What to see, what to do
à Essaouira

Travel guide Essaouira

Essaouira, a jewel on Morocco's Atlantic coast, is famous for its fortified medina, windy beaches and bohemian ambience. This historic port town blends Moroccan charm, Portuguese heritage and French influence.

Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, has a rich history of trade and cultural diversity. Its ramparts and architecture bear witness to the Portuguese, French and Berber influences that have shaped the city.

Essaouira can be reached by road from Marrakech or Agadir. The town also has a small airport with domestic flights and some international connections.

Accommodation

Essaouira offers a wide range of accommodation, from traditional riads in the medina to modern hotels by the sea.

Gastronomy

Poissons et fruits de mer frais, tajines, couscous, pâtisseries marocaines, huile d’argan.

What is there to see? What to do?

La médina d’Essaouira, le port et la Sqala, les galeries d’art, les plages pour le kitesurf et le windsurf, l’île de Mogador.

The medina, the port, Tagharte beach, the surrounding countryside and Berber villages.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing, horse or camel riding on the beach, exploring the ramparts and the medina.

Beaches, boat trips, surf schools, excursions in the surrounding area.

Gnaoua and World Music Festival, Festival des Alizés, artistic and cultural events.

Activities

Shopping

Local crafts, Berber jewellery, thuya wood items, carpets, textiles.

Nightlife

Bars and cafés with live music, rooftop terraces with sea views.

Did you know?

Essaouira est inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO pour sa médina unique.
La ville a été un lieu de tournage pour la série ‘Game of Thrones’.
Essaouira is renowned for its annual Gnaoua music festival.
Les remparts d’Essaouira datent du 18e siècle et ont été construits par un architecte français.
La ville était un important port commercial reliant le Maroc à l’Europe et au reste du monde.

Tips and tricks
Make sure you wear clothing suited to the wind and coastal climate.
Explore the medina early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Sample local specialities in the port's small restaurants.

Découvrez les ateliers d’artisans locaux, visitez les coopératives d’huile d’argan, explorez les marchés aux poissons pour des produits ultra-frais.

Bonjour, je suis Yasmine, une passionnée de voyages et de cultures différentes. J’ai 28 ans et je trouve toujours le moyen de satisfaire ma curiosité et mon envie de découverte, surtout quand il s’agit du Maroc et plus particulièrement d’Essaouira.

Yasmine E.

DiamsTrotter Essaouira