Essaouira holidays

How to reach Essaouira

Flight time: Direct flights to Essaouira from London take around 3 hours and 40 minutes. From other UK airports there are some direct flights, but it's more common to find options with a connection in London or another European hub. Flying into airports such as Marrakesh, then making your way to Essaouira by bus, is another alternative.

Transfer time: From Essaouira-Mogador Airport to the city centre takes about 20 to 30 minutes by "grand taxi", which is the most convenient option. Some hotels can organise a shuttle bus, so check on this when booking accommodation. Local buses take 30 minutes into town, but don't leave from the airport, instead on the main road quite a walk away.

Price: Taxis to Essaouira cost from around Dh150 (£12), depending on your negotiating skills. Shuttle services usually cost a bit more. The local bus is cheap, at around Dh10 (£0.80).

Best time to visit Essaouira

Essaouira enjoys a mild climate all year round, making it a fantastic holiday spot regardless of the season. However, this area is known for its strong winds, especially in summer, which are ideal for watersports like windsurfing but may make lounging on the beach less comfortable. Here’s what to expect from each season.

April to June is spring in Essaouira, with pleasant temperatures of around 18°C to 23°C. Rainfall is minimal and there's plenty of sunshine, making it a great time to explore the Medina or enjoy the beaches before the summer winds arrive.

July to September is peak tourist season. While temperatures aren't scorching like further inland, you can expect average daily highs of 25°C to 28°C, while rain is nearly non-existent. However, the infamous “alizee” winds pick up – perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but not for sunbathing.

October to November sees fewer tourists in the shoulder season, enjoying cooler temperatures from 18°C to 24°C. There is still lots of sunshine, but the occasional rain shower refreshes the air.

December to March is winter, but it’s still relatively warm compared to the UK, with daytime temperatures of 15°C to 20°C. Sunshine hours drop to around 5–6 per day and rainfall increases slightly.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Arabic and Berber are Morocco's main languages, but French is also widely spoken. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, shops and restaurants.

• Local habits and customs: Essaouira is known for being relaxed and friendly, but it's best to dress modestly in public places, particularly away from beach areas. Be mindful of local etiquette when visiting mosques, other religious sites or traditional neighbourhoods – both men and women are best off covering their shoulders and knees. While haggling is expected in markets, politeness and patience are key to successful negotiation.

• Currency: The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (Dh). ATMs are widely available in Essaouira and most larger establishments accept major debit or credit cards. However, it's worth carrying some cash for local shops or restaurants and smaller vendors.

• Getting around: The Medina is entirely pedestrianised, so exploring is easy on foot. For longer trips within the town there are "petit taxis", or if you plan to venture further afield, buses and shared "grand taxis" are reliable and inexpensive.

• Electricity and plug types: Morocco uses a standard voltage of 220V, with Euro-type C and E round-pin plugs. UK visitors will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Morocco operates on Central European Time (CET), GMT+1.

Best things to do in Essaouira

With its stunning coastal scenery and relaxed vibe, Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most popular resorts. From its historic ramparts to the lively souks and beautiful beaches, there’s a wealth of activities that will appeal to all types of traveller.

The best districts

• The Medina: Essaouira’s Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its narrow alleyways, vibrant souks and the walls surrounding the old town. The whitewashed houses with blue shutters provide iconic Moroccan scenes, while the lively markets are perfect for picking up spices, jewellery and artisanal goods.

• The Port: One of the busiest spots in Essaouira, Morocco's third largest port is alive with the activities of fishermen and boatbuilders. You can watch the daily catch being brought in and even sample some of the freshest seafood right by the water.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Skala de la Ville: A walk along the ramparts to the circular North Bastion is perfect for the views and photography, as fortified walls – with a fine collection of cannons – offer stunning panoramas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Medina below.

• Skala du Port: Climb the ramparts of this fort to enjoy excellent views of the port and the ocean. It’s a popular spot for history buffs and photographers alike.

Day trips in the area

• Sidi Kaouki: Just a 30-minute drive south, this beach is another hotspot for windsurfers and kitesurfers, with strong winds almost all year round. If watersports aren’t your thing, it’s also a great spot to relax or explore on horseback.

