Essaouira

Essaouira banner Ramparts - Fort of Essaouira City of Essaouira (2844201257) - City of Essaouira

Essaouira (Arabic: الصويرة) is a coastal city in Morocco. In addition to the new town, it offers a picturesque medina (old town) surrounded by seawalls and city walls, designed by a French architect in the 18th century, a harbor with fish market, and a long beach with numerous water sports opportunities. Once a hippie hangout, Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens spent some time here. Orson Welles filmed part of his Othello in town; west of the medina there's a square named in his honor.

Travel to Essaouira

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Essaouira

Flights to Essaouira Mogador airport arrive from Paris and Lyon with some regularity, Easyjet flies directly from London.

• Essaouira-Mogador Airport IATA Flight Code: ESU | 31.3975, -9.681667 - Essaouira-Mogador Airport

Travel on a Bus in Essaouira

• Supratours run coaches from their office in Marrakech (immediately next door to Marrakech's new train station) and the 2022 price is 80 dirham per person for standard bus, plus 5 dirham for each piece of stowed luggage.

• Supratours' office | | GPS 31.51086, -9.76713 just down the street from the beach and close to the medina entrance at Bab Marrakech
• CTM run a coach service from Marrakech's bus station (or the CTM Offices in the Gueliz, on Zerktouni street) for 80 dirham (add 5 dirham per piece of stowed luggage) which takes around 3 hours to Essaouira. CTM buses also connect Essaouira to Agadir (3 hours) and Casablanca (6 hours) about four times per day.

• CTM bus station 31.50416, -9.75699 ☎ +212 5247-84764
• Local buses from Marrakesh bus station cost 55-60 dirham but they might try to ask tourists for more and these buses are less comfortable, slower and not worth the 10 dirham saving... but they depart more frequently than the CTM buses.

• Public bus station Avenue 2 Mars 31.5174, -9.7592 - Small and unappealing station from where depart local buses.

Tickets are rarely available for the next departing coach. Try and book your tickets the day before, or further in advance during peak travel periods.

Best way to travel in Essaouira by a Taxi

A whole grand taxi from Marrakech costs 450-800 dirham, depending on your negotiating skill, where you are and the mood of the driver, etc. It is about 80 dirham per place if you wait and take a shared grand taxi (six passengers, leave when full).

Get Around

GPS 31.5122|-9.7676 The walled center of town and the Medina, is supposedly restricted to non-motorized vehicles, but this rule is widely ignored in the case of mopeds which are an increasing nuisance. Other than that and there are occasional donkey carts to dodge.

Taxi costs a flat fee of 7 dirham during day and 8 dirham after 20:00 (as of Jan 2023).

What to see in Essaouira

EssaouiraBastion2015 - Essaouira Bastion

Essaouira is a perfect example of a late 18th century fortified town, with the original canons still in place and where Orson Wells shot his Othello, "The Moor of Venice".

Medina

The UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage Listed

medina: check out the fish market at the west end, watch the sunset from the seawall at the Place Moulay Hassan, visit the Scala (wall tower north east of the Place), walk through the markets towards Bab Doukkala at the east end, and check out the artisan's shops near the eastern wall.

• Essaouira Ramparts 31.51434, -9.77242
• Essaouira fortress 31.51016, -9.77382 - Entrance 10 dirham, no tickets given
• Mogador island 31.49594, -9.78681 about 1.5 kilometers from the city - Mogador island It's a nature reserve, and thus can't be visited without an official authorization. In the 19th century, it was used as a quarantine station for pilgrims returning from Mecca.

Diabat town

• The nearby town of Diabat 31.481, -9.770 is at the south end of Essaouira's beach, and is where Jimi Hendrix once spent some time. Even if the stories aren't true, this long, windswept beach with its ruined fort is a fantastic walk. Diabat is an empty, concrete Berber village that is practically devoid of attractions except the Hendrix ruin and a Hendrix Café. It's best visited in the early morning via taxi and then return to Essouiara via a short and very romantic walk on the beach past the castle in the sand of Hendrix fame.

