With its picturesque alleyways and colorful souks, Essaouira’s medina invites you to immerse yourself in Moroccan history and culture. The long, golden sandy beaches offer a relaxing interlude for travelers in search of peace and quiet, while water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the bay’s constant winds to go kitesurfing or windsurfing. Just 25 kilometers to the south, the village of Sidi Kaouki charms with its waves, popular with surfers, and its relaxed atmosphere. Between cultural discoveries, outdoor activities and moments of relaxation, let yourself be seduced by our favorite addresses in the city of the trade winds.
Essaouira Gourmande
In the medina
Essaouira, with its blue boats laden with fresh fish, is a seafood lover’s paradise. Freshly landed, local fishermen auction off the day’s catch: sardines, sea bream, sea bass, squid, prawns, crabs and more are displayed on colorful stands. Visitors can choose their morsel and ask the vendors to prepare it for eating on the spot, in a
In the medina, riads and restaurants will delight you with Moroccan specialties such as couscous and tajines. These traditional dishes, simmered in terracotta tagines, feature a variety of ingredients: chicken, lamb, vegetables and dried fruit. Couscous is usually served on Fridays, the day of prayer in Morocco, but some establishments offer it all week long to satisfy visitors.
For an accessible and delicious culinary experience, try Chez Omar (46 rue Khabdazine), Zaytouna (16 place Chrib Atay) or Le Campana (2 Rue Oued El Makhazine). For a unique atmosphere, the Caravane Café (2 Rue Qadi Ayad) is a must: housed in a former riad, it combines art gallery, tea room and restaurant, all enlivened by live concerts and traditional shows.
Price range: Dishes from 140 Dhs
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 to 23:00
Address: 2 Rue Qadi Ayad, in the medina of Essaouira
In the souks, let yourself be tempted by the street food stalls offering meat skewers, fritters, Moroccan crepes and fried fish sandwiches for a ridiculously low price. For a sweet break, the patisseries La Bienvenue (Av. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah) and Driss (10 Rue Hajjali) are two choice addresses where you’ll find classics such as cornes de gazelle, chebakias, briouats and beghrirs.
By the sea
For a relaxing moment by the sea, head to L’Océan Vagabond, a beachside café-restaurant where you can also sign up for kitesurfing lessons. The atmosphere is relaxed, just like the surfers who come here to rent their equipment or enjoy the international cuisine and local specialities on offer.
Price range: Breakfasts from 100 Dhs, à la carte dishes from 60 Dhs
Opening hours: open all year round, 7 days a week. Breakfast is served from 9:30am to 12pm, lunch from 12pm to 5pm. Closing at 6pm (7pm in summer) from Sunday to Thursday evening. The restaurant opens every Friday and Saturday evening as a tapas bar.
Address: Boulevard Mohamed V, Essaouira
https://www.oceanvagabond.com
A few kilometers away, discover the Café Jimi Hendrix in Diabat, an unusual place that pays tribute to the rock icon, who visited Essaouira in the 1960s.
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the medina? La Mouette et les Dromadaires, just a few minutes from Sidi Kaouki, is the ideal address. Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant offers brunches, lunches and aperitifs by the sea. Dishes, prepared with fresh market produce, include fish à la plancha, gourmet salads and homemade sweets. Enjoy the pétanque court before admiring the sunset on the deserted beach.
Price range: Fish from 130 Dhs, starters from 40 Dhs, homemade sweets from 40 Dhs
Opening hours: the restaurant is open to the public for brunch (10am to 12pm), lunch (12pm to 5pm) and aperitifs (5pm to 8pm)
Address: on the beach at Sidi Kaouki, Forêt Dunes Sud – Douar Tighanimine. Just before reaching the village of Sidi Kaouki, follow the sign for the restaurant to the right.
https://lamouetteetlesdromadaires.com
Essaouira Sportive
Golf
Located just a few minutes from Essaouira, next to the Sofitel, Golf de Mogador is renowned for its two world-class golf courses designed by the famous golf architect Gary Player. The resort covers 580 hectares and offers a unique experience in the heart of dunes and argan forests, facing the Atlantic Ocean. With its 18-turn north course and 13-turn south course, Golf World Magazine ranked Golf de Mogador among the 20 most exciting new courses in the world in 2010.
Price range: 9-hole green fees from Dhs 475
Info & Reservations: +212 525 081 010 or contact@golfdemogador.com
Address: Domaine de Mogador, Essaouira
https://golf-mogador-essaouira.com/
Surf
For surf and windsurf enthusiasts, head for Sidi Kaouki, around 25 kilometers south of Essaouira. This unspoilt beach attracts surfers of all levels. Here you’ll find several surf schools, such as
Price range: 30Є/ person for 2 hours of lessons in a small group (3-5 people)
Info & Reservations: +212 643 806 655 or surftwins@surftwinsessaouira.com
Address: 86X2+MVX, Sidi Kaouki 44125
https://www.surftwinsessaouira.com
Essaouira Festive
As night falls, Les Terrasses by Taros comes to life on Place Moulay Hassan. This café-restaurant-bar welcomes you for a musical aperitif, with a breathtaking view of the beach and harbor. At sunset, the peaceful café transforms into a lounge bar with a varied musical program (live bands, gnaoua groups and djs).
