Discover Essaouira
Former Portuguese city known as Mogador, Essaouira charms with its peaceful atmosphere, UNESCO-listed medina and bustling port. The city is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and Gnaoua music.
Essaouira in numbers
Around 800,000 visitors per year
Top wind destination in Morocco
40% Europe, 25% Middle East, 20% Americas
Best time to visit
Essaouira enjoys mild weather year-round. Constant winds attract windsurfers from March to October. Summer remains cool and pleasant.
Geographic location
Essaouira is located on the Atlantic coast, 180 km west of Marrakech. Essaouira‑Mogador Airport offers direct flights from Europe.
Specialties
Grilled fish at the port, argan oil, almond pastries. Crafts: thuya wood, carpets, Gnaoua instruments.
Our recommendations for you
accommodation
accommodation
Heure Bleue Palais
18th-century palace, spa and rooftop.
accommodation
Riad Dar Maya
Artists riad, patio, sea view terrace.
accommodation
Villa Gonatouki
Design villa with pool, near beach.
accommodation
Sofitel Essaouira Mogador
Golf and thalasso, ocean view.
accommodation
Dar L'Oussia
Traditional house, terrace and garden.
accommodation
Riad Baladin
Colorful riad, family welcome.
restaurant
restaurant
La Fromagerie
Fish and cheese specialties.
restaurant
Café Mourad
Terrace facing the beach, tagine and couscous.
restaurant
Zahra's Grill
Meat and fish grills.
restaurant
Le Chalet de la Plage
Grilled fish, on the beach.
restaurant
Triskala
Vegetarian cuisine, organic products.
restaurant
Ocean Vagabond
Bar-restaurant with pool and live music.
restaurant
Chez Sam
Institution since 1980, fresh fish.
restaurant
Le Patio
Riad-restaurant, tagines and salads.
visit
visit
Port d’Essaouira – Sqala
Ramparts and gunboats of the port, ocean view.
visit
Moulay El Hassan Square
Lively square, fish market and cafes.
visit
Maison de la Mémoire
Museum on Jewish history and the memory of André Chékroun.
visit
Île de Mogador
Protected archipelago, Punic ruins and seabirds.
visit
Galerie d’art Damgaard
Former workshop of the Danish artist, exhibitions.
visit
Port d’Essaouira – Sqala
Ramparts and gunboats of the port, ocean view.
visit
Moulay El Hassan Square
Lively square, fish market and cafes.
visit
Maison de la Mémoire
Museum on Jewish history and the memory of André Chékroun.
visit
Île de Mogador
Protected archipelago, Punic ruins and seabirds.
visit
Galerie d’art Damgaard
Former workshop of the Danish artist, exhibitions.
excursion
excursion
Excursion en 4×4 dans le désert d’Agafay
Rocky desert, camel and Berber tea.
excursion
Excursion Île de Mogador
Boat trip to the island, bird watching.
excursion
Excursion en 4×4 dans le désert d’Agafay
Rocky desert, camel and Berber tea.
excursion
Excursion Île de Mogador
Boat trip to the island, bird watching.
guide
guide
Youssef Belkacem
Cultural mediator, Jewish history of Mogador.