Known for
A fortified Atlantic fishing port, Essaouira charms with its white-and-blue medina, its ramparts, its laid-back atmosphere and its kitesurfing spots.
What to see
Portuguese bastions facing the ocean, bronze cannons and views of the Purpuraire Islands.
UNESCO alleys, art galleries, thuya wood marquetry and craftsmen’s shops.
Blue boats, a fish auction and grills on the quay.
A large, windy beach, ideal for kite and windsurf all year round.
What to do
The windy city, ideal to start board sports.
Long wild beach out to the dunes and Ksob river.
Argan-oil making and the famous tree-climbing goats.
Where to eat
🍽️ Grilled fresh fish of the day
Pick from the stall, have it weighed and priced.
🍽️ Chermoula fish tagine
Spices and seafood, relaxed vibe.
🍽️ Juices, salads, Gnaoua music
Bohemian vibe typical of Essaouira.
Where to stay & book
A stone’s throw from the ramparts and the port.
Ocean view, direct access to kite spots.
Surf/kite lessons and a friendly vibe.
Climate & temperature
☀️ Summer: Summer: 22 to 26 °C, mild thanks to the trade winds.
❄️ Winter: Winter: 16 to 19 °C, mild but windy.
✅ Best time: Year-round; peak wind in summer (a kite paradise).
🧴 Almost constant wind: cooler than it looks. · Beach sand flies with the wind: sunglasses are handy. · Ocean water is cold even in summer.
🎒 Windbreaker · Light sweater · Sunglasses · Wetsuit if swimming/surfing
Safety & tips
💡 Local tip: Eat grilled fish at the port, picked straight from the stall — but have it weighed and the price agreed before you order.
Someone approaches you, claims your route is closed, or offers to guide you 'for free' to a square or landmark. Once there, they demand money, sometimes insistently.
✅ Refuse politely but firmly ('la, choukran' = no thanks) and keep walking. Use an offline map. A real guide carries an official badge. Never follow anyone who insists.
The driver refuses to turn on the meter ('it's broken') and then announces an inflated fare on arrival, sometimes 3 to 5 times the normal price.
✅ Ask for the meter before getting in. If the meter 'doesn't work', step out and simply take the next taxi — there are always others. If the driver insists or threatens you, call the police (19). Without a meter, agree on the price IN ADVANCE and ask your riad about the normal fare. Ride-hailing apps (inDrive, Careem) show the price upfront and avoid any dispute.
A woman grabs your hand and starts a henna tattoo 'as a gift', then demands a high price. Some black hennas contain allergy-triggering additives.
✅ Keep your hands close to you and refuse any contact. Never hold out your hand. Walk away at the very first approach.