The Atlantic Coast Morocco Travel Guide
Embrace the elements of nature with exciting activities tailored to Essaouira's unique landscape.
Tours through the dunes of beaches and countryside south of Essaouira. An exciting means of exploring 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 around 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 particular 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 presentations are a powerful cultural experience. During the once-a-year Gnaoua World Music Festival (usually during The month of 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-independent restaurants, hiring local guides, and purchasing directly from artisan workshops.
Essaouira several options for unwinding and rejuvenating, embracing classic 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 usually more subdued, focusing on live music, dining, and calm evenings. Taros, a well-known a restaurant plus bar with a popular rooftop terrace, usually includes live Gnawa music or other local music groups. Discos are not common; nightlife leans towards relaxed bars and live bands. Savor an evening wander 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, items made of leather, jewelry, and especially thuya wood products. Visit courses 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.
Savor an evening stroll through the medina, which remains charmingly lit. A peaceful way of enjoying the city at night.
Find a comfortable spot at a rooftop terrace bar to have 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 nightdance clubs or guided pub tours. Its nightlife leans more towards relaxed bars and live music venues, rather than large-scale dance clubs.
Pubs are mostly is within licensed restaurants or hotels, which happen to be the main places where spirits are served. Respect local customs and attire.
Liquor is mainly available in licensed establishments catering for visitors. 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 products, including bags, belts, and traditional Moroccan slippers (Babouches).
Essaouira has a history of fine silver craftsmanship, specifically traditional Berber items of silver jewelry. Purchase authentic argan oil from women's cooperatives or niche stores.
Do not feel pressured to acquire. Browsing is part of the souk experience. A polite "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and continuing to stroll is usually effective if a vendor is too persistent.
