Why Essaouira Is Morocco’s Coolest Beach Town: 17 Real Things to Do

We didn’t just breeze through Essaouira with a camera and a bucket list. We spent four days, three accommodations, and a small fortune on mint tea, spiced coffee and local street food.

One day, as we walked through the busy souk, we bought some fruit from a local vendor and got a shawarma to take out on the beach. It was fantastic. Yes, you can slow down in Essaouira, enjoy one of the best cities in Morocco, and have plenty to do.

This guide to Essaouira is what you need for your next adventure. Filled with personal experiences, tips, places to stay and where to avoid.

Is Essaouira worth visiting?

Absolutely— we love Essaouira. The medina is beautifully hassle-free, streets are full of life but never overwhelming, and the beaches have energy (and wind!) you won’t find anywhere else in Morocco.

Even if you want just a relaxing holiday in the sunshine of Morocco it delivers, instead if you want to spice up your vacation, there are many activities to do around.

Whether you’re wandering ancient ramparts at sunset, shopping for spice-laden souvenirs, or just watching blue boats bob in the port, you’ll find laid-back charm, tasty eats, and a real mix of friendly locals and travellers.

If you want an authentic Atlantic experience with a side of adventure, Essaouira is a solid yes.

About Essaouira: First Impressions from the waves to the walls

Essaouira is not just another coastal town; it’s our overall favourite destination after more than one month in Morocco. We got slammed by the wind (every day), lost in a sea-blue medina that didn’t feel like anywhere else in Morocco, and had our first taste of Atlantic chaos watching the fishing boats sway in the port.

Sure, influencers love those medina shots, but actually living in it—even for a few days—unpacks a whole different rhythm. Think old stones, fresh doughnuts, cannon fire at sunset (just for show), and mint tea fueling every lazy stroll.

Where we stayed (we tried every kind of accommodation!)

Riad Baladin: Family-run, 250+yrs old, endless stairs, and actual character. Perfect if you want charm over luxury. // BOOK HERE!

Moga Hostel: Budget, central, and meters from the medina’s action. Brotherhood Coffee next door makes the best spiced latte. // BOOK NOW!

Welkam Inn (Coliving): Near the bus station and beach—quiet when you just need to cool off, have work done, or just be away from the chaotic souk. // CHECK AVAILABILITY!

READ ALSO | Our honest review about Riad Baladin Essaouira

Best things to do in Essaouira

There are so many things to do in Essaouira, and it is one of our favourite cities in Morocco. We toured the city for about four days, exploring every corner, visiting the souk many times, and spending a lazy afternoon watching people from our favourite cafes.

If you are wondering about what is there to do in Essaouira, be ready to note down everything we have done!

Wander the Medina Walls

Essaouira’s old city walls punch straight into the Atlantic. You’ll spot dramatic views, cannons, and a sea spray that’ll ruin your hair in seconds—but what a backdrop. After all we are talking about a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Yep the wall medina is protected, like Dubrovnik in Croatia. We had our “Game of Thrones” moment at the Skala de la Ville (20dh ticket), looking out for dragons and catching the kind of sunset that Instagram filters can’t improve.

Get Lost in the Medina

Essaouira’s Medina is huge and extends beyond the Walls and Skala de la Ville. Going deeper, we found the soul of this city on the Atlantic Ocean. We sip our way through spiced lattes, mint tea, local doughnuts, and of course, shopping.

Sometimes, we ditched the map and just wandered as we pleased. Generally, we got lost, but kept our orientation because it is like a rectangle; you’ll find your way pretty easily. It felt safe even at night. Every alley is photogenic, and every shopkeeper has a ‘special price just for you’—with fewer scams than Marrakech.

Even on Sunday, the last day of the holidays, it was charming. Most of the shops were closed, but this enhanced the blue doors against the white-washed walls.

Dive Into the Port and Sqala

Festive weekends mean the port buzzes with locals. Kids jump from the fort walls, fishers hawk their catch, and you can sneak the cliché Essaouira-round-window photo from the bastion bridge.

We didn’t get that shot, but think the above is even better and less cliche. Just watch your step—that’s actual fish guts underfoot, not street art.

The port of Essaouira is pretty active, with iconic blue boats in and out all day. We were lucky to catch them on holiday, so the boats stayed in the port. Within the walls of Bab El Marsa and the nearby walk on Borj El Barmil, it’s another iconic place to explore in Essaouira.

