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Shopping Guide
8 Best Shopping Spots in Essaouira
Thuya wood, Atlantic art, argan oil, and Gnaoua instruments — shopping in Morocco's creative coastal gem.
Shopping Essentials
Signature craft: Thuya wood carving
Best for art: Medina galleries
Best for food: Fishing port market
Best value: Women's argan cooperatives
1
Thuya Wood Workshops (Skala)
Woodcraft 30–2,000 MAD Thuya boxes, chessboards, sculptures
Essaouira's signature craft — the workshops beneath the Skala de la Ville (sea bastion) have been carving thuya wood for generations. Thuya (Tetraclinis articulata) is an aromatic conifer that grows only in the Essaouira region and parts of Algeria — the burl wood has a rich, swirling grain that polishes to a warm honey-gold lustre and retains its fragrance for years. The workshops are built into the arches of the 18th-century fortress walls, with ocean views and the sound of waves as backdrop. Watch the craftsmen at work: they turn bowls on foot-powered lathes, carve intricate boxes, inlay thuya with citrus wood, mother-of-pearl, and ebony, and assemble chessboards and backgammon sets. Products: small boxes (30–80 MAD), medium decorative boxes (100–300 MAD), chess/backgammon sets (200–1,500 MAD), sculptures (100–2,000 MAD), bowls (50–200 MAD), and furniture (negotiable). Quality check: genuine thuya has a distinctive sweet, resinous smell when scratched. The grain should swirl visibly. Cheap imitations use pine with thuya oil applied. The Skala workshops are a cooperative — prices are semi-fixed and fair. The Skala fortress walk is free and the workshops are open roughly 9am–6pm daily. Buy here rather than in the medina shops below — you're buying direct from the makers and supporting the cooperative.
Insider tip: Ask the craftsmen to scratch the underside of a piece with their thumbnail — genuine thuya releases its distinctive sweet resinous scent immediately, while cheaper stained pine smells only of varnish
2
Art Galleries (Medina Quarter)
Art & Painting 200–20,000 MAD Contemporary art, paintings, photography
Morocco's art capital — Essaouira has the strongest gallery scene in the country, driven by decades of creative energy that began with the Gnaoua music tradition and intensified when international artists discovered the town's light and atmosphere. The medina galleries occupy restored riads and historic spaces, creating intimate settings for art viewing. Key galleries: Galerie Damgaard (Avenue Oqba Ibn Nafiaa) — the pioneer gallery that discovered and promoted self-taught Essaouiran artists since the 1980s. Many of Morocco's most collected painters emerged from Damgaard's stable. The work ranges from naive to abstract, often featuring the ocean, Gnaoua spirits, and calligraphy. Prices: 500–20,000 MAD for originals. Galerie Frédéric Damgaard (Rue Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah) — extension of the original, with a focus on emerging artists. L'Arbre Bleu (Rue Agadir) — a gallery-restaurant in a stunning riad, showing contemporary Moroccan and international art. Espace Othello (Place Prince Moulay el-Hassan) — the former Portuguese cistern converted into an exhibition space. The quality is genuine — Essaouira artists are exhibited internationally and collected seriously. Even if you're not buying, the galleries offer a free cultural experience. Most open 10am–1pm and 3pm–7pm. The annual Festival des Arts et de la Culture (October) fills the medina with temporary exhibitions.
Insider tip: Visit Galerie Damgaard first and ask about the self-taught "Essaouira School" painters — their story of discovery by a Danish art dealer is fascinating, and understanding the movement gives context to everything else you see in the town's galleries
3
Argan Oil & Cosmetics Shops
Beauty & Food 30–300 MAD Argan oil, amlou, natural cosmetics
The source region for Morocco's "liquid gold" — Essaouira is at the heart of the argan forest biosphere reserve, and the shops here sell fresher, purer argan oil than anywhere else in Morocco. Two types: cosmetic argan oil (cold-pressed from raw kernels, light golden, nutty scent — for skin, hair, and nails) and culinary argan oil (pressed from roasted kernels, darker, toasty aroma — for salads, couscous, and dipping). Prices: cosmetic oil 150–250 MAD for 250ml, culinary oil 100–180 MAD for 250ml. Amlou (argan oil blended with ground almonds and honey) costs 50–100 MAD per jar — a delicious Berber breakfast spread. The best shops: Cooperative Marjana (Avenue de l'Istiqlal) — women's cooperative with fair trade certification and transparent pricing. La Maison de l'Arganier (Rue Laalouj) — boutique shop with beautifully packaged gift sets. The medina also has natural cosmetics shops selling argan-based soaps (30–50 MAD), shampoos, face creams, and lip balms. Be cautious: diluted or machine-pressed oil is common in tourist shops. Authentic hand-pressed oil has a distinct nutty smell (cosmetic) or toasty roasted aroma (culinary). The color should be light gold (cosmetic) or amber-brown (culinary). If it smells rancid or chemical, it's old or adulterated. Cooperative certification on the bottle is a quality indicator.
