It’s the city of trade winds, a symbol of brotherhood, a port city, a medina protected by fortifications, and so much more, but it’s also the capital of Gnaoua music, a crossroads of cultures and spiritualities. A surf spot and hippie haven, Essaouira checks many boxes. Another great reason to visit: the Moga Festival from the 2nd to the 6th of October, 2024.
What we love to do there:
- Get lost in the alleysof the medina.
- Be enchanted by the sound of seagulls.
- Walk in the footsteps of Orson Welles.
- View the ocean from Cannon Square.
- Dream while gazing at the horizon.
- Take Instagram-worthy selfies!
- Eat freshly caught fish.
- Walk on the beach before the wind picks up.
- Visit Bird Island
- ave lunch with your feet in the sand
- Take time to marvel at the little things in life.
My must-visits: ESSAOUIRA
Chez Sam
It used to be at the far end of the port. Today, it’s in the medina near Bab Sbaâ. The address has changed, but the place remains just as iconic. It’s a city institution.
Is the reputation overrated? Yes, perhaps a little, but it doesn’t matter much. The food is good. The fish is ultra-fresh. The cooking is masterful. The service is smooth and friendly. What more could you ask for?
Pâtisserie Driss
This is the legendary pastry shop of the city. It’s tiny — so tiny that you wonder how so many things can fit in it. They offer all the Moroccan pastry classics. My guilty pleasures: almond paste and jam biscuits that taste and feel like childhood. And you always leave with a box (or two) in your suitcase.
Bayt Dakira
A unique and powerful place that celebrates Morocco’s diversity and the rich history of Essaouira. Nestled in a narrow alley of the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter of Essaouira, the House of Memory of Essaouira highlights the serene and peaceful coexistence between communities. A “Salam Lekoulam, Shalom Alaykoum” on a wall sums up the spirit of this magical place.
Above all, it is a place that does not aim to be merely nostalgic. It is a place that reminds us of our responsibility to write our future as one of coexistence. The small synagogue at the entrance has been renovated, so it is not a museum-like static place but a living space– a place for the future.
Maison Jadis
This vintage café is probably the prettiest shop in town. Beautiful, delicate, unique. Everything we love! It’s curated with taste, intelligence, and sensibility. You can feel that it took time — time to discover these wonders. Each object, each piece of furniture, seems to whisper a story to us. It makes you want to buy lovely pieces for your home. It makes you want to take care of your home to takethat precious time.
Histoire de Filles
This is very well-thought-out concept store, mainly for clothes and accessories.
It also has some great gift ideas. I bet you won’t leave empty-handed!
Where to eat: ESSAOUIRA
Dar Baba ESSAOUIRA
This is one of the coolest places in town with its stunning decor with pop and seventies accents by John Quinn, a trendy decorator and Essaouira resident for 25 years. It has a lovely menu of shared dishes and bold cocktails, all set to a great soundtrack. A pleasant evening — guaranteed.
Address: 2 Rue de Marrakech, Essaouira
Phone: 06 29 65 22 68
Il Mare ESSAOUIRA
This is undoubtedly the best spot to admire the ramparts at sunset. You can spend hours letting your imagination wander with the wind. And…the octopus carpaccio is to die for!
Address: 43 Rue Yémen, Skala
Phone: +33 6 24 78 58 74
Raed also : TAKING YOUR TIME IN TANGIER
Where to stay:
Villa Maroc
Once the only guesthouse riad in the city, today it seems a bit outdated. But it has retained its charm and character — the charm of those beautiful houses that know how to withstand time, resist fads, and endure.
Address: 10 Rue Abdellah Ben Yassine, Essaouira
Phone: 05 24 47 61 47
Price: Starting from 2300 DH per night
Dar L’oussia
An old caravanserai in the medina transformed into a charming hotel, this spot has a rooftop with a spectacular 360-degree view where it’s nice to have a drink or dine. Attentive staff also make your stay very pleasant.
Address: 4 Rue Mohamed Ben Masoud, Essaouira
Phone: 05 24 78 37 56
Price: Starting from 1500 DH per night
L’heure Bleue. ESSAOUIRA
Here, everything is luxurious, calm, and voluptuous. Everything is beautiful, not just at twilight –the blue hour — but at every time. It is a magical place, both a sublime country house and castle mansion, It’s exceptional spot to create exceptional memories.
Address: 2 Rue Ibn Batouta, Essaouira
Phone: 05247-83434
Price: Starting from 2500 DH per night
