29 BEST things to do in Essaouira

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Discover the best things to do in Essaouira, from its vibrant medina and stunning beaches to delicious seafood and historic forts. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, this guide has you covered.

1. Stroll the medina

READ: self-guided Essaouira walking tour

Also make sure you check out our guide to the best cafes in Essaouira so that your medina meanderings are sufficiently fuelled. Our favourite cafes include Maison Jadis, Hostel La Smala rooftop and Mandala Society.

2. Wander along the ramparts

open 9am to just after sunset every day, free entry

Walking along Essaouira’s ramparts offers up a fresh perspective on the city. These fortified walls were constructed around the medina in the 18th century to protect the city from attack and are remarkably well-preserved. Find a comfy spot on the walls or cannon and soak up the windswept views of the Atlantic coastline, with wooden fishing boats, rocky outcrops and an offshore bird sanctuary all visible on the horizon.

The entrance to Essaouira’s ramparts can be tricky to find and not where you might expect them to be. Head to the top of Rue Skala (which is lined with artisan shops) and through a stone archway. Click here for the Google Map point. From here, walk up the slope to the top of the ramparts and take a right turn first to check out the views to the north, before heading along the neat line of cannons.

You can climb up on top of the cannons and onto the wall. It’s a lovely place to sit looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean, watching the world go by.

These ramparts are an ‘Essaouira must see’, and feature heavily in HBO’s hit TV show, Game of Thrones as the set of Astapor. Firstly when Daenerys Targaryen arrives to Astapor, and then again as ‘The Walk of Punishment’ two episodes later. Read our guide to Game of Thrones in Essaouira.

3. Sqala du Port

open 9am to 5pm every day, DH60 entry

Originally constructed in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Sqala du Port is the castle-like entrance to the port with prominent stone arches that feature in Game of Thrones and has long been one of the most iconic sights in Essaouira. This fort played a crucial role in safeguarding Essaouira’s strategic maritime position and facilitating trade across northern Africa.

Forming part of Essaouira’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Sqala du Port recently reopened in 2023 for tourists to walk along the rampart and up the main tower. It is here where you will find that classic Essaouira scene of the medina framed by a stone circle and there are steps thoughtfully placed to aid photographers.

It also offers views over the fishing port and across to the islands. Entrance is DH50 per person, allow twenty minutes for your visit.

In theory, this would be a good Essaouira sunset viewing spot, but unfortunately Sqala du Port closes at 5pm.

4. Buy fresh seafood from the port

The port is a fascinating place to wander with all the seafood laid out for sale, and fisherman bringing in their catch and preparing their nets. It’s busy, smelly and dirty, but an absolute treat to witness. You will see sardines, pilchards, hake, sole, crab, lobster, octopus, flat fish, eels and (unfortunately) you may also spot a shark.

You can even buy fish direct from the fisherman here and have it cooked at one of the open restaurants at the port – just ask one of the sellers and they will point you in the right direction.

From Sqala du Port, walk through the fish stalls and then follow the harbour wall. You used to be able to follow this to the end, but there are building works currently taking place.

5. Visit the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish corner of Essaouira’s medina shows how the Muslim and Jewish religions worked and lived in harmony.

This area of the medina is not as well maintained as other areas; buildings are crumbling away and the streets aren’t as clean. There are also a few shacks as temporary homes. However, there are signs of restoration projects and it’s fascinating to see a very different and raw side to Essaouira medina. You certainly feel like you’ve stepped away from the main tourist drag.

There are a number of synagogues to visit (tourists are allowed inside Haim Pinto Synagogue), as well as the Jewish cemetery past Bab Doukkala, which has an adjacent Christian cemetery.

To get to the cemetery, exit the medina through Bab Doukkala. Just next to the Petits Taxis sign on the left is a wooden door. This is often closed in the evenings and on Sundays but a man will be sitting outside if it is open. There is no entry fee.

6. Blow off the cobwebs on the beach

READ: Essaouira Beach: everything you need to know

There are beaches to the north and south of Essaouira. The beach to the south is the main tourist beach, and the beach to the far northern edge of town is known by the locals as Assafi Beach. There is also beach between the ramparts and Assafi Beach, but it can be tricky to access.

Essaouira’s main beach

To the south of Essaouira’s medina is a 2km arc of sandy beach with a wide paved promenade along the entire stretch. The waters here are very shallow, but the strong Atlantic wind delivers waves that are great for surfing and kitesurfing. This is the best beach from where to go swimming in the sea in Essaouira.

