Guidebook for Essaouira
Sightseeing
Built in 1509 by the portugese and renovated after being caught and bombarded by the French in the late 19th Century, the port of Essaouira is a place full of history.
Today it is a small fishing port where boats cross.
There are many restaurants nearby selling fresh fish and it is also possible to visit the scala port for 10 dirhams, to view the beautiful harbour and the islands around Essaouira.
29 locals recommend
Essaouira Citadel
Built in 1509 by the portugese and renovated after being caught and bombarded by the French in the late 19th Century, the port of Essaouira is a place full of history.
Today it is a small fishing port where boats cross.
There are many restaurants nearby selling fresh fish and it is also possible to visit the scala port for 10 dirhams, to view the beautiful harbour and the islands around Essaouira.
The museum established in a building of the XIX century, includes cultural and historical heritage of the region of Essaouira. From prehistory to present day, take a look at the changes in Essaouira and its rich history. As the only museum in the city, it hosts temporary exhibitions each year.
16 locals recommend
Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum
161 Rue LaaloujThe museum established in a building of the XIX century, includes cultural and historical heritage of the region of Essaouira. From prehistory to present day, take a look at the changes in Essaouira and its rich history. As the only museum in the city, it hosts temporary exhibitions each year.
Along the ramparts, the Souk Laghzal offers merchant stalls of exotic spices and herbalists who offers cures for various ailments. Remedies for body and beauty care are also available from family run herbal stores.
Souk Laghzal , 44000 - Essaouira
Souk Rahba
Along the ramparts, the Souk Laghzal offers merchant stalls of exotic spices and herbalists who offers cures for various ailments. Remedies for body and beauty care are also available from family run herbal stores.
Souk Laghzal , 44000 - Essaouira
Essaouira Beach is perfect for enjoying a few moments of relaxation on fine sands, at the water's edge. The beach is a popular location for sports and recreational activities like kite-surfing and wind-surfing and water sports. There is also a childrens playground, cafes and restaurants, sunbeds and parasols all year round and many free activities during the summer season.
7 locals recommend
Plage Essaouira
Essaouira Beach is perfect for enjoying a few moments of relaxation on fine sands, at the water's edge. The beach is a popular location for sports and recreational activities like kite-surfing and wind-surfing and water sports. There is also a childrens playground, cafes and restaurants, sunbeds and parasols all year round and many free activities during the summer season.
The purpuraires Islands are an archipelago of islands and islets around the peninsula of Essaouira.
They are located opposite the port Skala, birds sanctuary.
The largest of these islands is called "Island of the Pharaoh". Found abandoned fortifications there.
The archipelago is named after the king Juba II develops there a dyeing industry from Murex in the 1st century BC. This shell allows to manufacture the color purple. It is this industry that will developed the city at the time.
As Mogador island, the purpuraires islands can be visited. However, you can make the boat ride.
Essaouira's Small Island
The purpuraires Islands are an archipelago of islands and islets around the peninsula of Essaouira.
They are located opposite the port Skala, birds sanctuary.
The largest of these islands is called "Island of the Pharaoh". Found abandoned fortifications there.
The archipelago is named after the king Juba II develops there a dyeing industry from Murex in the 1st century BC. This shell allows to manufacture the color purple. It is this industry that will developed the city at the time.
As Mogador island, the purpuraires islands can be visited. However, you can make the boat ride.
Sidi Ishak is situated north of Essaouira. Today the village is home to 10 000 habitants. The market is on every Friday.
Sidi Ishak
R301Sidi Ishak is situated north of Essaouira. Today the village is home to 10 000 habitants. The market is on every Friday.
Dar Sultan,Essaouira,Morocco.
Dar Soultane, whose real name is 'Dar al-Baida', was once the home of the Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah.
Today, half buried in sand, it is one of the most amazing Andalusian-style palaces, built in the late 18th century. Originally Dar Soultane had 5 pavillions decorated with carved wooden ceilings.
The white house or Dar Es-sultan was a beautiful palace once constructed by Hoban a rich negociator of the makhzen. It was given to Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah before it became the residence of Moulay Abderrahmane, Khalifa of the king in Mogador.
9 locals recommend
Diabat
Dar Sultan,Essaouira,Morocco.
Dar Soultane, whose real name is 'Dar al-Baida', was once the home of the Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah.
Today, half buried in sand, it is one of the most amazing Andalusian-style palaces, built in the late 18th century. Originally Dar Soultane had 5 pavillions decorated with carved wooden ceilings.
The white house or Dar Es-sultan was a beautiful palace once constructed by Hoban a rich negociator of the makhzen. It was given to Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah before it became the residence of Moulay Abderrahmane, Khalifa of the king in Mogador.