• Dar Sultan Palace 31.4836, -9.7691 - Walk south along the beach, cross the shallow river Oued Igrounzer and in the hills to your left you will see the ruins of a once magnificent 18th century palace used by Sultans and Kings. A path leads there; you can still find some old floor mosaics and thankfully the ruins offer some shade.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Essaouira

• The beach dominates the Essaouirans' leisure time. Although the strong wind and currents makes relaxed tanning and swimming a little difficult at times, it is perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. With good winds for most days of the year, Essaouira is a watersports' paradise. The best spots are reported to be Essaouira Bay, Sidi Kaouki, Cape Sim and Mouley Bouzertoune. Equipment can be hired from various hire centres on the beach front. However, thit is not the ideal place to learn watersports, particularly kitesurfing. There tends to be a bit of a catch 22 - either its calm and you can't go out because there's no wind or its windy and you can't go out because there is a huge shore break. In addition the water can smell of sewage.
• Camel and horse rides, quad-bikes, near the sourthern end of the main beach. A crowd of salesment offering any type of rides can be found there throughout all day long.

• Ecotourism, walking tours Web: ées.com - 8 bis Rue houmman el fatouaki Médina Essaouira ☎ +212 6 18 13 24 80 Opening Hours: half day| Guided eco-friendly tours of the amazing countryside around Essaouira. You can discover the Argan Woods and the Thuya Forests, and the Dunes, take mint tea in a Berber village, and learn the secrets of a unique ecosystem at your own pace. Price per person per day: half day is 200 dirham and full day is 400 dirham (including a traditional meal with Moroccan family). Transport from town to the departure point of each walk is included.

• World Music Festival In June.

• YousurfEssaouira - Club Royal | Bd Mohammed V, ☎ +212524785794 Kitesurf, surf and windsurf directly on the main beach. Recent equipment.

• Azur Art & Spa @spa-essaouira.com 15 Rue Khalid ben Walid ☎ +212 524 78 57 94 - A mix of art and spa, as per the name. Patrons can enjoy viewing art while having spa treatments.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Essaouira

EssaouiraStores - Essaouira stores

Essaouira's craftsmen are renowned for their woodwork and lacquerware. Intricately inlaid boxes, chessboards and curios can be found for good prices in the city's hundreds of shops; however, be aware that extensive deforestation is taking place in the area due to these woods not being replanted. Artwork of all kinds can be had here.

EssaouiraWoodcarving - Essaouira inlaid wood market

Halal Restaurants

Although Essaouira is on the sea, seafood sold to tourists can be quite expensive. Fishermen sell their catch through the market hall and you can obtain it cooked at the small stands nearby. Prices are clearly marked by weight on the large pricing board at the end of the fish market stalls, but this seems to make little difference to the chances of being hustled. Sample price: 5 dirham for pack of fresh sardines (10 one of them) in fish market. Carefully evaluate how much you are being charged. A cheaper option is to buy Harira (a spicy soup) for 2-5 dirham or a sandwiches (i.e at Blue facade for 10-20 dirham, walking at the street from fish stands to the Medina).

One of the best options is to buy your seafood from the dock (haggling sometimes required) where they sell everything from eels to sharks and then take your fish to the central market side streets (follow the smoke!) where they will grill it for you for only 5 dirham a grill rack and they will also grill your vegetables or make Moroccan salad. Seeing local residents carry frozen fish in their hands around the junction to these stalls is common.

There are many reasonable restaurants and cafés on the main streets and squares.

• Fish Market | Essaouira local market 31.50949, -9.77433buy the fish + 25 dirham for the baking If you are a fish enthusiast, you should not miss the food in the market. Buy your fish (cheap, shrimps are 50 dirham/kilo, sardines 5-6 dirham) take it to the small kitchen/restaurant and let them cook it for you. They add salad, olives and bread for 25 dirham. Really fun, affordable and good food!

Berber Cafe - Ibn toumertAt Bab Kasbah take Derb Lalouj towards the sea;then take the second left turn down Ibn toumert. The cafe has a big pink door - Hours: - Perhaps the cheapest place in the medina. 30 Dh chicken/veg tangine, 20 bean stew, 5 tea, 4 per sardine.2022-00-00. Small friendly cafe, seats about 8 for meals and decor is mainly old boxing posters (husband used to coach), but the small menu is good and the prices are great.

• Taros 2, Rue de la Skala 31.51227, -9.77207 ☎ +212 5244-76407 - Combines a French-Moroccan restaurant, a gallery and a terrace bar with live local music and "5" (rue Youssef el fassi) for its elegant ex-pat vibe.

• La Triskalla Rue Touahen (in the Medina) 31.5148342, -9.7715166 ☎ +212 24-47 63 71 - Restaurant (excellent Vegetarian food and fish), creperie, galerie. Cosy environment in an old riad, friendly service. Free internet for clients (WiFi + PC available).

• Patisserie Driss 10 Rue El Hajjali 31.5128164, -9.7714847 close to the main square - A great place for cakes and Snacks.