It’s a stunning place to watch an Essaouira sunset, and it’s where locals come to play football. It’s also a refreshing place to breathe in the fresh air after the confines of the medina or the bustle of the port.

There are sun loungers to rent for 25DH closer to the medina end of the beach. About half way along is a concrete football / basketball play area, as well as a small children’s playground with trampolines (10DH per child). On the far end of the beach, away from the medina, is where you’ll find the surfers, kite surfers, and camels.

There are also a handful of oh-so-cool beach bars at the far end of Essaouira Beach, including Ocean Vagabond and Beach & Friends, which are our personal recommended spot for a sundowner and a couple of our favourite places to eat in Essaouira; Beach & Friends does great tapas. If you’ve stayed a bit too long at the beach bars and need to get back to the medina, hop in a Petits Taxi for 8DH.

The beach north of Essaouira’s Ramparts

Looking north from Essaouira’s ramparts, you can see a sandy beach buffeted by the Atlantic waves. But from the ramparts, there is no obvious way down, unless you are bold enough for a big jump.

In fact the closest entry point to this beach is from Place Moulay Hassan where to the right of the long wall are steps onto the beach. From here you can walk right (northwards) along the front of the ramparts to the beach north of the city, although this will only be passable at low tide.

Alternatively, walk through the medina to the Jewish Quarter, and exit through Bab Doukkala, follow the road straight ahead past the Jewish Cemetery and the Petits Taxis. Continue for 550 metres to the Total Energies petrol station. Just past here on the left is a short road that leads to the beach. Walk down here, and continue to the left to get down to the beach. It seems remarkable that this is the first entry point from the ramparts, but the high walls of the medina and subsequent buildings, mean that any other entry point is not possible.

Once you’ve got past the litter, the beach opens up, and even on a summer Sunday, you may get this beach to yourself. There are also lots of broken ceramics to be found here on this beach. Kids may like to collect a few to make a mosaic.

This is a great place for a stroll and the beach continues towards Assafi Beach.

Assafi Beach

If you’re visiting Essaouira in July or August (the high season), Assafi Beach at the far northern end of town is a great place to escape the crowds. Hardly anyone goes here, and there’s an end-of-the-world, abandoned feel to it. It’s eerily beautiful and wild, especially on a commonly windy day with sand whipping up everywhere. Run down a huge sand dune, explore the rock pools, or just find a good spot to sit and watch the waves roll in from the Atlantic Ocean as the sun sets.

There are no facilities at Assafi Beach (no shop, café, or toilets). So if you plan to stay for a few hours, ensure you have drinks and snacks with you.

7. Watch the sunset

READ OUR GUIDE: Essaouira sunset

As Essaouira is situated on Morocco’s western coast, it offers epic ocean sunsets. Indeed, for any visit to Essaouira, we urge you to make time to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic Ocean, the sky ablaze with orange hues, soaring seagulls casting silhouettes, and the call to prayer drifting over the rooftops, it really is a magical experience. Get your camera ready!

There are a few decisions to make with deciding where to watch an Essaouira sunset. Do you want a big open ocean view? Or do you want the silhouette of rooftops in the foreground? Are you happy to share the experience with other tourists around, or do you want the experience to yourself? And lastly, do you want a beer with that sunset view?

If you’re more interested in the last question, check out our guide to the best bars in Essaouira, which includes some superb beach and rooftop bars for a sundowner.

But the rule of thumb for watching the sunset in Essaouira is to either get to the beach, get to a rooftop (either your accommodation or a restaurant), or get to the ramparts (which is the most popular option).

Alternatively, how about riding into the sunset on a camel, horse, or quad-bike?

8. Eat crepes at Moulay Hassan Square

There’s a strong European vibe at Moulay Hassan Square with restaurants spilling out onto the pavement and street musicians injecting some rhythm into the passers-by. Pull up a chair at one of the cafes or, if you’re just passing through to the beach or fishing port, pick up a fresh crepe from one of the stalls.

9. Horse riding

Ride a horse along the quiet beaches south of Essaouira. This is a total bucket list moment and even beginners can do it!

There are a handful of horseback riding companies that cater to all abilities. We have personally experienced and can recommend Diana Dromedaries (yes they do camel riding, but also horse riding).

Staff are experienced riders and know the horses very well. Riding helmets are provided, and we recommend you wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes, although absolute beginners will be fine in shorts as you will just be moving along at walking pace.