• Imsouane: Known for its long, slow-breaking waves, Imsouane is a surfer’s paradise located about an hour south of Essaouira. The laid-back vibe and stunning beaches make it perfect for a day of surf and sun.

• Cap Sim Dunes: South of the city, the dunes of Cap Sim provide a peaceful escape into nature. The area is perfect for a day trip, where you can enjoy long walks along the beach or even a ride on the back of a camel.

Activities for families in Essaouira

Essaouira holidays offer plenty of activities for families, making it a fantastic destination if you're travelling with children.

• Horse and camel riding: The southern end of Essaouira’s beach is dotted with camel guides offering rides along the dunes. There are also several equestrian centres offering horse-riding treks through the nearby forests, dunes and beaches.

• Woodcarving workshops: Some of the workshops in the Medina offer demonstrations of traditional Moroccan crafts. It’s a fascinating experience for children to see how intricate marquetry work is created, and to get involved themselves.

Free things to do in Essaouira

You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy Essaouira's charm, as there are plenty of activities and events that allow you to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere for free.

• The beaches: The long beach to the south of town extends for miles, with plenty of space to run around and play games such as football. You can also ride camels at the southern end. Plage de Safi, just to the north of Essaouira, has miles more empty sand with calm water.

• Music performances: If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, you can enjoy live music throughout the city. The festival attracts musicians from all over the world for free performances in various open-air venues.

Wellness in Essaouira

• Spas and hammams: For a traditional Moroccan experience, try one of the local hammams. The city's beach hotels, such as Le Médina Essaouira, also feature luxurious spas where you can indulge in relaxing treatments.

• Yoga and meditation: Yoga centres and wellness retreats have started to emerge in Essaouira, with classes often held by the beach, with the soothing sound of the waves in the background. Some hotels and riads also offer yoga packages combining meditation with spa treatments for a holistic escape.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Watersports: Thanks to the constant winds off the Atlantic, especially the “alizee” in the summer, Essaouira is a world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. Conditions are ideal for beginners due to the wide, shallow shoreline, but stronger winds further out to sea make it also enjoyable for the more experienced. Head to the beach and you’ll find several schools offering lessons for all levels.

• Birdwatching: Nature lovers should aim for Île de Mogador, the largest island off Essaouira’s coast and now a nature reserve. Home to the rare Eleonora’s falcon during the summer months, if you bring your own binoculars you can enjoy watching these majestic birds from the beach. The nearby dunes and valleys have their own birds to seek out.

Local dishes in Essaouira

With its coastal location, this area of Morocco offers a delightful blend of traditional cuisine alongside plenty of fresh local seafood. Here are some of the dishes you should try on your holidays to Essaouira:

Some typical dishes

• Tagine: This iconic Moroccan slow-cooked stew is cooked in a tagine – a dish with a conical lid – and is a staple across the country. Made with vegetables and chicken, lamb or beef, often with olives or dried fruit plus spices like cumin and saffron for flavour, they’re eaten with bread.

• Couscous: Morocco's most famous dish, Couscous is a fluffy grain served with vegetables, chickpeas and your choice of lamb, beef or chicken, all topped with a rich broth. At home, it's traditionally eaten on Fridays and on special occasions.

• Harira: A fragrant soup of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and spices, it's available year-round, but is traditionally eaten to break the fast during Ramadan.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sardines: Known for its busy fishing port, Essaouira is famous for its sardines, usually grilled and seasoned with salt and lemon juice.

• Seafood Pastilla: This twist on the traditional Moroccan pastilla (pigeon or chicken pie in delicate layers of filo pastry) is a sweet and savoury pastry filled with seafood, almonds and spices.

• Fish Tagine: This local variation combines the usual tagine preparation with freshly caught fish, often served with tomatoes, olives and potatoes.

Sweets and desserts

• Chebakia: A deep-fried dough soaked in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. It’s often served during Ramadan but can be found year-round.

• M’hanncha: Another must-try, this snake-shaped pastry is filled with almond paste and flavoured with orange blossom.

Local drinks

• Mint tea: Made from green tea and fresh mint, this classic Moroccan drink is served with meals everywhere, or as a welcome gesture.

• Fresh fruit juices: Fresh orange juice is a popular choice at cafés and street stalls, but you can also find watermelon, pomegranate and mixed fruit options in the summer months.