19 BEST Things To Do In Essaouira, Morocco: The Ultimate Guide 2026
Discover the best things to do in Essaouira, Morocco, with our ultimate guide based on our own experiences!
Essaouira is a small fishing town located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. With a strong heritage and laidback vibe, there are so many incredible things to do in Essaouira. We spent several nights here during our month-long trip through Morocco, and we’ve found ourselves longing to go back.
Whether you’re looking to unwind by the beach, stroll through the historic medina, or get your adventure fix with activities like surfing and camel riding, Essaouira offers the perfect balance of both relaxation and excitement.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Essaouira, drawing from our own experience, to help you make the most of your visit.
Short on time? Here’s the top 5 things to do in Essaouira:
- Relax on the beaches
- Explore the medina
- Visit the Skala de la Ville (and watch sunset from the ramparts)
- Explore the port of Essaouira
- Visit an Argan Cooperative
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19 Best Things To Do In Essaouira
Let’s jump right into all the best things to do in Essaouira, whether you’ve got a day or a month!
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1. Explore Essaouira Medina
The medina of Essaouira is a truly unique place and unlike anywhere else we visited in Morocco. Its bright white walls and vivid blue doors create a peaceful, seaside feel, a striking contrast to the deep reds of Marrakech.
One of the things we appreciated most here was how relaxed the shopping experience felt. You can wander through the stalls, stop to admire something that catches your eye, and no one rushes you to buy. Until you ask a price, most owners simply let you browse. It’s such a refreshing change from other Moroccan cities.
Prices are generally more reasonable than in larger places like Marrakech or Fes (though haggling is still part of the fun!).
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The medina itself has a fascinating history and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s small enough to explore comfortably on foot, and with no cars allowed inside, wandering its narrow lanes feels wonderfully calm.
You could easily spend an afternoon here, browsing handmade crafts, sipping mint tea, and watching daily life unfold. This quickly became one of our favourite things to do in Essaouira.
2. Explore Essaouira‘s Beautiful Beaches
If you only have time for one thing in Essaouira, make sure you head to the beach. They’re wild and rugged, shaped by the sea and strong Atlantic winds, yet easily accessible for you to visit.
Plage D’Essaouira
Right outside the medina, the main beach curves for about 2km, in a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand. It was way bigger than we expected! We loved that there is a paved walkway stretching almost the entire length. It was the perfect spot for a morning walk, watching the kitesurfers on the sea (or a windswept run if you’re as mad as Nat!).
The water stays shallow for ages, which makes it a good spot for paddling, and when the wind behaves, you can swim too. You’ll find sun loungers for around 25 MAD near the medina end, though personally we preferred walking the promenade with an ice cream in hand – we found it far too windy to relax in July.
You’ll often spot locals playing football on the sand, and they’re almost always happy to have tourists join in. We loved that friendly, laid-back vibe that seems to define Essaouira.
Assafi Beach
If you want something wilder and a little more off-beat, keep heading north. Assafi Beach feels totally different to Essaouira’s main beach. It’s quiet, raw, and most definitely dramatic, with sand dunes that roll into the cliffs. Hardly anyone goes there, and that’s part of its magic.
The surf is powerful and the wind is no joke, so it’s not really a swimming spot, but it’s perfect for windsurfing, photography, or just getting lost in the sound of the waves. Bring snacks and water because there’s absolutely nothing there other than miles of wild beach and sky.
We loved how untouched it felt. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, breathe, and just take it all in.
3. Visit The Skala De La Ville
The Skala de la Ville is a set of 18th-century ramparts built to protect Essaouira from both crashing Atlantic waves and the pirates that once prowled this coast.
Stretching around the edge of the city, these walls are one of Essaouira’s most iconic sights. Exploring them is easily one of the best things to do here.
The entrance is along Rue Skala, a narrow street lined with some of my favourite boutiques and art shops in the city. Walk all the way to the top and you’ll come to a stone archway. Head through it and up the short hill to reach the ramparts.
To the right, there’s a small turret you can step inside for incredible sea views across the northern coastline. If you’re visiting in summer, brace yourself. The wind that blasts through those windows is seriously strong (we found out the hard way!).
