Essaouira Holidays

Where the Sahara meets the sea, this laidback surf town is bursting with colourful souks, ancient ramparts, and a whole lot of salty, sea-splashed soul.

Highlights

• 🎨 UNESCO-listed medina packed with blue-and-white buildings and artsy boutiques

• 🏄‍♂️ Windswept beaches perfect for kitesurfing, camel rides, or just a chilled-out sunbathe

• 🐪 Camel treks and quad biking across golden dunes just outside the city

• 🎶 Gnawa music and chilled Moroccan vibes, with less hustle than Marrakech

Getting around

Essaouira is a compact and walkable city, especially in the old medina where cars aren’t allowed – perfect for a city break The main bus station is close to town, and there are frequent buses to Marrakech (approx. 3 hours). For local travel, petit taxis are cheap and easy to find. Fancy a beach hop? Grab a shared taxi or arrange a tour to the nearby countryside or hidden beaches like Sidi Kaouki.

Things to do for families in Essaouira

Essaouira is a brilliant pick for families wanting a mix of culture, nature, and seaside fun. Start with a wander through the medina, where the souks are calmer than other cities – think colourful ceramics, musical instruments, and handmade toys. The beach is long, wide, and perfect for sandcastle-making and paddling, with shallow waters and plenty of space for games. Older kids (and parents!) can try camel rides or horse treks along the dunes, or even beginner surf lessons with local schools. For a dose of history, the old Skala fortifications offer stunning sea views and real-life Game of Thrones vibes. And don't miss a visit to the Essaouira fish market, where you can pick your catch and have it grilled on the spot – super fresh and interactive.

Things to do for couples in Essaouira

Whether you're loved-up newlyweds or just fancy some sun-soaked romance, Essaouira sets the mood. Start your days slow with a Moroccan breakfast on a rooftop terrace, then get blissfully lost in the medina’s maze of artisan shops, art galleries, and secret courtyards. Walk hand-in-hand along the ramparts, or get windswept (in the good way) on a horseback ride along the beach at sunset. Want to unwind? Try a traditional hammam experience with couples’ massages – steamy, spicy, and utterly relaxing. As the sky turns pink, grab a glass of mint tea or local wine at a rooftop bar and watch the sun dip behind the Atlantic. No itinerary, no pressure – just vibes.

Things to do for groups in Essaouira

If you're heading to Essaouira with your mates, there’s more than enough to keep the good times rolling. Kick things off with surf or kitesurf lessons – the strong coastal winds make this one of Morocco’s top spots. Prefer four wheels? Quad bike tours through the dunes are an adrenaline-packed alternative. The medina’s full of quirky shops, perfect for group souvenir-hunting (or dressing each other in head-to-toe Moroccan fashion, no judgment). Come evening, head to a live music venue for a mix of Gnawa beats and cool cocktails, or try a group cooking class to master tagines and pastilla together. Want to get out of town? Day trips to Sidi Kaouki beach or a Berber village are easy to arrange – grab a guide and go!

Things to do for foodies in Essaouira

Get ready for a culinary joyride, because Essaouira serves up the flavours of Morocco with a seaside twist. Head to the harbour for the freshest seafood, where you can handpick your fish and have it grilled right there – the sardines are a must. Wander the medina for street food like msemen (Moroccan pancakes), briouats (savoury pastries), and argan oil drizzled over just about everything. Fancy levelling up? Book a cooking class with a local chef, where you’ll shop in the souk for ingredients before learning to make a slow-cooked lamb tagine. Sweet tooths, rejoice – chebakia (sesame and honey pastries) and sticky dates are everywhere. And for drinks? Try Moroccan wine (yes, it’s a thing) or a classic mint tea poured with flair. Bon appétit, or should we say… bssaha!