The BEST 2 Days in Essaouira for Culture, Food and Sun
Updated: Oct 30
Featured in films like Netflix's "Lonely Planet" with timeless Laura Dern and smouldering Liam Hemsworth, and heavily used for shows like Game of Thrones, many visitors to Morocco do not even know that this seaside gem exists.
In this Essaouira travel guide, discover how to spend two days in Essaouira, Morocco exploring the seaside town's unique foodie destinations, stunning vistas and colorful souks.
In this article you will find:
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Shopping in Essaouira
The streets of Essaouira are primarily pedestrian-only, adding to the charm of long artful lanes of souks and friendly avenues for strolls in the sea air. Start by simply strolling the souks and seafront, and pepper in plenty of time for eating and relaxation.
The souks are numerous, of course, from the spice souk (Souk el Ghezel) to the jewelers souk (Souk des Bijoutiers), and can be best found by wandering. Leave the GPS at home.
La Joutia is the town's flea market, complemented by the nearby old corn market.
Perhaps you are interested in getting henna or a massage while you are in town? These are all great options for a relaxing beach vacation.
Essaouira Surf and Beach Activities
The Atlantic Coast beach is an obvious draw to visitors in Essaouira. Great for sunbathing, surfing and water sports, many tourists enjoy the sand and waves to fill their day.
For me, a camel or horse ride along the beach is a better way to experience the beach.
Tours can easily be arranged on Viator, like any one of the below options:
Essaouira Surf Lessons
Quad Bikes
Camel or Horse Rides
Many take you on a tour of the beach area, secret coves where Jimi Hendrix used to hang out, and a snack or tea stop as well.
You can also arrange for a boat ride if you want!
Essaouira Old Medina
A trip to Essaouira must include a walk along the oceanfront ramparts at the Skala de la Kasbah, which you may recognize from the Game of Thrones series.
The Medina is a bustling area full of shopping opportunities, and the fish market is a fun place to see daily life at work.
You may also want to consider a cooking class or a food tour while you are visiting Essaouira, or just have fun taking photos of all the many street cats!
The Best Restaurants in Essaouira
Typically you will find all manner of French and European travelers looking to discover the secrets of Essaouira's seaside charms. Many are young backpackers looking for rooftop hangs and sunset views or late night parties.
Others are families seeking a quiet version of nearby Marrakech or maybe couples igniting romance and relaxation. No matter the type of traveler, I've rounded up some amazing options for dining and foodie sidebars for your stay.
Be sure to make time for Le Chalet de la Plage, a historic beachfront restaurant with excellent fresh seafood and beautiful atmosphere.
Enjoy a bottle of wine (or two, in our case) and watch a stunning sunset from your waterfront table.
Nearby you can also find Café Terrasse, a good spot for a cold drink and some olives.
For less than $15, Les Alizes Mogador offers a romantic atmosphere and fixed price menu with robust flavors that Moroccan food is known for. With candlelight and cozy tables, expect your meal to be a memorable one.
Or perhaps you prefer something more boisterous? In that case, head to the fish market and port for one of the many open-air grills serving up today's catch.
Lastly, La Mouette et les Dromadaires is a great place to visit in the afternoon hours or at sunset for drinks and nibbles along the waterfront.
Wine Tasting, Argan Oil and More Culinary Treats
Just 15 minutes out of town, find French "La Fromagerie" - a spectacular haven for wine and cheese lovers. Bring lots of cash, because it is a cash only establishment as of my last visit.
Expect huge cheese platters, roving musicians, white plastered walls reminiscent of Greece, and a lovely courtyard for whiling away the afternoon.
You'll also want to make time to visit the Val D'Argan winery, where you can sample their wines in a tasting flight. Their focus is on whites and rose's.
Argan Oil from Essaouira
On the road into town you can find the Coop Marjana Argan Oil, where you can see the process of making argan oil and pick up some argan oil souvenirs.
If you don't want to show up on your own, try some of these other argan oil experiences:
Essaouira Riad Stays
Affordable, oh-so-Moroccan and super friendly, you'll want to add these authentic style riads to your list of potential places to stay in Essaouira.
Great for small groups or longer term stays!
Romantic and perfect for an exotic getaway!
If you are looking for camping in Essaouira, I don't have first hand advice - but I can give you the run down on desert camping outside of Marrakech. Hop over to this page for more information and see if it's something you'd be into!
Tips for Visiting Essaouira
What to Wear in Essaouira
Being a seaside town, things are more relaxed in the modesty department than in Marrakech. Expect to cover up shoulder and thighs out of respect, but in all honesty no one seemed to abide by this much.
Opting for beachy sundresses and revealing clothing, I saw a lot more skin than I would have expected. Nonetheless, cover up with breezy tunic tops and linen pants and you'll feel happy that you did.
You can follow some of my guidelines and other tips on how to dress in Morocco in my Marrakech guide here.
Alcohol in Essaouira
You can also expect to find alcohol much more easily than in Marrakech. Most establishments offer at least beer and wine. Hooray!
Bars in Essaouira can be found along the main shopping streets, and look up - many of them are on rooftops!
Bus from Marrakech to Essaouira
Lastly, you can take a bus from Marrakech to Essaouira, but the road getting out there was very good and just fine if you want to rent a car. Just be aware of the random checkpoints. (Read more about safety and driving abroad tips at this link).
We got pulled over and the policeman tried to shimmy us for some cash. We talked our way out of it, but please be aware that there are MANY of these checkpoints. When you see them, slow down every time.
More than anything, just enjoy the beautiful seaside retreat from the big city!
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