ESSAOUIRA
aBOUT THE CITY
Essaouira is known as Morocco’s windy city. A combination of spectacular beaches, great sea and the almost constant tropical trade winds has changed this city from a hardworking port into one of the world’s greatest sites for windsurfing, kiteboarding and other exhilarating watersports. The city has a dual heritage and this can be seen in the mighty walls that surround this old Moroccan trade centre. Once a Portuguese fortress, rusting cannons between the ramparts still point out to sea, and there is a certain European feel to the construction of the city once known as Mogador. However, the narrow winding streets are filled with the sound of Gnaoua singing, women in white haiks weave their way through the alleys of the old medina, and palm trees cast their shadows across the walls of white-washed houses. At its heart Essaouira is, and always has been, a Moroccan city.
selected experiences
The beaches at Essaouira are beautiful. Golden sands lay under azure skies and beside blue Atlantic waters. Space isn’t a problem either, the beach stretches for miles in either direction. It’s a great place to be active – thanks to the reliably strong Atlantic winds you’ll always see kiteboarders and windsurfers that are harnessing these perfect conditions. It’s easy to join them too, with several schools and hire shops in the area who will be happy to provide training. If you don’t want to get your feet wet it’s still easy to enjoy the area, the beach also hosts football, Frisbee, and horse and camel riding.
The bustling city of Essaouira loves a good festival. Over the year it has events ranging from the traditional to the unexpected. Les Alizes is a classical musical festival which takes place in the spring, the Atlantic Andalusia Music Festival brings together a diverse range of cultures and religions, and the world renowned Gnaoua and World Music Festival is dubbed ‘Morocco’s Answer to Woodstock’. There’s even a Women’s Hadra and Trance Music Festival to enjoy.
Like most Moroccan cities, Essaouira also has its own Moussem which is a religious festival. Every April the Mousem Regraga – a 39 day pilgrimage – is celebrated in the city with a festival of music, dance and art.
The culture of Essaouira reflects the city’s tumultuous history. For a long time it was a Portuguese enclave called Mogador, and this Mediterranean influence can be seen in a culture that is part European, part African and completely its own.
One of the first places culture seekers should go is the Mogador Cultural Centre. Designed as a seagull flying over the town beach by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer – described by the BBC as ‘one of the most innovative and daring architects of the last 60 years’, it’s home to regular musical and dramatic performances.
More music can be found at the Gnaoua festival which is held every June, and this special mix of Arab and sub-Saharan culture which combines music, dance and acrobatics is a spectacle you shouldn’t miss.
Take to two wheels when you visit Essauoira and ride through winding alleys, picturesque squares and past whitewashed houses. Africa’s ‘Windy City’ may resemble a French town on the outside, but is Moroccan to its heart, with sprawling souks, the aroma of spices and Gnaoua singing everywhere you go.
When you decide to pedal outside the city you can cycle across the seven artificial lakes at the seaside resort, or head to Essaouira’s outskirts and ride on well worn paths shaded by lines of almond trees.
Mountain bikers aren’t left out either; the nearby Atlas mountains provide you with all the tracks you could need, and if you’re really feeling up for a challenge then take on Djebel Hadid: the Mountain of Iron.
Morocco’s Windy City offers plenty of busy days out for your family to enjoy, whether it’s down by the sea, in the lively centre or exploring the city outskirts.
For a long time Essaouira was a fortified city, and children will love exploring the ramparts and abandoned cannons that can be found here. The beach is a launch point for kite surfers and wind surfers, as well as home to many cafés, often with their own play areas. Essaouira’s Medina is comparatively calm, and full of delights for your family to discover. Adventure a little further out and you’ll find wonderful walks, horse treks and quad biking.
To get a real taste of authentic Essaouira you need to make your way to the port. Every day local fishermen haul in their catch and then arrange it in glistening displays of sardines, lobsters, sole and more fruits of the ocean. Simply choose what you’d like to eat, and the fisherman will grill it for you and serve it up for a small price. You can then sit at a simple table enjoying both the fish and the atmosphere.
There are of course plenty of more formal restaurants in the Windy City – along the coastline where the windsurfers play, in the city centre, and also on the outskirts of the city including a restaurant run by the local vineyard.
