Things to Do in Essaouira
A genuine guide — not just our own activities. Here is what we think is worth your time in Essaouira.
Essaouira is a small city on Morocco's Atlantic coast — UNESCO-listed, windswept, and more relaxed than Marrakech. Its compact medina, open beach, and working port make it easy to combine several different experiences in one visit.
This page covers the main things worth your time: the medina, the ramparts, the beach, the port, the food, and the local craft. We also offer horse riding, surf lessons, quad adventures, and village day trips if you want to explore beyond the walls.
The Medina
Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina is compact enough to walk end-to-end in 20 minutes, but dense enough to spend an afternoon getting happily lost in. The blue and white walls, the narrow lanes, the woodworkers' district — the thuya wood craft here is genuinely distinctive. Go without a fixed plan and turn where you feel like turning.
The Ramparts & Sea Views
The Skala de la Ville — the sea-facing gun battery on the northern rampart — is one of the most photographed spots in Essaouira. You can walk along the top of the fortifications for free. The view back over the town and out to sea is worth taking your time over, especially in the late afternoon.
The Beach
Essaouira's beach runs for kilometres to the south. It is wide, open, and Atlantic. In the summer months, the wind — for which Essaouira is famous — can be strong enough to sandblast. In spring and autumn, it is more sheltered and pleasant for a long walk. The beach is free and public.
The Working Port
The fishing harbour is a working port. The boats come in daily with the catch. It is noisy and colourful and smells of fish and salt. If you are up early enough, the activity starts before 8am. Respect the fact that people are working here.
Where to Eat
The market (souk) inside the medina has fresh fish stalls where you can buy fish and take it to the nearby grill stalls to be cooked immediately. For a sit-down meal, the lanes around Place Moulay Hassan have good options ranging from simple grills to more considered restaurants. The sardines, in particular, are very good.
Thuya Wood & Local Craft
Essaouira is the centre of Morocco's thuya wood industry. The root of the thuya tree produces a distinctive, burl-patterned wood that is used to make boxes, boards, furniture, and decorative pieces. The craftsmen's district is in the medina near the sea gate. You can watch the carving happening and buy direct from makers.
Activities with Brahim
For those who want to experience the area beyond the medina and beach, the site lists horse riding, camel rides, surf lessons, quad adventures, and village day trips. Availability and booking details are handled directly on WhatsApp with Brahim.
Our Activities
Check availability directly with the named local contact, Brahim, via WhatsApp.
Planning Your Visit?
Send Brahim a message with your date, group size, and activity questions. He can explain the current options and what still needs confirmation.
Message Brahim on WhatsApp