Inaugurated in the early twentieth century by Marshal Lyautey, the Essaouira Clock Tower is located a few steps from Bab Sbaa. This large square tower is an ideal place for a tour of the medina. Renovated in 2012, it finally displays the time and chimes every half hour.
Avenue Oqba Ibn Nafiaa
Avenue Oqba Ibn NafiaaInaugurated in the early twentieth century by Marshal Lyautey, the Essaouira Clock Tower is located a few steps from Bab Sbaa. This large square tower is an ideal place for a tour of the medina. Renovated in 2012, it finally displays the time and chimes every half hour.
Slat Lkahal synagogue is situated in the Mellah district of Medina. It was built in 1850 with funds raised during funeral ceremonies by members of the community who would mingle with crowds at funerals . "Slat Lkahal" which means "Synagogue of the community" is the only synagogue in Essaouira not built with private funds. The Synagogue for the poor, the rich Jewish community resided in the Kasbah district, also served as a place to teach Hebrew to children in need. It was a gathering place for the waves of the Jewish community stopping in Essaouira while on their way to emigrate to Isreal or Europe.
The Synagogue was completely abandoned for a time, today it is restored as part of the rehabilitation of the Mellah.
Mellah
Slat Lkahal synagogue is situated in the Mellah district of Medina. It was built in 1850 with funds raised during funeral ceremonies by members of the community who would mingle with crowds at funerals . "Slat Lkahal" which means "Synagogue of the community" is the only synagogue in Essaouira not built with private funds. The Synagogue for the poor, the rich Jewish community resided in the Kasbah district, also served as a place to teach Hebrew to children in need. It was a gathering place for the waves of the Jewish community stopping in Essaouira while on their way to emigrate to Isreal or Europe.
The Synagogue was completely abandoned for a time, today it is restored as part of the rehabilitation of the Mellah.
The vast beach of Sidi Kaouki, located south 25km south of Essaouira, is perfect for water sports activities and camel riding. Restaurants, cafes, hostels with sea views and traditional boutiques are also by the sea.
44 locals recommend
Sidi Kaouki
The vast beach of Sidi Kaouki, located south 25km south of Essaouira, is perfect for water sports activities and camel riding. Restaurants, cafes, hostels with sea views and traditional boutiques are also by the sea.
Entertainment & Activities
Two playgrounds for children on the beach in Essaouira, open 7 days a week, they are also near cafes and restaurants in the area. Slides, swings and toys are available for 3.00 Dhs per child.
144 locals recommend
Essaouira
Two playgrounds for children on the beach in Essaouira, open 7 days a week, they are also near cafes and restaurants in the area. Slides, swings and toys are available for 3.00 Dhs per child.
Everything Else
For centuries Essaouira was home to a large Jewish community and has two Jewish cemeteries.
While the city had a cemetery with 2,400 graves, the oldest dating back to 1775, a new cemetery in front of the former was built in 1875.
Jewish tradition forbids any human representation, the first cemetery graves are anthropomorphic. According to a rumour, this cemetery has several layers of graves.
Avenue Moulay Hicham, Avenue Ghazouat Badr , 44000 - Essaouira
Avenue Moulay Hicham
Avenue Moulay HichamFor centuries Essaouira was home to a large Jewish community and has two Jewish cemeteries.
While the city had a cemetery with 2,400 graves, the oldest dating back to 1775, a new cemetery in front of the former was built in 1875.
Jewish tradition forbids any human representation, the first cemetery graves are anthropomorphic. According to a rumour, this cemetery has several layers of graves.
Avenue Moulay Hicham, Avenue Ghazouat Badr , 44000 - Essaouira
The museum established in a building of the XIX century, includes cultural and historical heritage of the region of Essaouira. From prehistory to present day, take a look at the changes in Essaouira and its rich history. As the only museum in the city, it hosts temporary exhibitions each year.
entrance from 10 dirham
Rue Laalouj
Rue LaaloujThe museum established in a building of the XIX century, includes cultural and historical heritage of the region of Essaouira. From prehistory to present day, take a look at the changes in Essaouira and its rich history. As the only museum in the city, it hosts temporary exhibitions each year.
entrance from 10 dirham
Tafetachte is a village of 1200 inhabitants located about fifty kilometers from Essaouira. Its souk is held every Monday.
Collège Tafetachte
Tafetachte is a village of 1200 inhabitants located about fifty kilometers from Essaouira. Its souk is held every Monday.
Akermoud is a village situated north of Essaouira, the tomb of Sidi Ouasmin is located here. The market is on every Saturday.
