ResortL’Heure Bleue Palais
Medina, near Bab Sbaa
★ 4.7(720)
- Rooftop pool
- Spa
- Ocean view
- Cinema room
From2,400 MAD≈ €219 / night
Check ratesMarrakech-Safi
Essaouira
Atlantic winds, blue boats & gnawa music
A breezy UNESCO port city on the Atlantic, Essaouira pairs ramparts and a relaxed medina with the world’s biggest gnawa festival. The perfect 2-day escape from Marrakech.
- Best time
- April to October
- Recommended
- 2 days
Highlights
- Skala de la Ville ramparts
- Working blue fishing port
- Surf & windsurf at Sidi Kaouki
- Gnawa World Music Festival
About Essaouira
Designed in 1764 by French architect Théodore Cornut for Sultan Mohammed III, Essaouira (then "Mogador") was Morocco’s most important Atlantic port for two centuries. Today it’s a 50,000-resident UNESCO city known for its Portuguese-style ramparts, blue fishing boats, gnawa music, and the steady "alizé" wind that makes it Morocco’s windsurf and kitesurf capital. Two days is ideal: one for the medina, ramparts and beach; one for Sidi Kaouki surf or a boat trip to the Iles Purpuraires.
Things to do in Essaouira
- Walk the Skala de la Ville ramparts (Orson Welles filmed Othello here) for cannon-lined ocean views.
- Watch fishermen unload the catch at the port — buy fresh sardines, point at one and they grill it at portside stalls.
- Browse argan oil cooperatives — Essaouira is the gateway to argan country, with women’s collectives demonstrating the process.
- Take a windsurf or kitesurf lesson at Sidi Kaouki (25 km south) — wind reliably 15–25 knots from April to October.
- Boat trip to Iles Purpuraires to see Eleonora’s falcons (May–Oct, falcon-breeding season).
- Catch a gnawa music night at Taros or Loft — or plan around the June festival.
- Sunset on the city beach — long stretch with horse and camel rides for kids.
Local tips for Essaouira
- Bring a windbreaker even in summer — the "alizé" blows hard from noon onward.
- Best fresh seafood in Morocco — get sardines, calamar and red shrimp grilled at port stalls (MAD 80–150 / generous plate).
- Stay inside the medina at a Maison d’hôtes for the Mogador atmosphere; rooftop terrace recommended.
- Drive from Marrakech in 2h45 — stop at the argan tree where goats climb (yes, real) near Tamanar for photos.
- June Gnawa Festival is free and outdoors — book your riad 4–6 months ahead.
Gallery
Plan my Essaouira trip
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Where to stay in Essaouira
Hand-picked riads, kasbahs, and resorts — book direct via WhatsApp.
Resort
RiadRiad Baoussala
Outside the medina
★ 4.8(380)
- Garden pool
- Yoga deck
- Free shuttle to beach
From980 MAD≈ €89 / night
Check rates
Boutique hotelCars for your Essaouira trip
Pick up at Casablanca Airport or any major Moroccan city.
Dacia Sandero
economy
250 MAD≈ €23 / day
- 👥 5 seats
- 🧳 2 bags
- ⚙️ manual
- ❄️ A/C
- Air conditioning
- Bluetooth
- USB charging
- Spacious boot
Renault Clio 5
compact
250 MAD≈ €23 / day
- 👥 5 seats
- 🧳 2 bags
- ⚙️ manual
- ❄️ A/C
- Air conditioning
- Bluetooth
- USB charging
- Power steering
4.9 / 5
600+ traveler reviews
Licensed agency
Registered in Morocco
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Free cancellation
Up to 48h before
Essaouira — frequently asked questions
How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?
About 2.5–3 hours by car or bus. A very common day or 2-day trip from Marrakech.
Is Essaouira good for kids?
Yes — small, walkable, safe medina; beach with camel rides; calm ocean swimming in the bay; relaxed vibe overall.
When is the Gnawa Festival?
The Gnaoua World Music Festival happens annually in late June for 3-4 days. Outdoor concerts are free; book hotels 4+ months ahead.