Seafood restaurants by the port

We had one mission and failed in Essaouira. As we were on the Atlantic Coast, surely seafood was the best, but we didn’t try it. I wandered around Bab El Marsa and Sqala in search of the best restaurant in Essouira Port.

We couldn’t find one that offered great seafood. On a long trip like ours, the first precaution is not to feel sick from food poisoning, and unfortunately, seafood can cause that easily. So reviews of these restaurants put us off, and we missed the opportunity. Do better research than ours and go with the flow.

Eat at Salut Maroc

Salut Maroc, by the Essaouira walls, is one of the most iconic accommodations to stay in town. The price tag is steep, and finely decorated rooms start from £150 per night.

However, if your budget doesn’t allow you, we suggest heading there for lunch, brunch or dinner. The rooftop is amazing, the best we visited in Essaouira. Colourful and playful.

There are multiple levels, and you can dine on the stool, on the comfy table, or the pillow (best if you take tea). The view from the top floor is unbelievable, but the wind was blowing us away.

Walk the Rempart Mogador

We have introduced you to the ramps already when talking about the GoT filming set. Well, if you don’t walk on the ramps, you might never have been to Essaouira. Well known as the windy spot in town, we could stand still while battling the elements. The wind is harsh, but the scenery will blow you away. The cannons and the sunset added to the magic.

Tip: Beneath the Rempart Mogador, there are several artisan shops. These are the cheapest we found in town. They have honest prices for most of the souvenirs.

Shop in the Souk

Shopping the Essaouira souk was different, totally low-stress compared to the madness of Marrakech or Fez. We roamed the maze of blue-and-white stalls, where haggling feels playful, not pushy—and actually scored deals (leather shoes for Ale for just 200dh. Good Quality!).

While the Medina is huge, the souk area is straightforward. Start your tour from the Horologe d’Essaouira, walk through Bab Tres Portes (this is a unique photospot in Essaouira). Once you get through the Gate, walking straight on Avenue de l’Istiqal, you are in the souk of Essaouira. We walked up and down this path many times until Bab Doukkala, the North Gate of Essaouira Medina. Some places you can note down in Essaouira Souk are:

• Arabico Coffee Bar and Brunch
• Elizir Art Gallery
• Chez Miloud (for a quick bite)
• Fishburger Essaouira
• Essaouira Fish Market
• Essaouira Soul Coffee (Our favourite)
• Restaurant Baghdad (they offer cooking classes)
• Cham Shack (Unusual quick bite)

Get your stash of Moroccan spices

Walking through the Souk of Essaouira, you can’t miss seeing these huge pots full of spices. Well displayed there are ras el hanout, saffron, bright turmeric and more.

If Essaouira is your sole destination in Morocco, or your last, you can’t miss grabbing some fresh products to reproduce that tasty tagine back home.

Beach Walks and People Watching

From Plage d’Essaouira straight down to Plage Tagharte, the sand and surf run together. The wind’s relentless, so forget a sunbathing fantasy. Instead, watch kiters flip, dogs chase kids, and everyone, locals and tourists, nap in the breeze.

Our favourite places to eat in Essaouira

• Cham: Tiny kiosk behind Soul Coffee; best wraps we had (we grabbed the last order of the day).
• Tagharte Beach Snack Shacks: Feast on snacky things after sun or surf.

Get an ice cream at Patisserie Boujemaa

After dinner, we were still wandering through the souk. There is something magical when most of the shops close and only the best remain open. Anyway, we were walking toward our hotel when a queue was standing outside Patisserie Boujemaa.

After a quick deep search, we found that this is one of the highest rated ice cream shops in the souk, and had to have an opinion about it. So we tried. Confirmed it is one of the best things to do in Essaouira at night. They also offer crepes for 20 DH, below the average price of other major cities in Morocco.

Enjoy the cats

Ale lost count of the cats encountered even before she arrived in Essaouira. Before Essaouira, we were in Tamraght for over a week, and knew already these little fur were the attraction everywhere.

Once, on a lazy afternoon by the souk, we had our ritual tea at Essaouira Soul Coffee. Between one sip and another, we were petting the random local cat. It is part of the adventure, and things you can’t miss in Essaouira.