Akermoud
Akermoud is a village situated north of Essaouira, the tomb of Sidi Ouasmin is located here. The market is on every Saturday.
Food Scene
Place Moulay Hassan Essaouira is one of the most beautiful plazas in the city. Located between the port and the entrance to the Medina, it offers sea views from one of the many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding areas.
In the evening families and friends gather for walks and children can be seen playing and chasing the pigeons and cats. The place also hosts the largest outdoor gathering in Essaouira, the Gnaoua Festival, where internationally renowned artists gather every year.
10 locals recommend
Moulay Hassan Square
Place Moulay Hassan Essaouira is one of the most beautiful plazas in the city. Located between the port and the entrance to the Medina, it offers sea views from one of the many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding areas.
In the evening families and friends gather for walks and children can be seen playing and chasing the pigeons and cats. The place also hosts the largest outdoor gathering in Essaouira, the Gnaoua Festival, where internationally renowned artists gather every year.
Mega Loft by Othman Chic is a whole in one: coffee, restaurant, gallery, shop and showroom. In a unique atmosphere, discover this Aladdin's cave to miles colors.
All days, from 11 a.m to midnight
LIVE MUSIC
Bab Skala
Rue SkalaMega Loft by Othman Chic is a whole in one: coffee, restaurant, gallery, shop and showroom. In a unique atmosphere, discover this Aladdin's cave to miles colors.
All days, from 11 a.m to midnight
LIVE MUSIC
Dan atmosphere warm and genuine, the restaurant "Le Sirocco" welcomes customers decor cared, which encourages them to travel. Card of the food, Moroccan and French, is varied with dishes well trimmed. The staff, servers and cooks, is young and dynamic. They meet all your expectations. A distracting show with guitarist or magician is guaranteed nightly. A genuine moment of conviviality, the Sirocco is the ideal place.
The restaurant is open every day except Tuesday.
Gnawa Live Music
Rue Ibn Rochd
Rue Ibn RochdDan atmosphere warm and genuine, the restaurant "Le Sirocco" welcomes customers decor cared, which encourages them to travel. Card of the food, Moroccan and French, is varied with dishes well trimmed. The staff, servers and cooks, is young and dynamic. They meet all your expectations. A distracting show with guitarist or magician is guaranteed nightly. A genuine moment of conviviality, the Sirocco is the ideal place.
The restaurant is open every day except Tuesday.
Gnawa Live Music
OUR FAVOURITE
La Triskalla serves traditional Moroccan cuisine with soft jazz music playing in the background, crepes and tea are a good after dinner choice.
58 Bis, Rue Touahen
Family , Standard , Sea food , Local food
12 locals recommend
Triskala
58 Rue TouahenOUR FAVOURITE
La Triskalla serves traditional Moroccan cuisine with soft jazz music playing in the background, crepes and tea are a good after dinner choice.
58 Bis, Rue Touahen
Family , Standard , Sea food , Local food
OUR FAVOURITE - Bibi et Jamal vous présente le restaurant Umia, où vous pouvez déguster plats cuisinés à base de produits du terroir et de saison.
26 rue de la Scala
12 locals recommend
Umia
22 Rue SkalaOUR FAVOURITE - Bibi et Jamal vous présente le restaurant Umia, où vous pouvez déguster plats cuisinés à base de produits du terroir et de saison.
26 rue de la Scala
A menu is only 75-95 dirham, the couscous and tajine some of the best we had in Morocco, the homemade yoghurt simply amazing, the atmosphere welcoming and warm.
10 locals recommend
Restaurant ADWAK
Avenue Sidi Mohamed Ben AbdellahA menu is only 75-95 dirham, the couscous and tajine some of the best we had in Morocco, the homemade yoghurt simply amazing, the atmosphere welcoming and warm.
Drinks & Nightlife
The bar and the restaurant of reference to Essaouira, Le Taros is especially known for its sophisticated light cooking and its burning evenings. We go to Taros for its exceptional view on the port and on the beach as well as for his live musical evenings!
New, maintaining Taros proposes you breakfasts.
Every day, from 9 am till 01:00 am
LIVE MUSIC
Fishes of the auction in the Barbecue
French and Moroccan Specialities
91 locals recommend
Taros
Place Moulay HassanThe bar and the restaurant of reference to Essaouira, Le Taros is especially known for its sophisticated light cooking and its burning evenings. We go to Taros for its exceptional view on the port and on the beach as well as for his live musical evenings!
New, maintaining Taros proposes you breakfasts.
Every day, from 9 am till 01:00 am
LIVE MUSIC
Fishes of the auction in the Barbecue
French and Moroccan Specialities