Pearl
Explore Essaouira
Morocco from the Medina to the Sea
Just two hours from Marrakesh lies ‘the blue pearl’ by the ocean, ‘the small fortress’, Morocco’s ‘windy city’. Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, home to 80,000 inhabitants, boasts a historic medina – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that has remained true to itself over the centuries, preserving its winding, bustling streets and fishing port. Here, the spectacle of everyday life has hardly changed at all.
Art and culture. Sport and nature. Accompanied by the magic of Morocco’s way of life and friendly people. Explore Essaouira: the city by the sea, the place where yearning resides …
Highlights
Onwards to Essaouira’s Top Sights!
Explore Essaouira in the Medina
UNESCO World Heritage Site: the old town of a coastal paradise
Three city gates lead the way to the breathtaking medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Surrounded by historic city walls. Not a car in sight, but bustling with people and their animals and carts transporting their wares. Immerse yourself in a novel world dipped in blue and white. A world that the recent decades have barely touched.
Visit the Skala de la Kasbah, a fortress from the Portuguese colonial era. Located right by the port on the Atlantic coast, it has absolutely stunning views. Even its cannons are well preserved!
The Beach
Between Ocean and Medina: Essaouira Beach
Honey-coloured. Vast. The Atlantic scent permeating the air. Blue as far as the eye can see. Essaouira’s beach promenade begins at the fishing port and extends for around five kilometres. To the south of the beach, desert-like sand dunes spread out before you.
At Essaouira, you can enjoy swimming and water sports
practically all year round.
Surfer’s Paradise
Morocco, the surfing hot spot!
Huge waves.
Hit the surfing heights …
As the nickname suggests, the ‘windy city’ is one of Morocco’s surfing hotspots. Wind and kite surfers favour Moulay Bouzerktoun, 30 minutes north of Essaouira, and Sidi Kaouki 30 minutes to its south. The Atlantic – a sporting adventure playground.
Eating Fish by the Port
Fresh sardines and an ocean view
Seagulls soar and squawk above Place Moulay Hassan as they await the blue fishing boats’ return, loaded with tasty treats … A few steps along, boat-builders fashion new wooden vessels in the traditional way, mend nets and attach lures to fishing lines. An endless array of captivating images!
An authentic experience: check out the little stand at the edge of Place Moulay Hassan where fresh fish is grilled to order.
The Lure of the Souk
Shopping in the Medina
Explore Essaouira’s souks, where you can find all of Morocco’s hand-made products: beautiful Berber rugs, towels and fabrics; hand-painted tiles and ceramics; leather goods; spices; woollen hats; handicrafts in local wood … along with a very special atmosphere and countless motifs just begging to be photographed.
In short:
A shopping paradise you simply can’t miss!
Gnaoua World Music Festival
North Africa’s Biggest Party
Good vibes! Every year, as summer begins, this legendary festival of music, art and culture holds Essaouira in its grip for four days straight – a rush for all the senses. Musicians from around the world get together to play Gnawa music, jazz, rock, pop and contemporary World music. North Africa’s biggest party!
Story
Discover Essaouira
Essaouira, or the ‘small fortress’, has a long and exciting history that is reflected in the modern coastal city and its residents. Over the centuries, various cultures and historic events have left their mark on the streets and alleys, walls and buildings, on the music, art and cuisine and even on the language itself. Essaouira’s tangible cultural diversity is a part of its incomparable cosmopolitan charm that never fails to enchant visitors.
Together with your Private Concierge, explore Essaouira’s many colourful facets and be inspired by insider tips. From art and culture to food, from wellness and spas to enriching activities, Essaouira has thousands of beautiful faces!
Even today, the artistic aura of yesteryear imbues the city’s streets. Ernest Hemingway came to Essaouira to write, and music legends such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix were spellbound by the city’s spirit, making Essaouira a magnet during the post-1967 hippie era. Essaouira has also made a name for itself as a film location. Orson Welles made ‘Othello’ here in the early 1950s, and this is commemorated by a bas-relief of the renowned director in one of the medina’s squares. Ridley Scott also chose Essaouira as the site for medieval Jerusalem. And in 2013, the city was a location for ‘Game of Thrones’.