Essaouira is a city rightly famous for the excellent watersports it offers, but it’s also excellent for golfing holidays. Golf De Mogador (taking the old Portuguese name for the city) was designed by Gary Player and is a fantastic mix of British links and American desert style. The course expertly uses the area’s natural elements to create hazards – it’s the dunes you have to watch out for rather than bunkers – and the overall shape follows the line of the coast, giving you spectacular views across the Atlantic. In 2015 an extra 13 holes were opened, again designed by Gary Player. They’re narrower than the old course, with steeper hollows and some blind shots to test your skills. Golf World Magazine rated Mogador Golf Course as one of the world’s top 20 most exciting golf courses and it’s easy to see why.
Golf De Mogador
Designer: Gary Player (2009)
Holes: 31
Par: 72 (6,558m)
· Clubhouse with restaurant and bar
· Locker room
· Buggy, trolley and club hire
· Driving range, putting green and short game practice area
· Conference room
Getting There: Mogador lies just to the south of Essaouira
WOW FACTOR: The coastal scenery.
The hammams in the seaside city of Essaouira were traditionally used to refresh sailors after a long stint at sea, however they now welcome travellers and tourists in to rest and relax away from the famous winds of the city. The deep steaming detox can revitalises salty sun-beaten skin and leave you refreshed and glowing.
The traditional hammams can be easily found by following the streams of toiletry-laden locals or, alternatively, the larger hotels all accommodate luxurious hammams.
Essaouira is now famed as one of the world’s best windsurfing destinations, but the road to its current status has been long and varied.
The rugged fortifications that border the city speak of this seaport’s troubled past and the mix of European and Arabic architecture is the legacy of previous rulers.
The best place to find examples of the city’s heritage is in the Medina. It is one of Morocco’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites and if you step through one of the many gates in the old walls you’ll be transported back in time. Seek out the imposing kasbah with its nineteen bronze cannons, take in the ornate carvings on the doors and walls of every street, see the synagogues and church or visit the souk; it’s the best place for you to learn all about Essaouira’s heritage.
Eassaouira is the established kitesurfing capital of Morocco. Blessed with a perfect location on the Atlantic coast, Morocco’s windy city is world famous when it comes to kitesurfing and has hosted the World Cup on several occasions.
The trade winds blowing from the North East and the Canary Current around Essaouira makes this the ideal place for kitesurfing. The consistent weather conditions provide the power you need to fill your kite and skim along the water. There’s also a huge beach, giving you plenty of room to set up your gear and launch.
The locals haven’t been slow to make the most of Essaouira’s growing fame: a thriving industry has grown up around kitesurfing, so you’ll not be short of somewhere to take lessons or rent or buy equipment. Many kite schools will even arrange an entire holiday for you, including airport transfers from Marrakech or Agadir if you’re not flying direct from London Luton.
While it may have been a bit of a hippy hangout in the 1960s, 21st century Essaouira is a town that can also offer you a higher class of stay. Good five star hotels are commonplace, and many riads have been upgraded, allowing you to enjoy their traditional Moroccan surroundings in the greatest of comfort. There’s still a calming atmosphere about the place, and this is enhanced by the numerous hammams and spas in the town, the vast beaches and predominantly white buildings which give Essaouira its nickname. It’s an oasis of luxury in the Moroccan south-west.
Essaouira is a fascinating part of Morocco to explore by motorbike. As well as the many treasures that exist inside this walled town there is plenty to see out and about in the surrounding area – and a motorbike is an ideal way to get to them. Ride north of the city and you’ll soon find some fantastic dunes which provide incredible off-road riding. To the east are the mighty Atlas mountains, which are brilliant for both on- and off-roading, while taking the south road from Essaouira will take you through the rural communities and into the real heart of traditional Moroccan village life.
The seaside city of Essaouira offers not just one but three great music festivals. Every spring 500,000 people attend the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Over the four days of the event Essaouira is filled with the sounds of this traditional style of music which incorporates Berber, African and Islamic spiritual songs and rhythms.
The annual Printemps Musical des Alizes Festival is an event for lovers of the classical genre. Chamber music, symphonies, sonatas and opera fill the air over the course of this four-day festival. Morning performances are reserved for unknown musicians, giving you a chance to discover the next big thing, while later in the day you can see top artists from around the world.
The third festival in Essaouira is the autumnal Atlantic Andalusia Festival, a real Moroccan-Spanish celebration with Mediterranean and Latin American influences thrown into the mix.
