Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most popular and laid-back beachside towns on the southwest coast of North Africa.
I spent one day in this bright and breezy coastal town while I was backpacking Morocco with Travel Talk Tours and have put together this complete guide of the 3 best things to do in Essaouira.
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Table of Contents
WHERE IS ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira is approximately a 3-hour drive west of Marrakech, located on the southwest coast of Morocco.
HOW TO GET HERE
Essaouira can be reached by bus, plane, or private taxi.
If you prefer to travel budget, CTM is the most reputable bus company in Morocco and their buses operate daily, to and from Essaouira. Click here to check timetables.
If time is sensitive and you would prefer to fly, there are daily flights available to Essaouira which you can search for on CheapOair.com.
I arrived in Essaouira via bus from Marrakech on Day 2 of my Travel Talk Morocco Tour.
3 THINGS TO DO IN ESSAOUIRA
ESSAOUIRA BEACH
A stroll, swim, or surf at Essaouira Beach is one of the best things to do in Essaouira.
It is a popular spot for surfing in the Atlantic Ocean during the swell season in the winter months of December through to March and on windy days it is a haven for kite surfers.
For non-surfers, Essaouira beach stretches 2km around the bay, so you’re guaranteed to find a secluded spot along the sand to sunbathe and swim.
Half a dozen restaurants and cafes are situated along the pristine shoreline at Essaouira Beach – the perfect spot for lunch and to chill in a hammock or beach chair, soaking up some Vitamin-D.
See All → Hostels & Hotels in Essaouira
EXPLORE ESSAOUIRA MEDINA
Getting lost in the rabbit warren of souks inside the medina was one of my favorite things to do in Essaouria!
Each small street is filled with handmade garments of sorts, spice shops, souvenir stores, and seafood restaurants. In 2001, the medina of Essaouira was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also, don’t forget to head over to the large open square down by the Essaouira Port when it comes alive during the late afternoons and into the night.
Listen to the street buskers and grab something to eat and drink as the sun begins to set over the Atlantic Ocean.
Must Read → 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
ESSAOUIRA PORT
Lastly on this list of things to do in Essaouira is a visit to the traditional blue fishing boats that can be found down by the fort walls, one of Essaouira’s main attractions.
A postcard-like setting is a painter’s dream and it’s also one of the best locations to watch the sunset.
After some hours spent down on Essaouira Beach, followed by getting lost inside the beautiful medina, the bustling port is the best place to finish off a day in Essaouira!
Book Now → 10 Days in Morocco Tour
WHERE TO STAY IN ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Essaouira to suit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Heure Bleue Palace
Mid Range: Chems Bleu
Budget: Seagulls Hostel
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN ESSAOUIRA, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
AIRBNB ESSAOUIRA
Another option for accommodation is to stay in an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals!
WANT TO SAVE $$$ ON AIRBNB? GET MY AIRBNB MONEY SAVING GUIDE
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The currency in Morocco is Dirham (MAD) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 10 MAD.
Purchasing a sim card in Morocco is very cheap and simple. You can do this at the airport on arrival or find a phone store close to your accommodation. For approximately $10 USD, you can get a local sim card that comes with 10GB of data.
MORE MORROCO TRAVEL GUIDES
- Morocco Travel Guide: 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
- Chefchaouen Travel Guide: 5 Things To Do In Chefchaouen
HOW TO GET TO MOROCCO
Arriving by plane is the easiest and most convenient way to begin your adventures in Morocco.
I flew to Morocco with Royal Air Maroc which is the country’s largest and most reputable airline that offers daily flights, excellent customer service, and an all-around comfortable experience.
Search All → Flights to Morocco
MOROCCO VISA
Visitors to Morocco can spend up to 90-days on a tourist visa which is free of charge. The only requirement is that your passport has to be valid for a period of 6-months before its expiry.
LONELY PLANET MOROCCO
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Morocco Guide.
BUY NOW ON AMAZON → LONELY PLANET MOROCCO
JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
Do you have any questions about what to do in Essaouira?
Join my Facebook Community and send me a message at any time for a quick response!
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MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and If you have any questions about Things To Do In Essaouira, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
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