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What to Pack for Essaouira

What to Pack for Essaouira

Essaouira The Atlantic Coast, Morocco Travel Guide

Year-Round & Summer Attire

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are excellent. Layering is important due to temperature fluctuations. In summer (June-August), light dresses, shorts, and t-shirts are suitable. Evenings and windy days need a light jacket or cardigan. Light, long-sleeved shirts protect from the strong sun.

Items

  • Light, breathable tops.
  • Swimwear (for beach/hotel).
  • Light jacket or cardigan.

Autumn, Spring & Winter Layers

Autumn and Spring (March-May, September-November): Jeans or light trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters are practical. A light jacket and a windbreaker are highly recommended near the ocean. Winter (December-February): Warmer layers, sweaters, fleeces, and a waterproof and windproof jacket. A warm hat or scarf for colder evenings.

Seasonal Attire

  • Windbreaker or waterproof jacket.
  • Warm hat or scarf for evenings.
  • Sweaters or fleeces for colder months.

Footwear Recommendations

Medina & Walking

Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals are necessary. Medina streets are uneven cobblestone, steps, and sometimes sandy paths. Footwear needs to offer support for extended walking.

Comfort & Support

Beach & Casual

Flip-flops or beach sandals are perfect for the sand and casual strolls near the coast. Smart casual shoes suit dining out in the evenings.

Beach Ready

Cultural Dress Code

Dress modestly to show respect, especially in the medina or religious sites. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting trousers or skirts below the knee are appropriate. A pashmina is versatile.

Respectful Attire

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Have both physical and digital copies of important documents.

  • Original Passport & Visa (if applicable).
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information (print & digital).
  • International Driving Permit (if renting car).
  • Vaccination Records & Health Documentation.
  • Printed & Digital Copies of Reservations (flight, accommodation, tours).
  • Emergency Contact Information.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable).
  • Prescription Meds with Doctor's Note.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Morocco uses 220V, 50Hz. Plug types are C (two round pins) and E (two round pins with a hole for earthing). A universal travel adapter is needed. Check if your mobile phone is unlocked for international use. Local SIM cards are simple and affordable from Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi at airports/stores. Your passport is needed for registration.

Essentials

  • Universal travel adapter for Type C/E.
  • Unlocked mobile phone for local SIM card.
  • Portable chargers/power banks.

Photography & Apps

A digital camera or smartphone captures Essaouira’s beauty. A waterproof action camera is useful for watersports. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) and translation apps (Google Translate) for Moroccan Arabic/French. WhatsApp is widely used locally. Use cloud storage for photo and document backups.

Smart Tools

  • Camera with extra batteries/memory.
  • Offline maps for navigation.
  • Offline translation apps.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photo and document backups. Protects memories if a device is lost or stolen.

Device Security

Keep devices password-protected. Consider remote wipe features for smartphones.

Physical Protection

A sturdy bag or case for electronics offers protection from bumps and moisture.

Health & Wellness Items

Essential Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit provides peace of mind and handles common travel ailments.

First Aid Basics

  • Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
  • Anti-diarrhea medication & rehydration salts.
  • Allergy medication, hydrocortisone cream for bites.

Sun & Water Protection

Protect from sun exposure and ensure water safety. Carry all prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's prescription and letter.

Outdoor Safety

  • Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin).
  • High SPF sunscreen, broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses.
  • Water filter bottle or purification tablets for backup.

Specialized Health Considerations

Motion Sickness

  • Over-the-counter motion sickness medication for bus travel.
  • Ginger chews or supplements can alleviate symptoms naturally.
  • Fresh air and focusing on the horizon.

Personal Hygiene

  • Specific brands of toiletries may be difficult to find locally.
  • Small travel toiletry bottles for preferred products.
  • Hand sanitizer is always useful.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Watersports Gear

Essaouira is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Full gear, including wetsuits, is available for rent from local schools.

  • Rent: Full wetsuits, boards, sails/kites.
  • Bring: Your own rash guard for comfort and sun protection.
  • Optional: Reef booties for rocky seabed.
  • Action Camera: For recording adventures.

Beach & Relaxation

For beach days, simple items enhance relaxation.

  • Lightweight beach towel.
  • Swimwear.
  • Sunscreen (high SPF).
  • Book or e-reader.

Hiking/Exploring

If exploring beyond the city or into nearby nature.

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes.
  • Comfortable, practical clothing.
  • Small daypack for water and snacks.
  • Reusable water bottle.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Rent Locally

  • Windsurf and kitesurf gear, including wetsuits.
  • This option saves the hassle of transporting bulky equipment.
  • Motorcycles and scooters from local shops.
  • Bicycles for exploring the promenade or immediate areas.

Items to Bring From Home

  • Personal items like swimwear, rash guards, sunglasses straps.
  • Specialty items unique to specific experiences are not broadly needed.
  • Specific electronics or brand-name toiletries you prefer may be hard to find.
  • Any specialty outdoor gear you rely on should be brought.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget small items that contribute to your comfort and security.

Travel Comfort

  • Travel neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs for transportation.
  • Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet for valuables.
  • Small padlock for hostel lockers.
  • A small flashlight or headlamp for poorly lit areas.

Sustainable Travel Items

Contribute to sustainable travel by bringing reusable items.

Eco-Friendly Choices

  • Reusable water bottle (fill with filtered or bottled water).
  • Reusable shopping bag for market purchases.
  • Reusable utensils for street food.
  • Consider solid toiletries (shampoo bars) to reduce liquid waste.

Other Practical Considerations

Journal & Pen

For notes and reflections.

Portable Speaker

For music or podcasts privately.

Reading Glasses

If you use them, bring a spare pair.

Small Gifts

For new friends or hosts.

Difficult to Find Locally

Electronics & Brands

  • Certain electronics or specialized tech items.
  • Specific brand-name toiletries you prefer.
  • Specialty outdoor or sports gear.

Health & Comfort

  • Any unique prescription medications.
  • Specific comfort items like a preferred pillow.
  • Costume or theme-specific attire if attending special events.

Packing Pro Tip

Roll your clothes when packing. This saves space and can reduce wrinkles.

Lay heavier items flat at the bottom, then roll lighter items to fill gaps. Utilize packing cubes for organization.