Essaouira’s natural harbour has made the area desirable for thousands of years and there have been people here since prehistoric times. Over the years it has been occupied by Amazighs, Carthaginians, Romans, Portuguese, Moroccan Jews, Arabs and French. As with many port cities, the people of Essaouira are used to visitors and holidaymakers will receive a warm welcome when they arrive. Weatherbeaten fishermen still push their boats out to sea every morning, but increasingly the city is focusing on tourism and as well as French, many Essaouirans speak English fluently. It’s a city that still has links to its Hippy Trail past, and is embracing the new kite-surfing culture that is growing every day.
Head to coastal Essaouira and you’ll find a city that has beguiled countless visitors over the decades with its beautiful seaside location and exotic buildings.
It’s a place where you can withdraw from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, putting them aside while you indulge yourself in some restful treatments. Breathe in the sea air as you practise yoga on the long sandy beach, feel yourself completely relaxed after a session in a traditional hammam, meditate to the striking sound of the call to prayer, or just lose yourself in the peace and tranquillity of the ocean view from one of the charming riads near the seafront.
The brisk sea breeze that sweeps down the streets of Essaouria carries with it the scents which create the city. Light fragrances of salt, spices and fish tell of the trades that underpin this bustling city. The local craftsmen are famed for their delicate carvings and these can be discovered at the many souks which can be found throughout the city.
The wind is often drowned out by the enticing sound of drums and Gnaoua singing that drifts invitingly from the tiny shops that have been passed down through the generations. There is also a fabulous range of finely crafted silverware available, and be sure to enquire after the piece’s origin as there is often an interesting tale attached.
Essaouira is a resort famous throughout the world for the wind that gives it great windsurfing and kitesurfing. This does make surfing the waves here difficult at times, but the wind doesn’t blow all the time and most mornings and evenings the air is still enough to allow some lovely peaky barrels to roll in. The winter season is also a good time to visit; swell is noticeably larger and the beaches tend to be emptier. And don’t miss a trip to Sidi Kaouki, just a few miles along the coast – it’s Essaouira’s big surfing secret.
Anyone looking for a trekking holiday on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast should strongly consider starting from Essaouira. A fine city in itself with plenty to explore, it’s also well positioned for people to visit the surrounding countryside.
There are several Essaouiran companies who arrange guided tours in the area. Their local knowledge is invaluable and you don’t have to worry about organising equipment, planning itineraries or finding out where to go. Instead, all you have to do is enjoy yourself as you encounter secluded sandy beaches and traditional Amazigh villages untouched by tourism. Whether you want to explore on foot or from the back of a camel, for as little as half a day to a whole week, there is something in Essaouira for you.
top hotels in agadir
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Located on the beachfront in Essaouira, this 5-star hotel features 2 swimming pools, a fitness center and a spa with hammam. It offers air-conditioned guest rooms and some have a balcony.
Each luxurious guest room is equipped with satellite TV and a mini-bar. Some rooms feature sea views and a living room with a flat-screen TV.
Traditional Moroccan cuisine is served in the restaurant at hotel Atlas. Guests can enjoy a drink in the hotel bar and breakfast is prepared every morning.
The spa includes a hot tub and sauna, and massages are available upon request. Atlas Essaouira Spa also features a beauty salon. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
The bus station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Car rental is possible on site.
Location : Google Map
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Our estate contains all of our past, so you will find African, European, Moroccan and Berber roots there , mixed with the goal of well-being .
For lovers of well-being, you will find a hammam, a beauty treatment and massage room. For athletes, our water tower has a gym equipped with cardio and weight machines.
Our beautiful swimming pool allows swimming and of course lazing around or in many shaded areas that you will find in our large garden.
Location : Google Map
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Just two minutes’ walk from the beach and 20 minutes from the Medina and souks, you’ll find this family run Riad with its 23 bedrooms has everything you need for a delightful holiday as a family, a couple or with friends.
Riad Zahra, your Hotel in Essaouira, is in the residential quarter of Essaouira. All its comfortable bedrooms are decorated in traditional Moroccan style and have en suite bath rooms, satellite TV and Wifi. There are family sized rooms, others have balconies and some enjoy a sea view.
And you’ll enjoy meals in our two restaurants whose great range of Moroccan, Asian and Spanish dishes is enhanced by a wide choice of the Kingdom’s wines.
Open air swimming pool, terraces and parking.