10. Take a cooking class

READ OUR GUIDE: Essaouira cooking class

Learn to cook like a local on an Essaouira cooking class with the wonderful Latifa.

There are a handful of cooking classes offered around Essaouira that take place in a restaurant or accommodation. But Latifa’s is special as it takes place in her family home.

Start the day shopping for ingredients at the local markets in the medina and then jump in a taxi to Latifa’s family home to start the preparations.

Now don’t expect this to be a quick experience. There’s a lot of time and care that goes into Moroccan cooking, all made from fresh ingredients. But it’s a wonderfully relaxed environment and Latifa will share with you stories of Moroccan life beyond the kitchen as you grate and chop the veg and meticulously prepare the couscous.

And, of course, you get to eat your masterpiece!

For a truly authentic insight into Moroccan life, this is is one of the best things to do in Essaouira.

11. Surfing and kite-surfing

READ OUR GUIDES: Kite-surfing in Essaouira and Learning to surf in Essaouira

Considering Essaouira has been coined, the ‘Windy City of Africa”, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best places in the world for kite-surfing. The wind in Essaouira is remarkably strong, especially in the months of July and August; with sand whipping up in all directions, this isn’t really a beach to top up the tan, so let’s get active!

As the main beach of Essaouira is a 2km arc, the prevailing north-east winds are in a safer direction for learning (cross-onshore) at the far end of the beach, away from the medina. This is where all the kite-surfing schools teach, and also where the camels tend to reside (watch out for camel poop on the shoreline).

There are a number of kite-surfing schools in Essaouira. All the equipment, including wetsuits and helmets, is provided. All schools speak Arabic, French, English and Spanish.

Moga Surf is based right across the main area for kite-surfing, and offer excellent tuition under the professional kite-surfer and F-One competitor, Ismail Adarzane. There is also BleuKite, Explora, and Kitesurfmaroc. These schools also provide surfing and SUP lessons.

If you’re visiting Essaouira with teens, then kite-surfing is a must do activity! They need to be good swimmers as the wind can sail the kite out quite far.

If the wind isn’t strong enough, or you have younger kids, Essaouira is also a great place to learn how to surf. All the kite-surfing schools also offer surfing tuition, and will get you standing up on that board and riding a wave by the end of your first lesson.

12. Camel riding

On the far end of the beach from the medina you can arrange camel rides. Anything from a short ten minute ride to an overnight trek can be organised for you. This is a must do if you’re visiting Essaouira with kids.

You can just turn up to the camel area and organise a ride then and there, or you will be approached by ‘tour guides’ along the promenade to the camels. It is also something that can be arranged through your accommodation.

If you want a more organised, longer trek, contact Diana Dromedaries.

13. Quad biking

READ OUR GUIDE: Essaouira quad biking

Essaouira quad biking is brilliant fun and a great way to explore the beach further south from Essaouira. There are a handful of quad biking companies in the nearby village of Diabat, and we recommend Diana Quad.

You can book anything from an hour session to a full day tour. Although most people will find two hours is enough. Kids under 8 are free. You will have a personal guide with you on a quad bike to show you the way and help you out if needed.

You can double up on a quad bike to keep costs down (two people on one quad bike), or if you are doing a tour with kids under 16. Your guide will probably let the kids have a go driving, whilst sat in front of him.

There is very little in the way of training, and you are taken straight out onto the dunes. Take your time and trust the quad bike, and you’ll be fine. Most of a two hour tour will be along a long stretch of beach, which is easy driving. But there are sections where you are taken up into the dunes. You will also pass Berber villages along the way.

There are no facilities on the tour, so bring any drinks and snacks with you.

14. Ride vintage electric bikes through the countryside

READ OUR GUIDE: Ride vintage electric bikes through the Essaouira countryside with Lou’s Rides

Explore the Essaouira region on a 100% electric vintage bike with Lou’s Rides.

There are one hour and half-day tours offered, but this is more than a sightseeing tour. A tour with Lou’s Rides is an immersive and personalised experience to explore the local region, culture and people in small group sizes. Visit a Berber village, meet a clay artist, explore Argan hills, spot wildlife, and interact with locals on your chosen tour.

You must be 16+ to drive one of the bikes. No license is required. Kids aged 10-16 can ride as a passenger but kids under 10 are not permitted on these tours unfortunately.

Plus, electric bikes used are quiet and non-polluting, for an eco-responsible activity. This really is quite a novel way to experience Essaouira.