Essaouira has attracted artists and bon viveurs from all over the world, and its relaxed, cosmopolitan and artistic atmosphere still pervades. Visitors find small galleries exhibiting both Moroccan and international art. Many of Morocco’s leading creative artists own summer houses in the old town, also contributing to the town’s distinctly artistic atmosphere. For many years, the streets and alleys of Essaouira’s medina have hosted music festivals. These include the Gnaoua World Music Festival, the Printemps Musical Des Alizés and the Festival des Andalousies Atlantique.
The annual Gnaoua Festival, which takes place each May or June, has become an institution, attracting the world’s best ethno bands and musicians. This annual melting pot of musical fusion lasts four days and attracts around half a million visitors. The music is performed in some of the most beautiful parts of the town and can often be heard free of charge.
Moroccan food is more than diverse – Arab, Mediterranean and African influences provide tasty variety. Wherever you go in the souks and markets, you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables as well as freshly caught fish. Herbs and spices are also used extensively – saffron, cumin, coriander, cloves and cinnamon are indispensable ingredients. The best-known Moroccan spice is ras el hanout – a mix of around 35 different spices used in the preparation of couscous and tagines, Morocco’s national dishes.
Couscous
Couscous is one of Morocco’s national dishes and traditionally eaten on Fridays after prayers. Couscous is made of small steamed balls of crushed durum wheat, semolina, barley or millet and is traditionally served with a meat stew – usually poultry, beef or lamb – spooned on top, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, chickpeas and pumpkin.
Tagine
A tagine is a Maghrebi dish named after the earthenware pot in which the food is cooked. The tagine pot consists of a circular base and a cone-shaped cover. Poultry, lamb, goat, beef or camel meat and fresh vegetables are slowly braised in the pot at low heat. There are countless varieties, savoury and sweet, of this North African stew, which is typically cooked on a charcoal fire. When it’s ready, the whole tagine is brought to the table and everyone helps themselves.
Moroccan Mint Tea
Morocco’s national drink par excellence. In Morocco, a day without mint tea would seem unimaginable. More than a beverage; it is an integral part of the Moroccan way of life, a symbol of hospitality, and the refreshing drink is served several times a day: for breakfast, after a meal or at the end of the day. Green tea with fresh mint is also served during business transactions and when haggling at the bazaar. The tea is usually prepared by the head of the family.
Morocco has always been a land of wellbeing, which explains why the official bathhouse or hammam is so important. Combined with pure moments of pampering straight out of 1001 Nights, the Moroccan hammam is an exquisite bathing ritual that is still celebrated in its most original form. Adopted from the Romans, the steam bath is still an integral part of Islamic culture. Its significance, however, goes beyond being a mere cleansing ritual practised regularly by many Moroccans. The hammam also has an important social function as it is a place for gossiping and sharing news as well as bathing and washing. In the strictly gender-separated hammam, the traditional art of natural care is transferred from generation to generation. Quiet rooms, soothing steam and splashes of hot water regenerate the skin and relax body and mind. After a thorough scrub on the hot marble slab, the body is massaged with soap. The treatments in the steam room are a pure pleasure and enliven the senses.
Argan oil
Nature is bountiful with her precious treasures in the area around Essaouira and the Sous plain. Golden and powerfully fragrant, argan oil is obtained from the fruit of the argan tree and is used in premium cosmetic products and luxurious beauty rituals.
Main growing area: Encompassing 26,000 square kilometres, the Arganeraie region is located in south-western Morocco and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1998. On the Atlantic coast it is bordered by the cities of Agadir and Essaouira and stretches inland as far as the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. This is the home of the argan tree which provides argan oil but is also used by local farmers as feed and firewood. The trees also provide an important barrier against desertification.
The argan tree:
Argan trees grow up to 12m in height and can have a crown diameter of up to 14m, and roots of up to 30m depth. They are also known as ‘ironwood trees’ because their wood is so hard and tough. An argan tree’s life expectancy is around 400 years. Argan fruits can look like olives or dates, depending on the degree of ripeness. Their kernels look a bit like almonds and the oil has a slightly nutty taste. Despite all this, they are actually berries. Harvest & processing: Traditionally, the ripe fruits are picked from the ground and dried in the sun. The fruit pulp is then removed before the kernels are taken out of their shells. The actual argan seeds are then roasted over a low heat, ground and kneaded with lukewarm water until the brownish mash expels pure, unfiltered oil. Each time-consuming step is done by hand and results in low yields: the production of a single litre of high-quality argan oil requires at least 30 kilograms of fruit and about 15 hours of toil. Significance for the region: Pure, high-quality argan oil is mostly produced by small women’s cooperatives that make an important contribution to economic and social development in the structurally weak Arganeraie. Estimates suggest that the work of the women’s cooperatives, which joined forces to form the Union des Coopératives des Femmes de l’Arganeraie, provide around 6,000 families with a secured income. Additionally, the cooperatives contribute significantly to environmental protection through new planting and a sustainable approach to nature.