Walk to the left and you can wander along the walls, passing a line of old cannons pointing out over the ocean. Fun fact – Game of Thrones fans might recognise this spot from when the ramparts were used as a filming location!
This is one of the best sunset spots in Essaouira
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4. Soak Up The Vibe At Moulay Hassan Square
One of our absolute favourite things to do in Essaouira was to grab a mint tea and people-watch in Moulay Hassan Square. From street performers and musicians to kids chasing footballs, there’s always something happening.
Just outside of the medina, but set back a little from the beach, Moulay Hassan Square is a wide open space, lined with cafés and restaurants.
This square is often the centre of the action in Essouira, hosting markets, street performers, festivals, and musicians. Throughout the day, it has a chilled vibe that only gets more lively as the evening goes on.
Plus, the square is home to the best crepes we had in Morocco – 15 MAD for a fresh nutella crepe?! Yes please! It’s kind of famous in Essaouira, and there was always a queue, but the two young men running the place were amazing at keeping the line moving whilst still making you feel welcome.
5. Visit The Essaouira Citadel
The Essaouira Citadel, or Sqala du Port, is the castle-like entrance to the Port of Essaouira. With honey-coloured walls and blue fishing boats moored in front, this is one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Essaouira.
When we visited, you were unable to actually enter the fort, but you are now able to do so for 50 MAD per person. We can imagine the views from the top are incredible.
Despite being one of the most famous places in Essaouira, the citadel always felt so peaceful, no matter what time of day we visited. We loved visiting at sunrise, where the golden glow of the sun reflected off the walls of the citadel, with the seagulls screeching above. It was like something out of a movie.
This is also another Game of Thrones filming location in Essaouira.
6. Explore The Port Of Essaouira
Heading through the gates of the citadel, you’ll reach the Port of Essaouira, famous for its iconic blue fishing boats. This working port is a photographers paradise and a particularly atmospheric part of Essaouira.
Wandering round the port, you’ll see the wooden boats coming and going, fishermen unloading their catch, people repairing nets, and others building boats. It’s a fully-immersive cultural experience, with the sound of seagulls squawking above, and the pungent smell of fish wafting through the air.
To the right of the entrance gate is a large fish market where you can buy a huge variety of fresh seafood.
To the left, you can walk along the seafront and will eventually end up at the main beach.
7. Sample Essaouira’s Fresh Seafood
As it is located right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s only natural that the seafood in Essaouira is going to be good.
Everything is freshly caught and prepared, so menus can often change depending on the catch of the day. We’ll fully admit, we’re not really seafood people (I’m vegetarian), so cannot personally comment, but we saw plenty of people enjoying it.
For the freshest seafood, head to the port where you can choose your catch and they’ll cook it there and then for you.
8. Head On A Horse Ride Along Essaouira Beach
Riding along the wide, open sands of Essaouira’s beach on horseback is one of those experiences you’ll never forget. As the sun dips towards the horizon and the sky turns gold, it’s pure magic.
The horses here are calm, well cared for, and clearly loved by their handlers. The guides are great at reading your confidence level, whether you’re totally new to riding or you’ve done it before, they make sure you’re comfortable and safe. We’ve both been riding horses for years and they matched our level perfectly.
Helmets are included, and we’d definitely suggest wearing long trousers and closed shoes (you’ll thank us later for avoiding chafing!).
9. Explore The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter in Essaouira is a peaceful, atmospheric part of the city that’s so easy to miss, but totally worth finding. It feels a world away from the buzz of the medina, with quiet lanes, soft light, and an almost sleepy charm.
The narrow alleys twist past old houses painted in faded shades of blue, and you’ll stumble across small, hidden synagogues tucked behind weathered doors. It’s not as polished as other areas of Essaouira, but that’s honestly what makes it so special. It feels very authentic.
We loved just wandering here with no plan, soaking up the quietness and the sense of history. It’s such a lovely, authentic side of Essaouira that most visitors never get to see.
10. Explore The Dunes By Quad Bike
Taking a quad bike tour is one of the most fun things to do in Essouira. It’s such a good way to explore more of the dunes south of the city.
