What to see and do in Essaouria?

In the heart of the Moroccan Atlantic, Essaouria is one of the most touristic cities in Morocco, famous mainly for its spectacular beaches, its pleasant climate and the wall that protects it. 

 

With about 80,000 inhabitants and a great architectural and cultural history, it is located about 180 km from the city of Marrakech and, despite not being one of the best known, Essaouria is an excellent choice if you are looking for a beach destination for your next vacation that allows you to innovate and break with convention. 

 

Aware of the existing lack of knowledge, at FRS we have prepared a guide in which we will tell you what to see and do in Essaouria so you can make the most of every minute in this small city known as the pearl of the Moroccan Atlantic.

First of all, how to get to Essaouria?  

 

Located in the southwest of Morocco, one of the best ways to go from Spain is by the Tarifa Tánger ferry, which will allow you to be on Moroccan soil in just a few minutes. 

Although both destinations are at a considerable distance, you can take the opportunity to make a route through Morocco starting in Tangier and ending in Essaouria, enjoying a few days along the Moroccan coast and cities as important as Tangier, Rabat or Casablanca. 

You can take a ferry from Tarifa Algeciras to Tangier Med or Tangier Ville, and from there, start your journey. Both ports are located in the same city, although Tangier Ville is a bit closer from Tarifa.

And, if you prefer, you can also go on the Algeciras Ceuta ferry, which is another of the most comfortable and efficient options if you plan to go directly from Spain. 

 

What to see in Essaouira? 

 

If you are planning to go, you have just enough time and you do not know much, take note, because we tell you the things to see in Essaouira during your trip, which in our opinion, are the most important 

 

The Medina 

The Medina of Essaouira, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is the historic heart of the city, characterized by its narrow and labyrinthine streets full of charm, where the whitewashed houses with blue doors and colorful souks are the main protagonists. 

Strolling through the Medina, you can discover artisan workshops, art galleries, spice stores and traditional jewelry stores. Don't forget to visit Moulay Hassan square, a vibrant place where cultural events and festivals are held.

 

Beaches of Essaouira  

Famous for their natural beauty, the beaches of Essaouira are the main tourist attraction of the city, and in addition to meeting the ideal conditions to enjoy a day at the beach, they are also perfect for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

The beach of Essaouira is very close to the Medina, and is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying one of its many roof tops, where you can taste the delicious traditional Moroccan food. 

 

Skala Street  

Skala Street is one of the most picturesque and emblematic areas of Essaouira, known for its fortified ramparts and its bronze cannons dating back to the Portuguese era. 

The Skala de la Ville and the Skala du Port are two strategic points that offer a unique perspective of Essaouira, with its impressive architecture and military history, as well as spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

 

Essaouira Port  

Essaouira Port is a place full of life, where you can watch the arrival of boats loaded with fresh fish. It is an excellent place to enjoy the authentic maritime atmosphere of the city. 

Here you can watch the fishermen at work, buy fresh fish directly from the market or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby seafood restaurants. The port is also an ideal place to enjoy the sunset.

Jewish Quarter  

The Jewish Quarter of Essaouira is a testimony to the rich multicultural heritage of the city. In the past, Essaouira was home to a thriving Jewish community, and today, this neighborhood retains many of its historical characteristics. 

Strolling through its streets, you can see ancient synagogues, houses with unique architectural details and the old Jewish cemetery. This neighborhood is a reflection of Essaouira's diverse past and offers a fascinating perspective on the coexistence of different cultures in the city.

 

 

What to do in Essaouira?  

 

Once we have reviewed the must-sees, we will tell you what to do in Essaouira during your stay in this Moroccan coastal city. 

 

Relaxing on the beach  

Our advice is to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the sun on the beach of Essaouira. If you want to escape from the tourism and the overcrowding of the main beach, you can go to a more distant beach like Sidi Kaouki, where there are fewer tourists and where you will have everything you need to disconnect and break the routine. 

 

Walking on top of the fortress  

One of the most rewarding experiences in Essaouira is to walk on top of the fortress, especially through the Skala de la Ville and the Skala du Port. These fortified walls, with their ancient cannons pointing towards the sea, offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city, a perfect place to enjoy a stunning sunset from a privileged location.

 

Shopping in the souks 

The souks of Essaouira are a hive of activity and color, and we invite you to go shopping in the souks of Essaouira, especially if you are a lover of shopping, local products and want to take a souvenir of your trip. 

 

Go surfing  

Essaouira is a very popular destination for surfers, thanks to its ideal wind and wave conditions on its beaches. Whether you are an experienced surfer or want to try it for the first time, you will find plenty of surf schools and equipment rentals available on the beach where you can rent all the equipment and take lessons.

 

Eat fish 

Among the many things to do, you can not leave Essaouira without tasting its delicious fresh fish, with the city's port being the best place to do so, where you can buy fish directly from the fishermen and take it to one of the nearby stalls to be cooked on the spot.

Likewise, the restaurants in the area offer a variety of fish and seafood dishes, prepared with local recipes that highlight the flavors of the Atlantic.

 

Lose yourself in the old Jewish quarter  

Reserve an afternoon to lose yourself in the old Jewish quarter, an ancient Jewish quarter that offers a different perspective of the city, discovering ancient synagogues, traditional houses and the historic Jewish cemetery.

With all these things to do in Essaouira in Morocco, you can now create an itinerary to make the most of one of the most emblematic and different Moroccan cities.