Welcome to Essaouira Morocco, a captivating coastal town where Atlantic winds meet ancient medina walls, creating one of North Africa's most enchanting destinations. Unlike the bustling energy of Marrakech, Essaouira offers a laid-back bohemian atmosphere with pristine beaches, UNESCO-listed architecture, and vibrant artistic culture.
Whether you're planning a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira or seeking a peaceful multi-day coastal retreat, our curated collection of authentic riads offers the perfect base to experience Morocco's "Wind City of Africa."
Why Choose Essaouira?
Essaouira Morocco stands out as a destination that balances authenticity with accessibility, offering world-class water sports, fresh seafood directly from daily fishing catches, and a relaxed pace ideal for unwinding. The stunning Essaouira beach stretches for over 10 kilometers of golden sand, making it perfect for everything from kitesurfing to sunset camel rides.
🏖️ Essaouira Beach: Morocco's Atlantic Paradise
Essaouira beach offers a dramatically different seaside experience from Mediterranean beaches. The constant Atlantic breeze keeps temperatures comfortable year-round and has made Essaouira the kitesurfing and windsurfing capital of Morocco.
What Makes Essaouira Beach Special
- 10+ km of wide, sandy coastline with dramatic Atlantic waves
- Backdrop of blue fishing boats and historic medina ramparts
- Stunning sunsets over the ocean
- World-class kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions
- Beginner-friendly surf spots at nearby Sidi Kaouki
- Beach horseback riding and camel treks at sunset
Best Times to Visit Essaouira Beach
- Summer (June-August): Warmest weather (25-28°C), perfect beach conditions
- Spring (April-May): Ideal for wind sports, fewer crowds
- Fall (September-October): Still warm, excellent surfing conditions
- Winter (November-March): Cooler but beautiful for walks, very quiet
Pro Tip: The wind typically picks up in the afternoon, making mornings best for sunbathing and afternoons perfect for kite sports. Always bring a windbreaker even in summer!
🚗 Getting to Essaouira: From Marrakech and Beyond
Essaouira from Marrakech is the most common route, with the coastal town just 180 km (3 hours) away. Here are your best options:
Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours door-to-door
Cost: €60-100 for private vehicle (up to 4 people)
Best for: Comfort, flexibility, hotel pickup
Shared Shuttle (Best Value)
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Cost: €15-25 per person
Best for: Budget travelers, meeting other travelers
CTM Bus (Budget Option)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cost: €7-10 per person
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
Recommended Stops Along the Way
If driving from Marrakech to Essaouira, consider these stops:
- Argan Oil Cooperatives (120 km): Watch women hand-press Argan oil
- Mountain Viewpoints: Photo opportunities of Atlas foothills
- Chichaoua (60 km): Traditional market and rest stop
🎨 Things to Do in Essaouira Morocco
Historic Medina (UNESCO World Heritage)
The Essaouira medina represents a unique blend of North African and European architecture, built by Portuguese colonizers in the 18th century.
Must-See Sites
- • Skala de la Ville - Historic ramparts with ocean views
- • Place Moulay Hassan - Main square with cafés
- • Mellah (Jewish Quarter) - Historic synagogues
- • Souks - Thuya crafts and woodwork
- • Fishing Port - Fresh seafood and blue boats
Water Sports & Adventure
- • Kitesurfing & Windsurfing lessons
- • Surf schools at Sidi Kaouki
- • Horseback riding on the beach
- • Quad biking in the dunes
- • Camel rides at sunset
Artisan Workshops
Essaouira Morocco is renowned for craftsmanship:
- Thuya Wood: Watch artisans create intricate marquetry boxes
- Silver Jewelry: Traditional Berber and Jewish designs
- Art Galleries: Contemporary Moroccan artists (thriving art scene)
- Argan Cooperatives: Women-run collectives producing Argan oil
🏛️ Where to Stay in Essaouira: Riads & Accommodation
Essaouira Morocco offers diverse accommodation from authentic riads to beachfront resorts. Unlike Marrakech,Essaouira emphasizes intimate, boutique properties with ocean views and artistic flair.
Luxury Riads
Perfect for: Romantic getaways, honeymoons, luxury travelers
Price range: €150-€400 per night
Luxury riads in Essaouira feature rooftop terraces with panoramic Atlantic views, private hammams and spa services, gourmet restaurants with fresh seafood, and boutique design with curated art collections.
What You Get:
- • Suites with traditional zellige tiles and carved cedar
- • Personalized attention (often owner-operated)
- • Cultural experiences: cooking classes, Gnaoua music
- • Prime medina locations near ramparts
- • Swimming pools or heated plunge pools
Mid-Range Riads
Perfect for: Couples, culture enthusiasts, authentic experiences
Price range: €80-€150 per night
Mid-range riads offer 5-8 individually designed rooms, interior courtyards with orange trees, rooftop terraces with sea glimpses, and traditional Moroccan breakfast included.
