Visiting Essaouira, Morocco? Get Started Here!

Essaouira, or Mogador is located on the western coast of Morocco. It is a small, sleepy town that has gained some prominence lately as a getaway from Marrakech. Today, the city retains a small-town feel but it wasn’t always this way. While small in size it’s a favorite for many visitors.

For those planning a trip and looking for things to do in Morocco, Essaouira may not have the cosmopolitan glitz of Rabat or desert vibes Morocco is known for but it’s a very worthwhile destination!

History of Essaouira

Archeologists have found remnants that Essaouira has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 1st century BC the Berber rule Juba II built a Tyrinian purple dye factory in Essaouira. The dye was exported to Rome and was used as the dye for the edges of Imperial Roman purple senatorial robes. The dye was worth more than gold!

The fortresses that make up the old medina are perhaps the most noticeable feature. They were built by Portuguese conquerers around 1505 along with five others along the coast. By 1550 they were driven from all but three Moroccan cities. Essaouira was a stronghold for the exporting of sugar, molasses and a mooring point for pirates!

Modern Essaouira was found in 1760 by Mohamed III in hopes of securing a harbor as close to Marrakech as possible. The king put a lot of effort into building this city as the principle shipping port in Morocco. He hired engineers and builders from various backgrounds to build up the city. He encouraged foreign residents to move to Essaouira, hoping their connections and expertise would further build the city. 

Essaouira also had one of the largest Jewish populations in the country, at 40% of the population. There were more than 40 operating synagogues at any one time. Today a few survive and are being rehabilitated as a part of King Mohammed VI plan to save sites of important religious, historical and cultural significance.

Essaouira grew to be so powerful that European nations had their diplomats and trade delegations stationed either in Essaouira or Tangier. Like the rest of Morocco, Essaouira fell under the French protectorate from 1912-1956. 

Until the 1960s the city was known as Mogador and purists still insist this is the rightful name of the city. However, for all intents and purposes, it’s legal name is Essaouira. Today it has a laid-back vibe and was known as a “hippie hangout” for decades. While Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles in the Sand” was said to have been inspired by Essaouira, the artist didn’t visit until two years after the songs’ release. 

Chances are you may have seen Essaouira on screen. Its medina is a UNESCO world heritage site and has appeared in the HBO hit show Game of Thrones where it served as the city of Astapor. Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander, and Lawrence of Arabia all also had portions filmed in Essaouira. 

What to do in Essaouira

Just because it’s a small town, don’t think there’s nothing to do in Essaouira. While you might opt to just relax, sip nous nous, and people watch others may want to jump in the water with a kite board and catch some waves. 

Historical Sites

There aren’t a lot of museums or traditional historical sites to be found in Essaouira but there are a few. The largest is the ramparts that line the city and the skala which was built to protect the city. On the lower level you’ll find shops that were once used for military fortifications. Some parts are under renovation but it’s still possible to wander in different areas. This is also where the scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed. 

The Ramparts run closer to the port. There are two different ways to get on top of the ramparts. First, you can enter at the actual entrance right before the port. The admission is 60 dirham at last check. But, if you stroll down to the port, nearly to the end you’ll find a  stairway going up. It’s actually possible to enter here and walk along the rampart and see the port from above as well as the old Portuguese and Spanish cannons. 

Essaouira’s Jewish population also left behind several synagogues. While there were around 43 operating at one point in Essaouira, only one still holds services. The Simon Attias synagogue is small and free to enter with a free will donation for upkeep. It’s small and is representative of a Sephardic synagogue.

The synagogue is in the mellah area, currently being rehabilitated. This can be a sketchy neighborhood, especially at night so it’s advisable to visit and walk during the day. 

Things to Do in Essaouira

If you’re searching for things to do in Essaouira, I’ve put together this list of 12 different ideas of things to consider.

12 Things to Do in Essaouira

You might also want to book a food tour with our company! We’d love to show you the city through local food.

Book an Essaouira Food Tour

Visiting Essaouira with Kids

This city has always been one of our kids favorite places. While there may not be a lot of activities to sign them up for there is plenty to do and it’s also a great place to visit when you just want to sit back and relax.

Here are some of our ideas for things to do in Essaouira with kids.

Gnaoua Festival of Essaouira

The largest festival that happens in Essaouira is the Gnaoua Festival held yearly in June. This is an action packed weekend full of music and entertainment. If you want to attend plan early because riads fill up and the city is full! It is a great opportunity to experience West African music and culture. 

