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Top 10 Things to do in Essaouira
Located about 2.5 hours west of Marrakech is the darling coastal town of Essaouira (pronounced sweera, essa-weera, or es-sweera depending on who you talk to). Expats from all over the world have flocked to this peaceful place to open colorful riads and lively restaurants. They tell stories of visiting once and falling in love with Essaouira and subsequently purchasing a one-way ticket. And once you visit, you’ll understand why.
While the old town of Essaouira is situated directly on the water, you wouldn’t even know it as it is enclosed by towering fort walls that once defended the city. But climb to the rooftop of one of the many terrace restaurants and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the sea and bright blue fishing boats docked at the port.
Essaouira is known as the ‘Windy City of Africa’ so don’t expect to have a relaxing time lounging on the beach while you’re here. The coastal wind – named alizee – makes this the perfect place to learn to kite surf, but you’re likely to get a mouthful of sand if you attempt to do any sunbathing. Instead, spend your days shopping in the souk, sipping tea on the rooftop terraces, and enjoying late evenings filled with wine and live music.
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Essaouira, Morocco
1. Stay in a Luxurious Villa
Located about 15 minutes outside of the old city of Essaouira, surrounded by beautiful lush gardens, you’ll find your own little paradise at the Villa Anouk. When you arrive you will be greeted by the hilarious and outgoing owner, Anouk, and an amazing and attentive crew. Anouk has brought her amazing New York sense of style to Morocco to create an Instagrammer’s dream!
Lush carpets, drapery, and cushions create an inviting living area while the stone walls and crosshatched ceiling give it a rustic feel. Guests will absolutely love the vast outdoor areas for practicing morning yoga or simply lounging in the sun while reading a book. The indoor pool is perfect for a dip when the afternoon sun is at it’s height.
Each room is uniquely decorated with ornate woodwork, brass fixtures, traditional bedding, and every amenity you could wish for. Some rooms offer private balconies with outdoor showers and others have a gorgeous clawfoot bathtub surrounded by candles for the perfect relaxing evening. Every room is stunningly beautiful in it’s own way.
2. Try Camel Milk Cheese
Just outside of the city, located along the road to Villa Anouk is a small restaurant and cheese farm called La Fromagerie. It’s the perfect place to sit outside in the sunshine while enjoying different cheeses made from the milk of a variety of animals.
If you’ve never tried camel cheese you absolutely must! It’s similar to goat cheese in texture and flavor and served in several different ways so you can get the most out of your tasting experience.
Be sure to try the cheese and kofta tajine with a glass of local red wine. Plan on spending a few hours in the beautiful outdoor seating area, basking in the sun and savoring every course. And if you’re lucky, you may get to see a few brand new baby camels!
3. Walk Along the City Walls of Essaouira
The thick walls surrounding the medina of Essaouira were constructed in the late 18th century to defend this coastal town from invasion. But commercial trade soon became what this area was most known for as it linked Morocco and the Sahara with Europe and the rest of the world. The walls have remained and have been well-preserved as the medina was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
Climb the walkway to the top of the ramparts to admire views of the sea while soaking in the history of this massive fort. It’s amazing that they have withstood the test of time even with the continual pounding of the ocean waves.
4. Find the Best Essaouira City Views
For an entrance fee of just 10 Dhs you can get one of the best views of the old city in all of Essaouira from the Skala du Port.
The small circular portal in the wall is picture perfect and even has steps to help you to get into position. After snapping a few photos, climb the stairs to watch the bustling port from above. The views of the blue fishing boats below while birds fly overhead are truly stunning.
Afterward head to the seafood stalls located nearby where you can see the daily catches and choose which one you’d like thrown on the grill. Ali at stall #33 is super friendly and not as pushy as some of the other vendors.
5. Befriend a Camel on the Beach
While the beach in Essaouira isn’t exactly ideal for sunbathing, it is great for taking long walks, watching the kite surfers, befriending the local horses and camels, and taking a ride on an ATV. When you exit the medina near the port, you’ll see the beach stretching out for miles in front of you. Far in the distance you’ll likely see several kites skirting across the ocean – head that way. There you’ll find a plethora of activities to keep you occupied.
