Essaouira Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Essaouira

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Lalla Ghita

15 Rue Zallaqah | Essaouira, 44000, MA

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Riad Emotion

18 Rue Malek Ben El Morahal Medina | Essaouira, 44000, MA

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RIAD MIMOUNA

62rue Oujda (sandillon) Essaouira | Essaouira, 44000, MA

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Dar OMNIA

Dar Omnia | Essaouira, 44000, MA

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Riad Dar Zayna & Spa

75 Rue D'agadir Essaouira | Essaouira, 44000, MA

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Riad MALAÏKA

17 Rue De Zayanne | Essaouira, 44000, MA

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At a glance

Climate

Mediterranean

Languages

Arabic and French and Berber

Local currency

MAD (MAD)

Local time

00:25 (GMT+1)

Ideal trip length

3–5 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Medina

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Expected for services, small amounts for cafes/taxis, 10-15% for restaurants.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 70 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Seafood Tagine Sardines Mint Tea Amlou

When to visit Essaouira

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: May, October Busiest: Apr-May, Sep-Oct

Jan

50

Mild, chance of rain
Feb

55

Mild, some rain
Mar

70

Pleasant, less wind
Apr

85

Warm, ideal weather
May

90

Warm, pleasant breezes
Jun

80

Warm, strong winds
Jul

75

Hot, very windy
Aug

70

Hot, very windy
Sept

85

Warm, pleasant breezes
Oct

90

Warm, ideal weather
Nov

70

Mild, chance of rain
Dec

60

Mild, some rain

50

Jan Mild, chance of rain

55

Feb Mild, some rain

70

Mar Pleasant, less wind

85

Apr Warm, ideal weather

90

May Warm, pleasant breezes

80

Jun Warm, strong winds

75

Jul Hot, very windy

70

Aug Hot, very windy

85

Sept Warm, pleasant breezes

90

Oct Warm, ideal weather

70

Nov Mild, chance of rain

60

Dec Mild, some rain

Things to do in Essaouira

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Explore the Medina Souks

Medina 2.5 hrs

Get lost in the bustling souks of the UNESCO-listed medina, finding local crafts.

Indoors Good for children

Moroccan Cooking Class

Medina 4 hrs

Learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes in a local cooking class.

Indoors

Visit the Fish Market

Port 1.5 hrs

Visit the vibrant fish market to see the day's catch and enjoy fresh grilled seafood.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Skala de la Ville

Medina 1.5 hrs

Walk the historic ramparts of Skala de la Ville for panoramic ocean views.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Camel Ride on the Beach

Beachfront 1 hr

Experience a memorable camel ride along the beach at sunset.

Outdoors Good for children

Gnaoua Music Performance

Medina 2 hrs

Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of live Gnaoua music.

Indoors

Any time of day

1 place

Essaouira Beach

Beachfront 3 hrs

Enjoy the vast sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing or kite surfing.

Outdoors Good for children

Essaouira itineraries

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Culture and history

3 Days in Essaouira — Culture & History

Uncover the ancient soul of Essaouira, from its fortified medina to its vibrant artistic heritage.

This 3-day itinerary invites you to delve deep into Essaouira's rich past and present, exploring its UNESCO-listed medina, historical ramparts, and diverse cultural tapestry. Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts eager to experience the authentic charm of Morocco's 'Wind City'.

3 Days 15 Stops

See the full plan