• La Decouverte - 8 bis, Rue Houmman el Fatouaki 31.51295, -9.77086 ☎ +212 24 47 31 58 mains 50-80 dirham If you are tired of tagines, disappointed by Italian-Moroccan Pasta give La Decouverte a try. A French couple cook in a Moroccan style but with a French twist. Nice atmosphere, good prices.

• La Licorne @ssaouira.com 26 Rue Scala 31.513340, -9.7724803 ☎ +212 24 47 36 26 +212 24 47 59 71tagines 85-95 dirham, couscous 80-110 dirham, ood Meat or fish 85-130 dirham A great place in Essaouira for a romantic dinner, or between friends, to enjoy Moroccan dishes along with one of the nation's finest fruit cocktails.

• La Cantina | 66 Rue Boutouil +31.51552, -9.76830 ☎ +212 24 47 45 15 ~70 dirham If you're fed up with tajines and couscous, this Mexican food restaurant can be your oasis.

• Shyadma's Vegan Food | 20, Rue Laalouj - Place El Khayma 31.51386, -9.77103 - Lovely vegan/vegetarian spot in the middle of Place El Khayma, a less visited place with some Halal restaurants. Shyadma's is tiny, but everything is made from seasonal vegetables and fruits from the nearby market. You will most likely have to wait 15-20 minutes for your food, but it's well worth the wait. If you call this Moroccan slow food, you will be very right. A refreshing delight for foodies, especially Vegetarian and vegans!

Some of the hotels have licensed bars, but it's hard to beat the terrace bar #Taros|Taros for its view over the lively Place Moulay el Hassan and the harbour. Popular with local residents and tourists, has decent music

An off-license and the only one in town, can be found outside of Bab Doukkala on the Boulevard al Massira, to the right. Just inside this gate is the "black market" for alcohol on religious holidays and at night. Just ask the boys selling loose cigarettes!

• Il Mare 43, Rue Yaman 31.5149334, -9.7719452 - Has a nice terrace with a view over the sea and the bastion where you can obtain a Coffee. Although it scores mainly bad reviews from the tourists.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Essaouira

Essaouira - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Essaouira, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Essaouira. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Essaouira and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Essaouira. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Essaouira. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Essaouira: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Essaouira.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Essaouira: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Essaouira, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Essaouira.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Essaouira, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Essaouira, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Essaouira and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Essaouira, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Essaouira, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Essaouira without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Essaouira is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Essaouira.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Essaouira is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Essaouira, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Essaouira Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Essaouira

eHalal Group Essaouira is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Essaouira. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Essaouira.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Essaouira ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Essaouira. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Essaouira, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Essaouira are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

If arriving by bus, local women will surround you as you exit offering discount riads or lodging in their homes for as little as 150 dirham (can be negotiated down to 75 dirham), though you will not get a view of the ocean for this. There are many hotel options available so feel free to bypass them. You can always return to the bus station and they will still be there.

• Hotel Palais Des Remparts @sremparts.com N°18 Rue Ibnou Rochd Médina Essaouira Morocco 31.51371, -9.77215 Essaouira Medina ☎ +212 524473535 +212524474428 Singles/doubles start from 80 € Luxury Hotel Essaouira

• Essaouira Wind Palace @indpalace.com 15, Avenue l'istiqlal 31.51305, -9.76964 Essaouira Medina ☎ +212 5 24 47 21 46 +212 5 24 47 21 37 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 A few meters from the port and the beach, Skala and the place and the souks. Restored in authentic Arab-Andalusian style.

• Villa Maroc | @maroc.com 10, Rue Abdellah Ben Yassine Essaouira Medina ☎ +212 5 24 47 31 47 or +212 5 24 47 61 47
• Dar 91 | 91 Rue Chbanat Essaouira Medina - Private, self-contained house with its own roof terraces, in the walled old town. The house is a chilled-out and authentic ‘home from home’, which is let out as a whole, rather than ‘by the room’.

• Dar Lazuli - 7 Moussa ben Noussaire Essaouira Medina, 2 mins from beach £60 per day 200-year-old riad.

• Dar Leila Essaouira Medina ☎ +44 1962 771476 From £500 per week Restored, staffed riad sleeping up to 10 in the heart of the medina. It has 5 beds, 3 baths and a secluded roof terrace. Breakfast included, other meals available. Minimum 2 people per reservation.

• Dar Zahira - Medina Essaouira - Relaxed retreat hidden in one of the medina's narrow alleys. The small riad is built around a courtyard and sleeps a maximum of 6 persons. The house can be rented as a whole. Breakfast is served every morning. Wi-Fi available.