Moroccan men offering rides on camels, horses, and ATVs will descend on you once you get close. We prefer to stick to riding ATVs over cute animals, but that’s up to your personal preference. You can opt for a short ride along the beach or a longer one through the small sand dunes. Be sure to negotiate the price before hopping on.
6. Marvel at the Performers in Essaouira’s Central Square
Sit at one of the many outdoor restaurants that line the main square or enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace at Taros to watch the action from above. Throughout the day you’ll see live music, acrobatics, clowns, and other talented people trying to make a few dirhams. Taros is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset but be sure to bring a jacket!
7. Shop Till You Drop
The shops that line the alleyways of the old city of Essaouira carry (almost) everything that you’ll find in Fes and Marrakech. However the store owners tend to be far less aggressive in their techniques to coerce you into buying.
Leather bags, shoes, and cushions spill out into the alleyways and plush Berber carpets hang from the walls. Spices delight your senses and blankets in every size and color make the perfect gift for your friends back home. The shop directly across the alley from the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum has a large selection of quality leather goods and they are happy to bargain with you. Plan on spending about 300 Dhs for a large leather “poof” like this one:
If you’d rather wait to buy a leather poof until you get home, Amazon has options that can be shipped directly to your home.
8. Learn to Kite Surf
The strong wind coupled with the sandy shore of Essaouira create the perfect conditions to learn a new sport – kite surfing! Explora Watersports offers lessons in a private, semi-private, or group setting depending on your comfort level. You can customize the length of your lesson as well. Their trained experts will teach you the basics so you feel confident getting in the water and giving it a try.
If kite surfing isn’t your thing, you can also rent regular surf boards and stand-up paddle boards with wetsuits for alternative water adventures. You’ll probably want a wetsuit no matter what time of year you visit.
After you’re done surfing make sure to check out Ocean Vagabond for some true surfer vibes while drinking a beer and watching the sunset over the Atlantic. It’s one of the most popular hangout spots in Essaouira with locals and tourists alike!
9. Eat all the Moroccan Sweets
Moroccans have one hell of a sweet tooth. Ending most every meal with a delicious pastry and a few cups of sugary sweet mint tea, it’s impossible not to develop one as well while you’re here. Wander around the streets of Essaouira’s medina and you’ll find countless stalls selling typical Moroccan sweets, creamy gelato, chocolaty crepes, and everything in-between.
Right off of the central square you can’t help but stop at the window of Patisserie Driss as it showcases the most decadent looking little goodies. Pick out a few “petits fours aux choix” to enjoy with a cup of coffee to satisfy that sweet craving!
And don’t leave Essaouira without making a stop at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Patachou in the New City to try their mouthwatering desserts and freshly baked bread. Enjoy one while you’re there and take a few to go to enjoy later.
10. Dine on Delicious Food While Listening to Live Music
Essaouira is quite the popular hangout for up-and-coming musicians and you’ll find live music, not only in the central square, but also in many bars and restaurants around the medina. In fact, Jimi Hendrix himself fell in love with Essaouira when he visited in the summer of 1969.
Be sure to enjoy a delicious meal at Le Sirocco which offers both Moroccan and French cuisine while a talented man with a guitar and a microphone serenades you. It’s the perfect relaxing ambiance for a wonderful night out in this darling little town.
And no visit to Essaouira is complete without a night of dinner and entertainment at the Caravane Cafe! It’s wildly entertaining and will make for an unforgettable evening. Book a reservation for dinner at 8:30pm to ensure you get a table. It’s certainly one of the top things to do in Essaouira!
Credit © To wanderingwheatleys
Casablanca Tours
What To Know About Morocco
Morocco Classic Tours
Address: 86 Lot Hiba, 30000, Morocco
Phone: +212 613-504732
Email: moroccoclassictours@gmail.com
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