15. Enjoy a traditional Hammam

READ OUR GUIDE: Experiencing a traditional hammam in Essaouira

To rejuvenate the skin and revitalize the body, experience a traditional Moroccan hammam in the heart of Essaouira’s medina.

A hammam is a tiled, hot room, where you strip down to your underwear and enjoy a good scrub and soapy clean. All inhibitions need to go out of the window with this, as everything is on display.

You can opt for a private or public hammam. A private hammam is more expensive, but means that you get a hammam all to yourself. A public hammam is a local hammam to share with other people, and is much cheaper and a more authentic experience.

There are separate male and female public hammams in Essaouira. Most of the Essaouira spas offer a private hammam experience, which is often combined with a massage.

Once you get over any initial inhibitions, it really is the most amazing feeling, and you will feel the cleanest you ever been in your life!

16. Experience a Berber massage

If baring all in a hammam isn’t quite to your fancy, how about trying a Berber massage instead? This is offered at all of the Essaouira spas in the medina.

A Berber massage is similar to a standard, relaxing massage, except that it includes some light tapping with cupped hands.

Ladies, we recommend advising your masseuse whether or not you would like your chest and stomach massaged. Otherwise, you may receive a chest massage towards the end of your massage.

Recommended spas to try are Spa Cocooning, and Azur Spa Essaouira for a bit of well-deserved pampering.

17. Shop for local crafts

READ OUR GUIDE: Shopping in Essaouira

Hand-crafted rugs, quirky metalwork ornaments, hand-carved woodwork, soaps and spices, vibrant artwork, stunning ceramics, and lots more… there are so many cool things to buy in Morocco! Few travellers are able to visit without taking at least something home. But many are put off, and often feel ripped off, by the pushy sellers in Marrakech. Trust me, we’ve all been there.

However, shopping in Essaouira is a much calmer and friendlier experience compared to Marrakech. So if you have tried shopping in Marrakech, please don’t let this put you off; you were just shopping in the wrong Moroccan city! Shop sellers in Essaouira will proudly tell you that shopping with them is much more relaxed than in Marrakech.

Keep a cool head with haggling, and make sure you check out a few shops first to gauge prices. But most of all, enjoy connecting with local people and collecting a few items to take home to remind you of your wonderful Moroccan travels.

18. Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum

READ OUR GUIDE: Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum

Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum is a small museum in the heart of the medina and one of the few Essaouira tourist attractions which requires an entry fee.

Housed in an 1800s colonial house with an impressive stairway and ceiling, it displays old photography, utensils found from prehistoric ages, musical instruments, old photography of Essaouira, jewellery and some armoury.

All the written explanations are in French and Arabic, there is no English. So unless you speak French or Arabic, it’s not really possible to give the items context as they are displayed in a bland glass box.

If you do have the time, don’t mind the fee (70DH per adult), and are passing by, it’s worth a browse for a different change of pace. But don’t make a special effort to visit if you’re short on time.

19. Dine in one of the many restaurants in Essaouira

READ OUR GUIDE: The BEST restaurants in Essaouira

Being a fishing port, it will come as no surprise that Essaouira is a haven for seafood lovers. You can even buy food directly from the fishmongers at the port and take it to a local restaurant at the port for them to cook for you.

But the French influence of the town also means that there are some fantastic patisseries and creperies dotted around the medina. Indeed around Moulay Hassan Square, there’s a distinct European vibe with restaurants spilling out onto the pavement and street musicians to entertain. And at the opposite end of Essaouira Beach you’ll find some oh-so-cool beach bars, which are perfect after a surf or quad biking in the dunes.

There are so many choices for restaurants in Essaouira, that dining out is really one of the best things to do in Essaouira and there is a different eatery almost every 15 metres in the medina. You will find the standard tagine, couscous, brochette, and Western standards at most of the restaurants. But there are also Asian and Italian restaurants if you have been travelling Morocco for a while and need a bit of variation.

Vegetarians will also be pleased to hear that they don’t need to make a beeline for bustling Marrakech for a fix of veggie food (after all, there is only so much veggie tagine a person can eat). There are just as good options for vegetarians in Essaouira, and even a designated restaurant for vegetarians and vegans in the heart of the medina, serving incredible food and run by the most lovely family.

