Coast
Essaouira
Formerly Mogador, Essaouira charms with its UNESCO-listed fortified medina, its ocean-battered ramparts and its artistic, windswept atmosphere.
- Region
- Coast
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 days
- Best time
- April – October
City of winds
Known for its steady trade winds, Essaouira is one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Morocco.
Fortified medina
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the white-and-blue medina is ringed by ramparts facing the ocean.
Art & authenticity
Galleries, artisan workshops and Gnaoua music make Essaouira one of the most creative and bohemian towns in the country.
Don't miss
The Medina of Essaouira
Skala de la Ville
The fishing port
Moulay Hassan Square
Essential guide
What to do in Essaouira ?
Emblematic sites, must-do experiences and the best outing ideas to plan your stay.
The essentials
4 placesThe Medina of Essaouira
A maze of white lanes with blue shutters, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its 18th-century urban design.
See on the mapSkala de la Ville
The historic ramparts and their rows of cannons facing the ocean, with one of the finest views in town.
See on the mapThe fishing port
A lively port where the blue boats return each day, between the fish auction and briny air.
See on the mapMoulay Hassan Square
The living heart of the medina, lined with cafés and terraces, a meeting point between the port and the souks.
See on the mapNature & Sport
4 placesEssaouira Beach
A vast wind-swept sandy beach, a favourite playground for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
See on the mapMogador Island
An islet off the town, a protected refuge for seabirds, visible from the Skala ramparts.
See on the mapArgan oil cooperatives
Workshops nearby where you can discover the traditional making of argan oil by the women of the region.
See on the mapHorse riding on the beach
An iconic way to discover Essaouira's coastline, especially beautiful at sunset.
See on the mapArt & Relaxation
4 placesArt & craft galleries
The medina is home to many thuya-wood marquetry, painting and jewellery workshops, heir to a long craft tradition.
See on the mapGnaoua Festival (June)
A world-famous music festival celebrating Gnaoua rhythms and drawing international artists every year.
See on the mapRiads & hammams of the medina
Many restored traditional houses offer a quiet wellness break, away from the bustle of the port.
See on the mapSunset over the Skala du Port
A favourite ritual for visitors, between golden light on the ocean and the silhouettes of the ramparts.
See on the mapBest time to visit
April – October
Average temperatures : 18–22°C
Season IdealGetting around
In Essaouira, walking is ideal in the historic centre. For longer trips, taxis (petits and grands), buses and trains connect the city to the rest of the Kingdom.
Where to stay
Options range from traditional riads to boutique hotels. Choose accommodation near the medina or the main sights to make the most of Essaouira.
Good to know
Respect local customs, bargain with a smile in the souks and keep some change for small purchases. A word of Arabic or Berber is always appreciated.
Next destination
Casablanca