• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-520524951166
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "morocco/the-atlantic-coast/essaouira",
  "destination": "Essaouira",
  "title": "essaouira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Essaouira",
  "region": "Northern-Atlantic-Coast",
  "country": "Morocco",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Essaouira

Morocco

Morocco Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Essaouira port in Morocco. Shot after sunset at blue hour.; Shutterstock ID 469077956; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Essaouira BiT

Shutterstock / Ruslan Kalnitsky

Overview

Easy, breezy Essaouira makes the perfect seaside escape. Its laid-back vibe, artsy atmosphere and sweep of golden sand have long attracted artists and musicians; there is a thriving local arts scene and lively music festivals throughout the year. Omnipresent wind gusts and consistent rollers mean that it attracts plenty of kitesurfers in spring and summer, and surfers over autumn and winter, although water sports are a draw year-round for beginners. Plan your trip to Essaouira with our travel inspiration, top attractions and expert tips.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Essaouira

Get unlimited data while you travel with Holafly eSIM. Peace of mind and no hidden fees wherever you go.

LEARN MORE

Take your Morocco trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Meet Morocco: 10 Days in Marrakesh, Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains, and the Agafay Desert

highlights

  1. 1Riding a camel through the Agafay Desert dunes at sunset
  2. 2Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Old Medina during a guided Marrakesh walking tour
  3. 3Cooking traditional cuisine in a Berber village with a local resident
from $3,750

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-679676846703
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "morocco/the-atlantic-coast/essaouira",
  "destination": "Essaouira",
  "title": "essaouira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Essaouira",
  "region": "Northern-Atlantic-Coast",
  "country": "Morocco",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Spending Diaries

How one writer combined free activities with luxury meals and a spa day in this coastal Moroccan city.

Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-968498810808
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "morocco/the-atlantic-coast/essaouira",
  "destination": "Essaouira",
  "title": "essaouira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Essaouira",
  "region": "Northern-Atlantic-Coast",
  "country": "Morocco",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Essaouira

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-127184567332
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "morocco/the-atlantic-coast/essaouira",
  "destination": "Essaouira",
  "title": "essaouira",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Essaouira",
  "region": "Northern-Atlantic-Coast",
  "country": "Morocco",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}