9 Best Things To Do in Essaouira
What is Essaouira Most Famous For?
Windswept and enchanting, the best things to do in Essaouira make the most of this coastal North African gem. Spend your days wandering through the medina’s maze-like alleys brimming with vibrant souks, stunning art galleries, and charming boutiques. Often less crowded than Marrakesh or Casablanca, you’ll enjoy the laid-back vibe in this beach town.
As some call it the Windy City of Africa, wind-sport enthusiasts flock here in the summer to ride the Atlantic breezes. The historic ramparts and port offer panoramic ocean views and will look familiar if you are a Game of Thrones fan. Morrocco’s Essaouira offers an ideal blend of adventure, history, culture, and relaxation.
What are the best things to do in Essaouira?
1. Medina of Essaouira
Historic medina perfect for strolling, shopping, and dining
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Historia, Ir de compras
When you enter the walled, historic medina in Essaouira, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Dating from the 18th century, the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll see plenty of street vendors, souks, and art galleries.
The medina is a great place for hassle-free shopping for souvenirs, fine art, or textiles. Handcrafted goods are everywhere and the air is filled with the aromas of spices and fresh-cooked Moroccan food. Turn up hungry and fill up on tasty traditional street foods and desserts.
Medina of Essaouira
2. Place Moulay Hassan
Public square surrounded by charming cafes and ocean views
Categoría: Ir de compras, Económico, Gastronomía en
Place Moulay Hassan is located close to the port, and is a must-visit spot for the complete Essaouira experience. Amazing historic architecture surrounds the public square, the perfect place for walking or meeting up with friends. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the great ocean views at this seaside destination.
There are plenty of vendors if you’d like to shop. Restaurants and cafes are also abundant in this part of Essaouira, so follow your nose toward the scrumptious smells of Moroccan food to find a place to dine.
Ubicación: G66H+M73, Essaouira 440000, Morocco
Place Moulay Hassan
3. Skala de la Ville
Seaside historic ramparts with bronze cannons
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Económico
The Skala de la Ville was built to protect the medina from the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the sounds of crashing waves as you explore the historic ramparts. Locals call it simply, “Skala,” and if you are a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize it as “Astapor.”
The fortress has a row of 19 bronze canons pointed seaward meant to stop marauding invaders in the 1700s. Now, it’s a serene spot to watch the sun set over the Atlantic. It’s also just a few steps away from the medina, so you can easily walk to dinner after sundown.
Ubicación: G67H+W3 Essaouira 440000, Morocco
Skala de la Ville
4. Port of Essaouira Sqala
Iconic working port with famous blue boats
Categoría: Económico, Foto
Travelers love seeing Essaouira’s famed blue boats, and the place to see them is the Port of Essaouira Sqala. This large, working port is a bit noisy and lively, but it’s all part of the atmosphere. It’s pure Essaouira culture.
Enjoy watching the blue fishing vessels come in and out of port. You may even get to see artisans building the traditional, hand-crafted boats. For the full experience, head to the fish auction right outside the port gates to buy some freshly caught fish and seafood.
Horarios: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Port of Essaouira Sqala
5. Essaouria Beach
World-class windsurfing on Morocco’s Atlantic coast
Categoría: De aventura, Económico, Gastronomía en
Essaouira Beach is the place to go for wind sports. From April through November, windsurfers, kite boarders, and surfers take over the beach. The summer winds make swimming a bit risky, so plan accordingly. Sun seekers can catch some rays on one of the many beach loungers.
The wide, sandy beach is fantastic for walking, especially along the long promenade. After a day at the beach, pick up a refreshing ice cream or cane juice at one of the many stalls, or check out the restaurants and cafes in the surrounding neighborhood.
Essaouria Beach
6. Gallery Kasbah
Popular art gallery in an 18th century riad
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
Essaouira is well-known for its many art galleries, and Gallery Kasbah is a gorgeous gallery in the heart of Essaouira’s medina. Housed in a gorgeously restored 18th century riad, Gallery Kasbah is 4 levels of amazing Moroccan art.
The ground floor alone is 400 square meters, and the entire place contains 11 separate gallery rooms. Each room features a different school of art, such as realism, abstract, calligraphy, and many more. If you are an art aficionado or just want to spend some time immersed in art, the Gallery Kasbah is a must-visit, so be sure to stop by on one of your medina visits.
Ubicación: 4 Rue Tetouan, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Horarios: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Teléfono: +212 5244-75605
Gallery Kasbah
7. Azur Art & Spa
Traditional Moroccan hammams and pure spa bliss
Categoría: Parejas, De lujo
If you are looking to experience a traditional Moroccan hammam in Essaouira, head to Azur Art & Spa. Located within the medina near the Place Moulay Hassan, the spa is an easy walk from several popular tourist spots.
The hammam experience here is luxurious. A spa attendant will wash you and let you soak in the steam room, before scrubbing all of your dead skin cells away. You’ll leave with amazingly soft skin and feel completely refreshed. The spa also offers massages and salon treatments, so be prepared to be pampered.
Ubicación: ben Walid, 15 Rue Khalid Ibn Oualid, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Horarios: Daily from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm
Teléfono: +212 5247-85794
Azur Art & Spa
8. La Real Mogador
Contemporary art gallery in a stone mansion
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Foto
Another fabulous art gallery within the medina is La Real Mogador. This art gallery is close to many other sites on this list, including the Azur Art & Spa and the Skala de la Ville so you can create a brilliant sightseeing program. La Real Mogador focuses its exhibits on Moroccan contemporary artists.
The Real Mogador is housed in a stone mansion that was once the Italian consulate. The owner is also an artist and has a keen eye for spotting art trends. You’ll browse vibrant paintings and unique sculptures from today’s most popular Moroccan artists. La Real Mogador is also close to Gallery Kasbah, so you can easily spend the afternoon enjoying art in this part of Essaouira.
Ubicación: 2 rue Mehdi ben Toumert, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Horarios: Daily from 3 pm to 7.30 pm
Teléfono: +212 6272-29115
La Real Mogador
9. L’Atelier
Cooking lessons for an authentic Moroccan feast
Categoría: Parejas, Gastronomía en
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook authentic Moroccan food, head to L’Atelier, which is a café, a cooking school, and a housewares boutique all in one.
L’Atelier offers several themed cooking classes, including one that focuses solely on the art of pastry. You’ll stroll the bustling souks to source spices and fresh ingredients. Then, you’ll whip up the ingredients and enjoy your home-cooked meal in the private dining room. Menus change daily, so you’re sure to prepare a seasonal fest you’ll always remember.
Ubicación: Rue Mohamed Ben Masoud, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 6.30 pm
Teléfono: +212 7007-89017
L'Atelier
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