Watch a Gnawa Music Performance

Essaouira is the high temple of Gnawa—an African spiritual/jazz/roots sound. We stumbled upon jam sessions in the medina, even outside festival days. If you’re in town for the annual legendary Gnaoua & World Music Festival (usually June), it’s next-level: think trance, drums, and stone streets buzzing past midnight.

We were miles away when we learned about this, but then reconnected the dots. While in Essaouira, there was a huge stage under construction at Bab El Mechouar. Street Artists and singers were lining up every sunset for the best spot.

Argan Oil

You might have heard of it, but didn’t know that the region is popular for Argan Oil. We visited a cooperative, woman only, that makes excellent products using only Organic Argan Oil.

It’s often defined as Morocco’s liquid gold. While on our trip from Taghazout to Essaouira by bus, we also spotted the trees; curious enough, these are the ones that local goats climb. You’ll find stalls in the medina selling oil and other products made with Argan, but a real tour in the countryside will make you appreciate every drop.

Look up for the Game of Thrones filming locations

The movie’s location is real! The ramparts and coastal gate are straight out of Astapor, and as geeks, we tried to catch the same angles from the show. We visited the rampants in the morning and at sunset, it never ceases to amaze you, promise.

The notable scene filmed here is where Daenerys Targaryen (The mother of dragons) freed the unstoppable Unsullied troops, Epic!

Best tours of Essaouira

Things to know before visiting Essaouira

How much budget for Essaouira?

For a mid-budget stay in Essaouira, expect to spend around 500–600 MAD ($50–60) per day for two people. That covers a double room in a cosy riad or decent hotel (250–350 MAD), meals at cafés and restaurants (120–200 MAD/day), and a few local treats and activities like a port ticket, beach snacks, or market finds.

Our own daily spend landed right in this range, with excellent coffee (12–24 MAD), street eats (2–35 MAD), and comfortable, centrally-located rooms. You’ll have room for sunset drinks or an occasional splurge—without tipping into luxury territory.

READ ALSO | Getting from Essaouira to Marrakech by bus

What to Pack for Essaouira

• Windbreaker (seriously)
• Sunglasses
• Sark clothes (sand reasons)
• Small bills for the markets
• Powerbank (Your phone will die with many cute spots)
• Sunscreen
• Modest Dress (especially for ladies)

Is Essaouira for backpackers?

Yep, we found Essaouira very welcoming and incredibly safe. Even ditching the fancy, nice Riads, our stay in the hostel in the centre of the medina was great. We thrived for a few days, starting the true adventure through Morocco with our backpacks.

Prices are a little high compared to our standards on the banana pancake trail in SEA, but it is compensated for with other expenses. Eating out, small groceries, coffee, and activities are definitely cheaper than in Europe and the UK, of course.

Digital nomads in Essaouira

On our final days in Essaouira, we swapped the glamourous Riad for a more productive Co-living. Set on the other side of the old town, Welkam Inn was our office. It’s a dream for every digital nomad who wants to ditch the winter blues in Europe for sunny days in Morocco’s Atlantic Coast.

Still, to date, it is the only destination we want to go back to boost our productivity. We were staying in the best place, with a dedicated co-working room, fast wifi, and a great rooftop terrace in a residential area.

There were many restaurants around, and they were the cheapest in Essaouira. Within a 10-minute walk, we had our break on the sandy shore. If you are thinking about Morocco as your destination as a digital nomad, Essaouira must be on your list.

READ ALSO | Why Tamraght Is Morocco’s Next Digital Nomad Hotspot

What Worked, What Didn’t

Worked:

• Sunsets at Skala
• Coffee shop crawls
• Shopping in the less-touristy souk sections
• Crepes and local snacks by the beach
• Hostel for socialising (Moga)
• Riad for romance (Balladin)

Didn’t Work:

• Eating at the port fish stalls (heard too many horror stories)
• Anyone promising “fixed prices” in the market—never true
• White clothing (unless you want a wearable sand souvenir)

Would We Go Back?

Absolutely. Next round we’d definitely stay longer. The city is charming, more welcoming than other destinations in Morocco. We felt more relaxed and at a slower pace compared to Fez or Marrakech.

You can still fly into Marrakech, spend a few days and then relax on the beach of Essaouira if you leave permit. Essaouira’s got grit, charm, and enough weird corners to keep you coming back for more.