20. Explore Dar Sultan Palace in Diabat’s sand dunes

READ OUR GUIDE: Diabat, Morocco: Jimi Hendrix and sand castles

Four kilometres south of Essaouira’s medina is the dusty, sleepy village of Diabat, which enjoys the similar maritime climate of its big brother despite rolling sand dunes creating a barrier between the village and Atlantic. Back in the early 1970s, Diabat (and Essaouira) was firmly on the hippie trail, solidified by a visit from the legendary musician, Jimi Hendrix, in 1969. He may have only visited for a couple of days (in fact, apparently he wanted to buy Diabat), but this was a good enough reason to open a Jimi Hendrix café and hotel in the village, which are still open today.

Diabat sees only a small fraction of the tourists compared to Essaouira, and the hippie communes are long gone. But if you are visiting Essaouira during the high season months of July and August and want to escape the crowds, Diabat is the place to come and is one of the easiest day trips from Essaouira. Visitors only tend to come here for a quad biking or horse riding tour, or they may be staying at the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa (which is actually in Diabat rather than Essaouira) and tend to stick to the confines of luxury.

However, it’s worth the visit over to Diabat to explore Dar Sultan Palace, a once-grand palace that has been left to the elements, and is now nestled amongst the sand dunes between Diabat village and the beach. It’s a fascinating place to explore and open to all to wander around (there’s no fee or gated entrance). The stone arches and even the mosaic tiles are still clearly on display.

21. Visit the beach at Sidi Kaouki

READ OUR GUIDE: Sidi Kaouki

Sidi Kaouki is surfing beach, 30 minutes drive south of Essaouira and makes for a lovely day trip from Essaouira. It’s a beautiful spot, but the secret is out on this sandy stretch, so don’t expect to have it to yourselves at weekends. Here you will will find a handful of restaurants, and locals offering camel and horse rides along the beach.

The surf here is stronger than Essaouira beach and popular with surfers. There’s a surf shop next to the restaurants if you want to hire a surfboard or boogie board, or perhaps have lessons.

Hire sun loungers and a parasol on the beach, 50DH for a pair, although laying your towel out is free. 

On the opposite site to the white building are rockpools to explore.

To get to Sidi Kaouki, take a Grand Taxi from Essaouira. You will need to get to the Grand Taxi station, which is next to the main bus station in Essaouira. Click here for the Google Map point. There is a flat fee of 15DH per person, or 90DH for the whole taxi (i.e. 6 people), to Sidi Kaouki. They may try and charge you more. Ask to see the official tariff if they do (see photo below). To get back to Sidi Kaouki, arrange a collection time with your driver. 

It is also possible to get the local bus over to Sidi Kaouki. Bus number 2 runs from Bab Doukkala to Sidi Kaouki every 2 hours and tickets cost 7DH per person (purchase tickets on the bus). The bus will take longer to get to Sidi Kaouki than a taxi (approximately 1 hour) and it sometimes stops at Essaouira Airport en-route.

22. Enjoy a day pass at a pool in the countryside

READ OUR GUIDE: Day passes in Essaouira

If your Airbnb, riad, or hotel in Essaouira doesn’t have a swimming pool, how about treating yourself to a day pass at a swimming pool. There are a handful of options, which we detail here. But for couples and solo travellers we recommend Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, and for families we recommend Hôtel Domaine de L’Arganeraie.

23. Visit a vineyard

READ OUR GUIDE: Essaouira wine tasting at Val d’Argan

There is no shuttle service to the vineyard, so visitors need to make their own way over (a Grand Taxi or private driver).

24. Visit a rural market

READ OUR GUIDE: Had Draa market (Sundays)
READ OUR GUIDE: Ida Ougourd market (Wenesdays)

A visit to a rural market is a fantastic way to gain insight into authentic Moroccan life and one of the best day trips from Essaouira. Local traders descend on an otherwise sleepy, dusty village with their piles of fruit and veg, woven baskets, cattle, spices, kitchen wares and much much more to create a bustling epicentre of the local community. This is where locals (generally men) not only visit for their weekly shop, but to socialise and do business over a mint tea and a BBQ.

The largest in the region is Had Draa Souk, which is held every Sunday. Animals and produce have been traded for centuries here, and is the place to come if you need to pick up a camel, goat or donkey (do check your Ryanair baggage allowance though). There’s also an on-site halal abattoir and stalls selling grilled-meat kebabs.

If your visit to Essaouira doesn’t coincide with the Sunday market at Had Draa, the next best option in the region is Ida Ougourd, held every Wednesday. Set on a hillside, the market is separated into distinct areas: a large open fruit and veg market spills out in front of the mosque, a Halal abattoir will be found down a little alleyway, and animals are traded in a walled square. There’s even a donkey park (as opposed to a car park).

