local bands. Nightclubs are not common; nightlife leans towards relaxed bars and live music. Enjoy an evening stroll through the charmingly lit medina or relax at a shisha cafe.
Essaouira is a treasure trove for shoppers. The medina houses a labyrinth of traditional souks, often divided into sections for spices, textiles, leather goods, jewelry, and especially thuya wood products. Visit workshops to watch artisans at work. Ethical shopping: Support local artisans and purchase argan oil from certified women's cooperatives. Haggling is expected in souks; engage respectfully.
Essaouira's cultural scene is rich with traditional music and arts.
A popular way to immerse yourself. Learn to prepare classic dishes like tagine or pastilla. Atelier Madada is a well-known example.
Learn about the history and instruments of this unique spiritual music.
Observe skilled artisans creating beautiful boxes, furniture, and decorative items.
Many riads and hotels offer in-house spa services. These include traditional hammam (Moroccan bath) treatments, various types of massages, and argan oil-based therapies.
Hammam de la Rose is a well-regarded public hammam, a traditional cleansing and relaxation practice.
Several surf and yoga camps or specialized wellness retreats operate in Essaouira and nearby areas (e.g., Sidi Kaouki). These often combine daily yoga with surfing lessons.
Essaouira's evening scene is generally low-, focusing on authentic experiences.
Enjoy an evening stroll through the medina, which remains charmingly lit. A peaceful way to experience the city at night.
Find a comfortable spot at a rooftop terrace bar for drinks and conversation under the stars.
Relax at one of the many shisha cafes for a traditional Moroccan evening.
Essaouira has limited formal theater venues. Cultural centers like Dar Souiri may host occasional performances, including plays or dance shows.
Essaouira does not have major nightclubs or organized pub crawls. Its nightlife leans more towards relaxed bars and live music venues, rather than large-scale dance clubs.
Bars are mostly found within licensed restaurants or hotels, which are the main places where alcohol is served. Respect local customs and attire.
Alcohol is mainly available in licensed establishments catering to tourists. Many local eateries do not serve alcohol.
Essaouira is a treasure trove for shoppers, with unique local crafts, spices, and souvenirs.
Essaouira is renowned for its craftsmanship using thuya wood. Visit workshops to watch artisans creating decorative boxes, furniture, chess boards, and other intricate items.
Find a variety of leather goods, including bags, belts, and traditional Moroccan slippers (Babouches).
Essaouira has a history of fine silver craftsmanship, specifically traditional Berber silver jewelry. Purchase authentic argan oil from women's cooperatives or specialized shops.
Do not feel pressured to buy. Browsing is part of the souk experience. A polite "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and continuing to walk is usually effective if a vendor is too persistent.