Insider tip: Taste before buying culinary argan oil — genuine roasted argan oil has a complex, nutty-sweet flavor similar to hazelnut oil. If it tastes bland or oily without character, it's been diluted with cheaper vegetable oil
4
Gnaoua Music Instruments
Music & Culture 50–2,000 MAD Guembri, krakeb, drums, Gnaoua CDs
Essaouira is the spiritual home of Gnaoua music — a trance tradition rooted in sub-Saharan African spiritual practices brought by enslaved people. The annual Gnaoua World Music Festival (June) is Morocco's biggest music event. The medina has several shops specializing in Gnaoua instruments. The guembri (also sintir) is the signature instrument: a three-stringed bass lute with a camel-skin soundboard and a body carved from a single log. Handmade guembris by master luthiers cost 500–2,000 MAD (tourist versions for 100–300 MAD look similar but sound dead). The krakeb (large metal castanets) are the rhythmic backbone of Gnaoua — a working pair costs 50–150 MAD. Tbel drums (large ceremonial drums) range from 200–800 MAD. Several shops on Rue Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah and in the mellah area specialize in instruments. The best luthiers work in small workshops and can be heard before seen — follow the sound of tuning. Ask the shopkeeper to play — a good guembri has a deep, resonant bass tone that vibrates in your chest. Some shops also sell Gnaoua recordings (CDs 50–100 MAD, vinyl when available). The instruments make extraordinary wall decorations even if you don't play — the guembri is sculptural and the decorated krakeb are works of metal art.
Insider tip: Ask the shopkeeper to play the guembri before you buy — a master-made instrument has a deep, warm resonance that sustains for seconds, while a tourist version sounds flat and thin. The difference is immediately obvious even to non-musicians
5
Silver & Berber Jewelry Quarter
Jewelry 50–3,000 MAD Silver rings, bracelets, Berber fibulae
The jewelry shops clustered around Rue Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah and the mellah (former Jewish quarter) sell traditional Berber silver jewelry — one of Morocco's most distinctive and portable souvenirs. Essaouira has a long jewelry tradition rooted in its Jewish community, which dominated the silver trade until the mid-20th century. Today, Muslim and Jewish-heritage artisans continue the tradition. Key pieces: Berber fibulae (large triangular or circular cloak clasps, 200–1,500 MAD — the most iconic piece of Berber jewelry), silver bracelets (solid silver cuffs 150–500 MAD, hinged bangles 100–300 MAD), rings (50–200 MAD, often set with coral, amber, or amazonite), earrings (80–300 MAD), and pendants (100–500 MAD). Tuareg crosses (southern Moroccan/Saharan tradition) are popular — small crosses 50–150 MAD, large 200–500 MAD. The Tuareg tradition says each cross design represents a different oasis town. Coral and amber are common settings — genuine coral is hard, smooth, and deep red; genuine amber is warm to the touch and floats in salt water. Silver quality: look for the "925" hallmark (sterling silver). Many pieces are "silver alloy" (lower purity) — still attractive but less valuable. Bargaining is expected — start at 50% of asking. The mellah shops tend to have better prices than the touristy medina center.
Insider tip: Visit the silversmiths in the mellah (former Jewish quarter) rather than the main souk — the same quality jewelry costs 30–40% less, and several workshops still operate where you can watch artisans hammer and engrave by hand
6
Medina Souks (Main Market)
General Market 10–1,000 MAD Textiles, leather, ceramics, souvenirs
The compact UNESCO-listed medina of Essaouira has a manageable souk that stretches along two main arteries — Avenue de l'Istiqlal and Rue Mohammed el-Qorri — with side lanes branching into specialized areas. Essaouira's medina is smaller, calmer, and more navigable than Marrakech or Fes — you can explore the entire souk in 2–3 hours without getting lost. The shops sell a mix of local crafts (thuya, argan, art) and general Moroccan goods (leather, textiles, ceramics, metal lanterns). Leather goods: bags (100–500 MAD), belts (50–150 MAD), babouche slippers (60–150 MAD). Textiles: woven blankets and throws (100–400 MAD), embroidered cushion covers (50–200 MAD), cotton scarves (30–80 MAD). Ceramics: Safi pottery (plates 30–150 MAD, tagines 50–200 MAD) — note that Essaouira doesn't produce ceramics locally, so these are imported from Safi or Fes. Metal lanterns (80–500 MAD). Clothing: cotton kaftans (150–400 MAD), djellabas (200–600 MAD). The medina shopkeepers are notably more relaxed than their Marrakech counterparts — gentle persuasion rather than aggressive selling. Prices start lower and bargaining is gentler — expect to pay 60–70% of the initial ask (vs. 40–50% in Marrakech). The medina is car-free and winds are constant — dress in layers. Best shopping: morning (10am–1pm) and late afternoon (4pm–7pm).
