Essaouira, with its Vauban-style walls, whitewashed houses, and blue shutters, feels like a touch of Brittany in Africa. Sitting by the Atlantic Ocean, this city is becoming a hotspot for surfers, a cultural hub, and a laid-back hippie retreat. It’s where the wind, art, and ocean come together in perfect harmony.
Is it the steady trade winds that set the pace? Or maybe the deep history, blending Berber, Arab-Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and African roots? In the 1970s, Essaouira attracted hippies and creative minds, known for its spiritual vibe. Today, it’s reviving that bohemian, artsy spirit of Morocco. Picture yourself having lunch with your feet in the sand after surf lessons, stepping into the colorful world of an artist, or dancing to music on a stylish terrace overlooking the sea. Let the wind, art, and ocean guide your two-day perfect Essaouira itinerary.
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Table of Contents
Arrival
- The fastest option is landing at Essaouira International Airport, just 18 km from the city. However, Marrakech, which is better connected, is about 2.5 hours away by road. Booking a transfer through your accommodation is ideal (around €15-20 for Essaouira transfers or €70-90 from Marrakech).
- Alternatively, you can opt for a comfortable bus ride with Supratours (about €10). Once you arrive, getting around the pedestrian Medina is best done on foot, and small taxis are available to travel between districts for only 60 euro cents.
TOP SIGHT
- Bayt Dakira: Opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic, this museum celebrates the Jewish-Moroccan history of Essaouira. It showcases portraits of royal advisors, merchants, religious artifacts, goldsmith treasures, and embroidered caftans. The small renovated synagogue at the entrance is a nod to Morocco’s diverse cultural past. Open daily 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Free entry.
TOP PLACE TO EAT
- Le Cosy: Revamped with a club-like feel, Le Cosy offers a creative menu that stands out in Essaouira. Dishes like red mullet with merguez emulsion and oysters with sabayon add a sophisticated touch. After dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop of Taros Café, the liveliest spot in town with live DJ performances under the stars. Expect to spend around €30-35 for a full meal.
Day 1: Arts and Culture in the Medina
- Begin your adventure at the Port de Essaouira, between the port and the medina. The entrance, engraved with Islamic crescents, Christian scallop shells, and Hebrew inscriptions, reminds you of the multicultural roots of the city, founded by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah in the 18th century. Don’t miss the view of the fishing boats returning to port, trailed by flocks of seagulls.
- Stroll through the Port Sqala, a bastion built on the remains of an old Portuguese castle, offering breathtaking ocean views. Orson Welles filmed part of Othello here, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a movie set.
- Then, walk through Place Moulay Hassan, lined with cafés, and explore Rue Laalouj, home to cultural gems like the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum and the French Institute.
- Take a detour to the Le Real Mogador Art Center, housed in the former Italian consulate. Here, you’ll discover a stunning array of local artists’ works, including Saïd Ouarzaz’s paintings, Baki’s sculptures, and Bouchaib’s mixed-media art.
- As you wander through the medina, don’t miss Bayt Dakira for a deep dive into Jewish-Moroccan history.
- Then, explore the souks along Avenue Oqba Ibn Nafiaa, where you can shop for spices, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods.
LUNCH BREAK
- Stop at Love By Caravane, a vibrant spot with a colorful interior. Enjoy salads for €7 or daily specials for €10-15, made with fresh, local ingredients.
AFTERNOON
- Browse Koulchi by Hamid Drissi, a concept store filled with vintage movie posters, dishware, and home decor.
- Continue your exploration of the Kasbah Jdida district, where galleries like Damgaard exhibit works from Essaouira’s art brut movement.
- For a sweet break, grab Italian ice cream at Dolcefreddo or a refreshing mint tea at Café Bachir, where you can watch the sunset by the ramparts.
EVENING
- As the sun sets, head to Taros Bar to enjoy the buzzing atmosphere.
- If you’re in the mood for seafood, dine at La Table Madada in a former carob warehouse, or enjoy tapas at Dar Baba Restaurant & More, where a pop-vintage decor and a Mediterranean-inspired menu await.
Day 2: Invigorating and Well-Being Day
- Take a breath of fresh air with a Berberlands-Ecotourism tour through the argan tree-dotted countryside. Visit a women’s cooperative where they still crack nuts by hand to extract argan oil. You’ll also pass the ruins of 16th-century sugar factories built by the Saadian sultans, once traded weight-for-weight for marble.
LUNCH BREAK
- For a relaxed vibe, have lunch at Ocean Vagabond, with a view of Mogador Island and the medina. Try their daily specials, pizzas, or salads while watching surfers and kitesurfers play in the wind.
AFTERNOON
- In the afternoon, unwind at Médina Essaouira Thalassa & Spa on the private beach, or book a wellness session at Azur Art & Spa for a hammam and argan oil massage.
- Finish your day by walking along the City Walls, where you can snap photos with the ocean as your backdrop.
- End the day on a rooftop at Il Mare or La Smala, taking in exclusive views of a city that once doubled as Astapor in Game of Thrones.
EVENING
- Enjoy a seafood linguine dinner at Silvestro, or head to L’Heure Bleue Palais, a Relais & Châteaux located in a former caïd’s palace, where you’ll dine on revisited Moroccan dishes and sip wine on the rooftop as the sun sets.
BEST PLACES TO STAY
- Le Jardin des Douars: Tucked away in the countryside, just a 20-minute drive from Essaouira, this hotel offers the perfect balance—close enough to the town’s attractions but nestled in a serene haven, sheltered from the Atlantic winds. Every inch of this hotel is thoughtfully designed. The vibrant colors and enchanting scents of the plants are unforgettable. The adult pool, in particular, is stunning. The design harmonizes with the lush garden, complementing rather than overshadowing nature, making the grounds feel like an aesthetic paradise. We recommend staying in the “Pacha” room category, nestled in the gardens near the main pool. The rooms are magical, cozy, and luxurious, with beautiful bathrooms and spacious private terraces. The upper-floor rooms have domed ceilings with stained glass stars, making it feel like a fairytale escape. Every detail feels indulgent, and the included hammam kit was a delightful touch. From €150 per night.
- Heure Bleue Palais: This small boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of Essaouira, delivers a truly charming and intimate experience. Each room is thoughtfully placed around a central courtyard, creating a peaceful green oasis, enhanced by beautiful lighting that casts a magical glow over the entire space. The premium suites stand out with their unique furnishings, blending the richness of Moroccan and colonial design for an atmosphere that is both elegant and wonderfully cozy. Every suite is spacious, offering a welcoming lounge area, ideal for unwinding after a full day of discovery. Atop the rooftop terrace, you’ll discover a heated swimming pool along with a breathtaking panoramic view of Essaouira’s old city, making it a perfect spot to relax and absorb the town’s beauty. From €250 per night.
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