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Essaouira

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City
—°5
Essaouira (Morocco)
ℹ️

Practical info — Essaouira

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The city is known as the 'Windy City' due to constant trade winds; always bring a light jacket, even in summer.
  • Lose yourself in the compact medina; unlike Marrakech, there are no pushy vendors here, making strolling very relaxing.
  • The Skala de la Ville is the most iconic spot for sunset photos, but arrive early to secure a spot by the cannons.
  • Avoid feeding the seagulls at the harbor; they can become quite aggressive.

🍽 Food

🍽
Grilled Fish

Choose fresh fish at the blue stands in the fishing port and have it grilled right before your eyes.

🍽
Sardines

Essaouira is famous for its sardines. Try them grilled or stuffed with Chermoula (an herb-spice marinade) in small medina eateries.

🍽
Amlou

A local spread made of argan oil, almonds, and honey. Excellent for breakfast with fresh flatbread.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Thuja Wood Carvings

Watch the artisans in the workshops under the city wall and buy the fragrant, delicate woodwork.

🛍
Argan Oil

Since argan trees only grow in this region, it is the best place to buy pure cosmetic or culinary oil.

🛍
Silver Jewelry

The Mellah (the old Jewish quarter) is traditionally known for fine silverwork; browse the small boutiques.

🧘
The Wide Sandy Beach

Walk south past the kitesurfers, and the beach quickly becomes deserted and quiet, well-suited for endless walks.

🧘
Scala du Port

Features a pretty view of the medina and the ocean through the round stone window, usually quieter than the Skala de la Ville.

Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a characterful Atlantic port city celebrated for its remarkably preserved 18th-century architecture and laid-back coastal atmosphere. The modern layout was conceived in 1760 by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, who commissioned French architect Théodore Cornut to design a fortified city based on European military engineering principles. Its formidable sea walls, known as the Skala de la Ville, were built to repel maritime invasions and now provide dramatic panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The medina of Essaouira was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, notable for its grid-like street plan which is rare among traditional Moroccan old towns. The city has flourished as a cultural hub for arts and music, most notably hosting the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which draws international crowds every year. It is also famous for its intricate Thuya wood cabinetry and inlay work, a craft unique to the region. The active fishing port, dotted with iconic blue boats, remains the soul of the city, while the strong Alizé trade winds make it a world-class destination for windsurfing.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161617171920222222211817
Rain mm27292818133139245537

Live webcam – Essaouira

See what it looks like near Essaouira right now.

Essaouira › West: Ocean Vagabond · 1.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
85,137 (2024)
Coordinates
31.51250, -9.77000

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.
  • Designed by a French architect in 1760.
  • Formerly known as the Portuguese outpost of Mogador.
  • Annual host of the Gnaoua World Music Festival.
  • The primary center for traditional Moroccan Thuya woodcraft.
  • Mogador Island is a sanctuary for rare Eleonora's falcons.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Essaouira (5)

Carage Museum🏛 museum

This museum in Essaouira gives unique exhibitions and cultural insights for visitors.

Plage d'Essaouira🎡 recreation

Plage d'Essaouira features a wide expanse of sand renowned for its striking coastal views and spirited Moroccan atmosphere. The beach is a fantastic hub for watersports, energetic swims, and long walks against the ocean breeze. Its spaciousness ensures that everyone can find a spot to either relax or stay active. Bringing a light jacket is wise, as the coastal winds can be quite brisk.

Bab El Mechouar📍 landmark

Bab El Mechouar is a well-known attraction and historical gate located in Essaouira.

Borj El baroud📍 landmark

Borj El Baroud is a historic coastal battery that guarded the port of Essaouira.

Little Portuguese Fort🏺 historical

The petit fort portuguess حصن برتغالي صغير consists of ruins in Essaouira.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Essaouira so special?
The characterful blue-and-white medina, the strong wind for surfers, and the relaxed atmosphere compared to Marrakech.
What should you eat at the harbor?
Go to the grill stalls right by the fishing port and try the catch of the day.
When does the Gnaoua Festival take place?
The Gnaoua World Music Festival usually takes place annually in June.
Can you swim in Essaouira?
Yes, but it's often very windy and the water is cooler than in the Mediterranean.
What is the Skala de la Ville?
An impressive bastion on the seafront with old cannons and great views of the ocean.
Essaouira: where is it located?
Essaouira is located in Morocco.
Essaouira: what is there to see?
Highlights include Carage Museum, Plage d'Essaouira, Bab El Mechouar.
Essaouira: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Essaouira: why is it worth visiting?
Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a characterful Atlantic port city celebrated for its remarkably preserved 18th-century architecture and laid-back coastal atmosphere.
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