The goodness of Argan oil: Argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants and phytochemicals. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cholesterol-lowering properties, among other things. In Berber medicine, argan oil is frequently used to treat skin diseases as well as stomach and intestinal disorders. Uses: Argan oil extracted from roasted seeds is mainly used to season and refine a wide range of dishes. Roasting is important because this rids the oil of its bitter taste and gives it its typical, delicately nutty flavour. Unroasted it is mostly used in the cosmetics sector and is considered an effective anti-ageing moisturiser. Argan oil is also a popular hair care product.
- Relaxing and enjoying food
- Sightseeing
- Nature and beach
- Activities including golf, surfing, kite surfing, mountain biking and hiking
- Sturdy footwear suitable for exploring the city’s sometimes bumpy alleys and streets as well as the surrounding area
- Sunscreen – despite the wind that ensures the temperatures stay pleasant, you will need to protect yourself from the sun’s powerful rays throughout the year
- A willingness to haggle, as this is simply part of the shopping experience in the souks and galleries
- A large suitcase to transport all the treasures you’ve acquired
The perfect day
With the Private Concierge Service
… Wake up
in a riad at the heart of the medina. Breakfast on the roof terrace with a scenic ocean backdrop. All set for a leisurely day? Your Private Concierge Service – including a chauffeur – awaits you.
... Souk
… Take a tour of the medina – Explore Essaouira and stroll past traditional handicraft stalls, modern art shops and colourful food souks.
... Coffee break!
Stop at a pavement café by the main square, Place Moulay Hassan, and watch this very distinctive world go by.
... Time for tagine
… Morocco’s national dish. Best enjoyed at Chez Said, an authentic Berber restaurant outside the city.
… Wine tasting
at the Val d’Argan vineyard, established by Frenchman Charles Melia over 20 years ago, 24 kilometres inland of Essaouira.
The highlight: chilled Gazelle de Mogador.
... Stroll and relax
along the crescent-shaped beach. Strong trade winds also attract surfers and kitesurfers from all over the world.
... At the old port
toast the view with thé à la menthe marocain, Moroccan mint tea.
... Nightlife highlight
A feast for the taste buds and eyes, magic and live music at the Caravane Cafe, probably the city’s coolest location.
Practical information – from arrival to departure
For gourmet, cultural and active travel between the Medina and sea
Location
On Morocco’s Atlantic coast
Climate
Essaouira’s average temperatures range between 18 and 28°C depending on the time of year. It has a dry climate. Due to the city’s position on the Atlantic coast, the air is always in motion and the wind can sometimes be quite strong, providing welcome refreshment. The best time to visit Essaouira is between September and May, when the wind dies down a little and temperatures are moderate.
Essaouira – the windy Atlantic gem
Average daytime temperatures in Celsius
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 20 | 19 |
Activities and Experiences
The best of Essaouira and the surrounding area
Your Pur Life Maroc private concierge is your personal guide to Morocco, your contact, adviser and local expert – at your disposal from morning to night. For unforgettable holiday moments.
You can’t imagine French vines growing in a place like Morocco? Come and see for yourself, for instance during a visit of the winery Val d’Argan near Essaouira. Treat yourself to one of the 300,000 bottles produced by top grower Charles Melia.
Every route, every angle is carefully planned and thought out. Mogador, your golf course in Morocco, offers players many facets: majestic dunes, proximity to the sea, lush greens and a breeze to motivate you.
A private chauffeur adds extra relaxation to your Moroccan journey, with safety, comfort and in-depth local knowledge!
Lively bathhouse tradition, filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.
Why has the UNESCO set aside 26,000 m² in the southwest of Morocco as a biosphere reserve? Because the region is home to a very special tree: the Argan tree, our of which Berber women make precious Argan oil.