You’ll be assigned a quad bike and be taken by a guide down the beach, over dunes, and past Berber villages. You’ll barely see another soul during your tour, as it takes you to a part of the beach far from the city that most people never see.
Even if you’ve never been on a quad bike before, you should definitely give this tour a go. You’ll instantly feel the exhilarating buzz of adrenaline as you fly down the beach. It’s a memory you’ll never forget.
11. Visit An Argan Co-Operative
One of our favourite experiences in Morocco was our visit to a women’s argan co-operative. The land surrounding Essaouira is one of the only places in the world where argan trees grow.
This is why argan oil is often referred to as liquid gold (and is so expensive anywhere else in the world).
Visiting an argan co-operative will allow you to learn more about the process of making these precious products, and even have a go at grinding argan seeds yourself using a traditional stone pestle and mortar.
You’ll also get the chance to sample the products, including a huge variety of cosmetic products. You will try edible argan oil, argan butter, and argan honey too. We both LOVED them.
If you do want to buy argan products whilst in Morocco, make sure to get them in Essaouira. We didn’t and regretted it. We struggled to find anywhere else in Morocco selling argan products.
12. Shop In The Souks Of Essaouira
As with any city in Morocco, you can’t visit without going shopping in the souks. The souks of Essaouira are much more tame than those in Marrakech and Fes and some of the most relaxed in Morocco.
They’re laid out in a grid pattern so you’re less likely to get lost. They’re also much smaller, and you can browse without being hassled to buy. We loved them.
There’s streets filled with carpets, shops with colourful painted plates hung outside, stalls with a whole array of aromatic spices. This is the place to find a souvenir for your trip.
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13. Visit Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum
We popped into the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum one afternoon when we needed a break from the bustle of the medina. It’s tucked inside a beautiful old riad with sunlight spilling through carved windows, and honestly, the building itself was the highlight for us.
Inside, there’s a small collection of local crafts, photos, and instruments, but it can be difficult to understand the significance as many signs are in French and Arabic only. It’s more about having a quick look around than reading all the details.
It’s definitely not a must-do attraction, but if you enjoy wandering old buildings and soaking up atmosphere, it’s a lovely, peaceful stop for half an hour.
Entry Fee: 70 MAD
14. Go Rockpooling
When the tide goes out in Essaouira, the rocks along the shore turn into little worlds of their own. You’ll spot tiny crabs scuttling about, and flashes of silver from small fish.
We spent ages wandering around here, crouched over the rocks like kids again. It’s such a fun, low-key thing to do, and Nat always has the biggest grin on his face (I swear he’s just a big child).
You’ll find the best rockpools near Place Moulay Hassan, or up at Assafi Beach, where the water is crystal clear at low tide.
As with all wildlife, remember to look not touch. Lets keep the wildlife wild.
15. Visit The Bab El Marsa Gate
The Bab El Marsa gate is one of Essaouira’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s well worth a visit. Situated near the fishing port, this impressive archway stands as a reminder of the city’s historical fortifications and its importance as a maritime hub.
While the gate itself may not be as grand as some of the other gates in Morocco, its simple beauty and strategic position offer a fantastic view of the bustling port and the waves crashing against the ramparts.
16. Take A Moroccan Cooking Class
Moroccan food is amazing and you can’t change my mind on that. The best way to enjoy it, and learn a new skill, is through a cooking class. Essaouira is a great place to do just that.
Most classes begin with a trip through the medina, where you’ll shop for ingredients and spices like a local. It’s a fun, hands-on way to dive into daily life, haggling over vegetables and scoops of cumin in the busy souks.
Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Moroccan dishes take time and patience, but that’s part of the magic. You’ll learn traditional techniques step-by-step, and of course, you’ll get to feast on your creation at the end.
We absolutely loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone who wants to bring a bit of Morocco home with them.
17. Learn To Surf Or Kitesurf
Being on the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira is home to some incredible surf breaks. It’s a great place to surf, whether you’re a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned pro.
There are several surf schools in Essaouira with incredible instructors. Your guides will take you to the best spot for your ability and, after some basic theory and practice on sand, will take you into the water. We recently took our first surf lessons and were hooked! They got us standing up and riding the waves after only a few attempts.
