The Best Things To Do In Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is an escape from the chaos of other Moroccan towns with a seaside vibe that has a relaxed charm and plenty of character. Here are the best things to do in Essaouira.

By: Mark Barnes | Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Essaouira shot to fame thanks to Game of Thrones, with the walled seaside port providing all the old-world mystery required.

But this windy escape on the Atlantic Ocean is more than a picture-postcard view of honey-coloured stone walls dotted with bobbling blue boats. It’s one of the most mesmerising places in Morocco.

The medina buzzes with energy but without the intensity of Fez or Marrakech. Local markets favour a traditional way of life, and while you can still pick up all the Moroccan crafts that tourists love, you can do so with much less hassle. Through a wall of seagulls, the port sings to the hubbub of fishermen hauling in the morning’s catch.

Beneath the energy, a chilled vibe spreads throughout the small town. Art galleries are hidden down narrow side streets, and cafes line shaded pavements.

It’s a mile away from the chaos of other Moroccan cities, and all the better for it.

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Essaouira Map

To help you navigate the windy seaside resort, use our map of Essaouira which contains all the highlights we mentioned in this guide.

Click on the top right corner to open our map in your Google Maps app. Click the star next to the title to save it to your Google account.

What to Do in Essaouira

1. Wander the Essaouira Medina

The small laneways of Essaouira are charming and atmospheric, with a blend of local and tourist haunts that fit together perfectly.

It’s not as crazy as the exotic medina of Fez, and it doesn’t have the big attractions of Marrakech, but there is plenty to enjoy in the unique Essaouira way.

Head up to the northern end of Avenue Mohammed Zerktouni, stroll through Souk Joutiya, the local flea market. This is where locals do their shopping.

Vast quantities of fresh fish accompany a staggering array of exotic seasonal fruit. Go in the morning for the best atmosphere.

In the west of the medina, the Skala de la Ville protects Essaouira from the Atlantic. The views from its fortress-like walls are excellent.

There is a woodworker’s market, selling all sorts of practical (and not so practical) goods, tucked just underneath.

2. Visit the Fish Auction at Skala du Port

Just beyond the southern gate of the medina lies the bustling harbour, Skala du Port, one of the iconic places to visit in Essaouira.

Hundreds of blue boats bob up and down in the small harbour, nestled against the honey-coloured walls of the ramparts.

Each day, they make the journey into the Atlantic to return packed with fish. In the afternoon, the fish auction takes place, where you can haggle for the day’s catch.

With the vibrant banter of the market as the sun sets over the marina, it’s one of the most magical things to do in Essaouira.

Look through the huge medina gateway, and you’ll most likely recognise the location from Game of Thrones, featuring the old city wall and the large tower.

3. Stroll the Ramparts

The huge stone wall circling Essaouira was built in the 18th century to protect the city from foreign invaders.

Today, walking along the ramparts, particularly at sunset, is one of the best things to do in Essaouira.

The ramparts were designed by French architect Théodore Cornut, and it’s not hard to see the connection with imperial-looking defensive stations and prominent arches.

There are great views across to the medina and out to the ocean. Artists and craft vendors often set up stalls on the ramparts, adding a splash of colour to the stone walls.

4. Peruse Essaouira’s Thriving Art Scene

For decades, Essaouira has attracted artists from all over Morocco, lured by the unique light and colour of the ancient medina.

There are numerous galleries dotted about town dedicated to the local flair for creativity.

We loved the paintings and sculptures in Galerie Espace Othello, which span a broad range of artistic styles.

Galerie Damgaard is a bright, colourful space dedicated to local artists and is well worth a visit to see what is on show.

The Institut Francais often has free rotating exhibitions set in a beautiful building.

essaouira morocco 19 — Institut Francais

essaouira morocco 21 — Institut Francais

5. Kite Surf on Essaouira Beach

There is a fierce wind that rushes off the Atlantic and batters Essaouira relentlessly. There are not many days you can lie on the beach without being sandblasted.

Instead, rent kite-surfing equipment and head out for a different Essaouira Beach experience.

Several places in Essaouira offer private and group kitesurfing lessons, located along the front. Alternatively, this 2-hour surf lesson is a great way to take a break from the medina.

Horse riding and camel tours are also popular from the beach.

6. Enjoy Essaouira’s Unique Food Offerings

Essaouira has a vibrant food scene that preserves traditional Moroccan cooking methods while also stepping away from tagine occasionally. Here are some recommendations from us.