Where the world’s best musicians from genres such as Gnaoua, jazz, Flamenco and reggae, Cuba, Tuareg and Tamil get together! The free concerts, jamming sessions & parades take place at the most picturesque spots of the city.
Your Pur Life Maroc private concierge is your personal guide to Morocco, your contact, adviser and local expert – at your disposal from morning to night. For unforgettable holiday moments.
You can’t imagine French vines growing in a place like Morocco? Come and see for yourself, for instance during a visit of the winery Val d’Argan near Essaouira. Treat yourself to one of the 300,000 bottles produced by top grower Charles Melia.
Every route, every angle is carefully planned and thought out. Mogador, your golf course in Morocco, offers players many facets: majestic dunes, proximity to the sea, lush greens and a breeze to motivate you.
A private chauffeur adds extra relaxation to your Moroccan journey, with safety, comfort and in-depth local knowledge!
Lively bathhouse tradition, filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.
Why has the UNESCO set aside 26,000 m² in the southwest of Morocco as a biosphere reserve? Because the region is home to a very special tree: the Argan tree, our of which Berber women make precious Argan oil.
Where the world’s best musicians from genres such as Gnaoua, jazz, Flamenco and reggae, Cuba, Tuareg and Tamil get together! The free concerts, jamming sessions & parades take place at the most picturesque spots of the city.
You can’t imagine French vines growing in a place like Morocco? Come and see for yourself, for instance during a visit of the winery Val d’Argan near Essaouira. Treat yourself to one of the 300,000 bottles produced by top grower Charles Melia.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in the new town of Marrakesh is situated in the immediate vicinity of the Jardin Majorelle. The museum reflects the many facets of the great couturier: his passion for shapes, colours & materials.
4-night tour package
Discover the delights of north-western Morocco on the Tangier & Chefchaouen tour by Pur Life Maroc. 5 days of taking in the colours and magic!
The Jardin Majorelle is one of Morocco’s most enchanting and mystical gardens. It is located in the new town of Marrakesh, north-east of the historic old town and in the immediate vicinity to the Yves-Saint-Laurent museum.
Lively bathhouse tradition, filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.
4-night tour package
Make lasting memories as you discover the Imperial City of Fez and the magnificent Blue City of Chefchaouen with your private guide from Pur Life Maroc Travel.
A private chauffeur adds extra relaxation to your Moroccan journey, with safety, comfort and in-depth local knowledge!
Why has the UNESCO set aside 26,000 m² in the southwest of Morocco as a biosphere reserve? Because the region is home to a very special tree: the Argan tree, our of which Berber women make precious Argan oil.
Where nature remains untouched and where visitors may not just change their perspective, but also experience a sense of grounding, far from the crowds and yet close to Marrakesh: The Atlas Mountains in Morocco!
Every route, every angle is carefully planned and thought out. Mogador, your golf course in Morocco, offers players many facets: majestic dunes, proximity to the sea, lush greens and a breeze to motivate you.
Hotels
The best accommodation in and around Essaouira
Unique boutique and design gem in the heart of the medina, between Skala de la Kasbah and Place Moulay Hassan, with just six individually designed and themed suites. You must try: the chef’s table.
Relax and unwind in the unique eco-lodges on the stunning beach of Hotel Baberrih near the picturesque historical town of Essaouira.
Within the ancient walls of Essaouira, Madada Mogador invites you to experience the enchanting blend of Moroccan hospitality and laid-back chic.
Stylish country guest house, in the heart of the thuja forest, that has retained the local architectural style while providing modern and sustainable accommodation, including eleven stylish eco domes. Nestled in the Swiri countryside, it’s an oasis of peace.
Composed of four traditional, elegant, and superbly located riads tucked into the ramparts of Essaouira's historical medina. Overlooking the ocean and the port.
A fountain splashes to the heartbeat of this Relais & Châteaux palace hotel. Luxury has a name: Heure Bleue Palais. Extraordinary and charming – traditionally Moroccan. Cultural influences harmoniously combined.
Experience slow living and a chilled vibe at Le Jardin des Douars – a hidden gem around 20 minutes from Essaouira.
Indulge in the magic of Essaouira at Villa Beldi in Morocco. A timelessly elegant hotel with modern luxuries!
Experience the enchantment of an superbly restored, 18th century Moroccan riad. Located in the heart of the medina, but close to all the activities on offer at Essaouira’s beach on the Atlantic.
