Location: Essaouira
Top Things to do in Essaouira
10 Things to do in Essaouira That You Shouldn't Miss
Portuguese, French and Berber architecture frame the maze-like streets of Essaouira, a charming and vibrant port and resort town on the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, couples and families stroll the beaches of Cape Sim and Sidi Kaouki, which also attract surfers of all types. Relaxation is easy to find here, as is a bus to Marrakech, for those looking for a daytrip.
Restaurants in Essaouira
1. Cheval Essaouira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
We offers you horseback riding and camels riding In Essaouira and its region. Discover wild and magnificent landscapes, between beaches, dunes and forest for an unforgettable experience! We welcome you all year round in our facilities and make you discover the world of horseback riding. Our stable is located in the village of Diabat, 3 km only from Essaouira’s center. You will find the tradition of Moroccan hospitality, the passion of our profession and the respect of these beautiful Barbs/Arabs horses. A professional team mentors and guides you. Our monitors are graduates of the National Institute of the Horse of Rabat. They speak arabic, french and english. Whether it's an introduction to horseback riding, an upgrade, an improvement, or just a moment of pleasure and fun, they will accompany you totaly safely for your enjoyment. We welcome riders of all ages and levels for lessons, rides on the beach, internship, horseback riding for one to five days, alone or in a group.
Reviewed By Kiwi_Lions - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
We booked a half day trip horse riding with picnic. We were picked up at agreed place (not possible directly where we were staying as we were in the Médina) and taken to the stables. Sa’id was our guide and he was friendly and helpful. We managed to communicate with our limited French and some google translate! We rode along the beach, was given the opportunity to canter and we stopped and took plenty of photos. Sa’id took some with our phones as well as his own. We had a picnic in a eucalyptus grove where Sa’id made a fire and cooked a variety of meats which we had with salad and bread. Before making our way back. The horses are well cared for and well behaved. Staff and friendly. All correspondence to plan trip was good and answered promptly. A great opportunity to see more of the amazing Moroccan countryside and enjoy some Moroccan hospitality. Thanks to all who made it happen. The only slightly sad thing - and this is NO reflection on the operator, is the amount of rubbish you ride past, both on the beach and the dunes. Essaouira needs to have a concerted plastic clean up.
2. Centre d'art Le Real Mogador
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Ex-Consulate of Italy, this riad has unique architectural features for the medina of Essaouira. A visit is required! Real Mogador offers exhibitions of both Moroccan and foreign artists. Said Ouarzaz, an artist of recognized talent (twice exhibited in Arab World Institut (Paris), King museum of Antwerp,... until Singapore & China), is there permanently: a retrospective of more than 100 paintings is in progress; this is THE EXHIBITION TO SEE in Essaouira. Regular performances are announced on Facebook (Francois.j.Real). Music is part of concept & place! Others artists (musicians, actors, writers,...) are often invited. Soon it will be possible to drink coffee, tea,... or eat home mad fresh salads, cakes,...
Reviewed By 173JenniferG - Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Le Real Mogador was the highlight of our visit to Essaouira! It is a stunning building with absolutely beautiful artwork. I went back 2 times within my stay. The owner is lovely and very willing to let us view the unique artwork. A very special experience!
3. Medina of Essaouira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,484 reviews
Dar Zahira is a beautifully restored and charming riad for up to 6 persons. You'll get a private & cosy place for you and your travel companions.
Reviewed By Robinsons33 - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
Always enjoyable to visit the medina Less hassle than in Marrakesh Corona has hit the medina and significant places have ceased trading or closed for reductions of the transmission. Which in turn has increased the poverty a bit but not threatening just quite sad to have been before the pandemic and thoroughly enjoyed every area. There is hope in the town and it’s a beautiful place with friendly people Always happy to return
4. Essaouira Ramparts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,401 reviews
These ramparts provide a glimpse into how this old seaport village was fortified against invasion.
Reviewed By yiannava - Nicosia, Cyprus
A lovely walk along the alleys lead you to the top of the wall to the ramparts , where the original cannons are still to be found there.
5. Essaouira Fishing Port
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,139 reviews
As one of Morocco’s main fishing centers, Essaouira’s port is a major attraction.
Reviewed By Wrappo - Worthing, United Kingdom
This is one place you need to visit as all the elements of Essaouira come together with fish the restaurants and people come together The catch of the day is sold and the people come here to buy and socialise. the effect is magical althoug be careful of the ever present gulls.Bream shark prawns lobster langostines plus many other species I could not identify.