Price range: Mezze to share from 40 Dhs, pizzas from 75 Dhs
Info & Reservations: +212 524 476 407 or taros.essaouira@gmail.com
Address: Place Moulay Hassan, Essaouira
Les Terrasses by Taros
For a more hushed atmosphere, the Palais Heure Bleue, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers 360° panoramic views from its terrace. Although the accommodation may be out of budget, you can still enjoy a drink or pamper yourself with a treatment at the spa.
Essaouira Esprit Maison
For lovers of authentic discoveries and off-the-beaten-track addresses, Essaouira abounds in hidden treasures that are well worth the detour. Between inspiring concept stores, designer boutiques and secret corners to stroll, immerse yourself in another facet of the city, far from the hustle and bustle of traditional souks.
Koulchi Concept Store
The Koulchi Concept Store is an eclectic store offering a superb selection of artisanal creations: beldi glassware, colorful plaids, embroidered cushions, lighting, Tamegroute pottery and candleholders, all handmade by local artisans at reasonable prices. On the top floor, a hidden terrace offers a moment of relaxation with fresh juices or hot drinks, while admiring the view of the medina. Be sure to visit the two mini Koulchis, easily recognized by their black-and-white storefronts, to pick up some one-of-a-kind pieces.
Address: 4 Rue Qadi Ayad, Essaouira
https://www.koulchi-concept.com
Le Carré Nomade
A little gem nestled in the heart of the medina, Le Carré Nomade is brimming with Berber rugs, colorful cushions and authentic tableware. And for decor lovers, the visit doesn’t stop there: a 1,200 m² showroom just outside the city (only 10 minutes away by car) awaits you, on the road to Marrakech. In a setting worthy of a boutique hotel, discover furniture, linens, tableware and accessories, all in a warm atmosphere. Pottery workshops and a café-restaurant complete this unique experience.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (to be confirmed)
Address: Douar Laarab, Essaouira
https://www.instagram.com/lecarrenomade/
Baba Shop
On the road to Sidi Kaouki, just a few minutes from Essaouira, a white house catches the eye: Baba Shop. This concept store, imagined by Valérie, creator of the magnificent Dar Koum, offers a chic, bohemian ambience through a selection of decorative items and furniture. Right from the entrance, cushions, colorful plaids and Jajjah tea caddies invite contemplation. A tastefully furnished lounge area and a bohemian-style outdoor corner offer a moment of tranquility where you can already imagine yourself at aperitif time. A must for those in search of unique pieces and inspiration.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (to be confirmed)
Address: Ghazoua, Essaouira
https://www.instagram.com/babashop.morocco/
Essaouira Confidentielle
For nature lovers, an excursion to the Sidi M’barek waterfalls is a must. Located 12 kilometers from Sidi Kaouki, on the coastal road leading to Agadir, these waterfalls nestle between dunes and rocks, offering a wild and little-visited setting. Thanks to its natural wealth, the site has long been a stopover for camel caravans on their way to the port of Essaouira, laden with goods bound for Europe, who would stop here to quarantine themselves around the waterfalls. Access is via a stony path marked with white stones, discreetly indicated by a signpost along the road.
Close to the Sofitel, the Golf de Mogador welcomes you to a magnificent natural setting overlooking the dunes and ocean. The clubhouse restaurant, open to all, offers refined cuisine at reasonable prices.
Price range: 2-course menu at 240 Dhs and à la carte choice
Opening hours: open all year round, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm
Info & Reservations: +212 524 476 126 or leclubmogador@gmail.com
Address: Domaine de Mogador, Essaouira
https://golf-mogador-essaouira.com/
Finally, for a relaxing day out, head for Jardin des Douars, 10 minutes from the medina. This hotel, nestled in a verdant setting, opens the doors of its restaurant upon reservation and now offers a chill-pass for access to the heated pools and spa, while enjoying a Sunday barbecue or a cocktail by the pool…
Price range: Dishes from 140 Dhs, wine list and aperitifs. Sunday BBQ formula at 300 Dhs. Chill Pass exclusively by reservation and subject to availability, 200 Dhs / person, lunch à la carte extra and compulsory.
Opening hours: The restaurant is open 7 days a week, from 12.30 pm to 3 pm, by reservation. . Chill Pass from 11am to 6pm.
Info & Reservations: +212 700 083 233 or info@jardindesdouars.com
Address: Douar Sidi Yassine, BP209, Essaouira
https://jardindesdouars.com
Essaouira invites you to get away from it all, with its picturesque alleyways, secret corners and enchanting atmosphere. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of our favorite addresses for an authentic getaway, rich in discoveries and precious moments.
If you’d prefer to let us guide you without worrying about organization, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be delighted to tailor a trip to suit your desires and passions.