Other Tours in Essaouira to Consider

• From Marrakech to Essaouira Full Day Trip
• From Agadir to Essaouira Full Day Trip
• Private 10 Hour Trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
• Half Day Quad Bike Tour
• 2 Hour Essaouira Camel Ride

Where to Eat

If you’re wondering where to eat in Essaouira you’ve got some good options – especially if you like seafood! This is my favorite thing to talk about!

Where to Eat in Essaouira: The Atlantic Seaside Resort

How to Spend a Long Weekend in Essaouira

Along with these blog posts I have some other suggestions for our favorite spots. Something worth keeping in mind is that Essaouira is very seasonal. In winter months many restaurants operate on a random schedule or are completely shuttered.

You should make sure to check before you go as to whether they will be open or not. Also in the winter it’s tough to find places open after 9pm – plan accordingly!

Tips for Eating in Essaouira

Breakfast

I’m going to share a little secret here.  Moroccan breakfast is pretty much the same no matter where you stay. Whether it’s an upscale hotel or budget riad it’s all fairly standard.  

While some riads include breakfast some of the prices we’ve seen are upwards of $10 (per person) extra for breakfast! No, you can do much better than this!

Every neighborhood has many hanuts – small shops that sell everything you can imagine. Stop by one, pick up some yogurt, bread, cheese, crepes, or other breakfast pastry.  You’ll get these things for a tiny fraction of the price of your hotel breakfast. Then take your bags and make your way to a coffee shop. Order a coffee, mint tea, or juice and enjoy! This is totally ok in Morocco and I promise more cost effective.

Lunch

You can’t visit Essaouira without eating fish and seafood – it’s what this city is known for. You will find seafood abundant on restaurant menus but you can also choose to “pick your own” and have it grilled on the spot. If you feel really confident venture to the port and make your selections fresh off the boat.

If you’re not quite as comfortable you will find many open-air restaurants lining the end of Plaza Moulay Hassan (the big square just to the edge of the old medina). Choose what you want and they will grill it fresh for you.

You could also take a cooking class and make your own lunch. We love Khadija’s Kuzina and recommend it to people visiting all the time.

You might be asking what about picky kids (or adults)? While my boys are pretty adventurous eaters, they really aren’t big on fish and seafood. The good news is you can pick up something else for them, a shwarma, pizza, or other take away food and they can eat this while you’re enjoying the seafood. It’s no problem!

Snacks and Coffee

If you asked MarocBaba why I go to Essaouira he would say for the crepes. You can find crepes in much of Morocco but they are usually only available at breakfast or late in the evenings at cafes. In Marrakech I find them to be pretty pricy, and always seem to have orange blossom water added which I don’t really care for.

But in Essaouira they are sold all over the place for at least 1/2 of what they are in Marrakech. A Nutella crepe with almonds is only around $2! Each location has plenty of sweet and savory options. It’s my go to snack and breakfast..and sometimes dinner!

Having an afternoon or after dinner coffee/tea in Morocco is similar to having tea in England. It”s a daily standard. It’s also a great chance to take a break, grab something to sip, and people watch.

You can always get mint tea, and most places serve hot milk or hot cocoa a favorite of our kids. Moroccan coffee is called nouss nouss or kahwa hleb (you can make it at home too – here’s my recipe) and is at least 3/4 milk with a bit of espresso.  Most shops now also give you a small bottle of water with your purchase. I have to admit slowing down and enjoying this tradition hasn’t been easy for me, but it’s now one of my favorite parts of the day.

Try Cafe de France (a Souari institution since 1917!) ~ Place Moulay Hassan ~ Medina Essaouira

Dinner

Dinner is usually a light meal in Morocco but that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. There are plenty of locations that offer full “western dinner” standard options. Don’t be surprised if many don’t start serving until 6 or 7pm however.

In winter time you may also find that many places are closed or operate on much more limited hours. It’s always a good idea to call and make reservations if possible or at least check on availability.

The great thing about Essaouira is that while you can find plenty of Moroccan options, there’s also quite a few international offerings due to the fairly large international community that has made it home.

Where to Eat in Essaouira

Eating Gluten Free in Essaouira

Where to Stay

Essaouira hotels are often lumped together with riads but they are two different things. A riad resembles a bed and breakfast and we think the best place to stay. But if you’d rather a hotel there are those as well.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Essaouira with kids, check out our post on family-friendly Essaouira accommodations.

Essaouira on a Budget – Where to Stay

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