• Hotel Orson Welles Rue al akaba n°19 borj 1 Essaouira 31.5017998, -9.7587776 The hotel is near to beach 4 minutes walking. Check-in: noon / Check-out: noon 400 dirham for double room with breakfast Good hotel and good price with free parking facing the hotel.

• Riad de la Mer | 7-9 Rue Khalid Ben Oualid, Kasbah ☎ +44 20 8788-0701 £47.50 Very large 18th century riad, retaining original features and character. Stunning views of the ocean, centrally located just off the main square, 5 minutes from the beach. Sleeps 10. Think Villa Maroc, but smaller and affordableer.

• Riad des Deux Rives | Medina of Essaouira ☎ +33664098991 Double €60, suite €90 An 18th-century riad.

• Riad Lunetoile suehunt21@ 191, Rue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah 31.5156426, -9.7684925 Essaouira Medina ☎ +212 661 880 340 from €35, see website or call for special offers 200-year-old family home with a beautiful terrace giving a breathtaking view of the Atlantic ocean and the bay and Diabet in the distance, as well as a lovely panoramic view of the rooftops and streets of the Medina.

• Riad Malaika 17 Rue Zayanne ☎ +212 44 473861 - This former Moroccan home has been beautifully restored and converted and is in the center of town. The staff is extremely hospitable and courteous. It has a beautiful terrace rooftop perfect for private lounging. Rooms are charming and run from 500 dirham to 1000 dirham, including breakfast (discounts available in the low season and for longer stays).

• Hotel Smara 26 Rue de la Skala ☎ +212 44-472334 Singles/doubles with shared bath start from 47/96 dirham One of the cheapest (and therefore most popular) hotels in town, so you may need to book ahead during peak season. The spartan roof terrace has nice views over the cannons used in the opening sequence of Orson Welles' Othello. The hotel is very affordable and popular with lovely views from the terrace, but unless you want to experience cold showers and non-flush toilets, consider paying a bit more and staying somewhere else.

• Sofitel Thalassa Mogador 31.50845, -9.76560 ☎ +212 5 24479400 Singles/doubles start from 1400/1850 dirham during low season but can cost 1890/2430 dirham during the peak new year period. Right on the beach, it will be happy to indulge your every whim, for a hefty price. Luxury suites are also available and there is a Sofitel-branded health spa next door for those in urgent need of a hydrotherapy session and facial.

• Riad Bab Essaouira 35 biss, bd my Abd Errahmane Eddakhil 31.5146344, -9.7705089 5 mn walk from the big square Moulay Hassan ☎ +212 661439221 Check-in: 08:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €85 4 ensuite lodgings in a designed riad with sub-Saharan African vibes. 2 roof terraces with a fantastic ocean view at 360. Dinner on site on request and concierge service.

• Hotel Argana Bab Doukkala - Singles/doubles with shared bath start from 47/96 dirham; hot shower 5 dirham. Rooms are clean. Toilets outside. Not for honeymooners, but rather for people who just need a clean and very quiet place to sleep. Nice grandma at Reception.

• Hotel Bab Doukkala Bab Doukkala negotiable Cheap and quiet hotel in the center. Prices are negotiable - no plain tariffs. One traveller paid 80 dirham for one night in room with bathroom outside and no window. It gets a little colder in the night there in winter, as the ocean is close.

• Hostel Green milk 26 Rue ceuta - 50-60 dirham/bed Previously Blue milk. This hostel in the Medina is a bit hidden but worth the search effort. From Av. Sidi Mohhamed Ben Abdullah find "Bob Music", Rue ceuta is a mostly covered road across from it. Continue down it the door numbered 26 with little 'why not!' graffiti on the arch next to it. Good vibe.

• Riad Dar Nafoura-Mogador 30 Rue Ibn Khaldoun Medina ☎ +212 44472855 - 290 dirham. Beach, free breakfast, free high speed internet (WiFi), 9 rooms.

• Essaouira Lodge @lodge.com ☎ +212540132696 - Luxury hotel residence, outside of town, with high-end hotel service, including shuttle. They also claim to have a great restaurant, which is around a heated swimmingpool and has a wifi connection.

Stay Safe

Avoid the dealers selling "hash brownies" near the square and they are usually fake

Hashish is widely smoked in Morocco, but do not be fooled into thinking it is legal even if you see Moroccans smoking during the day. Smoking or being high in public is seen as a vice, especially near holy places, in the morning, or if you are drawing attention to yourself; use your judgement.

Travel Next

• Agadir — the modern resort city with its beaches.
• Marrakech|Marrakesh — city of hustle and stepping off point for the Sahara.

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