What You Get:
- • Comfortable rooms with traditional furnishings
- • Friendly, personalized service
- • Central medina locations (5-10 min walk to beach)
- • Help booking activities and restaurants
- • WiFi and air conditioning
Budget Riads & Guesthouses
Perfect for: Backpackers, solo travelers, budget-conscious visitors
Price range: €40-€80 per night
Budget riads offer family-run hospitality, simple clean rooms with Moroccan textiles, shared terraces with medina views, and traditional breakfast at unbeatable prices.
What You Get:
- • Authentic Moroccan hospitality
- • Insider local knowledge
- • Clean, comfortable accommodation
- • Central locations near port and souks
- • Excellent value for money
How to Book Your Essaouira Riad
We offer two booking options to give you maximum flexibility and the best possible experience:
Option 1: Direct Booking (Best Rates)
For riads marked with "Direct Booking", contact the owner directly via phone or WhatsApp
Benefits:
- Save 15-20% – No platform commissions means better rates for you
- Direct communication – Speak with owners in real-time via phone/WhatsApp
- Flexible arrangements – Negotiate special requests, early check-in, dietary needs
- Instant confirmation – No waiting for platform approvals
- Support local – Your money goes directly to Moroccan families
How it works:
- Browse riads and look for the "📱 Contact Owner" button
- Click to reveal phone/WhatsApp number
- Contact the owner directly (most speak English/French/Arabic)
- Discuss dates, price, and any special requests
- Confirm your booking and payment method
- Enjoy the best rates!
Option 2: Book via Established Platforms
Some riads in our collection are available on well-known booking platforms like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com
How it works:
- Click "View on Expedia" or "Check Availability" on the riad listing
- You'll be redirected to the booking platform
- Check availability, prices, and complete your reservation directly on their site
Benefits:
- Instant online booking – Book 24/7 with immediate confirmation
- Secure payment – Credit card protection through established platforms
- Clear policies – Standardized cancellation and refund terms
- Platform protection – Additional booking guarantees
- Loyalty rewards – Use or earn points (Expedia Rewards, Hotels.com Rewards, Booking.com Genius)
Perfect for: Travelers who prefer booking through familiar platforms, need instant confirmation, or want to use their loyalty points.
Which Option to Choose?
| Your Priority | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Lowest price | 📱 Direct Booking |
| Instant online booking | 🌐 Platform Booking |
| Personal service | 📱 Direct Booking |
| Credit card protection | 🌐 Platform Booking |
| Flexible arrangements | 📱 Direct Booking |
| Last-minute booking | 🌐 Platform Booking |
Both options are safe and reliable – all riads in our collection are personally verified and selected for quality, regardless of booking method. Choose what works best for your travel style!
🍴 Food & Dining in Essaouira Morocco
Essaouira offers exceptional seafood thanks to its fishing port, plus traditional Moroccan cuisine with coastal flair.
Must-Try Dishes
- Fresh grilled fish at port: €5-10 per plate - select your fish and they grill it
- Seafood tajine: With chermoula sauce
- Fried sardines: €3-5 for generous portion
- Grilled prawns and calamari: Caught daily
- Traditional couscous: Friday special in most restaurants
🌤️ When to Visit Essaouira Morocco
Essaouira Morocco enjoys a mild climate year-round thanks to Atlantic influence.
☀️ Summer (June-August)
Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Perfect beach weather, peak tourism, ideal for water sports
🌸 Spring (March-May)
Temperature: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, excellent value
🍂 Fall (September-November)
Temperature: 20-26°C (68-79°F)
Still warm, good surfing, shoulder season pricing
❄️ Winter (December-February)
Temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F)
Cooler but mild, very quiet, lowest prices
Special Events
- Gnaoua World Music Festival (June): 4-day festival attracting 500,000 visitors - book 2-3 months ahead!
- Atlantic Andalusias Festival (October): Classical and Andalusian music
Discover Essaouira Morocco Today
From the windswept Essaouira beach to the UNESCO-listed medina, from world-class kitesurfing to fresh seafood grilled at the port, Essaouira Morocco offers an unforgettable coastal escape that perfectly balances adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Just 3 hours from Marrakech to Essaouira, this coastal gem provides the perfect complement to your Moroccan adventure. Browse our curated selection of authentic riads below and start planning your escape to the Wind City of Africa.
Ready to experience the magic of Essaouira? Your perfect riad awaits below.
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5 riadsRiad Type
Booking Type
Amenities
Price per night
Riad Diamant Blanc
🔗 Check availability and book
Riad Emotion - Essaouira
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Riad Kafia - Essaouira
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Riad Aïcha Addi
Located just a few minutes from Essaouira, Riad Aïcha Addi – Pool & Hammam is a charming guesthouse with a swimming pool, perfect for travellers looking for a peaceful countryside setting close to the
Dar Mimosa
The Peaceful Elegance of Essaouira Just a few minutes from the medina, Dar Mimosa is an intimate retreat where light, nature, and authenticity create a rare escape. France & Yves, your hosts, have im
Riad le myrath
This riad is restored and nicely decorated: the style is bright and clean, with cream and white tones, giving a calm and peaceful feeling. Airbnb +1 Inside yo
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