Local buses leave from outside Bab Doukkala to Had Draa (Sunday, 10DH per person) and Ida Ougourd (Wednesday, 7DH per person). Alternatively, take a Grand Taxi (same price as the bus) or arrange a private car through your accommodation.

25. Sandboarding the Tissa Dunes

The latest adrenaline-fueled activity to be offered in Essaouira is sandboarding. Aptly named Essaouira Sandboarding is a tour company that organises a two-hour excursion twice per day from Essaouira to Tissa Dunes, which is a 30 minute drive north of the medina.

You will be provided with all the necessary kit and expert guidance on sand boarding techniques, to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. There are gentle slopes for beginners through to challenging heights for the more adventurous. Plus, the panoramic views from the top of the sand dunes are pretty epic (once you’ve caught your breath climbing back up them).

Moroccan refreshments are laid out after your activity to savour the views and chat about your sandboarding adventures. For a moment, you may even feel like you’re in the Sahara.

Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to get absolutely covered in sand (those grains get everywhere). It’s also a good idea to book this tour towards the beginning of your time in Essaouira as high winds can mean trips are cancelled.

26. Go rock pooling

One of the best free things to do in Essaouira with kids (adults are also welcome) is to go rock pooling. At low tide, pools form around the rocks on the beach, revealing sea creatures such as crabs, small fish, and even octopus.

The best places to do this are:

• in front of the sea wall at Place Moulay Hassan (there’s a small opening to the beach next to La Cité Heureuse Essaouira)
  
• Assafi Beach north of the medina
  
• In front of Sidi Kaouki’s shrine at Sidi Kaouki

Take a bucket and net with you to help with your explorations (these can be picked up from shops along Av. de l’Istiqlal, the main avenue running through the medina). Please remember to carefully return all creatures back to the sea.

27. La Cite Heureuse

Located in a restored 19th century building overlooking Place Moulay Hassan, La Cite Heureuse is a small museum dedicated to the region’s cultural and historical heritage. It’s free to enter.

The building itself is beautiful and the mosaic work along the wall at the entrance is impressive. However, the contents are rather sparse with just a handful of photographs and models. Plus, descriptions are only in Arabic and French (have Google Lens handy for translation if needed).

It’s a museum that probably only warrants five minutes of your time. Although we still reckon it’s worthwhile popping in as the black and white photographs are interesting and entry is free.

28. Take a yoga class

READ OUR GUIDE: Yoga in Essaouira

Considering the laid back, hippy vibe of Essaouira, you won’t be surprised to hear that a number of yoga studios and classes have popped up over the years. Usually taking advantage of the natural location and views, a yoga class in Essaouira very much feels on-brand. Don’t worry if you’re only in Essaouira for a few days; many of the yoga schools offer drop-in classes, ideal if you can’t commit to a long-term pass or schedule. It’s a great way to stay healthy in Essaouira during your stay.

Some accommodations, such as Riad Dar L’Qdima and Les Jardins De Mogador yoga et SPA, offer free yoga classes to guests. Otherwise, check out Swiri Yoga or Moga Yoga Studio who offer regular drop-in classes. For those who have time for a more immersive yoga experience by way of a retreat, La Vida Surf offer four and seven day yoga retreats at Villa Dar Zitoon.

29. Attend the Gnaoua World Music Festival

Essaouira is host to several cool festivals and smaller events, the most famous of which is probably the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which is mostly free to attend. First appearing on the calendar in 1998, the festival is now an integral part of the city’s fabric. With a focus predominately on Gnawa musicians, it’s an incredibly popular festival that regularly attracts half a million visitors each year.

It’s held at the end of June, the next edition in 2025 is from the 26th to 28th of June. Make sure you book your accommodation as early as possible, the Essaouira hotels fill up quickly and the whole city is in festival mode (it gets very busy). Even though some of the events have an entrance fee, there are plenty of free events and shows popping up around town and on the beach.

➧ Ideas for Essaouira day trips

If you have more time to spend in Essaouira and are looking to venture deeper into the countryside or along along the Atlantic coastline, then check out our guide to the best day trips from Essaouira, which includes Safi, Taghazout, and even Marrakech.

Day trips from Essaouira

Essaouira can be a lovely base for Moroccan adventures further afield. From a 10min to 3hr drive, here we share the best day trips from Essaouira, including Safi, Sidi Kaouki, Taghazout, and even Marrakech.

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