Travel Guide of Essaouira Province in Morocco by Influencers and Travelers

Essaouira is a city in the western Moroccan region of Meṛṛakec-Asfi, on the Atlantic coast.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Essaouira Province

TRAVELERS TOP 6 :

1 - Simon Attias Synagogue

The Simon Attias Synagogue is a nineteenth-century synagogue in Essaouira, Morocco, formerly known as Mogador, Morocco. It is also known as the Bet Ha-Knesset Simon Attias, M'sod Attias and Shaarei T'filah. The synagogue was built in 1882.

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2 - Sidi Kaouki

   32 km away

Sidi Kaouki is a small town located 25 km south of Essaouira. It is a rural commune in Essaouira Province of the Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz region of Morocco.

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3 - Essaouira

   33 km away

Essaouira is a city in the western Moroccan region of Meṛṛakec-Asfi, on the Atlantic coast.

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4 - City Walls

   34 km away
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5 - Essaouira Citadel

   34 km away
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6 - Old Fortress, 16th Century Portguese canons

   34 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Essaouira Province from Influencers

6 pictures of Essaouira Province from Mostapha Abidour, , and other travelers

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Why should you visit Essaouira Province ?

Travel to Essaouira Province if you like:

  🏰 Historic site     🏖️ Beach     🏰 Temple     🏖️ Ocean     🐾 Wildlife     🚢 Dock  

How to visit Essaouira Province ?

Why traveling there?

Essaouira Province, located on Morocco's Atlantic coast, is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is famous for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture, vibrant art scene, and bustling fishing port. The laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and delicious seafood make Essaouira an ideal destination for a relaxing and culturally rich vacation.

How to get there?

Essaouira is easily accessible from major Moroccan cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir. The most common way to reach Essaouira is by road. There are frequent bus services, such as Supratours and CTM, connecting the city with Marrakech (2.5-3 hours) and other major cities. If you prefer traveling independently, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive along the coast. Essaouira also has an international airport, Essaouira-Mogador Airport, with flights from European cities like Paris, London, and Brussels.

What to book in advance?

During the high tourist season (April to October), it's advisable to book accommodations and guided tours in advance to secure the best rates and availability. If you're interested in taking part in any workshops, such as traditional cooking or wood carving classes, it's also a good idea to reserve your spot beforehand. For music lovers, the Gnaoua World Music Festival takes place in Essaouira every June and attracts visitors from all over the world - booking your tickets and accommodations early is essential.

What are the costs?

Essaouira is an affordable destination compared to other Moroccan cities. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious riads, with prices starting from $15 to $200 per night. Meals at local restaurants and street food vendors are reasonably priced, with an average cost of $5 to $15 per person. Entrance fees to historical sites and museums are usually less than $5, and guided tours can range from $20 to $50 per person, depending on the duration and activities included.

What are the best things to do?

Essaouira offers a variety of activities and attractions to suit every interest. Must-visit sites include the historic Medina, the vibrant Moulay Hassan Square, and the picturesque Essaouira Port. Take a stroll along the city's ancient ramparts, explore the colorful souks, or enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam. Beach enthusiasts can relax on Essaouira's sandy shores or partake in watersports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing.

Where to eat?

1. Elizir: This popular restaurant offers a fusion of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy, eclectic setting.
2. La Cantina: Savor delicious seafood dishes, including fresh fish and seafood paella, at this lively eatery.
3. Mega Loft: Enjoy healthy, organic Moroccan-inspired meals at this stylish, art-filled venue.

Where to stay?

1. Riad Dar Maya: This luxurious riad features elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a hammam, providing a comfortable and authentic Moroccan experience.
2. Jack's Apartments: These self-catering apartments offer a home-away-from-home atmosphere and are located just steps from the beach.
3. Essaouira Youth Hostel & Social Travel: Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate this hostel's friendly atmosphere, central location, and affordable rates.

Off the beaten path

For a unique and unforgettable experience, venture off the beaten path and visit the nearby village of Diabat, just a short drive or walk south of Essaouira. This small village is steeped in history and mythology, with legends of Jimi Hendrix's visit in the 1960s. Explore the ruins of the 15th-century Bordj El Berod watchtower, relax on the secluded Diabat Beach, or enjoy a camel or horseback ride along the scenic coastline.

Learn More about Essaouira Province

 Nestled behind its high walls, on a peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean,

Essaouira likes to surprise the traveler. 

First of all, its architecture, where the pinkish ochre of the ramparts contrasts with the whiteness of the houses whose blue doors and shutters remind of the Greek islands.