6. Le Souk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By RaihanaR - Malaysia, null
We were staying inside the medina where the souk is located. Hence it was easy for us to walk around back to back to the souk. It is a large place and selling lots of stuff mostly local things. Cafes, spices, ceramics, carpets, leather, shoe, slippers, jewellery, argan oil, fruits, etc..You name it, Le Souk got it! Bargain is a must here and most people are friendly enough to give your prices.
7. Festival Gnaoua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Touted as an “African Woodstock” on its official website, the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival is about more than just the music. Bringing together indigenous Gnauoua musicians with renowned artists from all over the world, the festival celebrates the importance of music as a tool to preserve heritage and culture.
8. Galerie la Kasbah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
In a beautiful restaured 18th century Riad, Galerie la Kasbah offers its visitors one of the most prestigious art show in all its aspects. Spread over an area of 4300 square feet on the ground floor, including eleven halls, each one represents more than three artists with different schools of art: Realism, Abstract, impressionism, surrealism, symbolism, and calligraphy. Not to mention the Souiri artists whose art is very special (naïve) and have very well succeeded such as Tabal, Bouslai, Atrach, Ali Maimoun, Erraad, Talbi and many others. For lovers of artisanal art (furniture, sculptures, pottery, Zelligs, the first and the second floors display wonderful pieces of art. Galerie la Kasbah has its own collection of 22 artists who passed away that dedicated their life for arts, the collection is at the disposal of experts in plastic art.
Reviewed By 194dannm - Biloxi, United States
This is one of the most interesting places that I have visited in about a dozen countries on 6 continents. I say "place" because it is hard to fit it into a single category: mainly it is a cross between a museum and an arts/cultural artifacts gallery, housed in a fascinating, beautifully preserved, classical Moroccan structure that I learned was once the family home of the three brothers who are the proprietors. The other reviews mention that you can browse at your leisure, with staff available to answer questions. Absolutely true. There is no pressure to buy anything, and a complete willingness to answer questions. I took a brief look in one morning to see if it was worth more time, and brought my wife back the next day. I made it clear that at our age buying was not in the program; we should be unloading rather than adding to our possessions (all true, or so I thought at the time). Absolutely no problem there, I was told. Take your time, feel free to go anywhere and ask anything. So we did, for maybe 3-4 hours. The range of material is impressive, the quality almost uniformly high or better. In the process of looking I was gobsmacked by two pieces. I was severely conflicted: I really didn't want to buy anything; and I didn't want to leave without these. I had a long debate with myself;. My wife and the co-owner with whom we had been speaking were no help -- they had taken me at my word (as I had up to then) that I was not going to be buying anything. It was my dilemma, and they were not going to push one way or the other. (I have been in the collectibles business, and was a terrible salesman. My philosophy was that the item will sell itself to the right person. The proprietors of this gallery seem to share that philosophy, which I appreciated. After the routine hard-sell of the souks throughout Morocco, this was especially welcome.) Ultimately, I decided to buy the two items, and they are now hanging in the entrance hall of our house. We were near the end of our Morocco vacation, and had run our cash down to the point that some of the purchase had to be made with plastic. No problem; and a fair exchange rate to boot. Rather than lug our items with us for two days and then subject them to the vagaries of airline checked luggage, we asked the gallery to FedEx them to us. Again, no problem. Packing was expert; delivery was prompt. I should add that I had a chance for extended conversation with two of the brother/owners. These are sophisticated, highly intelligent men, and making their acquaintance was a privilege. I would love to have had more time to get to know them better. If you are in Essaouira (which you should be for at least a couple of days if you visit Morocco), you would be making a serious mistake not to spend at least several hours here. And if you seriously do not want to buy anything, leave your cash and cards at the hotel to make it just a little harder to give in should the urge arise.
9. Essaouira Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,919 reviews
Reviewed By danielsN5096BC - Mevagissey, United Kingdom
Lovely place to walk along and watch the world go by. They play football there, horse ride, camel ride, hangout and much more... Def go, to get away from the madness of the medina. Stroll along and take in the clean air ????
10. Essaouira Fish Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 189 reviews
Local fishermen sell their fresh catch at this market each morning.
Reviewed By Q7161XPmarkw
The fish market at Essaouira is an amazing place. Muddy, chaotic, bustling, it is a wonderful assault on all your sense!. Countless species of fish and other marine creatures (sea urchins, oysters, sea snails, limpets, etc.) are brought in by the local fishermen fresh each day. You can buy almost any type of seafood you desire and there are several little stands that will cook your purchase on the spot. We ate lunch there three times during our visit – fresh oysters and sea urchin, grilled sardines, grilled sea bream, eel and several other fish I had never heard of. Truly a great experience and the highlight of our trip to Morocco.
