Essaouira cityscape

Essaouira

Slow travel
Foodie
Photography
Surfing
Beaches

Essaouira is a walled Atlantic port with ramparts, a blue-and-white fishing harbour and constant wind that makes it Morocco's kitesurfing and windsurfing centre. The medina is compact and far less pressured than Marrakech. Seafood grilled at the port is the standard lunch.

How long to stay

April to October for wind sports; the town is cool and breezy year-round.

Typical daily budget

No budget published for this place yet

Best time to go

No seasonal guidance published for Essaouira yet

Is Essaouira right for your trip?

Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Essaouira is known for.

Great for

  • Food
  • Couples

Less of a focus

  • History & culture
  • Nightlife
  • Nature
  • Family
  • Solo

Build your Essaouira trip

Explore things to do

2 places to visit in Essaouira.

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Estimate the budget

What a day here typically costs, by travel style.

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Pick your dates

Weather, crowds and prices month by month.

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Start a trip

Turn all of this into your own day-by-day plan.

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Top things to do

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Essaouira fishing port

Essaouira fishing port

Free entry · Verified

Essaouira

A working blue-boat harbour with grills serving the morning catch alongside the auction hall.

Food
1h 30m
Essaouira ramparts

Essaouira ramparts

Free entry · Verified

Essaouira

The 18th-century sea walls and Skala battery with brass cannon looking out over the Atlantic.

Landmark
1h 30m

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Popular activities

  • Argan cooperative visit

    Women's cooperative outside town pressing argan oil by hand.

  • Kitesurfing lesson

    Beginner session on the long beach south of the medina.