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A city break to Essaouira offers a perfect blend of history, culture and chill beach vibes

City breaks to Essaouira

Essaouira, a coastal gem in Morocco, seamlessly fuses history and culture. Dating back to the late 18th century and added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2001, Essaouira was featured in Orson Welles’ 1951 film Othello and more recently in Game of Thrones. Its maze-like streets buzz with street vendors and vibrant galleries make the walled medina a fantastic place to start exploring. The busy port is a feast for the senses with its sea-blue wooden boats, the smell of fresh catch and the sight of traditional boatbuilders hard at work.

At a Glance

  • Explore the bustling Medina
  • Wander around the busy port
  • Catch some rays at the beach
  • Prep for your trip with our Holiday Extras

Best time to go to Essaouira

Thanks to it’s sweet spot on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira stays way cooler than the sizzling hot spots inland. Come July and August, things heat up to around 30 degrees. Known as the 'Windy City of Africa,' it's a paradise for surfers, thanks to the breezy Atlantic winds. The wind drops significantly in September and October, making these months ideal for a visit. While the town does experience some drizzly days, especially between December and February, heavy rainfall is super rare.

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Top things to see and do in Essaouira

Good news for beach lovers - Essaouira’s got more than one spot to chill by the sea. The main beach is perfect for a stroll along the promenade or catching a sunset after a surf sesh. If you're looking to dodge the summer crowds, head north to Assafi Beach for some peace and those cool Atlantic breezes. There's also a touristy beach stretching south from the medina to Diabat and a hidden gem with rockpools just north from the Ramparts. When the tide's low, you can even walk from Sqala du Port to the northern beach.

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The medina, or old town, is the go-to spot with tons of shops offering a mix of traditional and modern goodies. You can shop everything from argan oil and thuya wood carvings to trendy clothes, leather goods, and spices.

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Essaouira's nightlife is all about laidback vibes and cool hangouts. The medina is where you'll find a mix of chill bars and live music spots, perfect for a relaxed evening. Down by the beach, the atmosphere gets a bit livelier with beach parties and bonfires that go on till late.

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If you love street food, you're in for a treat. The medina and port areas are packed with tasty street-side kitchens perfect for budget travellers. A staple you’ll see is Harira soup and it’s a total game-changer—warm, hearty and packed with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, spices, and a bit of meat.

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