We’ll happily help you organize your stay and can recommend places to visit, restaurants, surfing and kitesurf schools, rides on horse or camels, transfers from airports, car rental etc
Location : Google Map
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Set in Essaouira, 1,950 feet from Othello Garden, Hotel Cote ocean Mogador offers accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. With a shared lounge, the property also features a garden, as well as a private beach area. The accommodations features a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
The units at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All guest rooms at Hotel Cote ocean Mogador feature air conditioning and a desk.
Guests at the accommodations can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Hotel Cote ocean Mogador offers a sun terrace. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the hotel.
For business travelers’ convenience, meeting and banquet facilities, a business center and newspapers are featured.
Essaouira Assawak Assalam is 1.7 mi from Hotel Cote ocean Mogador, while Viewpoint is 6.8 mi away. The nearest airport is Essaouira Mogador, 9.9 mi from the accommodations, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Location : Google Map
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Located in Sidi Kaouki, La Pergola Sidi Kaouki offers beachfront accommodation 250 m from Sid Kaouki Beach and provides various facilities, such as a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The hotel features family rooms.
The hotel offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.
The area is popular for fishing, and car hire is available at La Pergola Sidi Kaouki.
Azro Beach is 2.8 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Essaouira Mogador, 15 km from La Pergola Sidi Kaouki, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service 
Location : Google Map
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Set 0.2 miles from the center of Essaouira, Riad Diamant Blanc offers free WiFi throughout the property. The riad is within walking distance of many of the attractions including Medina of Essaouira and Skala de la Ville. 
Location : Google Map
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Nestled in the Swiri countryside amongst the Argan and Tuya trees, Les Jardins de Villa Maroc is a peaceful haven a mere 10km from the centre of Essaouira. The sister property of Villa Maroc located in the heart of the medina, Les Jardins has opened its doors 2009 as a three-bedroom country guest house, the beloved location has attracted tourists and locals alike ever since then. The site has since then expanded with a restaurant and swimming pool and since 2020 the addition of eleven stylish Ecodomes.
Location : Google Map
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Villa Al Jaouhara is a villa with a barbecue, set in Essaouira in the Marrakech-Safi Region. Free private parking is available on site.
A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is offered.
Essaouira Mogador Airport is 20 minutes drive away.
Location : Google Map
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This property is a 4-minute walk from the beach. Located in Essaouira in the Marrakech-Safi Region, 200 m from Market Place, Riad Jennat El Mossafir features a barbecue and sun terrace. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.
The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea from your terrace or patio. Rooms include a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.
You will find a shared lounge at the property.
Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including golfing, horse riding and windsurfing. Othello Garden is 601 m from Riad Jennat El Mossafir, while Essaouira Assawak Assalam is 1.1 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Essaouira Mogador Airport, 8.7 mi from Riad Jennat El Mossafir.
This is our guests’ favorite part of Essaouira, according to independent reviews.
Location : Google Map
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Offering a restaurant and garden view, ARUBA Essaouira is located in Essaouira, 8 km from Viewpoint and 14.5 km from Othello Garden. This self-catered villa features a private pool, a garden, grill facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with pool views. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge.
Guests at the villa can enjoy a continental breakfast.
ARUBA Essaouira has a terrace. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool at the accommodation.
Essaouira Assawak Assalam is 14.5 km from ARUBA Essaouira. The nearest airport is Essaouira Mogador, 27.4 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Location : Google Map
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some frequently asked questions
Morocco is one of those types of destinations that can be visited year-round. You have to understand the geography of the country in order to choose the best time to visit Morocco. Taking into account that you have vast desert regions, probably those should not be visited during the peak summer months such as July and August.
Also, knowing that Morocco has most part of its territory with mountains above 10.000 feet and up to 14.000, you will surely encounter snow in highlands above 4200 feet. So, expect snow during the months of November until February. Overall we can say that Morocco is amazing and can be visited from January until December, but the ultimate best times to visit Morocco are during April, May, September, October, and November.
Tourists have been visiting Morocco for years and Moroccans have well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness toward visitors. Moroccan cities are generally very safe, especially in area where tourists frequent. Morocco is very well secured, Police in every location, there is so many checking points, this is what makes Morocco safe and 100% secured to make sure everybody are safe and comfortable in Morocco. Morocco generally has a very low crime rate. Travelers will be safe in Morocco if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any tourist destination around the world.
Travel insurance should be obtained before leaving your country of origin. It is not compulsory to purchase it. Local hospitals have limited diagnostic capability. Private clinics can be expensive, evacuation can cost a lot, luggage can disappear, so insurance is a good idea.