Mandala Society – This cool venue, decorated with vintage books and intellectual/philosophical writings, serves up the best breakfast in town. Grab an Orwell or Dostoevsky and graze on homemade muesli, avocado on toast and fresh fruit salads. The coffee is the best we had in Morocco.

Triskala Café – Sit at the tables on the pavement outside or huddle in one of the nooks and crannies in the higgledy-piggledy interior. Traditional Moroccan cuisine is flavoursome and sumptuous, and changes daily.

The LOFT – This little restaurant, fitted out using reclaimed wood and vintage furniture, has an excellent and diverse menu. Moroccan-inspired pasta, fresh fish and creative meat dishes occupy the menu, while 60’s memorabilia and gadgets occupy the walls. Go early or book in advance.

7. Take a Slow Drink in Essaouira

One of the best things to do in Essaouira is absolutely nothing.

Find a quiet spot, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere of this refreshingly relaxing Moroccan town. Here are some of our favourites.

Café l’Esprit – A tiny café tucked into the narrow lanes below the towering medina walls, Café l’Esprit is a great spot for afternoon tea. Grab one of the simple wooden tables and chairs that spill onto the pavement and chat to Anis, the super-friendly owner.

Yoo Healthy Food – If you have your daily sugar intake from too many cups of mint team, head to Yoo and try out their local fruit juices, yoghurts and smoothies. It’s a cute colourful café also serving sandwiches and salads with vegetarian and vegan options.

Taros – As the evening comes around, the best thing to do in Essaouira is to score a spot on the terrace at Taros. Pull up a seat, order a cocktail and join the storks to watch the setting sun light up the medina walls before dipping into the sea.

Planning & Logistics

Where to Stay?

There’s a growing selection of accommodation options to suit every budget in Essaouira. While it’s fast becoming a settle-down place for digital nomads, there are still plenty of cool riads and modern apartments.

Riad Dar Awail – Perfectly located just inside the medina, this cosy riad has lovely rooms overlooking a peaceful courtyard. A shared terrace upstairs is a great place to either begin the day with breakfast or cool down in the evening.

Chems Bleu – A light and airy house in a perfect location just inside the medina walls. Enjoy the best of Essaouira with the help of the friendly staff. Breakfast is served on the terrace with superb Atlantic views.

Résidence Louzani – These large modern apartments close to the beach have a kitchen, TV and balcony. A shared terrace with beach loungers has great views of the beach. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the medina and is spotlessly clean. Free parking is available on the street

Getting There

Essaouira has a small airport with flights from Casablanca, Bordeaux, and Paris, but most travellers visit on a road trip around Morocco.

The two nearest large airports are Agadir and Marrakech.

By Car – Essaouira is a 2-hour 45-minute drive from Marrakech and 3 hours 20 from Agadir on easy paved roads. Read our driving in Morocco guide to see if hiring a car is the right way to go for you.

By Bus – Regular buses run from Casablanca (7 hours), Marrakech (3 hours, 30 minutes) and Agadir (2 hours, 30 minutes hrs) and arrive at the Essaouira bus station – a 10-minute walk north of town. Supratous (run by ONCF, the national rail network) also provides comfortable coaches from Marrakech train station, but book in advance at peak times.

Day Trip to Essaouira

Essaouira is one of our favourite places in Morocco. It’s relaxed and interesting, and the restaurants serve delicious Moroccan cuisine.

We’d recommend unwinding here for at least a few days.

However, if time is of the essence, Essaouira can be done on a day trip from Marrakech. Read our guide to spending 3 days in Marrakech to help with your planning.

This day trip from Marrakech includes hotel pick-up.

Best Time to Visit Essaouira

The best time to visit Essaouira is between May and September when the south Atlantic breeze keeps the temperatures much more bearable than other Moroccan cities. Average summer temperatures are around 28°C (82°F).

July and August are peak periods for local tourists escaping the gruelling heat of the main cities, driving accommodation prices higher. It’s also the windiest time.

Heavy rain is rare in Essaouira, but drizzly days, particularly throughout January and February, are not.

Average winter temperatures are around 19°C (66°F), making Essaouira a potential destination for sun; however, strong winds can often make it feel much colder.

Our preferred time is May and late September to early October, when the wind is least fierce and the temperatures are pleasant. This is a great time to stroll the medina and catch sunset drinks from a rooftop.