 Its perfectly straight streets, designed in the 17th century by the Frenchman Théodore Cornut, make it a unique example of urban planning in Morocco.


Then, it's the atmosphere. For a long time the first sardine port in the world, the old Mogador still lives to the rhythm of the tides. It is necessary to soak up the atmosphere of its port and to walk in its souks to feel its Moroccan soul. 

Then walk through its many art galleries and look at the marquetry work of local artisans to better understand its artistic soul. Frequented by the hippie communities since the 60s and then by the trendy baba cool jet-set, Essaouira exerts, indeed, a particular fascination.

 The city still attracts a good number of painters in search of inspiration or musicians in search of new rhythms.
Not to mention the wealthy Marrakchis, many of whom have second homes here to escape the summer heat. But the tourists, if they are more and more present, remain a minority in this small city where the city flows quietly.


Finally, if it is above all a cultural destination, with its sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, Essaouira will also seduce the lovers of farniente and water sports. The water is often cold, the wind is sometimes violent and swimming is subject to precautions, but it is far from the crowds of Agadir even in the heat of summer. Very appreciable. 

Ten kilometers from the city, the beach of Sidi Kaoui has become a very famous spot for surfers and windsurfers of all kinds.

Unlike the large Moroccan seaside resorts, Essaouira is characterized by a charming hotel industry built in old traditional houses, riads, as well as some family hotels.

 It is easy to get around, with a fixed cab fare of 80 dirhams (about 80 euro cents). Be aware, however, that it can be cool in the evening and winter. In summer, temperatures flirt with 25° C and the sea rarely exceeds 20° C.


Essaouira is like a perfect watercolor painting with the contrast between the blue horizon, the pink ochre fortress and the white houses with blue frames, which is why it is called the blue pearl of the Atlantic. In this section, you will find the main monuments and sights of Essaouira: what to see and do in Essaouira.

Essaouira is a huge leisure park full of adventures, experiences, and fascinating activities. Here's a selection of the most popular ones.

Places to visit in Essaouira

• The Medina of Essaouira

If you are coming by car, you will need to park near Bab Seba'a, Bab Marrakech, and the port at the end of the promenade, as cars are not allowed in the medina. The Medina is a sight not to be missed and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It invites you to wander within its white and blue, 18th-century walls and discover the wonderful houses with their intricate architectural details such as carved doors and windows.
This measure is currently undergoing restoration with a program running from 2019 to 2023.

Surrounded by walls and with several gates, the best known are Bab Doukkala in the north, Bab Marrakech and its fort in the east, next to the promenade Bab Sebaa, overlooking the sea from the cannons of the walls.

In front of the harbor is the harbor fort (Skala) with its two towers, part of the typical picture of Essaouira.

• On the seaward side is the fortress of the village Skala (Kasbah), surrounded by an artillery wall, inside which are some of the best woodworkers in the country.

This area of the town was the setting for the filming of the third season of "Game of Thrones". In an episode from season 2 you can see the walls of the Kasbah where Daenery Targaryen buys slaves.

• The streets are straight, wide and very well maintained, like those of a European city. In the middle of them, the soft scent of the Thuja tree leads us to the artisans.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Essaouira Province

Essaouira Province : what to do?

You should take your time and wander around the souk to meet the different markets grouped by specialties: grain, fish, and jewelers souks.
At the foot of the ramparts, in the street of the kasbah, visit the craftsmen who work with cedarwood inlaid with lemonwood, mother-of-pearl, or ebony.
Do not miss the visit to the fishing port in the early morning. Colors and atmosphere to discover, a moment that will surely mark your most beautiful memory of the city.

The port of Essaouira is an excursion in itself. You will discover the shipyards, the comings, and goings of the trawlers, the quays transformed into a fish market at the return of the fishing.

Essaouira Province : what to eat?

Moroccan cuisine is known worldwide 

• Couscous is of course the typical Moroccan dish, but you can also try tajines, beef, chicken, or lamb. 

• The pastilla is a dish playing with sweet or salty or mixed. 

• The brick or chorba is appetizing starters. 

• The pastries will delight all the gourmands.

And it is typical to finish a meal, with a typical mint tea 

Essaouira Province : what to bring back?

You can bring back many souvenirs.

Jewelry, wrought iron objects, pottery, babouches, tunics, spices, leather objects...Moroccan crafts are varied.

The craftsmen of Essouira are particularly famous for the chests and objects in thuja.

The many art galleries in the medina are also opportunities to fall in love. 

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