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
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
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.
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Essaouira
Trip Inspiration
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Discover moreMeet 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
March–May
Go hiking
September–November
Sahara camping
October - May
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
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.
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Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
We went to Marrakesh, Essaouira and Oualidia with Jacada. Our only regret was not having had more time to spend in Morocco. It was absolutely magical. James from Jacada must have been able to read our mind putting the perfect vacation together, which not only the adults but also our 6 and 10 year old boys enjoyed. Everybody we came…
Planning my daughter and my adventure with Berni and Jen was easy and fun. We outlined the key things we wanted to do and they put it all together. Throughout our holiday, we enjoyed ziplining, nature walks and sloth searches, traversed the hanging bridges, hiked to waterfalls, rafted into and out of our amazing lodge in the rainforest and were…
It worked out exactly as described by the Jacada team ahead of the trip. Like a Swiss watch at work. Thank you for a great family experience.
Jacada team is amazing I booked 4 trips with them so far during these trips I visited 11 wonderful countries. one of my trips was a 2 month long trip to South America it was a dream . My favorite thing about Jacada is the attention to details and making almost everything possible thank you can’t wait to travel with…
Jacada arranged a 50th birthday celebration for my wife (and me) in Morocco. Truly a once in a lifetime experience, with outstanding experiences, attention to detail and service across the board. We have traveled around the world, including with other travel companies. This was the most incredible experience we have ever had. The food, the accommodations, the tours—everything was perfect.…
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