Insider tip: The side lanes off Rue Mohammed el-Qorri have smaller, less-visited shops with better prices than the main artery — look for the narrow passages between the main souk stalls that lead to quieter workshops and family-run stores
7
Fishing Port Market
Fresh Seafood 10–100 MAD per portion Fresh grilled fish, seafood platters
Not a shopping destination in the traditional sense — but Essaouira's fishing port is one of Morocco's most vibrant markets and a must-visit experience. The port is a working harbor: blue wooden fishing boats unload their catch throughout the day, and the market stalls sell it minutes later. The seafood variety is extraordinary: sardines, sole, sea bream, sea bass, shrimp, lobster, calamari, oysters, and whatever else the ocean provides that day. The buying ritual: choose your fish from the stalls (fish are displayed on ice with prices per kilo — sardines 15–25 MAD/kg, sole 60–100 MAD/kg, shrimp 80–150 MAD/kg, lobster 150–300 MAD/kg), then take it to the open-air grills behind the market where cooks grill it to order (grilling fee 10–20 MAD per plate). You eat at communal tables with bread, salad, and harissa. The entire meal — choosing, grilling, eating — costs 30–80 MAD per person for a feast of fresh fish. The market atmosphere is photogenic and energetic: seagulls, fish sellers calling prices, cats lurking for scraps, and the blue boats rocking in the harbor. The port is also where you negotiate boat trips to the Île de Mogador. Open daily from 7am, busiest 11am–2pm. Arrive by 11am for the best selection and freshest catch.
Insider tip: Walk past the first row of grill stands (they target tourists with higher prices) to the second and third rows — the same fresh fish, identical grills, but 30–40% cheaper because you're eating where the fishermen eat
8
Place Moulay Hassan Shops
Curated Boutiques 50–3,000 MAD Gifts, design objects, packaged goods
The main square of Essaouira — a wide, tree-shaded plaza surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Place Moulay Hassan is the town's social center and the natural starting point for any shopping expedition. The shops around the square are more curated and tourist-oriented than the souk — prices are higher but the selection is edited and the quality is consistent. Key stops: Co-Op Artisanale (women's cooperative near the clock tower) sells thuya wood, argan products, and textiles at fair, fixed prices — a good benchmark before souk bargaining. The bookshop on the square sells maps, postcards, and books about Essaouira and Morocco. Several design boutiques sell contemporary takes on Moroccan crafts: modern ceramics, textile art, and fashion. The cafés lining the square (Café de France, Taros) have terraces perfect for people-watching between shopping rounds. The square connects directly to the souk (Avenue de l'Istiqlal exits from the north side) and to the fishing port (south side). In the evening, the square transforms into a gathering place with street musicians, especially during the Gnaoua Festival (June). For last-minute gifts, the packaged argan oil, spices, and thuya items in the square shops are convenient and reliably quality — you pay a modest premium for the packaging and location, but the contents are genuine.
Insider tip: The Co-Op Artisanale near the clock tower has fixed prices that serve as a perfect benchmark — check their thuya and argan prices first, then hit the souk knowing exactly what fair value looks like
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I buy in Essaouira?
Essaouira's signature buys: thuya wood items (boxes, chessboards, sculptures — thuya grows only in this region), argan oil (cosmetic and culinary, from local cooperatives), art and paintings (Essaouira has Morocco's strongest gallery scene), Gnaoua music instruments (guembri, krakeb), silver Berber jewelry, and wind-themed crafts. The medina shops are less aggressive than Marrakech, prices are generally 20–40% lower, and the quality of thuya woodwork and argan oil is superior because you're buying at the source.
Is Essaouira good for shopping?
Excellent — and far more pleasant than Marrakech. The medina is compact (UNESCO World Heritage), easy to navigate, and shopkeepers are relaxed and friendly rather than aggressive. Bargaining happens but the starting prices are more reasonable. Essaouira specializes in crafts you can't find elsewhere: thuya wood (unique to this region), Gnaoua instruments, and Atlantic-inspired art. The art gallery scene is the best in Morocco — galleries show contemporary Moroccan and international artists in beautifully restored medina spaces.
Where is the best argan oil in Essaouira?
The women's cooperatives on the road to Marrakech (30–45 minutes east) offer the freshest oil at fair prices (150–250 MAD for 250ml cosmetic oil). In the medina, reputable shops on Avenue de l'Istiqlal and Rue Mohammed el-Qorri sell cooperative-sourced oil. Avoid the cheapest options (below 100 MAD for 250ml) — they're often diluted or machine-pressed. Genuine hand-pressed argan oil has a nutty scent (cosmetic) or a roasted, toasty aroma (culinary). Buy from shops that display cooperative certification.