Unique boutique and design gem in the heart of the medina, between Skala de la Kasbah and Place Moulay Hassan, with just six individually designed and themed suites. You must try: the chef’s table.
Relax and unwind in the unique eco-lodges on the stunning beach of Hotel Baberrih near the picturesque historical town of Essaouira.
Within the ancient walls of Essaouira, Madada Mogador invites you to experience the enchanting blend of Moroccan hospitality and laid-back chic.
Stylish country guest house, in the heart of the thuja forest, that has retained the local architectural style while providing modern and sustainable accommodation, including eleven stylish eco domes. Nestled in the Swiri countryside, it’s an oasis of peace.
Composed of four traditional, elegant, and superbly located riads tucked into the ramparts of Essaouira's historical medina. Overlooking the ocean and the port.
A fountain splashes to the heartbeat of this Relais & Châteaux palace hotel. Luxury has a name: Heure Bleue Palais. Extraordinary and charming – traditionally Moroccan. Cultural influences harmoniously combined.
Experience slow living and a chilled vibe at Le Jardin des Douars – a hidden gem around 20 minutes from Essaouira.
Indulge in the magic of Essaouira at Villa Beldi in Morocco. A timelessly elegant hotel with modern luxuries!
Experience the enchantment of an superbly restored, 18th century Moroccan riad. Located in the heart of the medina, but close to all the activities on offer at Essaouira’s beach on the Atlantic.
Restaurants
The best restaurants in and around Essaouira
Unique boutique and design gem in the heart of the medina, between Skala de la Kasbah and Place Moulay Hassan, with just six individually designed and themed suites. You must try: the chef’s table.
A fountain splashes to the heartbeat of this Relais & Châteaux palace hotel. Luxury has a name: Heure Bleue Palais. Extraordinary and charming – traditionally Moroccan. Cultural influences harmoniously combined.
Relax and unwind in the unique eco-lodges on the stunning beach of Hotel Baberrih near the picturesque historical town of Essaouira.
Composed of four traditional, elegant, and superbly located riads tucked into the ramparts of Essaouira's historical medina. Overlooking the ocean and the port.
Experience the enchantment of an superbly restored, 18th century Moroccan riad. Located in the heart of the medina, but close to all the activities on offer at Essaouira’s beach on the Atlantic.
Indulge in the magic of Essaouira at Villa Beldi in Morocco. A timelessly elegant hotel with modern luxuries!
Experience slow living and a chilled vibe at Le Jardin des Douars – a hidden gem around 20 minutes from Essaouira.
Within the ancient walls of Essaouira, Madada Mogador invites you to experience the enchanting blend of Moroccan hospitality and laid-back chic.
Stylish country guest house, in the heart of the thuja forest, that has retained the local architectural style while providing modern and sustainable accommodation, including eleven stylish eco domes. Nestled in the Swiri countryside, it’s an oasis of peace.
Unique boutique and design gem in the heart of the medina, between Skala de la Kasbah and Place Moulay Hassan, with just six individually designed and themed suites. You must try: the chef’s table.
A fountain splashes to the heartbeat of this Relais & Châteaux palace hotel. Luxury has a name: Heure Bleue Palais. Extraordinary and charming – traditionally Moroccan. Cultural influences harmoniously combined.
Relax and unwind in the unique eco-lodges on the stunning beach of Hotel Baberrih near the picturesque historical town of Essaouira.
Composed of four traditional, elegant, and superbly located riads tucked into the ramparts of Essaouira's historical medina. Overlooking the ocean and the port.
Experience the enchantment of an superbly restored, 18th century Moroccan riad. Located in the heart of the medina, but close to all the activities on offer at Essaouira’s beach on the Atlantic.
Indulge in the magic of Essaouira at Villa Beldi in Morocco. A timelessly elegant hotel with modern luxuries!
Experience slow living and a chilled vibe at Le Jardin des Douars – a hidden gem around 20 minutes from Essaouira.
Within the ancient walls of Essaouira, Madada Mogador invites you to experience the enchanting blend of Moroccan hospitality and laid-back chic.
Stylish country guest house, in the heart of the thuja forest, that has retained the local architectural style while providing modern and sustainable accommodation, including eleven stylish eco domes. Nestled in the Swiri countryside, it’s an oasis of peace.