You can relax and wear whatever is familiar, comfortable, and best suited for you during your holidays. Morocco is very tolerant and welcoming to visitors, and you’re not expected to act or look like a Moroccan. Longer shorts and shirts are fine for men. Concerning women, it’s a good idea to bring a scarf to cover bare shoulders and arms in rural areas.
It’s not easy to get Moroccan Dirham outside the country as it is a closed currency. Those who succeeded have paid heavy commissions for banks.
There are ATMs everywhere in the country, exchange points, banks, and many businesses/shops/restaurants nowadays accept cards mostly with a 5% transaction fee. The best place to exchange money with high rate is the touristic areas.
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency of Morocco. Made up of 100 centimes per unit, the currency is issued by the Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco’s central bank). Historically, the Moroccan Dirham originates from the Byzantine Empire’s Drachm, and was used in Arabia and the Levant in pre-Islamic times. The name “Dirham” stems from the Roman word “denarius” .
Credit cards are widely used in Morocco in hotels, many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets accept credit cards. The most common types of credit cards used in Morocco are Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
Visitors to Morocco must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the scheduled return date to enter Morocco and you can obtain a visa from Morocco Consulate before departure. Also, entry visa is available upon arrival Morocco airports against USD 27 per passport for specific nationalities and need to check before.
Some nationalities don’t need a visa to visit Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. For more info and details on entry visa to Morocco please check with the Moroccan consulate or embassy at your country
It is always recommended for travelers who wish to have their own supply of cigarettes and alcohol with them in Morocco to purchase them upon arrival.
There are duty free shops in the airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, Tangier and Rabat. Tourists are allowed to purchase up to 3 liters of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes on arrival.
English and French are studied in school all over Morocco. This is why most Moroccans, who live in the cities, speak or understand at least some English words or phrases, and most of Moroccans are speaking French well. Fewer Moroccans can speak Italian, Spanish, and German; however, professionals in the tourism sector are accustomed to visitors who cannot speak Arabic. They speak enough English and many other languages to fulfill the needs of most travelers. Many travelers enjoy their stay in Morocco without learning a single word of Arabic; however, it is always good to learn a few Arabic words to expressing greetings or thanks. If you are planning to visit some places other than popular tourist destinations, it is advisable to learn some Arabic phrases. Generally, Moroccans are friendly and are happy to help anyone, especially foreigners and tourists, even if there is a language barrier.
Many people in the tourism sector depend on tips, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping is considered customary in Morocco. It is a customary attitude for expressing ones satisfaction of good services rendered to him by staff on duty with him. We advise if you are willing to offer it, this would be great and if not, you are not obliged to do it.
– The same as many hotels all around the globe, the check-in time in most hotels in Morocco is around midday, 1 or 2 PM. If you arrive in the hotel late at night or in the early morning, you may have to pay for an extra night to get to your room immediately without having to wait until the normal check-in time.
Accommodations for travellers in Morocco fall across a broad range—everything from world class luxury to simple hostel accommodations are available. The nicest hotels compare well with luxury hotels anywhere, coming from international hotel chains like Movenpick, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Sofitel. A step down from these is a variety of local hotels that ranges from luxurious to simple. Moroccan hotels have their own rating system that loosely classifies them on a 5-star scale; however, this scale is different from international standards used elsewhere.
Moroccans are well known all over the world for their tolerance and hospitality; however, it is always polite to ask permission before taking a photograph of people, especially women, and stores or products. Photography is non-permitted around army bases, airports, dams and bridges. In most places where photography is prohibited there will be signs to notify you.
Non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit and access Hassan 2 mosques in Casablanca except when they are being used for prayer, on Friday and during the five prayers of the day. Tourists are not allowed to enter any other mosque at any time. Only outside visit is possible.
Most of the monuments, historical sites, and museums in Morocco open from 9 AM until 6 PM. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, be aware that these hours will change significantly.
Most of the shops in Morocco open from around 9 AM and stay open until 10 PM; however, many shops, cafes, and restaurants especially in main cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Agadir, and Rabat stay open much later and some facilities and shops are open 24 hours a day in touristic areas. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, opening hours may change significantly with shops closed during the middle of the day and staying open much later. Medina Souk in Fez closes Friday Morning.
There is a public transit system in Morocco that uses a rail to link the main towns and buses for inner-city trips. Small private and group tours will typically use large vans and sedans. Medium to large motor coaches is used for larger group holidays.