Best Things to do: Essaouira, Morocco, a 24-Hour Itinerary
“You must go to Essaouira, Morocco it’s our favourite place in Morocco.” We’d heard this a few times from different people before going to Morocco, so I was keen to see what all the fuss was about. Fortunately, the city didn’t disappoint, with it’s spacious medina, grand coastal fortifications, atmospheric fishing port and modern beachfront bars and restaurants.
The addition of numerous art galleries and artisan products for sale, as well as perfect conditions for surfing and kite-surfing also contribute to giving the place a cool, bohemian feel. Whether spending a few days (or longer) as part of a tour of the country, or coming only as a short hop day trip from Marrakesh, it makes for a brilliant place to visit. For those who are short on time, here are some suggestions for things to do in Essaouira, Morocco in 24 hours.
Planning a longer visit? Learn more about the many things to do in Essaouira.
What to do in Essaouira, Morocco in a Day
Essaouira is a town full of history. An ancient and important coastal port for centuries, the town was then known as ‘Mogador’ under Portuguese rule, before being redesigned into its current form by the French in the 18th century. This brought a new name, ‘Essaouira,’ which literally means ‘the beautifully designed,’ with the old town home to the only pre-planned medina (market area) layout of any city in Morocco.
This gives the place a unique feel, with the streets of the old town feeling pleasantly spacious and a lot less claustrophobic than other famous ancient Moroccan medinas, such as that of Marrakesh or Fes.
The city for the most part also feels a very safe place to visit. It seems to remain pleasingly free of the majority of hassle or deliberate lies and misinformation that are the scourge of some other larger cities like Marrakesh.
Morning
Upon arrival in Essaouira (or once up and out of bed if having stayed the night before), waste no time in heading for the old town medina. Enter the walled city via one of the impressive stone gateways and get a first impression of all this city has to offer. Grab a breakfast of spiced omelette and mint tea from one of the many local food stalls dotted in and amongst the shops and market souks.
Watch on as they busily serve up their food to locals and tourists alike. Be sure to take some time to explore all that the medina has to offer, being sure to divert off the main roads and down side streets and alleyways wherever possible for more of a truly authentic shopping experience.
Different types of goods for sale are typically separated into different sub-areas of the market, or souks. There are colourful treats and surprises to be discovered around every corner. The spice souk and fish market are particular highlights and are both well worth seeking out.
The shops of Essaouira are, in my experience, generally very competitively priced in comparison to some of the other more tourist visited cities of Morocco, making it a great place to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for people back home.
Woven wicker baskets, colourful handicrafts and geometric patterned pottery are amongst the local specialities. Although prices are favourable, like anywhere in Morocco, be prepared to haggle for the best deals. Interesting sweet pastries and cakes made using dates and pistachio nuts make for good snacks to eat while browsing.
Lunch
With shopping done, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants that are located within the walls of the medina. For tasty Moroccan food, including things like assorted tagines and pastillas (local filo pastry parcel pies), check out Restaurant Laayoune. For a good range of healthy and organic options, as well as delicious frozen yogurt, pay a visit to the ever popular Yoo Essaouira.
Afternoon
With lunch eaten, wander in the direction of the ocean and into the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah (coastal fortifications). Often used as a backdrop for filming big screen productions (most recently in Game of Thrones), it is worth the climb up onto the rampart cannons to feel the trade winds blowing in off the ocean.
The winding lanes of the Kasbah area, some with street art adorning the walls, have quite a bohemian feel. Numerous small art galleries make for an interesting distraction to have a quick browse around. Hip rooftop bars provide a great spot to sit and relax with a drink and views out to sea, if time allows.
Leave the Kasbah and head along the seafront to the nearby fishing port. Fishermen sit mending their nets against a backdrop of traditional fishing boats crammed into the harbor. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a boat returning, with the chance to witness the spectacle of the catch being landed. The sights and smells are a feast for the senses. It really is very atmospheric and makes a great spot for photos.
Walking through the fishing port brings you to Essaouira beach. Essaouira boasts a long, sandy beach that stretches away into the distance. If the weather allows it makes a lovely spot to sit and relax for a bit on the golden sand, while watching the surfers and kite surfers making best use of the Atlantic waves rolling in.
The beach also has a paved pedestrian promenade that runs its entire length. It’s a walk full of people-watching opportunities with occasional bars and restaurants to stop at for a break if required. The walk is worth the effort as, at the far end of the beach, there are a line of beach-front bars and restaurants that are some of the best in town. In front of these bars, on the beach, are an assortment of horses and camels that can be hired. Take advantage of this with a memorable sunset ride along the beach.
Dinner
After taking a ride, return to the pick of these beach-front restaurants, Ocean Vagabond, for a sundowner paired with some delicious food for dinner. There is a good selection of comfortable outdoor seating options, all with a view out to the beach and ocean beyond.
On weekends, there is often live music as well to keep you entertained while you eat. We were lucky to catch an 8 piece French jazz band playing while we were there, who had people up and out of their seats and onto the makeshift dance floor.
Evening
After dinner, walk back along the seafront to the old town (or take a taxi if you’re feeling lazy). Essaouira is one of the best places in Morocco for a night out, with liberal attitudes meaning that alcohol is seemingly more accepted than in a lot of other cities. Either head to one of the rooftop bars in the Kasbah or behind the beach, or else check out D’Jazy Essaouira, a super friendly and laid back place with live music and dancing once the atmosphere warms up.
Stay
Once you’ve had enough excitement for one day, assuming you’re staying overnight, retire to one of the many beautiful hotels and guesthouses that are distributed throughout the city. There are some luxury hotel and spa options along the seafront, such as the Atlas Essaouira. Alternatively, there is no shortage of traditional guesthouse accommodation within the old town, to suit all budgets.
Palazzo Desdemona occupies an historic building in the heart of the medina that is full of antique charm, as well as having a panoramic roof terrace with city and sea views. Another option, if wanting to escape the crowds, is to stay out-of-town in luxury country surroundings.
The Essaouira Lodge comes with multiple swimming pools (one of them heated for winter use) and a hammam spa. It is an easy taxi ride away.
Options for an extended trip
Essaouira is such a great city to visit, one day really doesn’t do it justice. It is all too easy to just relax and while away the hours at one of the pavement cafes in the medina, or being entertained by street musicians in one of the squares, while watching the hustle and bustle of the city pass you by.
For those wanting some more action or to learn something new, the city is an internationally renowned centre for kite-surfing. Consistent winds and good weather make it a year-round favourite for the sport. There are numerous shops offering lessons and equipment for hire.
If you have the time to learn, it is an excellent place for beginners, with an inland lagoon behind the beach available for those not yet ready to take on the waves of the Atlantic. For an instant adrenalin hit, rent quad bikes to ride on the beach. For something a little gentler, you can learn to cook the perfect Moroccan food with a cookery course at L’Atelier.
All in all, whether staying for a week or just one day, Essaouira is definitely a place not to be missed when visiting Morocco.
About the AuthorsWe are John & Rachel, known online as ‘Children of Wanderlust’ – a married couple with a love of travel. Nowadays, that means bringing our 3 children, Savannah (5), Aurora (3) and Easton (1) along with us. For more from our adventures, take a look at our Facebook or Instagram. For more from our recent tour of Morocco, check out our blog here.
