Essaouira has long been a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits. The UNESCO-listed medina is compact and easy to navigate, the seafood is the freshest in Morocco, and the Atlantic breeze provides welcome relief from the inland heat.
Getting There: Regular buses and shared grands taxis from Marrakech take about 3 hours. The Supratours bus is comfortable and costs around 80 MAD. Private transfers are available for 800-1,200 MAD.
The Medina: Unlike the overwhelming souks of Marrakech or Fes, Essaouira's medina is calm and grid-like, laid out by a French architect in the 18th century. The ramparts offer spectacular Atlantic views.
Seafood: The port fish market is a daily spectacle. Choose your fish and have it grilled on the spot for 50-100 MAD. For a sit-down experience, Restaurant Le Chalet de la Plage serves the best seafood in town.
Art & Music: Essaouira's artistic heritage runs deep. Jimi Hendrix visited in 1969, and the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival draws 500,000+ visitors each June. Galleries dot the medina year-round.
Wind Sports: The Alize trade winds make Essaouira one of Africa's premier windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations. The best season is April to November, with rental shops and schools along the beach.
Day Trips: The surrounding countryside offers argan forest walks, visits to women's cooperatives, and the ruins of the Sultan's palace at Diabat, where Hendrix allegedly found inspiration.
Written by
Leila Benani
Marrakech native and former Lonely Planet contributor. Speaks Arabic, French, English, and Amazigh.