Essaouira is also world-renowned for its kitesurfing. The city is known for its strong Atlantic winds, particularly in July and August, making it the perfect place for windsurfing.
The best wind conditions are found further down the beach from the medina, and most schools will drive you out there for your lesson.
This is one of the best places in the world to learn how to kitesurf, so definitely don’t miss this opportunity!
18. Visit A Traditional Moroccan Hammam
Visiting a hammam is something you have to experience while in Morocco. A hammam is a traditional public bathhouse where locals come each week to wash away the week’s dust, unwind, and catch up on gossip.
The experience itself is a mix of steam, heat, and exfoliation. You’ll move through a few hot rooms while being scrubbed and rinsed until you feel brand new. There are separate hammams for men and women.
You’ll find both private and public hammams around Essaouira. A private hammam costs a little more but gives you extra privacy, while a public one is busier and offers a more authentic, local feel.
You’ll need to embrace the experience, it can feel a little out of your comfort zone at first, but afterwards, you’ll walk out feeling brand new.
19. Enjoy A Magnificent Sunset
Sunsets in Essaouira are some of the best we’ve ever seen. Facing west over the Atlantic, the city gets a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful skies in Morocco as they light up with a golden glow.
As the light fades, the air fills with sound, waves rolling in, gulls calling overhead, and the evening prayer echoing through the medina. It’s one of those moments that completely stops you in your tracks.
There are plenty of places to take it all in, depending on the kind of evening you want. We loved watching from the ramparts. It’s peaceful, atmospheric, and you get that incredible view straight out to sea. Just note that they tend to close right after sunset, so you won’t be able to linger long.
Best Sunset Spots In Essaouira
Where To Stay In Essaouira
Despite being a relatively small town, Essaouira is home to plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget.
We’d highly recommend staying in the medina. This will allow easy access to the beach and all the main attractions within Essaouira. Plus, the traditional riads are stunning.
We’ve listed below our favourite riad for every budget in Essaouira.
Best Budget Option – Dar Halima – This is where we stayed and honestly it was STUNNING. The rooms were comfortable and the suite was truly ‘Insta-worthy’. The owners were incredibly sweet and the breakfast was incredible.
Best Mid-Range Option – Riad Lyon-Mogador – This riad is located in the heart of the medina, with a rooftop terrace with amazing views over the sea. There are comfortable seating areas on the terrace, and the rooms are decorated in a traditional, yet modern, design.
Best Luxury Option – Casa.b Mogador – Located in the medina, just 400m from Essouira Beach, Casa.b Mogador is a stunning accommodation. It’s decorated in an aesthetic style, with comfort, space and tranquility being the top priority.
FAQs
Still have a few questions about visiting Essaouira? We’ve answered the most common ones below.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Essaouira?
Essaouira has 300 days of sunshine a year and doesn’t suffer from the extreme temperatures of other Moroccan cities due to its coastal location. This makes it a great place to visit all year round.
However, Essaouira does suffer from extreme coastal winds, particularly in the months of July and August. Whilst this is great for windsurfing, it’s not so good for sightseeing.
To avoid the winds (as much as possible), consider visiting in September to October, when the temperature is still pleasant and the winds have died down slightly.
How Do I Get To Essaouira?
Essaouira is home to a small airport, with flights running from several European cities a few times a week.
Most tourists, however, will begin their journey in Marrakech, the closest main tourist hub.
To get to Essaouira from Marrakech, you can either arrange a private transfer, or take a public coach. The journey is around 3 hours.
How Long Should I Spend In Essaouira?
Essaouira is a beautiful little town with plenty to fill your time. It’s also the perfect place to base yourself for a while to unwind and live the slow life. In order to cover all the best things to do in Essaouira, we’d recommend spending 3 days in the city.
Wrap Up
Essaouira is one of the most beautiful and unique coastal towns in Morocco. It’s a perfect year-round destination with so much to do. Whether you want to learn to surf, explore the medina, or experience a hammam, there is something for everyone.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this list and we’ve given you some fun ideas for your trip to Essaouira. And when you’re done exploring Essaouira, check out some of the other incredible places to visit in Morocco.
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