Call us on
    Exit
    Exit

    Luxury Essaouira
    Tours made for you

    Morocco's coolest coastal retreat
    Gold yacht icon

    Catch of the day

    Enjoy seafood fresh from the boats

    Vector art of vase behind rope drawn in bold and gold line art

    Art and culture

    Visit galleries in the medina

    Trees icon

    Into nature

    Explore the beautiful countryside

    An inviting, laid-back port town

    On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a little under three hours due west of Marrakesh, Essaouira is a laid-back port town cooled by the vents alizés trade winds gently blowing in from the ocean.

    Once known as Mogador, the town took its current name from the 18th century medina – ‘souira’ meaning small fortress – with crenelated walls enclosing a handful of palmed-lined avenues and connecting atmospheric alleys.

    As Marrekesh’s closest harbour, Essaouira linked caravans from sub-Saharan Africa to the rest of the world and it became a cultural melting pot. Jews from Europe were encouraged to settle here to handle trade with Europe, at one point comprising nearly half of the population, and historic synagogues and walled cemeteries can be found in the old Jewish ‘Mellah’. Fortunes faded, but Essaouira’s well-worn charm brought Hendrix, Cat Stevens, the Rolling Stones and a trail of hippies in the 1960s, and while things maybe be better heeled today, its rich atmosphere and bohemian vibe are still strong.

    A mass of blue fishing boats undulate in the protected harbour whose catch can be found grilled on open air stands, while the planned streets of the medina contain restaurants, galleries, boutiques and an altogether more relaxed place to browse.

    Sandy beaches extend for miles out from either side of the town, swept by near perfect breezes drawing in wind and kite surfers from April to August. Inland there are a handful of more rural retreats, argan tree plantations and even vineyards to discover.

    Highlights

    Set off on a buggy hike from Essaouira to Tagenza via the unmissable and breathtaking Cap Sim

    Go trekking in the coniferous thuya forest and enjoy a tea break at a Berber house

    Enjoy a relaxing traditional boat trip at sunset from the picturesque port of Essaouira

    Visit a local market to gather ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop and delicious meal

    Allow yourself to be transported to a place of warm culture and timeless seaside tranquility. While away the hours listening to the waves of the Atlantic crash on the shores, browse a market or two, or wander down picturesque streets lined with blue and white buildings.

    Rosie Beckford headshot

    Rosie Beckford

    Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in Essaouira

    There are many incredible places to stay in Essaouira. Here is one of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Essaouira tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Discover more of Morocco

    Casablanca thumbnail

    Casablanca

    This city is the chief port, the financial, commercial and manufacturing center of the country.

    Discover more
    Fes thumbnail

    Fes

    The city of Fes, Morocco’s second largest, is considered to be its cultural and religious capital and often referred to as the Mecca of the West.

    Discover more
    High Atlas Mountains thumbnail

    High Atlas Mountains

    The Atlas Mountains are a rugged chain that span North Africa from the Atlantic coast through Algeria and Tunisia, an imposing barrier between the fertile Mediterranean coast from the vast Sahara Desert.

    Discover more
    Marrakesh thumbnail

    Marrakesh

    With its rich atmosphere, fascinating history and rich Berber culture, the city of Marrakesh encapsulates what draws people from around the world to Morocco.

    Discover more
    Moroccan Sahara thumbnail

    Moroccan Sahara

    Morocco’s corner of the desert lies south of the High Atlas Mountains, a smattering of oasis towns becoming less frequent the further you venture, eventually reaching the golden dune seas that evokes the most romantic images of the Sahara.

    Discover more
    Oualidia thumbnail

    Oualidia

    200km north of Essaouira, between El Jadida and Safi, is the peaceful town of Oualidia. Overlooking a coastal lagoon frequented by migratory birds, beyond which is the vast expanse of the Atlantic ocean, its setting couldn’t be more idyllic.

    Discover more
    Skoura thumbnail

    Skoura

    Skoura is an oasis town that sits south of the Atlas Mountains at the gateway to the Sahara beyond. Once an important trading post where camel trains would offload spices and gold to be hauled over to Fes, its illustrious past can be glimpsed in the sand coloured Kasbahs that still stand here today.

    Discover more
    Tangier thumbnail

    Tangier

    Morocco’s northernmost city, looking out across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain, Tangier is a place with a fascinating history. Known as ‘The Door of Africa’, it has changed hands dozens of times.

    Discover more

    Meet your Middle East team

    When to visit

    A dry climate means anytime from March to October is pleasant to visit. July and August’s heat is cooled by the breeze, making the town popular with inland Moroccans during the summer, and the end of June sees Essaouira host the renowned Gnaoua Music Festival.

    Exploring souks main icon

    Exploring souks

    March–May

    Go hiking main icon

    Go hiking

    September–November

    Sahara camping main icon

    Sahara camping

    October - May

    The Best Time to Visit Morocco

    The Best Time to Visit Morocco

    Read more

    Plan your trip to Essaouira

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Essaouira, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

    Authentic experiences illustration image

    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

    Responsible travel illustration image

    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Herd of zebra in the grasslands in the golden light, TanzaniaHot air balloon over Marrakech in the sunset light.

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

    Find out more
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline